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THE BIG SHORT BREAK BOOK PERK
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HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
The ‘toadstool town’ of Goreme > Stay in a cave hotel > A hot air balloon ride across the lunar landscape > Istanbul’s markets and palaces

The Cappadocia region of central Turkey boasts some of the world’s most bizarre topography. Ancient civilisations carved great caves and underground cities out of the soft volcanic rock.

The fantastic rock formations of Cappadocia can be traced back ten million years to the eruptions of three huge volcanoes that left a layer of soft, porous rock over the entire region. Over time the rock has been eroded and sculpted into increasingly bizarre shapes, most famously the ‘fairy chimneys’ of Goreme.

Carved into the natural rock formations that characterise this unique landscape, cave hotels are chic and comfortable boltholes, providing shelter from the midday sun and an ideal base from which to explore the area. Stay at the luxurious Yunak Evleri hotel, or at one of the other cave hotels nearby.

The best way to explore the hidden valleys and subterranean villages of the area is by mountain bike. Far from any other tourists, and travelling at your own pace, there is always a back-up truck, stacked with cool drinks, on hand. Other ways of getting around are equally fun, though, and a hot air balloon ride over the extraordinary pinnacles is a truly memorable experience.

On your way to or from Cappadocia, spend some time in Istanbul. One of the world's great cities, Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the straits of the Bosphorus. This vibrant metropolis combines attitude, atmosphere and architecture with the former church, then mosque, of the Aya Sofya; the beautiful Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace all within metres of each other. Stay at the five-star Kempinski Ciragan Palace, the equally immaculate Four Seasons Istanbul, or the four-star boutique Hotel Ajia, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. Eat breakfast on a roof terrace with panoramic views across the Bosphorus, then venture into the markets for a determined haggle over rugs and leather goods, fuelled by copious glasses of apple tea.

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PRICES
The price shown above is based on the sample itinerary, with flights in economy class, accommodation on a B&B basis (or more where stated), transfers and activities specific to this trip. Where prices fluctuate throughout the year, the price is based on low season rates and where more than one accommodation option is listed, on the cheapest available. We would be delighted to put together a current and 100% accurate quotation based on your specific travel requirements, so please contact the relevant member of our expert team.

TAILORED TO YOUR EXACT SPECIFICATIONS
Almost every one of our Big Short Breaks and Beyond the Big Short Breaks can be entirely tailormade from scratch, so you can enjoy the holiday exactly how you want it, exactly when you want it, and for exactly as long as you want it. Our expert team, who have been to every one of our destinations, are here to talk you through all the options available in order to create the trip best suited to you.