Cave Hotels and Hot Air Balloons – Cappadocia’s Biggest Attractions The Anatolian region of Cappadocia in central Turkey boasts of many quirky aspects including fairy chimneys, underground cities, and ancient churches but by far, two of its biggest attractions luring thousands of travellers every year are its cave hotels and early morning sunrise hot air balloon trips. Offering a unique Flintstone experience that is hard to find in other countries of the world, cave hotels take pride of place on pages of travel brochures and postcard scenes of 20 or more balloons rising into the air are a hot feature for international newspapers across the world. Quirky Cave Hotels in Cappadocia The cave hotels probably attract more attention than usual because they are original caves and not some man-made holiday gimmick. Throughout history, people in the region used the caves as homes and even churches when the Cappadocian Fathers brought Christianity to the region. Naturally, when Cappadocia embraced tourism, cave hotels sprung up and whilst adhering to local laws to preserve as much of the structure as possible, they now offer just the same facilities and amenities as purpose built hotels. Indeed, most cave hotels include basic and luxury hotel facilities such as Wi-Fi, Jacuzzi baths, fireplaces for winter and air conditioning for summer, satellite TV, four-poster beds, rain showers, and built in wardrobes. In Goreme, the main touristic hub of Cappadocia, most cave hotels cater for budget backpackers while a short distance up the road, the small village of Uchisar is renowned for its more expensive and luxury cave hotels that often boast of a magnificent view of the majestic Mount Erciyes in the distance. Other places where cave hotels exist include Urgup and the more traditional Turkish village of Ortahisar. Cruising in Hot Air Balloons Waking up in
Cave Hotels and Hot Air Balloons – Cappadocia’s Biggest Attractions The Anatolian region of Cappadocia in central Turkey boasts of many quirky aspects including fairy chimneys, underground cities, and ancient churches but by far, two of its biggest attractions luring thousands of travellers every year are its cave hotels and early morning sunrise hot air
As the 37th largest country in the world, the diversity of culture, traditions, weather, landscapes, and food throughout Turkey is overwhelming in itself. Even the history of the country would fill a book containing thousands of pages, yet it is because of its past that we see the glory of Turkey as it is now, so a quick brief introduction to its history would start with Istanbul, formerly Constantinople and the capital of both the now defunct Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Many kingdoms including the Lycians, Persians, and Alexander the Great ruled these lands stretching between Asia Minor and Europe, but from 330 A.D, the eastern Roman Empire swept throughout the region conquering and claiming supreme status. Building many significant landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, they enjoyed many fruitful years until 1453 A.D, when Sultan Mehmed the 2nd, nicknamed the conqueror, invaded Constantinople and claimed the throne for himself. A new empire was sweeping over the globe and ruling from Constantinople; the Ottomans built a reputation as fierce and almighty fighters. Yet their customs and traditions slowly altered over time exposing their weakness and eventually bankrupting them in the early 20th century. After the war of independence against allied forces, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk formed the Turkish Republic in 1923 and that is how Turkey became a secular Muslim country. For many years, it stayed off the international radar, trying to repair damage left by the wars, but in 1970, the famous hippie trail introduced Turkey to mass tourism and in the 1980s, package holidays put it on the map as a popular tourist destination. By 2015, it had become one of the top ten visited destinations in the world. Geographical Layout and Regions of Turkey First-time visitors to Turkey are often surprised to witness landscapes entirely different
As the 37th largest country in the world, the diversity of culture, traditions, weather, landscapes, and food throughout Turkey is overwhelming in itself. Even the history of the country would fill a book containing thousands of pages, yet it is because of its past that we see the glory of Turkey as it is now,
Despite Turkey’s status as a secular Muslim country, its historical timeline in Christianity is strong and still evident in the country today. Indeed the Cappadocia Fathers, who later became saints stemmed from the central Anatolian region and are widely contributed with spreading Christianity in its early days. Saint John, Paul, and the Virgin Mary also travelled throughout various districts around the country. Various landmarks throughout Turkey portray Christian times before it fell to the Ottoman Empire, including the first church in Antioch and the house of the Virgin Mary in Selcuk, believed to be the place of her ascension. The most prominent and significant though would have to be the seven churches of Revelation, which have become a popular biblical tour for foreign visitors. What were the Seven Churches of Revelation? Mentioned in the New Testament, and sometimes called churches of Asia, they were ancient cities that existed in the present day Aegean region of Turkey. They all received a letter from John of Patmos, informing them of what they did well, and where they failed. Some in spectacular fashion were guilty of major crimes against their religion like Ephesus, who had forsaken their first love or Pergamum who allowed false teachers to preach. While little remains of some of the churches, the former glory of others is seen through painstaking excavation work that has taken place. A Tour of the Seven Churches As well as being a revelation church, Ephesus is also where riots took place after Saint Paul preached in the theatre against worshipping the false god of Artemis. The large theatre nestled into the side of the hill, claims status as one of the best preserved in the world, yet other city landmarks deserve equal amounts of attention including the Roman houses that belonged to rich citizens
