tour en cappadocia

Cappadocia Tours & Trips

• Choose from 50+ Cappadocia tours
• 150+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Cappadocia tour packages

Compiled by

Melissa Cappadocia travel expert at TourRadar

Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia | 6 Days with 1 flight

7 days best of istanbul and best of cappadocia package, istanbul - ankara - cappadocia | 7 days with 1 flight, a tale of two marvels: istanbul & cappadocia 7 day tour, 3 days best of cappadocia tour from/to istanbul, 5 days - istanbul cappadocia tour, the istanbul cappadocia trail 4 days of wonder, 3 days - cappadocia tour from istanbul, 3 days cappadocia from/to istanbul w/cave hotel+optional balloon, 4 days istanbul&cappadocia w/cave hotel+optional balloon.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Eskapas’ Best-selling Istanbul and Cappadocia itinerary
• Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Cappadocia Cave Lodge
• Possibility to upgrade to Cave hotel in Cappadocia

“The Cappadiocia element was a really amazing experience.”

• Enjoy scenic views at Goreme Panorama
• Explore Istanbul's historic sites and bazaars
• Cruise the Bosphorus and visit the Spice Market

“Fantastic company, great communication, excellent hotels and tour guides.”

• Photography
• Cruise the Bosphorus and view two continents
• Discover Cappadocia's Göreme Open Air Museum
• Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara

“Great communication leading up to arrival. The trip itself was excellent - informative, fun, and adventurous.”

• Walk the historic Ihlara Valley
• Visit the splendid Dolmabahce Palace
• Stroll through the Grand Bazaar

“Unforgettable Adventure in Cappadocia! I can't express how incredible this journey was!”

• Explore Goreme Open Air Museum
• Visit Devrent Imagination Valley
• Tour Pasabag Monks Valley and Avanos

“Very professional guides. Great tour company.”

• Sightseeing
• Explore valleys and discover land formations like no other
• Witness worldly wonders as you weave through fairy chimneys
• Be amazed by the balloon-dotted skies of captivating Cappadocia

“It was a truly well organised and magical holiday! We had the best time and everything ran like clockwork.”

• Discover Istanbul's ancient Hippodrome and Blue Mosque
• Experience a sunrise balloon ride in Cappadocia
• Fly to Cappadocia and explore fairy chimneys

“The trip was super organized, everything worked out excellently. The Recital Hotel in Istanbul had a good location in the old town.”

“Drivers were punctual and tourist guides knowledgeable, pleasant and polite and no wasted downtime.”

• Create pottery with experts in Avanos
• Discover underground cities used by early Christians
• Explore the Goreme Museum's ancient frescoes

“We enjoyed our trip, but the company had many organizational and communication problems.”

• Visit the iconic Blue Mosque
• Stroll through the grand Topkapi Palace
• Explore the historic Hagia Sophia

“It was worth every penny. The best part of the hotels we stayed in was that they had a central location.”

Other Regions in Turkey

Discover TourRadar

The 12 Best Tours in Cappadocia, Turkey

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

Categories TURKEY , TOURS

Cappadocia is a well-known tourist destination for hot air ballooning and breathtaking landscapes such as fairy chimneys and rock formations in particular. However, before the hot air balloon industry was even around, Cappadocia was popular for small hikes and historical tours. This region in Turkey is so stunning to explore for so many reasons whether it’s cultural, historical, or geological. In this article, I will share with you the 12 best tours in Cappadocia so you can explore this beautiful region.

My personal favorites are Hot Air Balloon Ride for its fairytale sunrise and The Red Tour for its top attractions and amazing viewpoints.

QUICK PICKS: TOP 3 TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA

Don’t have time to read my entire article about the best tours in Cappadocia? No worries! I’ve shortlisted my three favorite Cappadocia tours here to make things easy for you.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

• During sunrise

The Red Tour

• Top attractions
• Very knowledgeable tour guide
• Amazing viewpoints

Sunset ATV Tour

• Dunes, valleys, trails
• Rock-cut valleys
• Easy-to-use bikes

BEST TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA COMPARISON TABLE

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

• Ultimate Luxury: Mithra Cave Hotel – Amazing Balloon View & Pool
• My Favorite: Sultan Cave Suites – Insta-worthy & Amazing Terrace
• Value Hotel: Traveller’s Cave Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Cappadocia

12 BEST TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA

In this article, you will first find a comparison table, which shows you the price, duration, and average review score for each activity. Below the comparison table, you will find a detailed description with photos for each individual activity as well as the link to the booking site so that you can easily navigate to book the tour that you find most exciting! Hope you enjoy the article.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

Tour: Hot Air Balloon Ride (book in advance)

I did this tour and it was beyond epic. It’s truly a fairy tale and it definitely lives up to the hype. The sunrise hot air balloon ride is the most expensive tour in Cappadocia but you simply have to do it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience. You can view my full blog post about my hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia.

Before the flight, there’s a complimentary breakfast with tea or coffee. You’ll be flying over Cappadocia’s wonderful landscapes and unique rock formations. Have a 360-degree panorama of the entire region and get a satisfying view of its valleys and mountains. After landing, get a toast of free champagne as you enjoy watching hot air balloons flying over you.

It’s important to book this one in advance as often the entire town is sold out of bookings during peak season and there is a 2-3 day waitlist.

Book your tour: Hot Air Balloon Ride

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use  Discover Cars . They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

THE RED TOUR

Tour: The Red Tour

This is the most popular day tour in Cappadocia. A tour that will bring you to the most known attractions around Cappadocia.

• Explore Çavusin, one of the area’s oldest settlements.
• Walk among the Devrent Valley’s fairy chimneys
• Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum and see centuries-old rock-cut churches and monasteries.
• In the Pasabag Valley, marvel at the best collection of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia .
• Reaching the top of Uchisar Rock Castle is the area’s highest point.
• Stop in Ürgup to visit a winery for a tasting.

The tour will last for a whole day so you will be provided with convenient transportation and a very knowledgeable tour guide. This is undoubtedly one of the best tours in Cappadocia!

Book your tour: The Red Tour

• Open-air views

Tour: Blue Tour

After the Red Tour, this is the second-most popular day tour in Cappadocia. After a pickup from your hotel at 10 AM you will see the following sights on this all-inclusive tour.

• Hike along the Red and Rose Valley
• Conclude your hike at the Cavusin Cave Village
• Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant
• Descend towards the center of the earth with a trip to the Underground City
• Visit the Pigeon Valley
• Marvel at the old Greek houses of Uchisar
• Visit Ortshisar Castle, the biggest mass of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.

Book your tour: The Blue Tour

The Blue Tour

• Mysteriously beautiful valleys
• Spectacular view
• Underground city

GREEN TOUR WITH TREKKING IN IHLARA VALLEY

Tour: Green Tour with Trekking in Ihlara Valley

This tour is a little bit cheaper than the Red Tour and it lasts for approximately 8 hours. Green Tour is among the tourists’ favorites as there are more places to see. After the pick-up at your hotel, you’ll be headed directly to Goreme’s Underground City, the highlight of this tour.

