DREAM TRIPS 2009
Float Over Cappadocia
Check in to a cave hotel; then take off in a balloon. In this surreal stretch of central Turkey, volcanic rock formations and underground cities await.
WHAT TO PACK Hiking shoes, a sun hat, and shorts, plus a sweater for cool nights and cave prowling.
TOUR OPERATORS Argeus Tourism & Travel (011-90/384-341-4688, argeus.com.tr, daylong tour with airport transfer, lunch, entry fees, and an English-speaking guide—ask for Edip Özcan Arslan—$340 for two people). Kapadokya Balloons (011-90/384-271-2442, kapadokyaballoons.com, 90-minute flight $350 per person). Walking Mehmet (011-90/384-271-2064, walkingmehmet.com, half-day guided hike $50).
SOUVENIR A rag doll with bright embroidery from Soganli's daily market, about $15.
WHERE TO SAVE If you're willing to brave the extreme temperatures of the off-season, you'll cut your hotel bill by up to 40 percent.
LODGING
Serinn House
36 Esbelli Sokak, Ürgüp, 011-90/384-341-6076, serinnhouse.com, $150 including breakfast
Kelebek Pension
31 Yavuz Sokak, Göreme, 011-90/384-271-2531, kelebekhotel.com, $60 including breakfast
FOOD
Aravan Evi
Ayvali, 011-90/384-354-5838, entrées from $15
Alaturca
Göreme, 011-90/384-271-2882, entrées from $5
Ziggy's Shoppe & Café
24 Yunak Mahallesi Tevkif Fikret Caddesi, Ürgüp, 011-90/384-341-7107, entrées from $16
Old Greek House
Mustafapasa, 011-90/384-353-5306, oldgreekhouse.com, prix fixe menu $17
ACTIVITIES
Kaymakli
Nevsehir, 011-90/384-218-2500, entry from $9
Göreme Open-Air Museum
Göreme, 011-90/384-271-2167, entry from $9
SHOPPING
Gallery Anatolia
Göreme, 011-90/384-271-2005, rugs from $150
BALLOON OVER TURKEY
Budget Travel Real Deals
- From $132
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