This was the first time I've been on an organised group tour, and I was very uncertain. Explore were helpful and approachable and made the whole experience a pleasure. I was travelling solo and they made extra enquiries to ensure that I could have my own room and looked at various flight options for me, this all meant waiting a few days but was worth it. All the travel and transfers worked without a hitch (Turkish Air was very good) and the information (general and the itinerary) provided by Explore was great.
The hotel was clean and comfortable, and staff were friendly . It was hot with the heating high, so the windows were open for most of the holiday. I initially thought the bathroom a bit pokey compared to the huge room, but the shower was amazing.
Cappadocia lived up to all the expectations and more. The landscape was extraordinary, a photographer and geologists dream. The human history from subterranean cities, cave churches, pigeon houses meant a week wasn't long enough. Gerome was full of bars, hotels and souvenir shops and has the hubbub of a tourist destinations and everything you might need. Cash was easy to access with an array of cash machine which worked with my travel credit card (FairFX).
Alkan the tour guide worked so hard to ensure the holiday suited everyone, he was attentive, adaptable and knowledgeable about Turkey in general and Cappadocia. The group was great and had 10 people from all over and I loved chatting and hearing about different experiences. This was probably what I was must nervous about being a first-timer and solo but nothing to worry about.
The walks were stunning and varied and it was great to be out every day. We went up hills, through valleys both wide and very narrow, over makeshift bridges, jumping streams, through natural tunnels and arches and in and out of cave dwellings/churches. It was paced as stated and the weather was great for walking, bright and around 10degsC.
There were other activities, ceramics, carpets and whirling dervish all with knowledgeable demonstrations. Special mention to the hot air ballooning, we weren't sure if the weather would allow but early one morning were taken up with masses of other ballons which was very special. Alkan made sure the activities they were always ready for us and that we knew the background for arriving. There was no pressure to be involved in everything if you needed a break.
There were some meals in the hotel and some organised in restaurants in the town. The food was great especially the flaming pottery kebab and the breakfast buffet had plenty to suit, both hot and cold including an impressive selection of cheese.
Being away at Christmas was brilliant and as it was a bit out of season, meant that there were day waking when we didn't see anyone else apart from the occasional dog.
I loved the whole holiday, Alkan worked hard to make it special, the group were a great crowd, and Cappadocia has so much to give. Started looking at the Explore Website for the next one:)