You’ll be amazed at how people lived their lives during this time. I hope you won’t forget to bring your cameras as you’ll be taking shots of their amazing landscapes along the way. It also includes pit stops at the place’s famous sites, including the Ihlara Valley. The trip is kind of hassle-free with pick-up and drop-off in a luxury van! It is guaranteed to give you comfort and relaxation. If you love to hike and trek, this tour is perfect for you!

Book your tour: Green Tour with Ihlara Valley

Green Tour with Ihlara Valley

• Bit cheaper
• Amazing landscapes

SUNSET ATV TOUR

Tour: Sunset ATV Tour

The most popular ‘short’ tour in Cappadocia. As you travel on a sturdy ATV (quad) bike, you will be greeted with spectacular rock-cut valleys that will leave you in awe. This activity is a good option for sightseeing as this will give the opportunity to wander the dunes, valleys, trails, and hills of Cappadocia. The tour finishes right at sunset out in the valley of rock formations for an amazing sunset view.

Book your tour: Sunset ATV Tour

• Dunes, valley, trails, and hills
• Easy to use bikes

HORSE-RIDING TOUR

Tour: Horse-riding Tour

This 2-hour horse ride includes pick-up and drop-off at Cappadocia area hotels. You’ll ride through the valleys of Goreme with their beautiful horses and witness the enchanting fairy chimneys. Explore the peaceful environment with a professional guide.

Among the highlights of this ride are the rock-cut Hallacdere Monastery, the orchards and vineyards with their picturesque landscapes you’ll pass by. The best thing is that you can choose your own schedule and I highly recommend you’ll tour at least 2 hours before sunset.

Book your tour: Horse-riding Tour

Horse-riding Tour

• Pick-up and drop-off
• Beautiful horses
• Peaceful environment

TURKISH NIGHT AT CAVE RESTAURANT

Tour: Turkish Night at Cave Restaurant

Looking for an authentic Turkish-style experience with a combination of night-filled music, dancing, and drinks? You will definitely love what the Cave restaurant in Cappadocia offers. I must say I enjoyed the night of pure relaxation with a touch of Turkish culture.

The onstage performers will keep you entertained the whole evening, so you won’t notice the passing of time.  The location of the restaurant is uniquely situated in a rock-cut cave which makes it more appealing. When it comes to culture, this is the best tour in Cappadocia to really soak it in. You don’t have to worry you might lose your way of getting there, the restaurant also provides free transportation to and from your hotel.

Book your tour: Turkish Night Tour

Turkish Night Tour

• Authentic Turkish style experience
• Night-filled music, dancing
• Night of pure relaxation

RED VALLEY AND UNDERGROUND CITY TOUR

Tour: Red Valley and Underground City Tour

This full-day tour in Cappadocia will give you everything there is to offer. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation and headed right away to the first stop, Red Valley as you witnessed its stunning rock formations and iconic landscapes. You can also hike through the colorful fairy chimneys of the place. Among the highlights are the stops at Pigeon Valley and Ortahisar Rock Castle, both are popular spots.

Book your tour: Red Valley & Underground City Tour

Red Valley & Underground City Tour

• Stunning rock
• Iconic landscapes
• Underground City

BEST OF CAPPADOCIA DAY PRIVATE TOUR WITH LUNCH

Tour: Best of Cappadocia Day Tour with Lunch

The best way to see all of the sights is on this all-day guided, private tour of Cappadocia’s best spots. You can customize the itinerary or go with the popular spots the guide recommends.

• The panoramic viewpoint of Göreme
• Visit the Underground City 
• Visit Pigeon Valley
• Tour Goreme Open Air Museum
• Çavuşin, which is the Old Greek Village
• Visit Paşabağı to see mushroom-shaped rock formations
• Devrent Valley, which is also known as İmagination Valley.

Book your tour: Best of Cappadocia Tour

Best of Cappadocia Tour

• Unforgettable experience
• Worth paying

FULL-DAY DISCOVERY HIKING TOUR

Tour: Full-day Discovery Hiking Tour

When it comes to hiking in Cappadocia, it’s hard not to pick this tour. Get ready for some trail adventures as you descend and find yourself in the underground cities in the region, hike in one of the most attractive valleys, and visit one of the biggest monastic settlements and the largest cathedral.

Book your tour: Full-day Discovery Hiking Tour

Full-day Discovery Hiking Tour

• Attractive valleys
• Unique beauty

GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM AND FAIRY CHIMNEYS

Tour: Goreme Open Air Museum and Fairy Chimneys

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Imagination Valley wherein you’ll get to witness animal-shaped natural rock formations. You’ll then be headed to Monk’s Valley with its amazing mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. It also includes a stop at Avanos town, famous for its pottery works.

Of course, lunch is included at a famous local restaurant before you head to Goreme Open Air Museum, the main attraction. You’ll be in awe of its stunning panoramic views all over and churches dating from the Byzantine Empire. The last stop is at Rock Castle and it’s worth a visit. You’ll be dropped off to your hotel comfortably. Personally, I think this Cappadocia tour is value for money! 

Book your tour: Goreme Open Air Museum & Fairy Chimneys

Goreme Open Air Museum & Fairy Chimneys

• Enjoyable and memorable
• Imagination Valley
• Animal-shaped natural rock

UNDERGROUND CITY AND IHLARA TOUR

Tour : Underground City and Ihlara Tour

On this tour, you’ll get a chance to discover the unique rock formations of Cappadocia. Personally, I like to explore ancient tunnels like the famous Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia and learn the traditions of the locals on how they lived during those times.

If you join this tour, you’ll feel close to nature as you go on your journey to Ihlara Canyon which was formed by volcanic activity, with its scenic views. As you visit the Ihlara Valley, you’ll know how the early Christians made their churches from rocks. This Cappadocia tour also includes quick stops at the Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and the famous Onyx factory to watch how a volcanic stone is formed.

Book your tour: Underground City & Ihlara Tour

Underground City & Ihlara Tour

• Unique rock formations
• Stunning views of the chimneys

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia isn’t actually a town as many people think but it is an entire region. Within this region are towns such as Goreme (the most popular tourist spot), Uchisar, Urgup, and Ortahisar among others. There are two airports that serve Cappadocia.

• Kayseri Airport (70km/60 minutes) is the main airport and takes just over an hour by van/bus to reach Goreme Town
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (/40km/40 minutes is the secondary airport, which is closer to Goreme but only by about 20 minutes.

The big difference here is that Kayseri is a bigger airport, with more flight options, and often has cheaper flights. It is very convenient and quick to fly into Kayseri and I did it twice.

To get from Kayseri (or Nevsehir) you need to pre-book your shuttle or be prepared for an expensive taxi. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is to book online here .  For under $15 you can ride in a shared, air-conditioned airport transfer or a private transfer from $50.

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool:   Local Cave House Hotel – This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days:  24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide!  Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos:  8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first:  CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide:  WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best Cappadocia tours. Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 10th of May 2020

Incredible. Can't wait to be there! I bookmarked your blog and I'm going to use this as my guide when I got there. Thank you so much!

Cappadocia Tours & Vacations

This is one of the Turkish delights that deserves the hype. 

