In the central area of Turkey is an area of ancient volcanic erruptions where now there are unusual columns of compressed ash which have been carved into housing over the centuries. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappadocia
(view enlarged to see the details of the houses!)
@bdb3471- yes Brian, I toured an underground city & it was a suprisingly moving experience. I loved it.
@catwhiskers - it is so 'out of this world' - and well worth the long detour. We hiked for miles through the valleys, and the land (and lifestyle of most people) is so harsh, going straight from Santorini especially, I had to 'reframe' what my idea of 'luxury' accomodation is!! Don't leave it too long to go though, as tourism is growing exponentially at the moment. I will happily pass on the name of the hotel we stayed in - we were treated like members of the owner's own family. :)
@catwhiskers - it is so 'out of this world' - and well worth the long detour. We hiked for miles through the valleys, and the land (and lifestyle of most people) is so harsh, going straight from Santorini especially, I had to 'reframe' what my idea of 'luxury' accomodation is!! Don't leave it too long to go though, as tourism is growing exponentially at the moment. I will happily pass on the name of the hotel we stayed in - we were treated like members of the owner's own family. :)