Planning to fly to Cappadocia for a few days from Istanbul in October. Can anyone recomend a tour company that I can use? I am looking for a package that includes flight, hotel and tour.

Usually you can get the package deal but when you add all the services together makes a package as well Why I wrote this is the packages may not always up to your standards and expectations as usually tends to be cheaper hotel options and group tours if already you are not looking for....

October is a great month as well to be in Cappadocia and if you can allocate 3 days you will enjoy better.

Happy travelling,
Murat

Thanks Murat. Any cave hotel that you would rcomend?

Many of the area's hotels have cave rooms, and hoteliers will be more than happy to let you have a gander. I was entirely fascinated by the concept staying in one ahead of time, but we ultimately opted for a non cave standard room (with a sweeping view over Goreme valley).

Why? Couple of reasons. First, the cave rooms we saw were small and a bit claustrophopic (no windows). Because they are essentially historic monuments, they are protected; thus, the rooms can only be altered with state approval, resulting in some amenities you may be used to not being present. Lastly, you are going to be in and out of caves all day long, so you will have no shortage of underground experiences.

FYI, the highlight of my day wasn't the awesome tour we took, but a day alone hiking the Rose Valley - just out of this world.

Regards, Bruce
Turkey Travel Images -- http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...evel2_clr1.htm

Bruce - Interesting comment. I wondered about that aspect of cave hotels. Would you mind sharing the name of the hotel--and if you were happy with it and Goreme.

I'm having trouble deciding between staying in Goreme and Urgup. Urgup seems to have mainly cave hotels while Goreme seems to have both with nicer views. Any thoughts?

Hi JEFF_,

We stayed at the Guven Cave Hotel, and my notes say we paid 50 YTL/nt (2006). Mustapha, the manager, was an excellent host and didn't hard sell us on anything. He did suggest certain tours over others, and also recommended the Rose Valley hike since it was one of his personal favorites.

http://www.guvencavehotel.com/photogallery.htm

I see there's a disco now...sorry I missed that.

There are all qualities of hotels in Goreme, so my best advice would be to stop in the tourist office in the parking lot where the buses arrive/depart. They will help you select the best choice based on what you value most and what you're willing to pay.

I can't speak to Urgup as we only day tripped there.

Lastly, be sure to awaken early and take breakfast outside to watch the dozens of ballooners sweep over the town as they head out with their passengers. Better yet, be one.

Regards, Bruce
Turkey Travel Images -- http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...level2_bw1.htm

I stayed 10 nights in Göreme last June, it's a lovely village atmosphere, preferable to Ürgüp, which is more of a town. And it's walking distance to the open air museum.
Bruce's advice about checking out the tourist office at the bus station is spot on, they have lots of hotel's ads on their walls.
I stayed in the Star Cave which was fine:
http://www.starcavecappadocia.com/
Worth checking the TripAdvisor website for good listings and reviews.

Thanks Bruce and Croesus. Interesting that you both seem to suggest that I arrive with no room booked. Granted I did do that at one time (when staying at a place with a disco would have been attractive), I now like to have lodging figured out and reserved in advance. If for no other reason than not to take time looking.

But perhaps there are so many places in Göreme and Ürgüp that it wouldn't be a concern, especially the first of October. In reading Trip Advisor, there are also a few reviews where a room or type of room booked was not available. So maybe either way, there's some "risk" of not getting what you want.

I don't think you'd have any trouble finding any kind of room in October. While booking in advance is a must in high season, you won't need it for that timeframe. Not saying you shouldn't, just that it is not required. One nice thing about winging it, especially if it's daytime and you have an hour or two to spare, you get to shop, compare, and sometimes bargain your way into something you want as opposed to something you're stuck with.

My Goreme trip was in October as well. Not too hot, not to cool.

(How are you folks getting umlauts in your text?)

Regards, Bruce
www.brucegcollier.com

At this point I plan to arrive on a flight from Izmir at 1:00 PM and pick up a car. So 'winging' it would be pretty easy. There seems to be tons of places to stay, so I could just check out the short list I come up with before I leave. Even when I reserve a room, I'm still a little anxious until I get checked in and see the room. It's something I need to think about and it's probably been a topic here, but I'm not sure I recall it.

I just cut and pasted the umlauts, but know there's a keyboard trick to do it.

Again, your photography is outstanding.

Hi CMA05,
I usually try not to give names as I know many of them and most hotel owners are friends & colleagues but I can tell one as well known by itself is Esbelli Evi in Urgup.....

Cave hotels do come with different specialities, different comforts & qualities and price ranges ofcourse.

Happy travelling,
Murat

By the way; Bruce ! some real great photos...thanks for sharing them....

Murat

Thank you, Murat and Jeff! Glad you liked them.

Regards, Bruce