BootsnAll Travel Community

I have a dream Questions for WT and other family Turkey travellers.

In all of my spare time (tons of it)I have been reading up on WT's blog (you all are in Paris celebrating Mozart's birthday right now WT) and of course have read some of the more recent posts.

I quickly (with tons of little interruptions from little ones) poked into your Turkey visit. It was funny how you mentioned Esbelli Evi and your desire to go there after reading Ann's entry (6 in the...). I too once I read her blog felt the same way, then to read about it in your blog really sealed the deal for me.

Actually when I first thought of us going RTW I wanted to center it all around my desire to go to Cappodicia and Esbelli Evi, so much so I keep telling the gals who were in my wedding that, "in seven years we will all meet there for my birthday!!!".

Anywho, not certain I can wait that long, Turkey is calling my name and might see if we could pull it off the year after next.

How long would you stay at this cave home (knowing it is expensive) to get your "fill" to feel like you experienced it at it's finest. How long is long enough for that particular region...and how long is long enough for that particular paradise.

Sounds like I travel like you do...splurge when I feel like there is a special moment in life to capture...but can go simply on the times those special moments/places are in place.

ALSO I would like to contact them...I have it from a website.
Did you do so via email, call...does the owner speak good enough English to ask for him, do I ask for him? Someone else...
He sounds like he works with families and must appreciate them, I got that from your blog and "six" and how well he seemed to accept you all.
What should I expect.

I did notice that they have a "family" suite...with kitchen and all. I certainly don't need that kind of luxury but with 7 of us might have to do that and it might be cheaper than any other route.
Did you see the suite?

Have I asked way to many question?


Thanks in advance,
Neve

Wow, good questions. I am flattered that you are honoring my blog with your minute spare time with 5 kids under 8!!

Hard to say how long to stay at Esbelli Evi, but no matter how long you stay there, you will wish you had a little more time because they spoil you. It is really world class in service and very beautiful and peaceful.

That said, I am glad that we did not spend our whole time there because we travel on a tight budget and we also didn't have a car and it is more isolated. Renting cars in Turkey and gas are expensive and there is a lot to see in Cappadocia but it is kind of spread out ( especially without a car).

We really enjoyed the Local Cave House in Goreme. No it was not the same kind of luxury, but it was close enough to walk to the outdoor museum nearby, was cheap and had a pool. One could walk to lots more from this place and the owners also took us on a tour and even drove us to restaurants sometimes because of my bad knee. They also have a restaurant nearby which was my daughters favorite in Turkey and maybe for the whole trip ( she has lots of first place ties).

One of the nice things for Anne and I, about Esbelli Evi, is it is sooooo appreciated for a family on a long RTW tour. We did not want to waste our money touring much when we were there and I think Anne and her family were the same, so we mostly stayed in our rooms and on the grounds. The fast internet connection, open kitchen, beauty, exceptional service, laundry etc etc is part of the luxury of it. I am not sure if you would need it to the same extent if you were just coming from home. Also there is no pool at Esbelli Evi, which is always a treat for kids.

If you have unlimited budget, sure, but if you want to stretch things, then even a few days can give you a good taste of Esbelli Evi. We mainly talked to his staff, via internet, as he was busy with building when we were there often. Everyone there speaks great English as most of the guests there are American. They are great with kids, but then all of Turkey seems to love children exceptionally and go out of their way for families and kids. I am not sure if it helps to include your blog, but it can't hurt, so I usually always include mine when "talking" to places over the internet.

A lot of people do only a few days in Cappadocia, but I think one wants to stay at least a week if you can. If I had to do it again, I would do the same as I did, plus add one in the French area.( I was sorry to miss that but there are always some compromises on trips and there was a lot we wanted to see). I have forgotten the name of that area, but it is over by the "castle" ( made of stone with houses in it), Uchisher or something like that.( You can see it in these pictures and also where Mozart is playing the violin which is much more breathtaking in person.

We saw a great place that faced the castle and had a pool, but I forgot the name.I would have loved to have stayed there a few days and gotten that perspective which was quite different than Goreme or Urgup. I am glad that we got to experience a few different versions of the ancient caves. I also read about a famous French one that is suppose to be very luxurious that interested me.

The prices are so great in Turkey that it is a great place to do a splurge. You get more for your money and do not have to worry about the falling dollar.

