cappadocia one day tour

Perfect One Day in Cappadocia Itinerary

by Maggie McKneely | Jun 17, 2022 | Turkey | 20 comments

Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Maggie McKneely

Visiting Turkey’s land of hot air balloons and caves but short on time? Here’s a one-day in Cappadocia itinerary to help you make the most of your trip!

*This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you click on one of the product links, I may earn a commission. 

One Day in Cappadocia Itinerary

Turkey’s Cappadocia is a bucket-list-worthy destination. Every morning, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons fill the skies over an ancient region marked by bizarre rock formations. Horses are still the only allowed mode of transportation in many of the valleys, and many of the hotels are located in caves that have been inhabited for thousands of years. There’s nowhere else quite like it in the world.

Unlike some of my other one-day trips (looking at you, Lisbon and Venice ), I didn’t actually plan to only have one day in Cappadocia. I booked three nights at the wonderful Tulip Cave Suites and thought we’d have at least two full days of exploring all of the region’s caves and rock formations and historical sites. But a few days before my mom and I arrived, the forecast said our second day in Cappadocia was going to be wet and dreary, a problem in an area where all the activities are outdoors. So I made a Plan B and figured out how to make the most of just one full day of good weather.

So while I hope you don’t need this itinerary and actually have more time to enjoy the area, this itinerary made us feel like we didn’t miss out on anything, despite only having sunshine for one day in Cappadocia.

Table of Contents

Tips for Visiting Cappadocia

Transportation

Cappadocia doesn’t really have public transportation; however, that doesn’t mean you need to rent a car. And with the tiny roads and crazy parking situation in most of the villages, I do not recommend doing that anyway. (Though you can certainly rent a car at the Cappadocia airport if you really want to!)

Most hotels offer airport transfers for about €10 each way. If you are doing a tour or a hot air balloon ride, almost all the companies will offer to pick you up. Taxis are very common, and you can have your hotel arrange them for you if you are concerned about being scammed. If you are not doing a tour and want to visit places on your own, you can hire a private driver .

Many people opt to take a guided tour of Cappadocia, especially if they don’t have their own car. With only one day in Cappadocia to spend, we hired a private guide to help us make the most of our time and I’m really glad we did!

When looking at things to do in Cappadocia, you’ll notice that there’s a “red tour” and a “green tour.” These refer to different areas, the red focused around the Red Valley east of Goreme and the green farther out in western Cappadocia. If you only have one day, your tour should include sites from both the red and green itineraries. This full-day private guided tour hits the highlights from both and I definitely recommend it.

Most activities are outdoors and very exposed (hence why the rain made me create a one-day In Cappadocia plan!). So be sure to pack your sunscreen in the summer and dress warmly for winter in Turkey. (And here are things to do in Cappadocia specifically for when the weather is bad).

Where to Stay

“Cappadocia” is actually the name of the entire region, not a town. The towns where you’ll find the balloons and the caves are Göreme, Ürgüp, and Uçhisar. Of the three,  Göreme is the most centrally located and has the widest variety of hotels and restaurants. Most of the national parks and historic sites are here as well. You’ll find both regular hotels and cave hotels, but since this IS Cappadocia, you should definitely opt to stay in a cave – this is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do so!

We stayed at Tulip Cave Suites and loved it. The price was affordable, it offered an amazing view of the balloons, and we got to spend the night in a 5th-century cave church. So cool!!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Start your day with one of the most epic experiences you can have in Turkey – a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride! It’s the thing Cappadocia is most famous for. Unless you have a severe fear of heights, a hot air balloon ride is a non-negotiable part of any Cappadocia itinerary!

Over 100 hot air balloons fly over Cappadocia every morning, so naturally, there are a ton of different companies to choose from. However, a few years ago, a majority of those companies came together to form a co-op, so most of them offer the same prices for the same experiences. A sunrise ride will cost between $150-$300, depending on the length of the ride and the size of the basket (I.e. how many people you’ll be sharing the balloon with). Companies will pick you up directly from your hotel (around 4 AM, just FYI for you night owls lol). And almost every company ends the ride with a champagne toast and certificate of completion.

Our hotel had a partnership with Butterfly Balloons , so that is who we went with, and we had a wonderful experience.

When you are planning your trip to Turkey, this is probably the very first thing you want to book because they sell out months in advance. And if you have more than one day in Cappadocia, book a ride for multiple mornings in case they have to cancel for bad weather (don’t worry, you won’t be charged until the flight actually happens).

Sunrise balloon flight

Pasabag Valley

The first stop after your balloon ride and breakfast is Pasabag Valley. It’s known as “Monks Valley” in English, but it could just as well be called the “valley of the giant mushroom-shaped rocks.” Pasabag Valley was once home to one of the region’s many monasteries, but today it’s one of the best places to see Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys (or, mushroom-shaped rocks). It has the highest concentration of them out of everywhere else in the area.

They’re called fairy chimneys because legend says that fairies built them for their underground homes. But the rock formations are, of course, simply a quirk of the way nature has eroded the unique volcanic soil of Cappadocia.

Just a couple of fairy chimneys!

Regardless of where the formations came from, the whimsical Pasabag Valley is a really fun place to explore, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Unlike some of Cappadocia’s other historic sites, you can actually climb inside most of the caves here. There are caves where the monks lived, “stables” for their livestock, and chutes and stairs that lead to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors that you can go to if you’re feeling adventurous!

Pasabag Valley is not very big – it would take an hour maximum to explore the whole place, and much less time if you just want to see the highlights.

Admission info:  Pasabag Valley is open every day from 8 AM – 5 PM and the entry fee is 25TL.

Devrent Valley

Not far from Pasabag is another valley with multiple names. Devrent Valley is nicknamed in English “imagination valley” because many of the formations resemble animals – the most famous of which is a giant camel-shaped rock. It can be a game to count just how many animals you can find among the red rocks.

Devrent Valley’s camel

There’s no entry fee here and no official hiking trails – it’s one of the few places you can immerse yourself into Cappadocia’s alien landscape and explore on your own. It can also just be a quick stop to take a cheesy photo with one of the rock animals – whatever suits your style! (I opted out of the cheesy photos, personally lol).

Because it is free, all of the tour buses stop here, so try to arrive early or during lunchtime to avoid most of the crowds.

Goreme Open Air Museum

The Goreme Open Air Museum is the crown jewel of Cappadocia’s historical sites, making it a can’t miss part of any one day in Cappadocia itinerary. It’s home to the largest and most accessible collection of byzantine cave churches in the world.

Between the 2nd and 11th centuries AD, Goreme Valley was a hub of Christian activity. The valley’s natural defenses were attractive to the Christians fleeing persecution (“Goreme” means “unseen,” because the cave churches were hidden from enemies). Over the years, over 60 monasteries, each with their own church, were built in the area. It was also home to one of the most famous saints in Christianity – St. Basil the Great of Kayseri.

Today, the site comprises about 13 of those original churches, many of which are decorated with frescoes dating back to the 11th century. The most famous is the Dark Church, so-named because of its lack of windows. But that’s also the reason it has the most beautiful and well-preserved paintings in the entire region. (Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside any of the churches, but they are amazing!)

Outside of one of Goreme’s churches

Admission Info:  Goreme Open Air Museum is open from 8 AM – 5 PM and the entry fee is 100TL.

Tip:  Before you leave, don’t forget to walk across the street from the parking lot to the Buckle Church to see some incredible but different frescoes!

Uchisar Castle Overlook

Uchisar Castle is the name for the tallest and grandest of Cappadocia’s rock formations. At 300 feet high. Uchisar towers over the landscape. With extra time, you could climb the 235 steps to the top for an amazing viewpoint of the valley, but this is a one day in Cappadocia itinerary – there is no extra time. Fortunately, there’s an overlook on the way to your next stop that’ll let you take great pictures of the castle and its many cave rooms.

Standing in front of Uchisar Castle

Kaymakli Underground City

One of the coolest (literally and figuratively) places to visit during one day in Cappadocia is definitely the underground city of Kaymakli. Of the underground cities that have been built in Cappadocia, Kaymakli is the largest (and yes, Cappadocia has  multiple underground cities – so crazy!!)

Like the hidden monasteries in Goreme Valley, Christians carved the caves of Kaymakli as a hiding place from the Muslim Arabs in the 7th century AD. It’s unlikely anyone lived here full-time (because sunlight and water are really important things for human life lol), but they were used as hiding places through the 14th century.

Going deeper into Kaymakli

The city has 8 levels, 4 of which are open to the public. As you follow the maze-like path deeper into the city, you’ll see chapels, bedrooms, kitchens, stables for livestock, even wineries! Because it’s underground, it’s several degrees cooler than outside, so bring a jacket.

Admission Info:  Open from 8 AM – 5 PM and the entrance fee is 60TL.

Tip:  There’s very little signage or information here, so it’s worth hiring a guide to take you through the underground city. Otherwise, it’ll just look like a bunch of stone rooms.

Pigeon Valley

One of the stranger facts about Cappadocia is that they use pigeon poop for fertilizer. In fact, they rely on pigeons so much that you will see pigeon house caves all over the place – more so than caves for people! There’s even an entire valley dedicated to raising pigeons and harvesting their poop and it’s just outside the main town of Goreme – the aptly named Pigeon Valley.

The area has a lot of hiking options, but many of them are too long or too out of the way if you only have one day in Cappadocia. Pigeon Valley, however, is neither too long (4km, 2.5 miles) nor too out of the way (it ends near Goreme’s town center). So if you want to end your day with a nice walk, this is a perfect option!

