240: Tips for Visiting Cappadocia, Turkey

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In November, Kim and Tamara took a trip to Turkey for a travel writer’s conference. After their time in Istanbul, they jetted off to different parts of the country to see more of Turkiye. This week, Kim shares her experience in Cappadocia and offers up tips for anyone that wants to experience this magical world of fairy chimneys and sunrise hot air balloon rides.

Episode Highlights

Plan to stay in Cappadocia at least four days
It pairs well with three to four days in Istanbul (it is about a 2 hour flight from Istanbul)
Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) is the main airport for the region
Cappadocia is not a town but region that is made up of multiple towns
Going up in a hot air balloon is a bucket list experience for many but sometimes flights are cancelled because of various weather conditions so you want to leave some extra time in case you need to reschedule
Göreme is the main town and definitely a tourist town
If you want something quieter, you can stay in Uçhisar
Kim stayed in Ürgüp at the Avant Garde Cave Hotel
The Pigeon Valley Hike goes from Uchisar through the National Park to Goreme (about 3 miles)
The Valley is where all the balloons fly above
Göreme also has beautiful sunsets
Goreme National Park is where you will find all the fairy chimneys or hoodoos
You can book a balloon ride through your hotel or online, there are many tour operators that offer balloon rides
Departure time depends on the time of year, but it is usually fairly early morning
The balloons are big with large baskets that hold at least 20 people, with 4-5 people in each section
Make sure you have a lanyard or strap for your phone or camera
The pilots take photos and then sell you the photo package if you want at the end of the ride
At the end there is a light breakfast and champagne but no tables or chairs
They pick you up and drop you off at your hotel
Use AllTrails to find and download nearby hiking trails
The Goreme Open Air Museum gives you access to some of the ancient churches
You can have a hammam experience for a traditional Turkish bath
Pack layers and shoes or hiking boots with a good grip