An expanse of sandy brown plateau topped by cascading cliffs, Cappadocia in Central Turkey features whimsical fairy chimneys, bizarre cave churches and maze-like underground cities. A land I can imagine hobbits and genies roaming in – Cappadocia has a setting fit for fantasy.
On my solo trip there in 2009, I explored all over the region. Hiking around the Goreme area, peddling the undulating slopes and valleys on bike, and my favourite of all — floating above Capppadocia on a hot air balloon at daybreak. From above, Cappadocia looked like a fantasy land with thousands of fairy chimneys dotting the landscape.
Let’s not forget the beautiful cave hotels you’ll find in Cappadocia that are pretty much one-of-its-kind. I stayed at the elegant Yunak Evleri. This is a boutique hotel carved right into the cliffs of Urgup, Cappadocia. They were so kind to offer me the ridiculously romantic honeymoon suite — such a shame that I was there alone!