Full disclosure, my mom and I did not walk through the valley. We had plenty of time, which is why I am including it here, but I think we were hot and tired by this point and decided to pass on it. Instead, we took lots of pictures from the overlook at the valley’s head. Otherwise, we certainly would have done the trail!

Pigeon Valley – can you spot the pigeon house?

Last but most certainly not least, end your one day in Cappadocia with a traditional Cappadocian dinner. You will find traditional Ottoman-style seating (aka cushions on a floor around a low table) in Istanbul, but the restaurants in Cappadocia are far less touristy. And, Cappadocia is one of the only places where you will find authentic Turkish kebab – meat roasted in a clay pot for over three hours, and then cracked open with a hammer at your table. It is quite the experience!

Dibek in Goreme offers both of these experiences and was one of our best meals during our entire trip to Turkey (which is saying something, because Turkey knows how to do food). Because they are very authentic, you do have to call and order your kebab 3 hours ahead of time, because they only cook what they know they will sell.

One day in Cappadocia is not long enough, but sometimes you just have to make do! Hopefully, this Cappadocia itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this fairy tale land.

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20 Comments

That dinner looks amazing! Hot air balloons are definitely not my thing, but everything else looks well worth a visit. Thanks for sharing!

I loved visiting Capadoccia in Turkey but missed the hot-air balloon ride. I’ll have to go back for that & your itinerary will come in handy. I’ll save it for later!

Would love to visit Cappadocia and see some of Turkey of course, and going on a hot air balloon would also be a dream come true! Been on one before but the air was so still that we hardly moved 500 meters!

Seeing and photographing Cappadocia is so on my bucket list. I would love to visit the area. Your one day guide is perfect.

This looks absolutely amazing. I had no idea it even existed! Thanks so much for putting it on my radar & for the specific referrals. <3

Great post! I’m actually starting to plan a trip to Turkey, so this was really helpful. A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is super high on my bucket list, so thanks for the great guide!

I have wanted to visit here for so long – good to know that there is more to do than just the hot air balloons too!

It’s great that you can see so many things in just one day here. Thanks for the tips!

Great post! I loved it. Cappadocia has become synonymous with the cave hotel and hot air balloon ride.

Cappadocia has been on my wishlist for so long! I can’t wait to visit and the article made me want to visit even more! The underground city looks stunning, but taking an air balloon is the experience I want to try the most! Thanks for inspiring!

Great post! I have never been to Turkey before so definitely will come back to this post to plan my trip! Amazing pictures of Cappadocia!

On the travel wish list! Would love to visit Cappadocia. And we would surely not miss an early morning hot air balloon ride. A private guide sounds like the perfect way to learn something and make the most of your visit. The fairy chimneys would be something we would not want to miss. So much more to see in the area than I expected. Would definitely plan for a longer stay now than I expected.

Cappadocia, Turkey looks magical. Would especially love to check out the open-air museum and underground city. It’s a perfect one-day itinerary.

What an amazing trip! I would love to see everything on your journey, and especially the Goreme’s churches. I love that you mentioned free stuff you can do too. Thanks for getting this location on my radar.

Cappadocia looks like an absolute dream! Would love to visit one day! Thank you for writing this super helpful travel itinerary 🙂

A few years ago, a friend and I had talked about a trip to Cappadocia. It didn’t materialize and I now regret it. It looks so fantastic! I enjoyed reading about your day and seeing all your photos!

I love this! Never knew about cappqdocia but now I’m intrigued 🙂

So I definitely thought Cappadocia was a town, not a region – THAT shows you how much I learned from this post! Haha thank you for sharing!

After learning about the Tulip Cave Suites in your previous post, I’ve been wanting to learn more about this beautiful place. Thanks for sharing!

I’m dying to see this place. Thanks for the suggestions.

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I’m Maggie, a 30-something politico from Washington, DC, who always has one foot off the ground, looking for adventure. I work full-time in the Swamp, but use travel as a way to stay sane! Read on for my crazy stories from the road, and tips to help you in your own travels! Learn more about me

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THE 10 BEST Cappadocia Tours & Excursions

Cappadocia tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride / Turquaz Balloons

2. Cappadocia Balloon Flight (Official) by Discovery Balloons

3. Full Day Private Cappadocia Tour (Car & Guide )

4. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour Over Fairychimneys

5. Cappadocia Balloon Ride and Champagne Breakfast

6. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon 1 of 4 Valleys

7. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Fairy Chimneys And Goreme

8. 2 Day All Inclusive Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Optional Balloon Flight

9. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight over Goreme

10. Red Valley Hiking and Underground City Tour

11. Green (South) Tour Cappadocia (small group) with lunch and ticket

12. Red (North) Tour Cappadocia (small group) with lunch and tickets

13. Cappadocia Sunset Tour with ATV Quad - Beginners Welcome

14. Cappadocia Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Champagne and Transfers

15. One Hour Deluxe Hot Air Balloon Tour(Goreme Valley)

16. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne and Breakfast

17. Full Day Private Tour with Local Guide and Vehicle in Goreme

18. Cappadocia Green Tour

19. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cat Valleys with Drinks

20. Cappadocia Dream - 2 Days Cappadocia Travel with Balloon Ride from/to Istanbul

21. Fascinating Cappadocia Photoshoot by Private Minivan

22. Cappadocia Green Tour (inc: Pro Guide, Transfers, Tickets, Lunch)

23. Cappadocia ATV (1 Quad Bike) Tour - 2 Hours

24. ATV Quad Bike Ride in Cappadocia at Sunset

25. Exclusive Hot air balloon Flight in Cappadocia

26. Cappadocia: Balloon Rides over Cappadocia Goreme Valley

27. 1 Hour Standard Flight at Cappadocia

28. Cappadocia Private Tour with Car & Guide

29. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight ( Cat Valley )

30. Cappadocia Private Airport Transfer From/To Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport

What travelers are saying.

• Cappadocia Balloon Flight (Official) by Discovery Balloons
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride / Turquaz Balloons
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour Over Fairychimneys
• Full Day Private Cappadocia Tour ( Car&Guide )
• Hot Air Balloon Flights in Cappadocia 1 of 4 Valleys Tour
• Turquaz Balloons
• Gorgeous Travel - Daily Tours & Balloon Flights
• Discovery Balloons
• Royal Balloon - Cappadocia
• Hereke Travel
• Kelebek Travel
• NOMAD TRAVEL
• Butterfly Balloons
• MyTrip Travel & Tourism Agency
• Andromeda Day Tours
• Old Town Travel
• Paradise Travel

Cappadocia All in One Tour (Red + Green Mix)

(Sightseeing)

Important Note:

All our tours are private, exclusively catered to you. At Voyelo Travel, we pride ourselves on being the number one agency providing the widest variety of high-quality tours in Cappadocia. Our guides are seasoned professionals with extensive experience, ensuring an enriching experience. For transportation, we use Mercedes-Benz Vito cars, and museum entries are included in our prices. We offer hotel pickup and drop-off for your convenience.

To explore all the tours we offer, simply click on this link : Cappadocia Daily Tours & Day Trips

To book a tour, please complete the booking form below (available on mobile devices). Alternatively, feel free to reach out to us via WhatsApp or email. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the best tours that suit your preferences and schedule!

Experience the ultimate Cappadocia adventure with our all-in-one Cappadocia tour. Aptly named for its comprehensive nature, this tour combines highlights from both the Cappadocia Red Tour and the Cappadocia Green Tour. If you find yourself with two free days in Cappadocia, we highly recommend indulging in both of these enriching tours:

• Cappadocia Red Tour: North Cappadocia Exploration
• Cappadocia Green Tour: Ihlara Valley and Underground City Adventure

However, if you're short on time or simply wish to immerse yourself in the essence of Cappadocia in a single day, then this tour is tailor-made for you! Embark on a journey where you'll discover open-air museums, enchanting fairy chimneys, and delve into one of the region's most significant underground cities.

Note: This is a private tour. Our vehicle and professional guide will be with you only throughout the day. Therefore we can make customization about the itinerary like removing a site or adding new one which needs to suit with the timeline and roadmap of the tour.

About the Activity

• Private Tour

Only you and our professional tourist guide will be in the tour

• Museum Tickets

Museum entries are included

It takes around 8 hours

• Hotel Transfer

Private tour begins with the hotel pick up

• Luxury Vehicles

Transportation by luxury vehicles: Mercedes Vito

• Easy Cancellation

Free Cancellation up to 48 hours

Itinerary - Details

• Hotel pick up is between at 9.30-10.00 AM
• Göreme Open Air Museum: Explore the oldest churches of Cappadocia in the Goreme Open Air Museum; Sn. Basileus Church, Elmalı Church, Sn.Barbara Church, Yılanlı Church, Çarıklı Church and Tokalı Church.
• UnderGround City: You will visit one of the most famous underground cities of Cappadocia, Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City.
• Uchisar Castle: Watch the unique valleys and Mount Argeaus views from the highest point of Cappadocia
• Pasabag (Monks Valley): Visit Cappadocia's most popular fairy chimneys in Monks Valley
• Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Dive into your dreams by comparing fairy chimneys in different shapes to various objects
• Drop you off to your hotels after the tour aorund 5-6 pm
• Lunch is not included (can be optionally added)
• Transportation by luxury vehicles - Mercedes Vito
• Entrance fees for museums and historical sites
• Professional Guide Service

Not Included

• Lunch (can be optionally added)
• Personal expenses during the tour
• Tips to the driver and guide (optional)

Best Tours to Combine with Cappadocia All in One Tour - Red + Green Tours Mix in One Day

Discover Cappadocia in one day and have fun!