Despite Turkey’s status as a secular Muslim country, its historical timeline in Christianity is strong and still evident in the country today. Indeed the Cappadocia Fathers, who later became saints stemmed from the central Anatolian region and are widely contributed with spreading Christianity in its early days. Saint John, Paul, and the Virgin Mary also
Where to Stay and Eat Best bang-for-your-buck hotel Kayakapi is my new favorite. It’s a refurbished series of cave houses and mansions set in Urgup, and part of a national park that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes a historic church and mosque. The views of the valley are beautiful and the rooms are so huge that some of the suites have their own pool. You can actually rent a whole six-bedroom mansion if you are traveling with extended family or group of friends. Restaurants the locals love Ziggy Cafe in Urgup is a landmark that serves the best food in Cappadocia on a beautiful terrace overlooking Urgup and the surrounding valleys. The owner is an artist from Istanbul who brings a real spirit of sophistication and refinement to this otherwise rustic region; her artwork is on display and available for purchase. I recommend the set menu, which will give you a taste of everything, including the scrumptious pastirma, which is similar to pastrami, and borek, which is a phyllo-crusted pie filled with savories including cheese and meat. Somine, also in Urgup, has a warm and elegant Cappadocian atmosphere, with a fireplace in the middle of the dining room (somine is Turkish for “fireplace”). It’s known for its wonderful service and extensive menu, which offers everything from grilled fish and lamb to a full range of kebabs and pizzas. There’s something for everyone here, which is probably why it’s been in business for ages. The owners of the Old Greek House, in Mustafapasa, converted this imposing historic home into a small hotel and restaurant serving hearty fare including some of the best stuffed grape leaves I’ve ever eaten. Must-have dish Testi kebabi, which is lamb or beef cooked inside a ceramic urn that is then brought to the table
Where to Stay and Eat Best bang-for-your-buck hotel Kayakapi is my new favorite. It’s a refurbished series of cave houses and mansions set in Urgup, and part of a national park that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes a historic church and mosque. The views of the valley are beautiful and the rooms
Ships and Cabins Best short cruise: Seabourn Quest’s seven-day Baltic experience is short and to the point—ideal if one wishes to absorb all that this area offers in a brief time. Sail from Stockholm to Copenhagen, perhaps taking in more of these cities pre- and post-cruise, and in between enjoy three days in St. Petersburg plus visits to Tallin and Helsinki. Best-value ship: There are many all-inclusive options out there, but Crystal Cruises rises above the others for its refusal to skimp on the things that you’ve already paid for—crisp uniforms, top-notch staff, the highest-quality beverages, constantly changing menus…all are a cut above, and fares are still very competitive with competitors’ cruises. Best ship for a splurge: Silversea’s Silver Whisper is a boutique-sized vessel that offers sophisticated itineraries. Clients rave about the Silver Suites—650-700 square feet, all located mid-ship—which have a layout designed for good flow and lovely appointments such as Pratesi linens and Bang & Olufsen sound systems. With just 382 guests, the Silver Whisper is perfect for a Baltic cruise, as it’s typically able to dock right in downtown St. Petersburg, thus avoiding the 30-minute ride from the outer port and allowing passengers to enjoy the night scene of the palaces lit up along the river. Best large ship: Crystal Serenity fits 1,000 passengers, making it the largest ship in its price range, but it never feels overpopulated. Lines just do not exist on board, whether for the lido buffet or boarding tenders—and the size of the vessel allows for wonderful public spaces and a variety of activities, from multiple restaurants to educational lectures to spinning and yoga classes in the gym. The Sea Dream anchored off Capri, Italy. Photo courtesy Sea Dream Yacht Club. Best small ship: The small size of Sea Dream Yacht Club’s two ships make for tighter
Ships and Cabins Best short cruise: Seabourn Quest’s seven-day Baltic experience is short and to the point—ideal if one wishes to absorb all that this area offers in a brief time. Sail from Stockholm to Copenhagen, perhaps taking in more of these cities pre- and post-cruise, and in between enjoy three days in St. Petersburg plus