What began as a series of volcanic ash explosions hundreds of years ago has now transformed Cappadocia into a magical landscape full of fairy chimneys and rock formations that you simply have to see to believe – and we can’t forget about the hot air balloons. Rising into the sky effortlessly, these giant, floating wonders give the region a dreamy atmosphere no Instagram post or highlight reel will ever do justice. From tasting traditional Turkish flavors with a local family to walking through an underground city and taking in the breathtaking sight of the Goreme mountains, this is one adventure you’ll never want to wake up from. 

Our Cappadocia trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Cappadocia highlights

Cappadocia tour reviews.

Filter by rating

Turkey Family Holiday

Turkey Highlights

Articles of Cappadocia

Beyond the balloons: 7 other ways to explore Goreme

Turkey in one week: The ultimate guide

7 sky-high views in Cappadocia (that don’t require a hot air balloon)

Have wanderlust? Here’s why you should visit Cappadocia at least once in your lifetime

Why I love Turkey, a country of countless wonders

Cappadocia travel FAQs

How to get to cappadocia.

Cappadocia is one of the most traveled to regions in Turkey so thankfully it's easy to get there with flights and public transportation options available in the form of bus and train services.

The best way to get to the mythical destination depends on your budget and travel timeline with flying being the quickest option. There are multiple flights that operate daily from Istanbul to the two closest airports in Cappadocia, Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR).

However, it takes a further 37 minutes and 1 hour from each airport respectively to get into the heart of Cappadocia. Bus and train services will obviously take you a bit longer but are great budget-conscious and comfortable options. 

Is Cappadocia safe?

Cappadocia is perfectly safe to travel to as there are no obvious political or security threats in the main tourist areas. This is largely due to the Turkish government's focus on the region as being a major drawcard for international travellers.

However, the same general safety rules apply when travelling; go out in groups or as a pair after dark, stick to well-lit and populated streets/areas, and be aware of your belongings at all times. 

What is the weather like in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia experiences a continental climate of hot, dry, and sunny summers and cold winters (even with the occasional snowfall).

The summer months of June, July, and August are the most popular time to travel.

Average summer temperatures reach into the 30°Cs.

Average winter temperatures can lower to a chilly 5°C. Keep this in mind when planning your trip and pack accordingly.

Even in summer, the temperatures can drop significantly. Make sure you pack clothes for all seasons.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Cappadocia Travel Guide For Turkey (+Map)

Cappadocia Turkey is the most popular hot air ballooning location in the world, and for good reason — the prices are affordable, and you get to see some unique fairytale landscapes.

More than half of the world’s balloon trips happen here. And even if you’re not interested in the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides, it’s still worth coming here for the good food, cave hotels, history, and photogenic hiking trails.

This travel guide will explain how to get to Cappadocia Turkey, where to stay, and all the best things to do, complete with a Cappadocia map and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) What Is Cappadocia? What Is The History? 2) Where Is Cappadocia Turkey? 3) How To Get To Cappadocia Turkey 4) Where To Stay 5) Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels 6) Cappadocia Map 7) Best Things To Do In Cappadocia 8) How To Get Around Cappadocia 9) Best Cappadocia Tours 10) How Long To Stay 11) Best Time To Visit Cappadocia 12) More Turkey Travel Guides

Don’t miss the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides! (© GetYourGuide )

What Is Cappadocia? What Is The History?

The Cappadocia area has been settled by humans since prehistoric times, and over the centuries it’s been occupied by the Hittites, Persians, Romans, early Christians, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks and Ottomans.

Historically, Cappadocia Turkey is probably best known for being a place where Christians settled and sought refuge from the hostile Roman Empire, secretly carving thousands of houses, churches, and caves into the hills.

Most of these rock buildings and underground cities can still be seen today, and they look just like Star Wars movie sets. Supposedly George Lucas wanted to film parts of the original Star Wars movies in Cappadocia, but the Turkish government turned it down.

Cappadocia is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site , and today it’s one of the tourism hotspots of Turkey. It draws millions of tourists every year (3.8 million in 2019!) who come to enjoy the unique landscapes, cave houses, and hot air balloon rides.

Where Is Cappadocia Turkey?

Cappadocia is located in central Turkey, and the nearest major city and airport is Kayseri.

The Cappadocia tourist area includes the small towns of Goreme, Uchisar, and Urgup, but almost everyone bases themselves in Goreme since it has the best hotels and restaurant choices.

How To Get To Cappadocia Turkey

The best way to get to Cappadocia Turkey is to fly domestically from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen airport (SAW) to the Kayseri airport (ASR).

There are a bunch of flights doing this route every day and it only takes 1.5 hours. A one way ticket can cost as little as 150 Liras ($20 USD)! You can shop for flights to Kayseri at Skyscanner.

After you arrive in Kayseri, you’ll need a van transfer since it’s a 1 hour drive to the Goreme town center in Cappadocia. You can arrange this with your hotel, or book it online.

I recommend pre-booking this top rated Cappadocia shared airport transfer for as low as $7 USD per person. They also have private airport transfers for $30 USD. We’ve used this company ourselves and had a great experience!

Where To Stay

Most Cappadocia hotels are located in the towns of Goreme, Uchisar, or Urgup.

Goreme is generally the best area of Cappadocia to stay in because it has a huge variety of restaurants, tour shops, and cave hotels for all budgets — from backpacker to luxury hotels.

The Cappadocia cave hotels below are some of our top recommendations! You can see more options here .  

Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels

Zara Cave Hotel

Taskonaklar

Panoramic Cave Hotel

Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel

Mithra Cave Hotel

Cappadocia Map

Here’s a Cappadocia map below showing the main towns and some of the top tourist sights (click to enlarge).

The 4 popular tours in Cappadocia are color coded and each one covers a different area. My personal favorites are the Red Tour and Green Tour (more on that later).

Cappadocia map (click to enlarge) showing the color coded tour areas: red, green, blue, and orange.

Best Things To Do In Cappadocia

• cappadocia hot air balloon ride.

You can’t miss the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides. More than half a million tourists do this every year. The balloons are fun to watch from the ground, and even more fun to fly in!

You can wait and book your balloon ride once you arrive in Cappadocia, but I would recommend pre-booking online because it’s a very popular activity that can sell out.

Here’s a top rated 1-hour Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride with free hotel pickup starting at $70 USD. We’ve used this company ourselves and had a great experience!

Book Now: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon

The famous Cappadocia Turkey balloon rides (© GetYourGuide )

• Devrent Valley

This is a neat valley with a lot of uniquely shaped natural rock formations.

Some of them look like the typical chimney rocks, while others are shaped like animals or humans. The most popular one is Camel Rock, which has a neck and humps like a camel!

Devrent Valley is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Devrent Valley

The famous Camel Rock at Devrent Valley

• Monks Valley (Pasabag)

This was one of my favorite stops on the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Like the name implies, Monks Valley was inhabited by monks in ancient times who carved their own homes and windows into the steep chimney shaped rocks.

Monks Valley (Pasabag)

This is a historic town just a short distance north of Goreme, and a lot of Cappadocia visitors stop here as part of the historic Red Tour .

Avanos is known for its pottery and artistic plates and mugs, and even if you don’t plan on buying souvenirs it’s definitely worth a visit to see their wares being made. Lots of talent!

Avanos pottery

A fancy plate in Avanos

• Love Valley

This valley gets its name from the natural phallic shaped rocks. There are a bunch of short, easy trails in the valley if you want to do some easy hiking!