Booking Form

TOUR DE VOYELO TRAVEL

TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies – Lic. No: 13945)

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Top Tours in Cappadocia, Türkiye

Cappadocia tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride / Turquaz Balloons

2. Cappadocia Balloon Flight (Official) by Discovery Balloons

3. Full Day Private Cappadocia Tour (Car & Guide )

4. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour Over Fairychimneys

5. Cappadocia Balloon Ride and Champagne Breakfast

6. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon 1 of 4 Valleys

7. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Fairy Chimneys And Goreme

8. 2 Day All Inclusive Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Optional Balloon Flight

9. Red Valley Hiking and Underground City Tour

10. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight over Goreme

11. Green (South) Tour Cappadocia (small group) with lunch and ticket

12. Red (North) Tour Cappadocia (small group) with lunch and tickets

13. Cappadocia Sunset Tour with ATV Quad - Beginners Welcome

14. Cappadocia Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Champagne and Transfers

15. One Hour Deluxe Hot Air Balloon Tour(Goreme Valley)

16. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne and Breakfast

17. Full Day Private Tour with Local Guide and Vehicle in Goreme

18. Private Photoshoot in Cappadocia

19. Cappadocia Green Tour

20. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cat Valleys with Drinks

21. Cappadocia Dream - 2 Days Cappadocia Travel with Balloon Ride from/to Istanbul

22. Fascinating Cappadocia Photoshoot by Private Minivan

23. Cappadocia Green Tour (inc: Pro Guide, Transfers, Tickets, Lunch)

24. Cappadocia ATV (1 Quad Bike) Tour - 2 Hours

25. Exclusive Hot air balloon Flight in Cappadocia

26. Cappadocia: Balloon Rides over Cappadocia Goreme Valley

27. 1 Hour Standard Flight at Cappadocia

28. Cappadocia Private Tour with Car & Guide

29. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight ( Cat Valley )

30. Cappadocia Private Airport Transfer From/To Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport

What travellers are saying.

• Cappadocia Balloon Flight (Official) by Discovery Balloons
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride / Turquaz Balloons
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour Over Fairychimneys
• Full Day Private Cappadocia Tour ( Car&Guide )
• Hot Air Balloon Flights in Cappadocia 1 of 4 Valleys Tour
• Turquaz Balloons
• Gorgeous Travel - Daily Tours & Balloon Flights
• Discovery Balloons
• Royal Balloon - Cappadocia
• Hereke Travel
• Kelebek Travel
• NOMAD TRAVEL
• Butterfly Balloons
• MyTrip Travel & Tourism Agency
• Andromeda Day Tours
• Old Town Travel
• Paradise Travel

The Perfect One And Two Day Itinerary For Cappadocia, Turkey

• Last Updated On: October 28, 2019

Cappadocia, pronounced Kappa-Dokia, is a region in central Turkey famous for its unique moon-like landscape filled with houses carved in caves, underground cities, and cave churches. This region has become hugely popular in the last few years as it brings in 3 million people a year and is Turkey’s third most visited destination. Sadly, we only spent 1 night here as that was all our 9 day Turkey itinerary would allow us but we made good use of all 24 hours of that.

Tourism in Turkey

I’ll use this space to talk about Turkey’s tourism and transportation. All in all, I found Turkey to be incredibly organized and structured when it came to booking tours and getting things done. There are hundreds of tour companies all around the country and they somehow know everyone else around the country and can book tours for any part of the country or can put you in the right position to do so.

There are plenty of non-Turkish tour companies that organize group trips through Turkey (like a more luxurious overland trip). From the American tour buses, to the South Korean buses, we saw no shortage of these tour groups and we were in Turkey in April, still considered the low season. I can’t imagine the shitshow it must be during the summer months. Because of our schedule, we couldn’t fit in one of these organized tours so we planned out our itinerary which means booking all our flights and tours on our own.

We ended up booking 3 internal Turkey flights, 1 bus ride, and five day tours. I thought for sure that something would go wrong but miraculously, everything went to plan. We experienced no hiccups and were picked up at the stated time, on time, every time. Big thumbs up for Turkey tourism!

Turkish Lira or Euro?

Turkey has been trying to get into the European Union for some time now. From talking to people, the feels are mixed on this subject. The official currency of Turkey is the Lira. Most things like restaurants, shops, and entrance fees are all quoted in Lira. The only things quoted in Euros are some tour companies that will list prices in Euros on their websites since most of Turkey’s visitors are from the EU. Nevertheless, the people here know their currency is not as sound as it once was and many vendors will accept Euros around whatever the spot rate is. Some of the ATMs all around Turkey will dispense Euros, Pounds, Dollars, and Liras.

Getting to Cappadocia

Perhaps it was the time of year I visited (April), but I found internal flights to be incredibly economical. Turkish Airways is the largest carrier flying out of Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul throughout the country.  Pegasus Airlines, Atlasjet, OnurAir, Anadolu Jet, and Sunexpress are all airlines that fly within Turkey offering cheap fairs. I ended up getting my ticket on Turkish Airways for 90L (~40$) from Istanbul to Kayseri . There are two airports, Kayseri, and Nevsehir that both service the Cappadocia region. Kayseri is about 1 hr drive from the Cappadocia region and Nevsehir is about 40min.

The Turkish bus system is very sound. With Cappadocia being one of Turkey’s most visited sights, almost every bus company will have a bus going from all major cities to Cappadocia. We met numerous people that caught the overnight bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia for 50L. Some of these buses have free wifi and seats that recline all the way down. The advantage of the bus is that it will drop you off in the towns, therefore saving yourself am expensive taxi ride from the airports.

There are numerous tour companies in Turkey that will book you Cappadocia tours . One I can recommend is One National Travel which I’ve used to book a few tours in the country.

Learn more about Cappadocia tours https://www.onenationtravel.com/package-category/cappadocia-tours/

Where to stay in Cappadocia

There are no shortage of accommodation options in Cappadocia but the question is where to stay? Cappadocia is not a city, but more of a county. There are a number of small towns in the region and the main tourist hubs are Goreme, Urgup, and Uchisar. After doing some reading on the net, I decided to stay in Goreme.

The hotels and guesthouses in these towns were all once houses of Cappadocians that had lived the there for generations. With the huge influx of tourism, some of these families made the decision to turn their cave homes into cave hotels. I read about these cave hotels and decided that no questions asked, I’m staying in one of these. With about 40 different accomodation choices in Goreme alone, it can become overwhelming to choose one.

Erenbey Cave Hotel

We ended up staying at the Erenbey Cave Hotel.  The owner inherited the “cave”, if you will, from his grandfather and decided to remodel it into a hotel. After staying here for a night, my reviews of this place are overwhelmingly positive and I absolutely recommend staying in one of these. The experience is 100% unique and it would just be a travesty not to stay in one!

The Erenbey Cave Hotel was nothing short of spectacular. Our room was big and with a small window to the outside world. With its calcite walls and cozy feel, it really made us feel like we were in a cave. The furnishings in the room were all new and comfortable. The bathroom was on par with any 5* hotel I’ve stayed in.

Most importantly, the owners were some the friendliest and helpful people I’ve ever come across. They actually emailed me a few weeks before to ask me if I wanted them to book an airport shuttle service for 20L per person which was far cheaper than the 50 Euro taxi ride we would have paid. Highly recommended!

Where to eat in Goreme?

With such short time, we only had time a few meals here. There are many restaurants to go along with the spectacular views. Most of the restaurants in Goreme are pretty damn good so you’ll likely not end up disappointed. The town of Goreme is small and you can walk from one side to the other in 10 minutes. Along the main road, there are dozens of restaurants and we ended up eating at a place called Manzara as it is perched up at the top of the town allowing for great sundowners and Anatonlian Kitchen.

Again, most of the restaurants here are great so you can’t really go wrong. However, one Anatolian cuisine unique to this area of the country are clay pot kebabs, also called Teste kebabs. They make a stew of beef, lamb, or chicken with vegetables and spices, and marinate it in a clay pot for a few hours before breaking the pot right in front of you. They also serve it with a huge loaf of bread and rice. A cool experience, and a damn good meal.

Other great restaurant choices in Cappadocia

Top Deck Old Cappadocia Restaurant My Mothers Restaurant Seten Anatolian Cuisine Ocak Restaurant

Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

Without a doubt, the most popular activity here, Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia is world renowned and if you have to do one thing while you’re here, this is it. The cost is anywhere between 80-150 Euros depending on where you go and how good you can bargain. There are different duration choices and obviously the longer rides will cost more accordingly.

I did plenty of research before I got here and many of the websites online were quoting me 150 Euros. After sending out emails to various tour companies, I got a quote for 89 Euros from Gallipoli Tours , a tour company based out of Istanbul that specialized in tours to Troy and Gallipoli, which proves all tour companies in Turkey, no matter where they are based, have the hookup throughout the whole country.

We were picked up at 5:30am on the day of, and we got lucky. April is a variable month in terms of weather but it was sunny on our day and cloudy the day before. When we arrived at the takeoff site, there were hundreds of people huddled around loads of balloons. Free coffee and pastries were served and within half an hour, we were taken to our balloon.

Our balloon had 16 people and the ride was just over half an hour. The scenery is stunning and reminds me somewhat of the Grand Canyon in the United States.  I think the hundred other balloons in the air made it the that much picturesque. It really made me wish I had done Hot Air Ballooning in the Serengeti because as I could just envision how amazing it would be to be so close to herds of animals that no car could get to.

We got as high as 700m before descending slowly. When it ended, I could have stayed on another 15-20 minutes but I suppose that’s what paying the big bucks is for. We had a little champagne toast afterwards which is customary and taken back to our hotels at 8:30, just in time for breakfast.

