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ÜRGÜP, CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
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Turkish carpets and clean sandstone walls characterize the cave hotel's interiors.
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Home of the troglodytes, Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most outlandish geographic and historic destinations. Yawning sandstone valleys sprout towering "fairy chimneys," with rock-hewn churches carved into their sides and
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| The Esbelli House is a seven-room restored cave house that dates back to the 6th century AD |
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miles of underground tunnels where the persecuted Christians lived for decades. The Esbelli House is a seven-room restored cave house, and I would challenge any hotel in the world to beat its age. The
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Sip local wine on hotel's rooftop patio and watch the crimson sun melt into the limestone cliff-city |
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bedrooms date back to the 6th century AD, and the upper level was added in the 1800s. One of the rooms is the old kitchen, complete with oven, and another the stables. The owner, Süha Ersöz, spent seven years lovingly restoring the ancient house, and his taste is impeccable. Once you've done the sites, return to the hotel's rooftop patio and drink the local wine while watching the crimson sun melt into the limestone cliff-city.
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I N E X P E D I A . C O M
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Esbelli Evi |
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I N T E R N E T S I T E S
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Argeus Travel
Cappadocia travel agent specializing in outdoor activities |
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Rick Steves' Cappadocia
This TV script from the PBS series "Travels in Europe with Rick Steves," is a lively romp that brings alive the travel writer's visit to Turkey |
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Republic of Turkey—Tourism
Excellent travelers' resources and cultural information about Turkey, the "center of world history" |
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Prices:
Based on double occupancy, including breakfast, US$80 for all rooms. Ask for the Honeymoon Suite. Book well in advance, as the rooms are often sold out.
Getting there:
Fly to Ankara and then make the 5-hour drive southeast to Cappadocia. You can either rent a car in Ankara, take a bus, or arrange for a car and driver. There are also limited flights to Kayseri, which is a 90-minute drive from Cappadocia.
Season:
The best months to go are May and then late September through October. You beat the heat and the tour buses if you go at these times.
Essentials:
Hiking boots, rain and sun gear, and a flashlight for the underground caves. Money to buy rugs—Cappadocia has some of Turkey's finest and most affordable rugs.
Peculiars:
Cappadocia is one of the most extraordinary hot-air ballooning sites in the world—an experience really not to be missed. You fly at dawn over the lunar landscape, and touch down in a blooming field for a champagne breakfast (cost US$210 per person). Arrangements made through the hotel.
Booking:
Esbelli Evi direct in Turkey:
Tel. +90 (384) 341-3395
Mobile +90 (532) 281-3646
Fax +90 (384) 341-8848
E-mail: suha@esbelli.com.tr
Internet: http://www.esbelli.com.tr/
U.S.A. bookings:
Megatrails Travel Agency
Toll-free 1 (800) 547-1211
Tel. +1 (212) 996-9677
Fax +1 (212) 996-9249
E-mail: sales@megatrails.com
Additionally, some tour operators and travel agents familiar with Turkey will know of Esbelli Evi and can book this hotel for you for a fee.
Editor's note: Prices may vary between hotel's phone quotes, hotel's Web page, and U.S. tour operator. Expedia is not responsible for differences and changes in pricing.
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