Love Valley is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Love Valley

• Goreme Open Air Museum

This area is full of interesting cave churches from the 11th and 12th centuries. You can go inside them, and some of the frescoes on the walls are fantastic.

The Goreme Open Air Museum is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Goreme Open Air Museum

Wall murals

• Uchisar Castle

Uchisar is a town just a short distance southwest of Goreme, and the central landmark is a 60-meter tall ‘castle mountain’ carved into rocks.

It’s the highest point of Cappadocia Turkey, and you can get some amazing panoramic views from the top of the tower.

Uchisar Castle is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Uchisar Castle

The small town of Uchisar

• Derinkuyu Underground City

There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the deepest one is Derinkuyu.

This city is 85 meters deep in the ground, and it has stables, churches, storage rooms, and thousands of ventilation ducts that gave it fresh air when people were living in it. It’s a fascinating place to explore!

Derinkuyu is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour , but some companies go to Kaymakli instead. Kaymakli is the deepest underground city, and Derinkuyu is the widest.

Cappadocia Underground City

• Ihlara Valley

This is a 100 meter deep valley formed by the Melendiz River.

At one time, this valley was home to 80,000 people, and thousands of their cave houses and churches can still be seen in the rock walls. It’s an amazing area that can be seen on a day trip with some light trekking.

The Ihlara Valley trek is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Ihlara Valley

• Melendiz River

This is a peaceful clear river that runs through the Ihlara Valley, and most day tours stop by the river for lunch.

In the autumn season (mid-October), you can see bright yellow fall colors here.

• Selime Monastery

This is the biggest religious structure in the Cappadocia area, and it’s one of my favorites.

It looks just like a Star Wars set, and you can go inside most of the buildings, which date back to the 8th or 9th centuries.

Selime Monastery is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Selime Monastery

Inside the Selime Monastery

• Pigeon Valley

This is a great hiking valley near Uchisar with lots of easy walking trails that wind through the chimney rocks and cave houses.

Pigeon Valley is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Pigeon Valley

Fall colors at Pigeon Valley

How To Get Around Cappadocia

• Walking: If you’re staying in Goreme and want some exercise, a bunch of nice sights will be in walking distance from your hotel. Some ideas would be Rose Valley, Lovers Hill (sunrise point), and the countless cave houses and churches.
• Horseback: This is another fun way to go sightseeing in Cappadocia. You can find 2-hour horseback riding tours online starting at $50 USD.
• Car + Driver: The most comfortable and efficient way to explore Cappadocia is to hire a private driver . Prices for a 4-8 hour tour start at $60 USD. If you have a couple of friends joining you, this can be very economical. If your group is bigger than 3, you can even hire a private van for even better savings.
• Scooter: As a solo traveler, renting a scooter in Goreme can be cost effective sometimes. Prices run about $30-$40 USD for the whole day.
• ATV: Quad biking can be another fun way to see Cappadocia, and the terrain is perfect for it. You can find Cappadocia ATV tours online starting at $25 USD for 2 hours.
• Group Tour: There are lots of Cappadocia group tours that you can join if you’re a couple or solo traveler. These normally include hotel pickup, lunch, and a full day of sightseeing. Read the section below for some more info on recommended Cappadocia tours!

Best Cappadocia Tours

The 4 popular tours in Cappadocia are color coded (Red, Green, Blue, Orange) and each one covers a different area of Cappadocia. My personal favorites are the Red Tour and Green Tour .

The Red Tour covers sights like Devrent Valley, Monks Valley, Avanos, the Goreme Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Castle. The Green Tour covers Ihlara Valley, Melendiz River, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and the Derinkuyu Underground City.

The Blue and Orange tours are less popular, and they cover sights like Ortasihar and the Gulsehir Open Air Museum. I didn’t do these tours, but we plan to try them next time we visit Cappadocia.

For the Red and Green tours, you can book them with a tour agency on the street in the Cappadocia, or you can pre-book the same tours online, which is what I did.

GetYourGuide has the Cappadocia Red Tour for $35 USD, or the Green Tour for $55 USD, with free lunch and hotel pickup included. We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Cappadocia Red Tour / Green Tour

How Long To Stay

At least 2 full days in Cappadocia are needed if you want to do both Red and Green tours and see the highlights of the countryside.

I’m sure you could spend longer too if you want to hit up more of the hiking paths and leave no stone unturned. Besides, Goreme town is a great place to get stuck, with loads of good Turkish restaurants!

If you plan to do the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride, I would add at least 2 extra days to your itinerary in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. The balloon rides can get canceled on windy days, so it’s good to have a little extra time as a safety buffer.

Best Time To Visit Cappadocia

The best time to visit Cappadocia Turkey just depends on what you’re looking for. It’s a nice place all year round, but the temperatures go up and down quite a bit with the seasons.

Cappadocia has hot summers, and cold winters with snow. In either season, the landscapes will be stunning and photogenic, and hotels have air conditioning and heating so you’ll still be comfortable.

I went in the autumn (October) and this seemed just about perfect. The crowds weren’t too bad, and the leaves on the trees were almost at peak color.

Spring would also be a great time to visit, because you’ll get cooler temperatures and less crowds.

Happy travels!

More Turkey Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this Cappadocia Turkey travel guide.

You may also like

Fulidhoo island guide: shark & stingray beach in maldives, how to visit dhigurah island: budget paradise in maldives, how to visit tanjung puting national park in indonesia, sanur bali travel guide: 24 best things to do, coron vs el nido: which is better all differences explained, banggai islands travel guide & itinerary for sulawesi.

I like the whole article about Cappadocia, Thanks

Excellent information about Cappadocia Hopefully will visit soon

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

13 Best Cappadocia Tours That Are Totally Worth Your Money

Last Updated on May 23, 2023 by Soumya

Looking for the best tours in Cappadocia, Turkey ? Want to explore Cappadocia’s surreal landscape with interesting insights from locals? Wondering what is the best way to learn about the ancient civilizations that once inhabited this region?

Well, we have got answers to all your questions, right here.

On my recent trip to Turkey, I discovered that guided tours and excursions were a great way to see the best attractions of Cappadocia . Tours are fun, engaging, and a great way to dig deeper into the history of this ancient region in Turkey. For example, guests absolutely love this cool, full-day tour of Cappadocia’s highlights while this sunset ATV tour gives you a unique perspective of Cappadocia’s picturesque valleys.

In this comprehensive post, you’ll find everything you need to choose the perfect Cappadocia tour for yourself. Whether you love private outings with knowledgeable guides, magical balloon rides, immersive local experiences, or thrilling outdoor excursions in Cappadocia, I have the best listed down here.

One quick thing. Typically, we use Get Your Guide or Viator to book our tours when we travel. They usually have highly-recommended excursions with flexible cancellation policies. However, in the case of Cappadocia, I would like to point out that sometimes it may make more sense to book directly with a vendor. In each of my sections on the best Cappadocia tours, you’ll find tips on how to do that in order to get maximum value of your money.

Table of Contents

Highly recommended balloon tours of Cappadocia

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

Riding a hot air balloon in Cappadocia is an amazing way to experience the beauty of this region. As you fly over the fairy chimneys and glide with a hundred other balloons in the sky, the feeling is one of pure magic.

