How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Ozgur was a well qualified leader having done an archeology degree and his historical knowledge was great. Our trip went like clockwork and we had an excellent driver too.
The only other thing to say about Ozgur is that he is the best looking bit of eye candy any of the ladies had seen!!"

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"Go for it.  The trip notes were accurate and the level was graded just right.
Unfortunately there were no swimming pools so the costume never was used!"

Do you have anything else to add?

One of the great holidays. Could have gone on for another week.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

The tour leader really knew his way around, made sure that everybody was comfortable with the pace and set enough challenges to make sure we felt as though we'd achieved something every day. His knowledge of all the local eateries made sure that we'd tried all the typically Turkish food by  the end of the week. He'd also introduced us to some of Cappadocia's more colourful characters!

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

If you're a bit 'iffy' with loose surfaces on hard rock then take a walking stick, it's not absolutely essential as there are always plenty of helping hands. We did get our feet wet on day 7 when walking in Pamcarlik Valley so waterproof socks/shoes would be a bonus but once again not essential as my shoes had dried out in plenty of time for the next day.

What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?

Lots of it! But especialy liked the Ihara Valley

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Tolga was an exceptional leader - well informed on all topics - adjusted the walks well to the party and weather conditions, sorted out any problems and found some great places for meals

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Read up about Istanbul  and need to buy a map of Istanbul - because we had almost the whole day to sightsee (from 10am) - had expected to be guided round more. Also fly from Manchester  - as we did - if from north of UK. Why not an option in the broshure?

Do you have anything else to add?

Hotels quirky but fine. Would have perhaps preferred somewhere where we did not always need to drive out for a meal and could have pottered round on our own more Was suprised the tour did notinclude the Goreme museum - did not really have time ourselves - but maybe we had seen enough of the same (and better).

This was a fantastic walking tour through the most unusual landscape I had ever seen. I felt excited every morining in anticipation of what lay ahead and each day felt gratitude for the environment, our travelling companions, and knowledgble guide, Ozgure. Cappadocia is whimsical, peaceful and exciting. One of the highlights was the great group of new friends we met and the harmony that exisited amongst us. The food was a surprise, always tasty and really affordable  A second highlight were the local people who were so welcoming, kind and fun!  What I wasn't expecting was how modern the infastructure of Turkey is and how fresh and clean the public areas were.  I highly recommend this vacation to anyone who likes fresh air and beautiful scenery.  Our next vacation with Explore is cycling in England and I am so excitied to start building my destination wish list with this company.  Both my husband & I were amazed at the value of the tour and wondered how Explore can provide such quality for the price point.  My advice for travellers is to spend a few extra days in Istanbul and stay in the Old Town as it is one of the prettiest grand cities in the world and after your walking tour get on a sail boat or guilet and take to the sea.  We swam in the Ageon in a little town called Cseme on our last day in Turkey and wanted more! (DGV - 1st September 2011)

This tour follows an almost identical itinerary to the Hidden Trails of Cappadocia (GV) tour and before going I noted reviews of that tour.  It was a super tour including the rail departure from the Asian side of Intanbul and the sleeper journey to Konya.  Although the walking programme in Cappadocia was all in the same area, the programme was arranged so that each day's programme explored a different facet of the landscape and country - I even learnt the basics of a Turkish numbered token game somewhat akin to rummy. Our tour leader inevitably won despite assistance to a guest player from an experienced villager. The rock formations, the construction of the rock cut churches and the frescos within were fascinating. 

What was somewhat unexpected was that the terrain underfoot had a good number of parts where care was needed particularly when descending into the valleys and those people who had trekking poles were glad of them.  All the walks were quite short as we had a chance to admire the flora, to have a full lunch and explore the churches. Hence this is not a holiday for the peak bagger or one who measures the quality of a walk by the miles covered, but for one mixing walking with interest it is ideal. 

In this holiday I felt the 'In style' label reflected the fact that the Goreme hotel had spacious rooms and was reasonably well appointed rather than it being very luxurious, it had the advantage of being near the centre of the town.  All the optional activities were excellent, those who went on the easily arranged hot-air ballooning were delighted with the experience. (DGV -1st October 2011)