Green, Red, Blue Tours of Cappadocia

There are three day tours around Cappadocia that see different highlights. They strategically start at 9:30 so people can do the hot air ballooning and these tours in the same day. The tours run 30-35 Euros a person and are absolutely worth it. After doing some reading online, I went with the Green Tour. The Green tour consists of in order

• Goreme Panoramic view point
• Derinkuyu Underground City

Ihlara Valley

• An Onyx factory (optional)
• Back to Hotel around 5:30pm

Our driver picked us up promptly at 9:30am, and we made our first stop and the Goreme panoramic view point. All tours stop here and it’s a great picture opportunity. Don’t be shy. We then visited an underground city where people used to live during times of war to hide from enemies. This place was fascinating to see how people managed to convert a cave into living quarters without modern technology.

Moving on, we visited the Ihlara valley which is a long gorge cut into a volcano. We walked this area, about 3km, on foot. What makes this area unique is not just the landscape. Due to the plentiful water supply and hidden areas, this was used by the Early Christians escaping Roman persecutions. There are hundreds of churches and dwellings carved into the cave that you can see as you walk through this valley. The walk takes about 1.5 hours but is a leisurely stroll.

Selime Monastery

After lunch, we moved on to our last stop, the Selime monastery. Among the numerous churches we saw carved into, this was by far the most impressive. Looking like something out of a science fiction movie (this was actually the inspiration to some of the settings of Star Wars Ep4), this place was once the center for the military and the clergy in the Byzantine era. It has been kept in great shape and was cool to imagine what life would have been like living in these caves a thousand years ago.

Goreme Museum

We saw this museum as we drove into Goreme. Sadly, we didn’t have time to do this but it is highly recommended and a must do from everyone I spoke to. It is a collection or churches and fairy chimneys. Next time!

What else to do in Cappadocia?

There is some amazing hiking to be done in these parts. Walking routes throughout the region are available and popular. I also saw mountain bike rental shops and what an amazing place this would be to mountain bike. Plenty of things to do here, but just never enough time.

One Day Itinerary in Cappadocia

This itinerary is if you have roughly 24 to 30 hours in Cappadocia. In other words, this pretty much means you have a full day to explore the area and you can start at 6am so you’ll need to spend the night somewhere.

5:30am – 8:30am: Hot Air Balloon Tour 8:30-9:30am: Breakfast at your hotel 9:30-5:30pm: Full day tour: Green, Blue, or Red Tours Evening air or bus departure onwards to your next destination

Two Day Itinerary in Cappadocia

With two full days, there is much more time to do the area justice. You don’t NEED to do the hot air balloon tour and a day tour in the same day. Personally, I think it’s still a good idea to do these two things done in the same day as I didn’t feel like I was overwhelmed by doing too much. So here is a sample two day itinerary

5:30 – 8:30: Hot Air Balloon Tour 8:30 – 9:30: Breakfast at your hotel 9:30 – 17:30: Full day tour: Green, Blue, or Red Tours 17:30 – 19:30: Hike up the cliffs for a sunset. Some incredible views and sunsets to be had here. Just walk up the hills to where you’re facing due west with a bottle of wine and enjoy! 19:30 – 22:00: Dinner and your choice of activities

6:00 – 7:00: This is totally option and you might value sleep more than this but the sunrise in Goreme is breath-taking. Hundreds of hot air balloons dot the landscape as the morning sun just so slightly touches the rock chimneys. It’s likely that your guest house will have a roof area where you can enjoy this but if not, just head back to where you were the previous night! 8:00 – 9:00: Breakfast 9:30am – 17:30: Do another day tour that you didn’t do the previous day. 17:30 and onwards: Dinner out or transfer to the airport

Video of my Turkey Trip

[vc_video title=”Turkey Video” link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYHuNxulTuE”]

Something I created for our Turkey trip, including video footage of the hot air balloons!

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Lita of the Pack

US National Parks, Van Life & Travel Tips!

in Turkey · March 31, 2020

One Epic Day in Cappadocia

I magine sipping on Turkish coffee while the sun slowly rises above the horizon and balloons fill the air. Cappadocia is full of enchanting rock formations and romantic caves. Ever since I saw pictures of this magical landscape on instagram, I knew that I had to go. Most people will spend a couple days exploring this majestic area, but I have a fantastic day long Cappadocia itinerary .

Over the years, I have traveled to countless destinations and more than 40 countries, but nowhere has captured my heart like Cappadocia. Tourists flock from all over to visit this mind-blowing destination 🤯. There’s nowhere quite like it, so maximize your time by checking out this amazing itinerary.

You Might Also Like These Posts:

• The ULTIMATE 2 Days in Istanbul
• 10 Foods You Must Try in Turkey

Table of Contents

The Best Day Cappadocia Itinerary

Where to stay.

Cappadocia is the term used in tourism to encompass a region that is known for the natural fairy chimneys and a distinct shared culture. This region actually encompasses multiple towns that offer places to stay. Most people stay in Göreme or Uchisar, but you could also stay in Ürgüp, Avanos, or Ortahisar .  Göreme is the most touristy of the towns, but it has the closest views of the balloons and boasts a lively scene. Uchisar is a bit quieter, but has fantastic landscapes and plenty of places to stay.

We chose to stay in Göreme, because we had a limited time and we wanted to be able to access everything quickly. I dreamt of staying in the typical cave hotels with a beautiful roof to watch the balloons from.

After doing a lot of research into the options available, we stayed at Cappadocia Cave Land Hotel . This hotel is right next to the downtown area and it is family-owned , so you really get a personal experience. The brothers who owned it emailed us before the trip to make sure that we were taken care of and booked various tours for us.

It featured a comfortable bed, a nice bathroom and did I mention that we were staying in a cave? Also, the hotel also had a roof where they set up a lovely Turkish breakfast on the rooftop that was a real highlight. I highly recommend this hotel because we had a great experience!

Other hotels to Stay in Cappadocia:

• Cappadocia Cave Suites
• Kelebek Special Cave Hotel
• Artemis Cave Suites
• Sultan Cave Suites
• Terra Cave Hotel

One Day Cappadocia Itinerary

Sunrise hot air balloon.

If you go to Cappadocia and you don’t ride in a hot air balloon, then you are doing it wrong. Cappadocia is the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Every day (weather permitting) hundreds of balloons go up in the air and it’s a majestic sight. I know that these rides are more expensive than most other activities available, but this is worth the splurge!

There are many options to consider when getting a hot air balloon. You will see advertisements for them all over town and there are many different types. In the busy months, like July and August, you may want to book ahead of time just to secure your spot. I did a lot of research into the balloons and found Voyager Balloons had great reviews. We had saved money by staying with our friend for the majority of our trip, so we chose to book the Ultra comfort option, which for a reasonable bump in price ($240 per person) meant less people in the balloon and a nice breakfast buffet.

The balloons start really early in the morning, so try and get a good night’s rest before 😴. They picked us up at 3:45 am to take us to the balloon headquarters. Once we got to the headquarters, we ate a nice breakfast served with Turkish coffee and tea. After they checked everyone in, they drove us to the balloon lift-off area.

We got to watch as they blew up the balloons in the early morning light. The workers blow hot fire and air into the balloon as it inflates, then they have to tip it upright. This is definitely a difficult task, our balloon didn’t lift up properly, so they had to start the process all over again. Once it was inflated we all climbed in and the ride began.  

Our balloon pilot was incredibly skilled. It’s crazy to watch them navigate the mountains and the wind to make sure the ride is smooth for everyone, while also giving us an overview of the landscape. They make sure to turn the balloon around so that everyone gets to see all of the various natural features in the valley. The pilot also makes sure that you have plenty of opportunities for pictures during the ride. Don’t worry if you’re afraid of heights, my partner is terrified and he felt really secure! I will never forget the serenity of the ride along with the beautiful views that we got to enjoy. 

After the ride, they bring you back down to the ground in a different landing spot. Waiting for the balloon below was a table full of a cake and champagne. It’s so fun to celebrate an amazing ride together!

Other Balloon Tour Companies:

• Discovery Balloons
• Turkiye Balloons
• Royal Balloon

Take a Day Tour: Red Tour

Once you get back from your balloon ride, you can change, prepare for the day and enjoy breakfast. From there, you can go on one of the day tours that runs through the area. These tours will pick you up from your hotel to start the adventure!

Because most people don’t rent cars when visiting Cappadocia, they offer three tours to help tourists see the area: the red tour, the green tour, and the blue tour , which are all about $50. All of these tours are supposed to be amazing, and are great additions to a Cappadocia itinerary.

The Red Tour covers the central Cappadocia region and shows many of the iconic views, the Green Tour covers the Southern region and includes more nature/hiking, and the Blue Tour shows the more authentic parts of Cappadocia like churches and museums. Given our short time-frame, we chose to do the Red Tour . You can book these when you get to Cappadocia, because they do not fill up.

On the Red Tour, you were able to see the Open Air Museum as well as multiple stunning valleys, eat a hearty lunch, and finish at a pottery demonstration. We had a great tour guide who made sure to keep those on the bus energized and answered all of our questions. Seeing the highlights of Cappadocia was truly magical. We were able to see some of the most iconic views on this tour and I felt like we got a good understanding of the area.

Horseback Sunset Ride

If you really want to see everything and make your day magical, then you can end the day with an ATV ride or a sunset horseback ride 🐎. You can book these experiences through your hotel and you do not need to book them ahead of time!

Our group decided to go on a horseback ride. About an hour after the Red Tour ended and about an hour before sunset 🌅, the horseback riding guide picks you up from your hotel. They will drive you to their ranch, pick out horses for you, and show you a few things before you begin riding.