Honestly, I am now falling short of words in my effort to describe the adventure. You have to go in and experience the balloon ride for yourself.

Pro tip: Be prepared for balloon flight cancellations in bad weather. Balloons get cancelled if the wind speed rises above 10 km per hour. Read our guide on how to deal with Cappadocia balloon cancellations so that you have a plan B in place.

Here are some of the best balloon tours in Cappadocia.

Hot air balloon ride by Butterfly Balloons

On this amazing hot air balloon flight , you’ll enjoy a magical ride over the stunning landscape of Cappadocia at sunrise. Butterfly Balloons will pick you up from your hotel in an AC van and take you to Goreme where you’ll take off. But not before enjoying a light breakfast with the crew and other passengers. Then, you will go on the most beautiful ride of your life over fairy chimneys, rock-hewn churches, tinted towers, and troglodyte villages. There will be a glass of champagne at the end of the tour.

This hot air balloon ride by Butterfly Balloons is one of the highest-rated and most-booked balloon tours in the entire Cappadocia region . They have 966 reviews on Viator with 937 of them being 5-stars and the remaining 4-stars. Read all reviews here .

Incredible flight, would recommend to anyone. Butterfly Balloons were incredibly efficient, couldn’t fault them. Kirsty, Customer on Viator.

Anyone who has flown Butterfly Balloons knows you are in good hands. Their processes are efficient and well-managed. They have expert pilots who can take you both high above the clouds and low into the valleys. Butterfly Balloons is, indeed, one of the best agencies to fly with in Cappadocia.

Hot air balloon tour with light breakfast & champagne

If you don’t manage to get a ticket for this Butterfly Balloons tour , try this tour on Get Your Guide where they offer you both standard and deluxe packages.

On this tour , you’ll enjoy light snacks for breakfast early in the morning, take off with your group in a hot air balloon, and catch a bird’s eye view of Cappadocia’s martian terrain. At the end of the tour, you’ll receive a certificate and celebrate with a glass of champagne.

Cappadocia private balloon watching tour

If flying at 3000 ft makes you uneasy but you still want to get some great balloon-filled pictures over the valleys, try this private balloon watching tour in Cappadocia .

The tour operator will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the balloon launching point where you can see balloons getting ready and taking off. After the take off, you’ll drive through several valleys of Cappadocia and watch the balloons as they fly over you. Then, you’ll head to Peak Point at Love Valley and take some gorgeous pictures of yourself, the balloons, and Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys. Remember to pack your camera.

Best cultural day tours in Cappadocia

Cultural day tours are one of the best ways to check out Cappadocia’s famous tourist sites. These tours come in 3 different colors – red, green, and blue and take you to different parts of the Cappadocia region.

The Red Tour is one of the most popular tours in Cappadocia, followed by Green and then by Blue.

What are Red, Green, & Blue tours in Cappadocia?

• Red Tour includes Cappadocia’s top highlights such as Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Pasabag, and Devrent Valley. This is a really great tour if you are visiting Cappadocia for a short time and wish to see the maximum. The Red Tour shows you the best of northern Cappadocia.
• Green Tour , on the other hand, takes you to southwestern Cappadocia and shows you some of the lesser-known historic sites such as Selime Monastery and Ilhara Valley. This tour also includes an underground city – Derinkuyu or Kaymakli. So, if you wish to see one, this is the tour you should be taking.
• Blue Tour usually includes a hike along the Rose Valley, an underground city, the Pigeon Valley, and the Ortahisar Castle.

Pro tip: If you have a Cappadocia or Turkey Museum Pass, you can get discounts on your tour price. That is because if your tour includes a heritage site that is already covered by these passes, the tour operator will not have to buy tickets for you. In such a scenario, it is best to book your tour through the hotel or directly through a Cappadocia travel agency . Online portals such as GYG and Viator do not recognize these discounts.

So, here is a list of the highest rated colorful tours of Cappadocia.

Small Group Red Tour

This small-group, Red Tour is one of the most popular tours in Cappadocia . In this tour, you’ll visit the must-see attractions of northern Cappadocia in under 7-8 hours.

Start by exploring the Goreme Open Air Museum which has the largest density of rock-hewn churches in a small area. The frescoes inside some of these churches such as the Apple Church are stunning. Next, you’ll marvel at the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys of Pasabag followed by a quick walk among the fascinating shapes of Devrent Valley. You’ll, then, head to Avanos for an immersion into Cappadocian pottery. Note that the itinerary may change depending on the weather and crowds.

The tour includes hotel pick up, entrance to the sites, and the services of a professional guide. Priced at $60+ per person, this tour is real value for money and a great choice for first-timers. What’s better is that the tour is GYG-certified and includes transportation, all entrance fees, and lunch.

Small Group Green Tour

After a lot of thinking and researching, I went ahead and chose a Green Tour on my last visit to Cappadocia. That was because a Green Tour includes several attractions that are not easily accessible by public transport from Goreme.

Take the case of Ilhara Valley, Selime Monastery, or the underground cities. You would need a car or at least a change of buses to get to these destinations. The Green Tour, on the other hand, makes it super easy to visit these Cappadocia attractions. They will pick you up from your hotel around 9:30 am, show you around, and drop you back around 5:00 pm. Very convenient!

On this small-group, Cappadocia Green Tour , you’ll begin your day by enjoying the views from Goreme Panorama and then head to Kaymakli Underground City where you’ll see how ancient Christians survived under the ground for months on end. Next, you’ll see a rock-cut church in Ilhara Valley and then hike through the Ilhara Canyon, visit Selime Monastery, and end the day with some great shots at Pigeon Valley.

You’ll love the Green Tour because it helps you cover so much ground in under 8 hours. It shows a bit of both the history and the scenery of Cappadocia. Find out what other guests have to say about this Cappadocia Green Tour .

Full day Cappadocia Blue Tour

Unlike the Red and the Green tours, the Blue Tour in Cappadocia includes a hike through the Red and the Rose Valleys. After that, you’ll visit Cavusin, an old Greek village that is filled with rock-cut dwellings. Post lunch, the guide will take you to one of Cappadocia’s subterranean cities where you’ll learn how the ancient people of Cappadocia escaped religious persecution. You’ll end the tour at Uchisar and Ortahisar castles.

I would not say Blue Tour is the most popular thing to do in Cappadocia. Red and Green tours are more popular. But if you are looking to hike/walk around the valleys a bit, then a Blue Tour definitely makes more sense.

Cappadocia highlights tour with lunch

If you are confused between the red, the green, and the blue tours, then it is a good idea to sign up for this highly recommended, full-day highlights tour of Cappadocia .

This Cappadocia tour has a mix of the best attractions from all the 3 tours. You’ll visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin Village, Pasabag, Devrent Valley, Pigeon Valley, as well as an underground city – all in one day and under $60! That is great value for money and an efficient use of your time if you spending between 1 – 2 days in Cappadocia.

The best part is that they have two different kinds of this tour – a small group version and a private version. If you are a group of 3 or more people, it is actually cheaper to get the private tour.

The guide is amazing and knowledgeable which makes this full-day tour one of the highest rates tours in the Cappadocia market. Even though the tour includes a lot of different attractions, guests don’t usually feel rushed which is a good thing. If you look at the stats here , you’ll realize that this is one of the most populars Cappadocia tours in the market.

