Konak

My husband and I want to spend four nights in Cappadocia. I've picked up some suggetions on this forum in recent posts. We are two active seniors with no walking or health problems.

We want to see all the major sights in the area. We're not sure where would be the best place to locate ourselves. We're not sure if we would rent a car--perhaps hire a car and driver as needed. Would renting a car be better? I have read that it is possible to get around Cappadocia pretty easily without renting a car, but perhaps that will affect where we base ourselves.

Goreme seems to be the major base. Urgup gets very good recommendations. However, it seems that many of the recommended hotels/b&b's in Urgup are located on a hill which is a steep climb from town. Should we have a car if we wanted to stay there because anytime we wanted to go somewhere we'd have to climb up a steep hill to return?

Also, specific recommendations for places to stay would be appreciated. I've picked up suggestions in recent posts on this forum. We're looking at 3 and 4 star options.

Thank you.

BigAleinstein

http://www.esbelli.com/

This is one of our favroite hotels from all travels. Soha is the perfect understated but ever watchful host.
The only drawback is that he has combined something like 20 different properties and some of the rooms are up and down stairs. It is in Urgup.

And a car was extremely helpful to see the sights of Cappadocia.

kja

If you want to see "all the major sights in the area" -- the Goreme and Zelve Open Air Museums, Pasabag and the various valleys area around Goreme, the Ihlara and Soganli Valleys, one or more underground cities, one or more of the hans -- a car might prove extremely helpful. I'm not sure you could see all of these things without one in the time you've got, as it would depend what places are covered on the available tours. On the other hand, I suspect that you can see a lot by joining tours if your preference is to avoid renting a car. Keep in mind that for any of the options in the area that involve hiking, you may want to start and end at different places, rather than retracing your steps to retrieve your car. So a car can be helpful, but only if you have figured out how to use it to your advantage!

I stayed in Goreme and was very happy with my choice.

It's a spectacular part of the world -- enjoy!

Konak

BigAleinstein,

Yes, I've read many very positive reviews of Esbelli Evi. How steep is the climb up the hill from the town? I'm asking because even if we have a car, we like to be able to walk to local places and not deal with parking. How long a walk is it to the town?

Michael

You might be interested in my trip report on Turkey which includes our stay in Cappadocia; click on my name to find it.

BigAleinstein

Parking is easy by Esbelli but the walk to town is far and down a hill, it is not in town. We spent most all of our day out and ate in various places. I am not sure about your parking concerns.

leuk2

We stayed at seriin house in Urgup. was great. Have to walk up hill from town center, but was not a problem. We took a tour one day,and the balloon ride. On another day, the owner of seriin house arranged for a taxi to take us around.Cost about$100 for the day and went to places we hadn't heard about. can also take bus between Goreme and Urgup. I prefer Urgup to Goreme

BigAleinstein

It is not the town as much as it is Suha and his hotel.

el13207

I would recommend the Kelebek Hotel in Goreme as a base- a wonderful property with many lodging options. The manager, Mert, is beyond fabulous and will do anything to help you (e.g. he drove us to the Goreme Outdoor Museum). In addition, they offer an "organic breakfast" which was a highlight of our 10 days in Turkey- a wagon ride plus short hike to outside of town to the owner's land where they provided a breakfast of bread baked before our eyes in oldfashioned woodfired ovens, fruits from their land, eggs from their chickens, etc. Truly memorable. We rented a car for one day but also could walk and take the local bus. Really a wonderful place.

Konak

Thank you all for your information and advice. It is very helpful. I will indeed check out all the places mentioned.