The ride was two hours long and it takes you through a path around a hilly area that overlooked a stunning valley. Halfway in, we stopped at a tea house to get a quick snack and then head back out on our horses. Once we got to the peak of the mountain, the guides took pictures of us overlooking the sunset below . It was a very peaceful and magnificent way to end a day full of activities!

Dinner at Cave Restaurant

After a day full of touring, you will probably be famished. You can find a ton of great restaurants in Goreme. We went to the Inci Cave Restaurant , which was absolutely amazing! This restaurant is located in a cave, which is pretty cool. Make sure to order the regional specialties like pottery kebab and feast to your heart’s desir e.

Great restaurants in Goreme:

• Topdeck Cave Restaurant
• Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant

Morning Sunrise on Rooftop or Hillside

If you have the time, you should try to get up in time to enjoy the sunrise from a good vantage point. Many of the cave hotels have stunning views of the balloons going up in the air. If your hotel doesn’t have a good view, then you can walk to a nearby hillside to watch the balloons rise up.

It’s truly a breathtaking sight and reminds you of a fairytale 👸🏼. It’s the perfect way to end your trip in Cappadocia. This is also a great time to get those instagram famous pictures of people with balloons all around them.

Final Thoughts

Even though we only had a day in Cappadocia, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my lifetime ✨. If you are going to Turkey, then Cappadocia is a bucket list destination and this is a fantastic Cappadocia itinerary! I look back on this day as one of the best days in my life and I would love to return one day.  

Let me know if you enjoyed this guide in the comments!

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Cappadocia 1 Day Tour Starting In Ankara

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Cappadocia Day Tour Starting In Ankara

On this 1 day tour to Cappadocia Leaving from Ankara, your professional guide will show you around some of the most impressive sites in Southern Cappadocia that will include the unbelievable underground city, as well as visiting some of the most beautiful valleys in the area, including some of the most unusual landscapes anywhere in the world.

Sights Visited

Pigeon valley, meskendir valley, other suggested cappadocia day tours, horse safari cappadocia, underground city tour, cappadocia, off-road 4x4 safari cappadocia, cappadocia deluxe balloon flight, turkish night show in cappadocia, jet boat cappadocia, hot air ballooning cappadocia, quad safari cappadocia.

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Home > Products > Cappadocia Tours > 1 Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Optional Balloon Flight

1 Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Optional Balloon Flight

• Duration: 1 Day
• Tour Type: Group Guided
• Transport: By Coach + Plane
• Available on: Everyday
• Departure: Istanbul
• Arrival: Istanbul
• Description
• Reviews (0)

1-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Optional Balloon Flight

According to your wishes, you will fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia in the late afternoon or late evening depends on available flights to Kayseri/Nevsehir. Upon arrival at Cappadocia airport and we will transfer you to the hotel in the center of Cappadocia. Stay overnight at the hotel. The next day morning, you will have breakfast and check out of the hotel. Today, We will have a fully guided Cappadocia sightseeing tour of nature and Cappadocia history. The optional tour is the Hot Air Balloon flight this morning before breakfast for the sunrise. We highly recommend you add a hot air balloon ride to this program.

1 Day & 1 Night Cappadocia with Optional Balloon Tour Day 1 – Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia You will be picked up from your hotel according to your flight time. You will fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia in the late afternoon or late evening depending on available flights to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Upon arrival at Cappadocia. You are going to be collected with your name signed at the airport and taken to your hotel in the Cappadocia center. Check into the hotel and overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 2 – Full Guided Cappadocia Sightseeing Tour – Fly back to Istanbul You will have breakfast and check out of the hotel. Our hotel pick-up will be at 09:30 am for a full-day Cappadocia sightseeing tour including lunch. Your day tour starts with the following sights; enjoy a visit to the beautiful Devrent Valley and Pasabaglari (Monk Valley), where you are going to see prime examples of the mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles or ‘fairy chimneys’. Later you are going to proceed to the small village of Avanos by the Red River, famous for clay pottery design. Our lunch will be at the local restaurant. After lunch, you are going to visit the most famous highlight of Cappadocia, the Goreme Panaromic View, and Zelve Open Air Museum, featuring the most spectacular rock-carved churches and Byzantine frescoes in all of Cappadocia. We will drive to our final stop at Uchisar Castle and village, where you are going to enjoy a panoramic view over the volcanic valleys from the natural hilltop rock castle called Uchisar Castle. At the end of the tour, we are going to transfer you to Cappadocia Airport to catch the evening flight back to Istanbul. 20:20 pm – Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul (Flight departure times may change according to availabilities.) 21:35 pm – Upon arrival in Istanbul.  You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.

Optional Add-on Tour: We highly recommend a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful landscape of Cappadocia before breakfast and early in the morning for sunrise. Cappadocia hot air balloon flight is not included in the tour program. Please inform us while making your request.

Notes: – If your next destination is not returned back to Istanbul please inform us while making your request. We can provide your flight or bus ticket to other cities in Turkey.

– Please note that flight ticket prices are increasing day by day during the high season. That’s why to make a decision early if it’s possible. The price may change at the time of booking because of the flight ticket price. If you have other questions please feel free to contact us.

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6 BEST Tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia: 1 – 6 Day Options

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

When it comes to planning a trip to Turkey, sometimes you just want it made easy for you, which is why those wanting to experience the highlights of two of Turkey’s top destinations, should consider taking a tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia.

Istanbul is one of the most visited and historic cities in Turkey. It’s home to some of the country’s most notable landmarks such as The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and The Grand Bazaar.

After exploring Istanbul, you might be thinking you want to shake things up a bit. What better way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city than by taking a trip to the desert?

Taking a tour to Cappadocia from Istanbul means less planning stress as you hand over the creation of your itinerary to the professionals – bliss!

If you’re thinking you would like to combine a trip to these two breathtaking destinations in Turkey, then keep reading to learn more about the best tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia!

Our Top Pick

3 Day Istanbul to Cappadocia Tour

If you’re not sure which tour to take, we recommend the 3-day Istanbul to Cappadocia tour because it covers all the highlights of Cappadocia.

It takes you to the most iconic valleys and includes an ATV Tour of Red and Rose Valley , a guided tour of Derinkuyu Underground City , a tour of Goreme Open Air Museum , a hike through Ihlara Valley , and of course, a Hot Air Balloon ride .

This tour is for those wanting to experience all the best of Cappadocia and only have a short amount of time.

How To Pick Which Tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia Is Right For You?

Before we dive straight in and tell you the best tours, let’s quickly cover how you can pick the right tour for you. 

Each of these tours are very different and unique from the other, so it’s important to think about what you want to get out of your experience before you book.

Are you looking to do hot air balloon rides?

Hot air balloon rides are one of the main reasons to visit Cappadocia and are truly an unforgettable experience. 

There is something so magical about taking to the skies with hundreds of other hot air balloons and watching the sun rise over the unique rocky landscape below.

But there is only one catch, and that’s hot air balloon flights don’t fly every day. This is because they cannot fly if the weather conditions are too windy.

If you desperately want to do a hot air balloon ride, you will need to look at tours that have at least 2 days in Cappadocia.

On the 2-day tour, a hot air balloon ride is sometimes included, but you only have one day to take the flight, so if the weather conditions are not right, you will miss out.

However on a 3 day tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia, if are unable to do the flight on the first day, you can try again on the second. If you really want to do the hot air balloon flight, then we recommend you look for tours that are at least 3 day s.

If you can’t do the hot air balloon flight, the tour company will refund you for the price of this.

How much hiking do you want to do?

Another thing Cappadocia is famous for is hiking. While the valleys are not steep nor the hikes strenuous, many of the hiking trails are long. 

The entire Red and Rose Valley hike is about 7.7km, and the Ihlara Valley Hike is another 10km, so if you plan to do both (especially in one day), you will have some aching legs at the end of it.

On top of the hikes, the tours also have a lot of walking at each stop.

There is also some level of scrambling when visiting the underground cities, and you should be prepared for a long climb up to the top of Uchisar Castle.

If walking is a problem for you, you will probably want to consider a 1 or 2 day tour. 

How much time do you have?

Of course, we are not all blessed with time, so the tour you pick will largely depend on how much time you have to spare.

If time is at your disposal, we recommend you spend at least 3 days in Cappadocia.

This is the minimum number of days you need to see the highlights, although you are going to rush through it!

Do you mind rushing?

The tours are usually designed to show you as much as possible in as little time. The average amount of time you spend at each stop on an organized tour is roughly an hour. 

If you don’t like rushing, then you might want to look at the 4+ day tours, which usually have a more flexible itinerary, plus free time on the first and last day, and some downtime in-between activities.

This way you can do some of the other things you want to do in Cappadocia that might not be included on the tour – say, a Turkish Hamam?

Related post: Best Tours of Cappadocia

Do you want a guide for Istanbul first?

Most tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia go straight to Cappadocia, especially if they are between 1-3 days. However, if you have just landed in Istanbul and haven’t seen the city yet, then you might want to cast your eyes at the 5 and 6-day tours, which have 1-2 days in Istanbul first.

Regardless of which tour you choose, you can expect to spend at least 3 days in Cappadocia , with the rest of the time spent in Istanbul or traveling.

Related Reading: Which Is Better: Istanbul vs Cappadocia?

The Best Tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Now if you’re thinking this all sounds excellent and you know what you’re looking for, then it’s time to show you the best tours to Cappadocia from Istanbul!

Go take a look…

1 Day Tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia

You might be thinking, “hold up, isn’t Cappadocia 720km away?”

Yes, it is!

And because Cappadocia is an unmissable stop on any Turkey itinerary , you can find direct flights throughout the day – including very early in the morning and late at night, making it totally possible to visit for one day.