Highest rated outdoor excursions in Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s landscape is fascinating. It is filled with large valleys of unusual rock formations called as fairy chimneys. Formed by years of erosion of Cappadocia’s soft tufa cover, these fairy chimneys make the landscape entirely unusual and absolutely picturesque.

It is a great idea to venture out in the open in Cappadocia. Hiking, driving an ATV, or riding a horse are some of the best ways to explore Cappadocia’s outdoors.

Some of the popular adventure companies out there are Cappadocia Adventures and Tourmania . Cappadocia Adventures mostly organizes outdoor tours in the Cappadocia region whereas Tourmania is a leading tour company all over Turkey.

Sunset ATV tour

An interesting way to explore Cappadocia is on ATVs. Even though I have never ridden one, my friends tell me that riding an ATV through the strangely martian landscape of Cappadocia gives you an adrenaline rush like nothing else.

Here’s a sunset ATV tour by Cappadocia Adventures that’s always in demand. You’ll ride a quad bike through the Sword, White, Love, and Red Valleys of Cappadocia, learn all about ancient Greek architecture in a village in Cavusin, and end your day by watching a beautiful sunset over Rose Valley. The tour includes hotel pick up and helmets for the ride.

Guests love everything about this quad bike tour – the tour guides, the valleys covered, and last but not the least the memorable sunset. The Cappadocia Adventures guys are always there to assist you in case you need something. No doubt, this is one of the most popular outdoors tours in Cappadocia.

Horseback riding tour through Cappadocia’s valleys

How about a horse ride through the scenic valleys of Cappadocia? A tour that could actually make you feel like an ancient Greek or a medieval Turk surveying the valleys on horseback. Doesn’t that give you goosebumps already?

Cappadocia has long been the place where beautiful horses roamed. The name “Cappadocia” literally translates to an ancient region in Anatolia that was known for its horses. Even today, you can get a unique perspective of the place while sitting on a horse.

Here’s an amazing horseback riding tour that starts in sleepy Cavusin, goes all the way to the Red and Rose Valley, and then to a sunset point for gorgeous views.

It is one of Cappadocia’s highest-rated excursions with 56 5-stars out of 62. Therefore, it has a Badge of Excellence from Viator. Guests love the experience especially because the ranch people and the guides are great and the horses look happy and healthy. Check out all guest reviews here .

Salt lake tour with underground city and caravanserai

It is just amazing how diverse the landscape of Cappadocia is. On one hand, you will see a surreal terrain filled with rocky towers and troglodyte villages and on the other hand, there is a massive salt lake that changes color at sunrise and sunset.

I am talking about Lake Tuz which is one of the largest salt lakes in the world. Located just 2 hours away from Goreme, it makes for a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of hot air balloons and rock-cut churches.

Here’s a tour that runs daily from Goreme and takes you to Saratli Underground City, an old caravanserai called Tepesidelikhan (it is now a coffee shop and Turkish souvenirs center), and ends at Lake Tuz.

Be sure to carry your slippers or crocs because it can be difficult to walk barefoot on the salt layer. The lake is not very deep in the fringes at least. Therefore, you can walk up to a great distance and experience the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere, exactly like I felt in the picture above.

Note that the lake is not as pink as some pictures on the internet will show you. The borders which are filled with salt turn pink at sunrise/sunset. That is a good time to photograph the lake.

Immersive local experiences in Cappadocia

Whirling dervishes ceremony in a historic caravanserai.

I am sure everyone has told you that a whirling dervish ceremony is a must have on every Istanbul bucket list. But you know what? You can now experience the ceremony in Cappadocia too. In a historic caravanserai on the ancient Silk Road. How cool is that?

The whirling dervish or the Mevlevi Sema ceremony is a mystical dance of Sufi ascetics that took birth in Konya sometime in the 13th century. The ceremony was inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. It is an absolute spectacle to watch today.

This highly-rated tour will take you to the historic Saruhan Caravanserai where you’ll watch a real dervish ceremony. It is an amazing experience especially if you wish to know more about this mystical dance form and its connection with Turkey. The tour includes transfer to and from your hotel.

Cappadocia cooking class

Interested in a cooking class in Cappadocia? Try this highly-recommended cooking class in Goreme where you’ll learn how to bake traditional boreks and baklavas and make your own stuffed eggplant.

You’ll begin the tour by shopping at a local market, cook your own food, enjoy a 3-course meal, and wrap it up with traditional Turkish coffee. The best part is you can do either a lunch class or a dinner class, depending on your availability.

One of the best things about this experience was cooking foods we hadn’t seen on menus, but were common for what a local family would have for dinner. Danica, More reviews here.

Turkish cuisine and culture night

The best thing to do in Cappadocia at night is to sign up for this enjoyable evening of Turkish culture and cuisine . You’ll watch Turkish folk performances, a belly dancing show, sip on unlimited wine/beer, and enjoy traditional Turkish food. This is, truly, the a fun way to catch a glimpse of the vibrant Turkish culture.

Guests love everything about Turkish night including the dances and the guide who’s very attentive and courteous. Check some of their reviews here .

Cappadocia travel tips

• If you have a Cappadocia/Turkey Museum Pass, be sure to ask your Red/Green/Blue tour operator for a discount. That is because these museum passes covers entrance to several heritage sites in Cappadocia.
• Cappadocia balloon rides may get cancelled in bad weather. Your balloon company should give you a complete refund in case of a cancellation. But it may get difficult to get balloon tickets for subsequent days. Find out how to deal with balloon flight cancellations here .
• You’ll be required to walk/hike on many Cappadocia tours. Be sure to get a good pair of walking/hiking shoes.
• It is not necessary to hire a tour guide in Cappadocia because you can travel to all the attractions by car or minibus and see them on your own. But having a local guide is beneficial owing to the fact that Cappadocia has a long and diverse history plus a rich variety in landscape. Doing a tour with a knowledgeable guide is definitely a more enriching experience especially in Cappadocia.

Love this curated list of Cappadocia tours? Pin it for later!

You may also like:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride In Cappadocia: What You Need To Know?
• Green Tour Cappadocia - Itinerary + Price + All You…
• 27 Amazing Things To Do In Cappadocia Turkey In 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel.

• Things to Do
• Ideal 3 Days Itinerary
• Top 10 Attractions
• Places to See
• Eating Out Guide
• Local Dishes & Flavors
• Best Restaurants
• What to Buy?
• for Families & Kids
• for Couples
• for Foodies
• for Adventure Seekers
• Unique Experiences
• Outdoors & Sports
• Daily Tours
• Sunrise and Sunset
• Best Sightseeing Tours
• Private Cappadocia Tours
• Cappadocia tours from Istanbul
• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Cycling Routes + Tours
• Scenic Hiking
• ATV & Quad Safari
• Off-Road Jeep Safari
• Horse Safari
• Photo Shooting for a Day
• Ceramics & Pottery Tour
• Wine tasting for a Day
• Gourmet Tour & Cooking Class
• Whirling Dervishes
• Turkish Night

Goreme Open Air Museum

• Zelve Valley Open Air Museum

Pasabag Monks Valley

Uchisar castle.