The area ( alvonos or something like that) is another area that you will want to see. The pottery making is a bit commercial,but great for kids because they get to spin a pot. Actually, my daughter was not suppose to, but she could sitting on my husband's lap. There was no one else at the place we were at & we were there in high season!! It is also very cool inside,but I hear that it is not a good place to stay.

Even though the packing and unpacking can be a pain ( we packed EXTREMELY light for our trip to Turkey with just a small day back each, which included 2 laptops and homeschool stuff and had plenty) if you have lots of stuff, I still think staying at 3 places in Cappadocia is ideal because they are all very different.

I think Turkey and Morocco are absolutely fabulous destinations for kids and Turkey is easier than Morocco. You still want to be careful of getting sick though, as my husband did get travelers diarrhea ( we think from the food we ordered in, although I did not get sick from it).

And while you are there, you have to see the other great sites in Turkey. The bad news about the country is that the best parts are spread out. How much time do you think you will have there? Of course you will want to see the highlights of Istanbul, although I would not stay long with kids.

The ancient sites are just AMAZING and I know you will love them for the educational opportunities. What season will you be going? That will be another important point as it does get VERY hot there and Turkey does not really have much opened in the winter.

Turkey is THE place to do a sail vacation on the stunning Turquoise coast. You will not beat the prices or the sites. Do the gulet cruise from Fetiye to Olmypos or better yet get your own private sailing boat.

Of course you do not want to miss Ephesus and I think you need about a week there too although many people do it in a day. We loved where we stayed and again they had a pool which makes it so nice for kids and families,plus the owner has a great kid, so you have an instant playmate.

Bus is the way to mostly travel in Turkey, just like the locals do and they are very nice buses with service like on a plane and some even have TV's. They stop for bathroom and food breaks too. You can also fly if you want to go faster. We took an overnight bus and an overnight train and enjoyed it and it is cheap, but you have to set up a very easy rest day afterwards. Mozart loved the adventure of it though and it is probably easier on kids than adults.

If you need to, you could probably do a decent trip of Turkey in about 2 1/2 weeks, but a month is better if you can do it. The problem is that things are spread out so it is the transportation between areas that will slow you down the most. I am sure you have seen it but, Turkey travel planner is a great site for planning Turkey as well as the Turkey threads here. There are TONS of great cave places to stay in Cappadocia, so it is difficult even getting it down to just 3 places as each one has something special about it. Still, Esbelli Evi should be one of your choices.

I hope I answered all your questions, if you have any more let me know!! If Turkey is calling you....I say go!! You will be very glad that you did and it will be a great adventure and learning experience for the whole family.

You're awesome WT!!!! Thank you I knew you would have the insight as to what to do. My trip really did start with my lust to see the Tuareg in Mali (Sahara) and Turkey so it is so wonderful to read how you all really took advantage of both.

Our homeschooling started all because of some special Tuareg necklaces we all bought that lead us on the hunt about the Tuareg and then the thought, "hmmm this is fun studying together". Oh and the freedom

I am glad you convinced me that a dose of Esbelli Evi is wonderful, that will save my purse some as I know we are budget travelers and have no choice. With that said I don't mind a splurge that will add to a magical moment for a lifetime. I felt that way as I read your houseboat adventure....I thought, "that is something I would do".

If you all want to add Raleigh NC to your RTW travels on your way home our casa is your casa...we'll bore you with questions...and pick your brains for information...but we'd open the door for you all I promise.

It's hard having a baby in the house with such dreams for I couldn't dare do such an adventure until I thought she could remember it (ages 5 and up)...but then again the wallet is not really ready for it yet either. Oh ya and the dogs and cats...We are surrounded by old critters who I feel safe to say won't be around in 7 years...so there is time to plan.

Thank you so much,
Neve

Thank you Mamoo, glad to help. How sweet to offer us a place if and when we get to your part of the world. You sound terrific and have a wonderful family, so hopefully we will be able to hook up one of these days in person...one way or another.

Yes, it seems like we think alike in a lot of ways. The houseboat in Amsterdam was a wonderful splurge, as was Esbelli Evi. Even for budget travelers, there are times you just have to go for it. ( We sometimes hang out in the ritziest places for free or one coffee or drink, so lots of ways to splurge even while on a budget).

Enjoy the holidays and keep your dreams alive!