On a one day tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia, you will be woken up at the crack of dawn.

This small-group tour starts at 5.30 am, where you are then picked up from your hotel by private transfer, and taken to Istanbul Airport. 

You will then take a short flight to Kayseri International Airport where you will meet your guide and driver for the day. You will have the luxury of an air-conditioned minivan, a blessing on a hot summers day!

The first stop on the one-day tour is the beautiful Rose Valley .

We always say if you only have time for one valley in Cappadocia, make it this one.

Rose Valley is a stunning valley full of famous fairy chimneys (historic sandstone rock dwellings), cave churches, craggy rock pinnacles, orchards, and viewpoints.

As you wander around the valley, your guide will tell you about the history of the valley and how the cave dwellings were once used, as well as tell you about the formation of the valley such as how Rose Valley gets its name. 

You will then head to the old village of Cavusin where you’ll find the Basilica of St John the Baptist, a huge structure that sits on a cliff top overlooking Cavusin.

Here you will have lunch at one of Cappadocia’s finest restaurants, serving traditional food, before heading on to the next stop.

The next stop is the old town of Ortahisar, which is a vibrant town made up of cave dwellings and stone houses. You’ll visit the impressive Ortahisar Castle, a 295-foot-high Byzantine-era fortification, which offers panoramic views of the region below.

After that, you’ll visit one of the most unique places in Cappadocia; the Kaymakli Underground City . 

During the 7th century BC (or so it is believed) the local Christians built a series of underground cities to hide from Byzantine invaders.

There are several underground cities in the region, but Kaymakli is believed to be the oldest.

Experts believe that it once housed 3,500 people, including all their livestock and belongings.

As you wander through the tunnels and caverns, your guide will tell you all about what life might have been like for these people and what we know about its history. 

The last stop is Pigeon Valley, which is so named because it was used by local people to house their pigeons.

As well as being a place of historical importance, it’s also beautiful and has more of those epic Cappadocian rock formations that make the region so famous.

After exploring Pigeon Valley , it’s time to head back to Istanbul.

Your driver will take you back to Kayseri Airport where you can catch your return flight. You’ll be picked up from the airport in Istanbul and taken back to your hotel.

• If you only have one day to spend, it covers most of the highlights of Cappadocia
• The tour price includes everything from transport, flights, entrance tickets, and your guide. The only thing not covered by the price is gratuities and the cost of your meal.
• Children are welcome on this tour
• This tour has a maximum of 20 people, and if full, it can be hard to hear the guide if you are standing at the back.
• It does not include a hot air balloon ride 🙁
• There is a lot of walking and in Kaymakli Underground City, you may need to do some crouching. It’s not recommended you do this tour if you have back problems, claustrophobia, or if you use a wheelchair
• You only have a day in Cappadocia, so expect this to be a whistle-stop tour. You only get to spend an hour at most at each place, so you might feel it’s a little rushed.

2 Day Tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Personally, I think 2 days is the bare minimum amount of time you would need to spend in Cappadocia, and this 2-day tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia covers all the highlights!

Including a hot air balloon ride.

This tour starts early with a pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul to catch an early morning flight to Kayseri International Airport. 

From here, you will be picked up by your guide and head straight to the Goreme Open Air Museum, one of the biggest open-air museums in Cappadocia.

This former cave city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits in the Goreme Valley, and allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of settlers who lived here thousands of years ago.

You’ll see former homes, stables, kitchens, and wineries, as well as see Byzantine frescoes painted inside the cave churches.

After exploring the museum, you’ll head to Devrent Valley, where you can take photos of the animal-shaped rock formations that make this valley famous.

Then you will continue on to Pasabag Valley , also known as Monks Valley, where you’ll get to see more of the impressive Cappadocia landscape.

Next stop you’ll head to Avanos, a town known for its pottery, silk, wool, and carpet weaving trades. Here you will get to visit the pottery shops and see the masters at work.

After exploring the town, you’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch, before heading to Goreme Panorama, which offers wonderful views of the Goreme National Park and the fairy chimneys.

In the afternoon, you’ll head over to explore Uchisar Castle.

This is the highest point in Cappadocia and has unrivaled panoramic views extending over Pigeon Valley, White Valley, and Love Valley in the distance.

After Uchisar, you’ll be taken to your accommodation for the night; a special-class cave hotel.

Wake up early on the second day to take flight in a hot air balloon. Soar above the valleys and watch the sunrise over the impressive rock formations.

Note: hot air balloon tours are subject to weather conditions, and in the event, the hot air balloons can’t fly, you will be refunded 75 Euro for the cost of the flight.

After the hot air balloon tour, it’s back to the hotel for breakfast, before heading out to explore Rose and Red Valley , two valleys famous for their pink and red hues.

Then, it’s on to the small village of Cavusin to see the famous St John the Baptist Church.

Then you will be taken to Pigeon Valley, where you will have time to spend wandering through the valley and see the pigeon houses that give this valley its name.

The next stop is Derinkuyu Underground City . Of the several underground cities in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu believed to be the biggest one. 

It is said that it was once home to 20,000 people and extends down to 8 levels.

After exploring the underground city, you’ll continue on to Ortahisar, where you’ll see more of Cappadocia’s famous rock-cut cave dwellings and churches.

Wander the narrow streets and dip into the boutique stores, before heading to the airport for the flight back to Istanbul.

You will be picked up from Istanbul airport and taken back to your hotel.

• Only 12 people on this tour
• Includes 1-night accommodation in Cappadocia
• Includes one breakfast at the hotel and two lunches. You only have to pay for one dinner. 
• Includes the cost of a flight, transfers to and from both airports, a driver, and a guide
• Not suitable for wheelchair users
• The cost of entrance fees are not included. You should bring an additional 80TL for Pasabag valley, 150 TL for the Goreme Open Air Museum, and 125 TL for the Underground City.
• Flights are hand luggage only, so you need to leave your suitcase in Istanbul

3 Day Tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia

If you are undecided on which Cappadocia tour from Istanbul to take, then the 3 day tour is our number one pick. It covers all the highlights , allowing you to really get a feel for Cappadocia and see the major attractions.

If you have been looking at the red or green tour of Cappadocia , this tour essentially covers both of them, plus a hot air balloon flight, and an ATV tour. 

You also have two nights in Cappadocia, so you have more opportunities to take a hot air balloon flight if it is unable to fly on the first day due to poor weather conditions.

The tour begins at 7.00 am when you are picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and taken to the airport.

Here you will board a flight to Kayseri airport where you will be picked up by your guide and driver and taken to your hotel to check-in.

Drop your luggage, grab some lunch, and sit back and relax on the terrace with a hot cup of Cai whilst looking over stunning views of the region.

At 4.00 pm, you’ll be taken out to Red Valley where you’ll embark on an ATV tour.

The sunset ATV tour is one of the top things to do in Cappadocia as it allows you to see the impressive rock formations of Red Valley without hiking.

As you feel the thrill of the ride, look out at the rocky landscape and see how the colors naturally change in the setting of sunlight.

After the ATV tour, you’ll be taken back to your hotel where you can enjoy a Turkish dinner on the terrace.

On the second day, you’ll wake up between 4.00 am and 5.00 am for a hot air balloon flight. Take to the skies to witness the enormity and beauty of the landscape from above, along with hundreds of other balloons, as the sun rises around you.

If your hot air balloon flight is unable to take off due to weather conditions, you will try again the next day. If the flight cannot take off during the tour, you’ll be refunded 75 Euro for the cost of the flight.

After the flight, you will return back to your hotel for a quick breakfast, before heading out to Uchisar Castle .

Wander the former houses, kitchens, and stables of the castle, before heading up to the viewpoint to see more incredible views of the region.

After that, you’ll head to Goreme Open Air Museum. Here your guide will walk you through the remains of the ancient city and tell you about life in Cappadocia in the 7th century BC.

Explore the remains of rock churches, houses, and more.

The next stop is Cavusin village, a small village with an impressive cave church. 

Then you’ll be taken to Avanos, a town known for its pottery and handicraft trade. Here you will have lunch before seeing a pottery demonstration.

After lunch, you’ll be taken to Pasabag Valley, otherwise known as Monks Valley, where you can walk around the fairy chimneys and see more of the impressive rock formations.

Finally, you’ll be taken for a quick stop at Devrent Valley (also known as Magic Valley or Imagination Valley) where you’ll find several rock structures in the shape of animals, before heading over to Urgup to visit the Urgup Carpet Factory. 

After this action-packed day, you will be taken back to your hotel.

On the third and final day, your day will begin at 9.30 am, where you will be taken to Goreme Panoramic view, a viewpoint with incredible views over the Goreme National Park .

After that, you will be taken to explore Derinkuyu Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s many underground cities. Your guide will take you through the halls and chambers that were once used as shelters from invaders back during the Phrasian period (or so they believe).

See where more than 20,000 people slept, cooked, prayed, and lived, along with their livestock, thousands of years ago.

After that, it’s time to get some fresh air with a small hike through Ihlara Valley, where you will have a late lunch in Belisirma village. 

After that, you’ll head over to the Yaprakhisar Panorama for incredible views of the valley, before heading over to the Selime Monastery. 

The final stop on the tour is Pigeon Valley and an onyx factory, where you will learn about how the onyx stone is mined.

Once the tour is over, you will be taken to the airport where you will say goodbye to your guide and fly back to Istanbul. A car will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Istanbul.