• Pigeon Valley
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Ihlara Valley
• Top 15 Best Places To Visit
• Fairy Chimneys
• Panoramic Viewpoints
• Churches & Monasteries
• Cavusin Village
• Underground Cities
• Mustafapasa
• Where to Stay Guide
• Accommodation & Hotel Guide
• Best Cave Hotels
• Best Honeymoon Hotels
• Top-Rated Goreme hotels
• Top-Rated Urgup Hotels
• Top-Rated Uchisar Hotels
• Top-Rated Avanos Hotels
• About Cappadocia
• Towns & Villages
• Reasons to Visit
• First Timers
• Cost to Visit
• New Year’s Eve
• Getting from Abroad
• Kayseri Airpot (ASR)
• Nevsehir Airport (NAV)
• What to Bring, Wear?
• Nevsehir Hospitals

Cappadocia Red Tour: Best Tours, Prices + Insider Advice

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive commission at no extra cost to you. Read disclaimer  for more information.

Cappadocia Red Tour is a popular sightseeing tour covering the popular attractions and sights of the northern part of Cappadocia, such as valleys, fairy chimneys, viewpoints, villages, castles, Avanos pottery workshops and Goreme Open Air Museum. Majority of the tours are made via professional tour guide and driver.

Table of Contents

• Cappadocia Red Tour is a great way to see some of the most popular attractions on the northern Cappadocia .
• It is a full-day tour , usually starting at 9 am and ending at 5 pm.
• Top sights mostly include ; Uchisar Castle, Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos town and pottery workshops, Pasabag Monks Valley, Devrent Imagination Valley.
• Perfect for those with limited time or those who want to get an overview of Cappadocia before exploring further.
• A good option for families with kids , as the tour is relatively short and includes some fun and interesting sites.
• You should be prepared for some walking and climbing on this tour.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included on most tours.

Top Red Tour Tickets

If you are looking for the best Cappadocia Red tours, trust our recommendations, save time and money, we have you covered . Below are some of best experiences you can find! Feel free to  book online in advance, and make an eco-friendly option of online tickets .

• North Cappadocia Ancient Red Route Small-Group Tour with Lunch
• Goreme to North Cappadocia Tour. Guide, Lunch and Transfers incl.
• Best of Cappadocia Small Group Guided Tour
• Cappadocia Red Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer)
• Cappadocia: Red Tour (included, lunch, guide, entrance fees)
• Full-Day Cappadocia Red Plus Tour
• Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Cappadocia Tour

What to Expect?

Cappadocia Red Tour is a popular sightseeing tour and one of the best way to explore the top attractions of Cappadocia. Typical tours mostly start early in the morning upon you’re being picked-up from your hotel around 09:30 am in the company of a professional tour guide, and goes for about 7-8 hours. At the end of the tour, you’re being dropped-off to your hotel.

The Cappadocia Red Tour is a great option for those who want to see the top sights of Cappadocia in a convenient and informative way, and in a single day.

Attractions & Sights to Explore

The schedule of the sights and attractions of Cappadocia Red Tour may change but you’ll finish your day out by exploring the top Cappadocia sights including;

• Avanos town and pottery workshops

Devrent Imagination Valley

Typical cappadocia red tour itinerary.

Typical Cappadocia Red Tour takes visitors on a journey through some of the region’s most famous attractions, including the Uchisar Castle , Avanos and Pottery , Goreme Open Air Museum , the Pasabag Monks Valley and Fairy Chimneys , and the Devrent Imagination Valley .

The tour typically lasts around 4 hours and is a great way to see the main sights of Cappadocia in a short amount of time.

No Regrets Booking Advice

The first stop on the tour is the Uchisar Castle is the highest point of the region and also the biggest and the most beautiful fairy chimney of the region where you may enjoy a unique panoramic views over Cappadocia. The Castle is one of the most prominent landmarks in the Cappadocia region of Turkey.

People who go to Uchisar Castle can look around and learn about its interesting past. The castle is built on several floors and has many rooms and chambers that people can explore. From the top of the castle, you can see the nearby area, which is made up of villages, natural rock formations, and valleys.

People who come to the Cappadocia area should definitely see Uchisar Castle. People come from all over the world to visit because it has a lot of history, beautiful buildings, and stunning views.

The next stop on the tour is the Goreme Open Air Museum , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fascinating museum consists of a complex of cave churches and monasteries, many of which date back to the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries.

Visitors can explore the incredible frescoes and architectural details of these ancient structures while learning about the history and significance of the area.

You’ll experience and enjoy some  well preserved, rock-cut churches with frescoes  and  paintings  dating from as early as the 10th century and the best examples of  Byzantine art  in Cappadocia. The region forms a valley including churches, chapels, dining halls and sitting rooms at the rock-cut blocks.

Avanos & Potter Workshops

Avanos   is situated by the Red River and attracts big number of visitors with its European town look. In Avanos, you’ll see variety of great traditional pottery workshops and demonstrations  and you may glimpse into the world of pottery while you stroll along the streets of Avanos.

When you get into one of this pottery hops, you’ll have the opportunity to make your own clay pot if you wish, with the local craftsmen to help you polish up your skills.

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Pasabag Monks Valley and Fairy Chimneys, which are unique rock formations that resemble giant mushrooms or even people. This site is also known as Monk’s Valley due to the many hermit cells carved into the rocks. Visitors can climb up to the top of the fairy chimneys for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Pasabag is also known for its natural beauty and stunning panoramic views. Visitors can explore the valley on foot, climbing up and around the unique rock formations, taking in the views of the surrounding landscape and the picturesque vineyards that line the valley floor.

The final stop on the Red Tour is the Devrent Valley, which is known for its unusual rock formations that look like animals or other familiar shapes.

This valley is often called “Imagination Valley” because visitors can use their creativity to come up with all kinds of interpretations of the formations.

Summary of All

Overall, the Cappadocia Red Tour is a great way to see some of the area’s most famous sights. It’s perfect for people who don’t have much time or who want to get a feel for Cappadocia before going on further adventures.

The tour is also short and includes some fun and interesting places, so it’s a good choice for families with kids. People who go on this tour should be ready to walk and climb, though, because the ground can be rough and rocky.

What is included in the Cappadocia Red Tour?

Cappadocia's most famous landscapes and historical places are all right in the middle of the Cappadocia Red Tour. This exciting trip takes you to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which has cave churches that are hundreds of years old and are decorated with frescoes; the magnificent Uchisar Castle, which has great views; the interesting Pasabag (Monks Valley), which is famous for its fairy chimneys; and the lively Devrent (Imagination Valley), where rocks have been shaped by nature into strange shapes. Get ready for an amazing day full of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Who should consider taking the Cappadocia Red Tour?

The Red Tour is great for people who are interested in history, nature, photography, or just want to see some of Cappadocia's most famous and beautiful sights. This tour will give you unique experiences and stunning views, whether you're traveling alone and want to enjoy the peaceful beauty of ancient landscapes, with a partner looking for a romantic backdrop, or with your family eager to discover the wonders of this historic region.

Where does the Cappadocia Red Tour start and end?

Usually, our Cappadocia Red Tour starts in Goreme, which is in the beautiful center of Cappadocia and easy for all tourists to get to. The exciting adventure ends in the same beautiful town, making the whole thing easy and handy.

