THE "FAIRY CHIMNEY" TOWN

Cappadocia, Turkey has been on top of mine and my boyfriend's travel bucket list for a long time. Since we were traveling to Istanbul we planed to finally visit this breathtaking place.

 It is a unique landscape, with underground cities, where the houses are craved in the rocks. We stayed in the city called Gorome,located among the "fairy chimney" rock formations, and has a population of around 2000 people. 

Almost like my little city in Slovakia :) 

It is very easy to get there, we took flight from Istanbul to Nevsehir (you can also take flight from Istanbul to Kayseri). From Nevsehir airport we took shuttle bus(we made a reservation in advance) which brought us directly to the hotel in aprox 40mins.

Cappadocia is a travelers dream - gorgeous cave hotels carved directly into the rock and delectable cuisine on every corner. Where you choose to dine and sleep can be a difficult decision. 

We stayed in AYDILINI CAVE HOTEL. It is a boutique-style cave hotel.

Each cave room is different and unique, very cozy with locally made carpets and family antiques. It will  make you feel like you are actually sleeping in an ancient cave, but with all the modern day conveniences. Very nice breakfast setting on terrace of the hotel  from where you can see all Gorome city. It's located a five-minute walk uphill from the town centre, friendly people, good service. 

This place, as some of you already know, is very popular for hot air balloon ride. Most of the people travel here just because of that. It's best to take your hot air balloon ride as soon as you get into Cappadocia as they are completely dependent on wind conditions. When we went there the weather was not good to take the ride. Only the last day when we were leaving the weather was nicer and possible to ride but it was unfortunately too late for us. Well, I guess maybe next time :)
Although we didn't take the ride we saw it from the ground and it is really incredible view to see all those hot air balloons all over the sky with rising sun. 
Definitely worth to see!!



During the day you can stop for Turkish tea in any coffee place,Turkish people are very welcoming and friendly. Wonder around the city and shop for Turkish rugs, lamps, air balloon souvenirs at the tiny shops on every street.

There is a plenty of good foot to choose from Turkish kitchen, don't hesitate to try local food like Manti (Small beef or lamb dumplings are boiled or fried and serve with yogurt,kind of Turkish ravioli),
Kofte ( beef or lamb - can be served stewed),Sis Kebab (Meat on a stick)and of course Donner (typical slow cook lamb or again beef sendwich),followed by Turkish delight tea :)

Don't miss the sunset from Sunset View Hill, where you can see Rose Valley and finally the best spot to watch as the rock formations turn a pale shade of pink as the sun sets. On top of the hill is also small restaurant  where you can have hot chocolate or already mentioned Turkish tea or snacks. Wait till the sun goes down and you will see incredible view of the village with all the lights on. Beautiful!




Take a tour to Gorome Historical National Park (Gorome Milli Parki), where you can see attractive landscape made of volcanic tuff structure forming "fairy chimneys" also be seen primarily in the terms of the history of Byzantine church architecture and religious art exhibit one of the places required.
The Gorome National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. I recommend you walk back to the city as you can see beautiful caves, and stones and the nature.




As you walk back, stop at "THE DALTON BROTHERS RANCH" where you can adore beautiful horses or even take evening horse riding.




On the opposite side of the road you can visit pottery shop. The lady who owns the shop was very friendly, she was selling adorable vases, ashtrays, bowls, plates,coffee mugs,all hand made and painted in different colours. She let me do my own pottery mug. Yeah, I must admit I pretty much suck in it, but it was the most adorable souvenir we could bring back home, together with all the unforgettable  memories. 




Have you visited Cappadocia or are you still dreaming of it? 
You sure should not miss it.  It is a magical place.

Xx

KLAUDIA

More information about the hotel on http://www.thecavehotel.com/