• Only 15 people on this tour
• Includes 2-nights accommodation in Cappadocia
• Includes all breakfasts and lunches, you only have to pay for dinner. 
• Includes the cost of all attractions and entrance fees, hot air balloon flight, flight to and from Istanbul, airport transfers both ways, a driver, and a guide
• There is a lot of walking involved
• Children under 6 cannot take part in the hot air balloon tour or ATV tour

4 Day Tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Those who have landed in Istanbul and have not had time to explore the city will enjoy this 4 day tour of Istanbul and Cappadocia. It takes in the highlights of both places, so you can see it all in a short time with a knowledgeable guide.

The tour begins in Istanbul, where you will be taken around the historic sites of the city. 

See the iconic Byzantine mosaics and minarets of the Hagia Sophia, marvel at The Blue Mosque, walk in the footsteps of Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace , and check out the Hippodrome and Egyptian obelisk. 

The final stop is the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world. With the help of your guide, you can navigate your way around the many walkways and alleys, and pick up souvenirs from the shops.

After a day of exploring, you’ll head to the airport where you’ll catch an evening flight to Cappadocia, where you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel.

Day 2 

The second day starts with breakfast at the hotel, before heading over to explore the Goreme Open Air Museum.

After that, you’ll be taken to the Devrent Valley, and Pasabag Valley. Head to Avanos for a Turkish lunch and to see a pottery demonstration.

After lunch, head over to Goreme Panorama for incredible views of Goreme and the fairy chimneys below. Then it’s on to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, where you’ll be met with even more stunning views.

Head back to your hotel in the evening for free time at your leisure.

After breakfast, get ready for another action-packed day! Head over to Rose and Red Valley and hike through the valley’s iconic red rock formations. See rock-cut churches and cave dwellings.

Then, head over to Cavusin village to see the famous rock church of St John the Baptist.

After that, you’ll be taken to explore Pigeon Valley, where your guide will tell you why the man-made pigeon houses were built into the volcanic rock.

The next stop is Derinkuyu Underground City, where you will walk in the footsteps of 20,000 Christians who used the cave cities as hiding places from Byzantine invaders.

After that, you’ll be taken to Ortahisar, where you can enjoy wandering around the narrow streets and admire the picturesque stone houses.

In the evening, you have more free time at your leisure.

On the fourth day, you will have breakfast and check out, before being taken to Kayseri Airport to catch a flight back to Istanbul.

• Includes 3-nights in a cave hotel accommodation in Cappadocia
• Includes 2 breakfasts and 3 lunches, you only have to pay for dinner. 
• Includes the cost of flights to and from Istanbul, airport transfers both ways, a driver and a guide
• Flight includes 15kg hold luggage
• There is a lot of walking involved on one day, rather than being spread out
• Day 4 is really just a travel day
• Does not include the entrance fees to historical sites, Hagia Irene (320TL/person), Goreme Open Air Museum (150TL/person), Kaymaklı Underground City (125TL/person), and Zelve Open Air Museum (75TL/person)
• You need to consider the days you book this tour. The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, and the Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays, so you need to time your trip around these dates.
• A hot air balloon flight is not included in the price, but if you want to add this on, speak to your tour guide and let them know you would like to do one and they can help you to organize this.

5 Day Tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia

On a five-day tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia, you will experience the magic of both Istanbul and Cappadocia in an action-packed itinerary.

You will be picked up from the airport and taken to your hotel in Istanbul. The hotel will be a 4 Star or a High-Class Boutique Hotel.

Explore the highlights of Istanbul as you wander around the city with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll be taken to the Hagia Sophia Mosque and admire the beautiful interiors of his historic building. 

After that, you’ll visit The Blue Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Istanbul and an iconic landmark, known for its mass of intricately decorated blue tiles. 

Pass by the Hippodrome, the former center of sports and political activities in Constantinople. This is where you’ll also see the Obelisk from Egypt.

The next stop is the Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans and where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. 

The final stop of the day is the Grand Bazaar, a huge covered market with great historical importance.

On the third day, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at 6.00 am and taken to Istanbul Airport to fly to Cappadocia.

From Kayseri International Airport, you’ll be taken to the first stop of the day; Devrent Valley.

Here you can stop and take photos with some whimsical rock formations in the shape of animals.

After that, you’ll head to Pasabag Valley (or Monks Valley), where you’ll spend 45 minutes exploring the unique rock formations that make Cappadocia so famous.

The third stop is Avanos, a small town known for its pottery, silk, wool, and carpet weaving trades. Here you will enjoy lunch and watch some masters demonstrate their craft.

After lunch, you’ll explore the unique Goreme Open Air Museum, the remains of the ancient Phrasian city that dates back to the 11th century BC. Be sure to check out the historic cave churches, which feature ancient frescos of religious artwork.

The final stop of the day is Uchisar, the highest point in Cappadocia. Here you will spend time exploring the quaint village, and its magnificent castle, which offers panoramic views from the top.

The first stop is Red Valley. Wander through the valley and admire the impressive red rock formations and fairy chimneys. 

After 45 minutes of exploring the valley, you’ll head over to Cavusin where you’ll have time to explore the village and the impressive St John the Baptist cave church.

Then, you’ll visit Pigeon Valley, another incredible valley known for its unique landscape. Here you’ll see the pigeon houses, which are man-made holes carved into the rock and used to collect pigeon poop!

The final stop of the day is Derinkuyu Underground City, the biggest underground city in the Cappadocia region. Here you’ll spend an hour wandering the caverns and tunnels and learn about life back in the 7th century BC.

On the last day, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cappadocia and taken back to Kayseri International Airport, where you will return back to Istanbul.

The tour ends when you land in Istanbul, and you will need to arrange transport back to Istanbul city center after the tour unless you intend to fly somewhere else.

• Optional hot air balloon ride available
• Includes 4-nights accommodation in a 4* hotel 
• Includes 4 breakfasts and 2 lunches 
• Includes the cost of flights to and from Istanbul, airport transfers to Istanbul Airport and to and from Kayseri Airport, but not from Istanbul to the city at the end
• Includes a driver and a guide
• Infants are welcome and infant seats can be provided
• Compared to other tours, there are fewer activities on each day but you spend more time at them (could also be a con)
• No airport transfer back to Istanbul city center on the last day
• Day 1 and 5 are not days of activities and more travel days
• Compared to other tours, there are fewer activities on each day but you spend more time at them (this could also be a pro)

6 Day Istanbul to Cappadocia Tour

Last but not least, is the 6 day tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia. This tour features three days in Istanbul and three days in Cappadocia and is for those travelers who only want to see these two cities before heading to another city/location.

The first day is your arrival day in Istanbul. You will be picked up from Istanbul International Airport and taken to your hotel by private transfer.

After you’ve enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken on a tour of the historic neighborhood of Istanbul.

You will be taken to the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome, and finally to the Grand Bazaar for shopping. 

At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being picked up and taken to the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar). Walk through this L-Shaped market and ignite your senses with smells and flavors of cinnamon, saffron, mint, thyme and so much more. 

Afterward, you’ll get to sit back and relax on the Bosphorus River cruise. Take in the city skyline from the river, watch the seagulls swarm around Galata Bridge, and sail past some of the most beautiful Ottoman palaces.

In the afternoon, you will visit an underground cistern, a former Roman construction used to house the city’s water supply.

Spend the evening in Istanbul where you can explore at your leisure.

Wake up early to be taken to the airport for a flight to Cappadocia. Your guide will meet you at the airport in Cappadocia and take you to your hotel where you can check in and drop your bags.

After that, you will be taken to the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup, a quiet town in Cappadocia.

The next stop is Pigeons Valley, where you will learn about the history and importance of pigeons in Cappadocian culture. 

The next stop is Kaymakli Underground City, one of the oldest and deepest underground cities in Cappadocia. 

In the evening, you’ll be taken to your luxury cave hotel where you will spend the night and enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before heading to Devrent Valley, where you’ll see some of the whimsical rock formations in the shape of animals. 

After that, you’ll head to Pasabag Valley to see the fairy chimneys and rock churches there, before heading to Avanos to see pottery demonstrations. 

The next stop is the Goreme Open Air Museum, where you can wander through the remains of this former ancient city and now UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The final stop is Uchisar Castle, where you can see panoramic views of Goreme National Park, before heading to the airport for the flight back to Istanbul. 

You’ll be picked up from the airport in Istanbul and taken to your hotel.

After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and be taken to Istanbul Airport or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport by private transfer.

• Includes 5-nights accommodation in a 4* hotel 
• Includes 5 breakfasts
• Not a lot of walking involved, so better for those with reduced mobility or families with children
• Has a shorter itinerary so there is more free time to enjoy
• Not rushed, you spend longer at each place
• Includes the cost of flights to and from Istanbul, airport transfers both ways, a driver and a guide, and all attractions listed in the itinerary
• No lunches or dinners included only breakfast
• Skips Red and Rose Valley, which are our personal favorite valleys in Cappadocia  

What to Bring on an Istanbul to Cappadocia Tour

Most of these tours are designed to be a getaway from Istanbul, so you don’t need to bring too much with you. 

If you are visiting for 1-3 days, you can leave your big suitcase in Istanbul, and pack a small carry-on bag. In fact, most 1-3 day tours will not book hold luggage for your flight, so you will need to pay extra to bring a suitcase.

Here’s what we suggest you bring:

• Sturdy, comfortable shoes. Most of these tours involve some level of hiking or go to an underground city, which has a slippery, stone surface. Leave flip-flops at home.
• Sunhat and sunscreen. It can get quite hot in the middle of the day, and because of the white rock, it reflects the sun and makes it feel stronger than usual.
• Pack warm clothes. Contrary to the above, it can get cold at night, even when visiting in the summer. Bring warm clothes to wear in the evenings.
• Bring cash. If you need to pay extra for entrance fees, you’ll need to pay this to your guide in cash. 
• Camera, obviously.
• Head scarf (for women) and modest clothing for Istanbul. You will need to have your knees, shoulders and, for women, your hair covered when entering mosques in Istanbul.
• Bring extra cash for a tip. Tipping is not required but it’s customary to tip your guide and your driver if you have enjoyed your experience. The recommended tipping price is 10% of your tour value.

