Cappadocia, Turkey is a phenomenally interesting place about 1 hr or so by plane from Istanbul. Do not miss it!!! Spent two very full days seeing everything--the Green Tour and the Red Tour. Matt (Mertz) was our guide and is a real scholar, excellent teacher, and super man--perfect as the guide. This is a World Heritage Site and must not be missed. The area, comprised of 5 small towns, was formed when Turkey was under the Mediterranean and the volcano that it sat on erupted in rather small squirts, forming amazing conical structures of volcanic ash that resemble Indian teepees, some very large and some smaller that were hollowed out about thousands of years ago and used for residences, churches, etc. There are also underground hidden cities used for protection as far back as the Hittites, and you can take tours of these cities--truly mind-boggling and so worth the trip. There are lovely, interesting hotels throughout the area, some built into the structures, to stay in. This is truly one of the most interesting places that I've visited!!