Final Thoughts on Tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Taking an organized tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia is the best way to relieve some stress from your vacation planning. It can also be a great way to see a lot of sites in a short amount of time.

Having the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide, also means you can learn about the sites you are seeing, as well as get information about the history and culture of the area.

Taking a tour means your entire Istanbul to Cappadocia itinerary is taken care of for you. As you can see from the tours in this guide, most of them include everything, from transport (including flights), accommodation, entrance tickets, the price of a guide, and sometimes even the price of a hot air balloon ride.

While tours usually do cost a bit more than doing it yourself, you do get the added benefit of a stress-free time.

And after all, who wants stress on vacation?

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

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2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul by Plane

$ 410.00   per person

Explore the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia on a 2-day tour from Istanbul. Marvel at the whimsical rock formations in Devrent Valley, delve into history at Paşabağ’s monastic sites, and admire ancient frescoes at Zelve. Soak in panoramic views from Uçhisar Castle, wander through the vibrant Red & Rose Valleys, and experience the traditional charm of Cavusin Village. Discover the secrets of the Underground City and capture the beauty of Pigeon Valley. Savor Turkish cuisine and immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey. Book now for the adventure of a lifetime!

Obtain your tour price in USD by selecting tour dates and specifics below:

Please Pick a Tour start Date

• Detailed Itinerary
• Inquire About This Trip
• Reviews (15)

Day 1: Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Istanbul – North Cappadocia Tour

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 am and will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Cappadocia. In Cappadocia, you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour will start with a visit to the  Devrent Valley  to see the unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit the  Pasabag Valley  (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles. After this visit, you will drive to the  city of Avanos . After lunch, you will visit the  Zelve Open Air Museum in Cappadocia. The museum features a series of carved caves and ancient churches, providing a glimpse into the region’s monastic history. Finally, towards the end of the day tour before returning to your hotel, you will have around 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of the natural Castle of Uchisar . (Note: Entry to the interior of Uchisar Castle is not permitted. However, the surrounding area is open for panoramic views and photography. Thank you for your understanding). After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in.

Optionally, attend a traditional  Turkish Night show with dinner .

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please be aware that this activity comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast at approximately 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s activities. Your tour will begin with a visit to the Red Valley  where you will be able to explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the  Rose Valley  (Gulludere Vadisi). Next, you will visit  Cavusin Village  which is famous for its houses and churches of Christian Clergymen. We will take a break for lunch around noon. After lunch, you will drive to the  Pigeon Valley  (Guvercinlik Vadisi). In the afternoon you will visit the  Kaymakli Underground City  or  Ozkonak Underground City  where early Christians lived. At the end of the tour around approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening return flight between 7:00 – 10:00 pm (flight duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) to Istanbul. END OF OUR SERVICE and TOURS.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: No accommodation is included on this day

Important notes:

• Please note that your return flight from Kayseri / Nevsehir to Istanbul will arrive at either the New Airport in Istanbul or at the Sabiha Gökçen Airport depending on the availability of flights on the ticket purchase date.
• Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, you will have to arrange your own pick-up service from Istanbul airport to your hotel in Istanbul. This transfer is not included as part of your package tour services with us. Our service ends upon your flight arrival at Istanbul Airport.
• If you have a preference to return to a specific airport in Istanbul i.e. Sabiha Gokcen or Istanbul New Airport, you must request your choice of the airport in Istanbul by email prior to your tour booking. Any changes requested once your booking is confirmed will incur an additional cost.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Pick up from Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport (on the European side of Istanbul only)
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir and from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Istanbul only
• 1 night at the Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Holiday Cave Hotel in Cappadocia including breakfast
• English-speaking guide during the tours
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary: (B) breakfast, (L) lunch
• Entrance fees mentioned by the itinerary
• Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

• Drop off transportation service from Istanbul New Airport OR Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul Hotel upon returning to Istanbul
• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

WHAT TO BRING:

• Hiking shoes

IMPORTANT INFO:

• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• Please be advised that the order /sequence in which the daily tours occur within the above day-by-day package tour itinerary can be subject to change depending on the availability of domestic flight tickets per the itinerary, opening/closing of various historical sites, etc.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• The normal arrival time in Istanbul is between 8:00 – 10:00 pm. If you are planning on reserving your plane back home that same day, we recommend you book a plane ticket from 12:30 am onwards, to avoid missing your flight.
• On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.
• We offer hotel pick-up services for drop-off at the airport from locations on the European side of Istanbul, specifically in the districts of Taksim, Şişli, Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Fatih, Beşiktaş, Karaköy, and Bakırköy. Pick-ups are scheduled around 3:50 a.m., but this can vary based on flight schedules. If you’re situated on the Anatolian side or outside of these districts, you’ll need to arrange your own airport transportation.

WHEN TO BOOK?

• Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
• You can book up to 2 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.

Inquire About this Trip

Please fill out the information below and we will be in touch shortly with your personalized quote.

15 reviews for 2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul by Plane

Avelaine N – December 17, 2018

I booked our trip to Cappadocia with One Nation Travel. My daughter and I really enjoyed our trip. The tour guides are very professional and the drivers were very courteous. I will certainly recommend their services to any friends who want to visit Turkey.

Keith T – January 13, 2019

We ordered 2 days tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia and traveled with group of friends. It was highlight of our Turkey trip, we visited all the possible sights on our way. Transportation and cave hotel was very good quality for reasonable price.

Mamta V – October 9, 2019

We booked a 2 day trip to Cappadocia with One Nation Travel. Our tour guides were very friendly and knowledgable. I enjoyed visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, Devrent Valley and Uchisar Castle. Overall an amazing tour, would highly recommend this to anyone.

Uday K – January 2, 2020

We have had a great experience visiting Cappadocia, our tour guide Aylin was exceptional. We are all vegetarians and Aylin made special efforts to find vegetarian restaurants for us. I would definitely use this tour company again and highly recommend them.

Tina L. – September 18, 2021

This was my and my family’s first time traveling to Turkey, and I did not know what to expect. I was absolutely blown away by the knowledge, professionalism, and comfort that One Nation Tours provided. They were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and very responsive to our needs. They made our 2 day Cappadocia trip a memorable, very enjoyable success.

Daniel P. – October 6, 2021

We spent two days and one night on our trip to Cappadocia, it included everything we needed. The cave hotel we stayed in Goreme was wonderful. All in all, the company went out of their way to make our Cappadocia experience a good one. I would certainly recommend them to anyone.

Sharon L. – March 10, 2022

Murat was a great guide. Flexible with our needs and very knowledgeable and proud of Cappadocia and the sites

Lauren S. – June 12, 2022

I and my wife visited the beautiful Cappadocia for 2 days. One Nation Travel recommended a very nice program for us. We did a balloon ride, a daily tour and horseback riding. Which was perfectly enough for 2 days. I can recommend One Nation Travel and their service.

Maria L. – June 26, 2022

Ayhan was very professional and helpful. The trip was great with many wonderful sights. Our guide Aylin was excellent, and we had a great time on our two days in Cappadocia.

Chris A. – June 28, 2022

I highly recommend the One Nation Travel service if you want to go to Cappadocia. They were very professional and everything went exactly as they said it would. We had a great time!

Christopher P. – January 20, 2023

Cappadocia 2 day tour. Everything went smoothly. Sightseeing was great but when they included cultural history experience from pottery, leather and carpet industry to jewelries it became excellent. I like how flexible they are to adjust when I booked an activity outside the tour like the ATV and hot air balloon rides and when I was not able to pay before flying to Kayseri until the tour started, they didnt make any problems with it. I recommend it to everyone. There is still more to see since I only had 2 days so I will probably back with friends next time

Venkat V. – April 17, 2023

My family and I participated in the 2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul, and it was an unforgettable experience! We stayed in a charming cave hotel that added a touch of magic to our trip. Our knowledgeable guide made the tour engaging, and the food was simply delicious. Highly recommend it for a unique getaway!

Anuj P. – June 12, 2023

We joined the 2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul and it was a marvelous journey. The mystical landscapes of Cappadocia left us spellbound. The unique experience of staying at the Heaven Cave House, which was exceptionally clean and comfortable, enriched our tour.

Each morning began with a good, hearty breakfast. The tour offered the perfect mix of awe-inspiring views, distinctive accommodations, and delightful food. A fantastic Turkish experience that we highly recommend!

Pooja S. – October 5, 2023

I went on the 2 day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with my family and it was absolutely amazing! We were blown away by the stunning landscape and unique rock formations. Our stay at the cave hotel was a memorable experience, with cozy rooms and a charming atmosphere. The tour guides were knowledgeable and friendly, making sure we had all the information we needed to fully enjoy our trip. The lunches provided during the tour were delicious and gave us a taste of authentic local cuisine. Overall, I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore Cappadocia with their loved ones.

Noreen A. – October 23, 2023

I was traveling alone and had One Nation Travel Agency organized my 2 day Cappadocia tour, which they did very well. Their representative Can Berber was super responsive. It made me feel safe and secure. From the transfers to the tours are well done.. they are in liason with local small group tours/transfer companies which is economically great. The south and north tours are wonderful esp to our guide Jamil/Jamal who knows his own stuff. The accommodation gives you a unique feeling of sleeping in the cave. I am very well satisfied and will definitely recommend the Agency.

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