Why choose the Cappadocia Red Tour over other tour options?

The Red Tour stands out because it focuses on Cappadocia's most famous and historic places. It gives you a full picture of the area's rich history and beautiful natural sights. It's the best option for people who want to get to know Cappadocia in just one day by visiting its most important sites and enjoying its timeless beauty. The Red Tour is great for people who are short on time but still want to see the best of Cappadocia.

What should I wear and bring to the Cappadocia Red Tour?

It's important to be comfortable on the Red Tour! Because you'll be going on different surfaces, make sure your shoes are comfortable. Wear clothes so you can adapt to the changing weather in Cappadocia. Don't forget your sunblock and a hat. As you enjoy the beautiful scenery, remember to bring a camera, a water bottle, and a small bag to carry your personal belongings.

Where are the must-see stops on the Cappadocia Red Tour?

The amazing Goreme Open Air Museum, the huge Uchisar Castle, the amazing fairy chimneys in Pasabag, and the interesting rock shapes in Devrent Valley are all must-sees. Each place gives you a different look into Cappadocia's past and present, so your trip will be full of surprises and wonder.

Will there be a professional guide on the Cappadocia Red Tour?

Sure thing! During the Red Tour, you will be with professional, friendly, and knowledgeable guides who speak more than one language. They love Cappadocia's history and natural scenery and can't wait to share stories and insights that will make your trip more enjoyable and help you learn more about this magical area.

How long does the Cappadocia Red Tour typically last?

Cappadocia Red Tour is meant to be a full-day trip that lasts about 7 to 8 hours on average. The tour companies planned the schedule so that you have plenty of time at each place to look around, take pictures, and enjoy the history and beauty without feeling rushed.

Why Take This Guided Red Tour

First, it provides a convenient way to see some of the region’s top attractions in a single day, even if you are short on time. The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a guide, so you don’t have to worry about any logistical details or planning your own itinerary.

Second, the tour provides a chance to learn about the history and culture of the area from a knowledgeable guide. The Goreme Open Air Museum, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features unique cave churches and monasteries with stunning frescoes. Having a guide to explain the significance and stories behind each site can greatly enhance the experience.

Finally, the tour offers the opportunity to meet other travelers and share the experience of exploring Cappadocia. This can be especially appealing for solo travelers or those looking to meet new people.

How to Book Cappadocia Red Tour?

You can determine your day tour schedule by specifying the popular places you prefer. If you don’t know much about Cappadocia, you can check the popular places and activities below to get to know these places and choose the places you want to see.

Typical red tour includes; northern part of Cappadocia, such as valleys, fairy chimneys, viewpoints, villages, castles, Avanos pottery workshops and Goreme Open Air Museum .

Top Rated Cappadocia Red Tour Options

We believe that booking your Cappadocia day tour with one of the below companies and online not only guarantees a world-class experience but also provides the convenience of flexible booking, free hotel transfers, and the assurance of thousands of satisfied travelers who have shared their positive experiences through online reviews. It’s the smart choice for a hassle-free and memorable adventure in Cappadocia.

Here we only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments. You can feel free to book one of the below top selling Cappadocia Red Tour.

1. North Cappadocia Ancient Red Route Small-Group Tour with Lunch

This is one of the best sightseeing tours and has a badge of excellence. This tour follows the ‘Red Route’, taking in the most-photographed sights of North Cappadocia. You’ll explore the fairy chimneys of Love Valley and Monk Valley, visit Uchisar Castle and Imagination Valley, and explore the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum. Finally, visit the pottery-making town of Avanos and maybe even have a go on the potter’s wheel yourself.

• Visit at least six of Cappadocia’s most popular sites in one day
• Tuck into a traditional Turkish lunch included with your tour
• Hassle-free pickup and drop-off at your Cappadocia hotel
• Intimate small-group experience with a maximum of 10 people

You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Read more and book this Red Tour online

2. Goreme to North Cappadocia Tour. Guide, Lunch and Transfers incl.

This is a superb Red Tour that you’ll cover more distance in less time on this comprehensive 8-hour tour of north Cappadocia from Goreme. Over the course of only one day, you’ll visit seven Cappadocia highlights, including Zelve Open-Air Museum’s historical caves, and learn about the region’s rich culture.

You’ll explore the lunar landscapes of Devrent Valley, absorb panoramic vistas from Uchisar Castle, Cappadocia’s highest point, and explore the 5th-century settlement of Çavusin. Lunch and round-trip transport from your Goreme hotel is included on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people.

• 8-hour tour of north Cappadocia highlights from Goreme
• Ideal for travelers with limited time in Turkey
• Visit Uchsair Caslte and the histroic settlements of Çavusin and Avanos
• Lunch and round-trip transport from Goreme hotels are included
• Small-group tour limited to 15 people

3. Best of Cappadocia Small Group Guided Tour

This has a badge of excellence and you’ll see the Devrent Valley, Pasabag, the Zelve Open-Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, and the town of Avanos. Observe a live pottery demonstration and take a break midday for a local buffet lunch.

• Learn about Cappadocia from your guide
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off
• Savor a local Turkish lunch
• Enjoy a live pottery demonstration

4. Cappadocia Red Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer)

This has a badge of excellence and over 285 very good reviews on Viator. You’ll experience Cappadocia’s surrealist landscapes with a guide and with door-to-door tour. You’ll see the rock-cut churches of the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the stunning rock formations of Uchisar Castle, Monks Valley and Devrent Valley, and the village of Çavuşin, with a buffet lunch and pottery workshop visit in Avanos.

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Entrance tickets of Museums
• Profesioanal speaking English tour guide

5. Cappadocia: Red Tour (included, lunch, guide, entrance fees)

You can discover fairy chimneys, ancient caves, and historical churches on this guided sightseeing tour that includes hotel transfers in Cappadocia. Get a tasty lunch and enjoy a pottery workshop.

• Starts at : 09.30 – Ends at :16.30
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• English-speaking guide
• Museum entrance tickets

6. Full-Day Cappadocia Red Plus Tour

You can explore and enjoy the best sights of Cappadocia on this full-day tour with a professional guide. You can witness incredible monuments from the Goreme Open Air Museum to Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Devrent Valley, and Pasabag Monks Valley.

• Transportation by air-conditioned van or bus
• Private tour (if option selected)

7. Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Cappadocia Tour

This is one of the best Cappadocia full day private sightseeing tours. You’ll see the best sights Cappadocia has to offer on this full-day tour with a knowledgeable guide. Marvel at incredible monuments from the Goreme Open Air Museum to Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Devrent Valley, and Pasabag Monks Valley.

• Explore Goreme Open Air Museum’s cave churches with frescoes
• Explore the underground city of Kaymakli
• Visit the most important sites in the area in one day

All Above Recommended Alternative Tours

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts

by Getyourguide

Book Your Balloon Ride

Below you can find our recommendations. Each company directly operates the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia with their team of experts. So you will book your flight directly from the company. No men in the middle.

• ATTRACTIONS
• GUIDED TOUR
• POINTS OF INTEREST
• SIGHTSEEING

Hello from Cappadocia4U team!

With over 20 years of experience exploring Turkey, we are here to help you plan your trip to Cappadocia Turkey.

You'll find inspiration, useful tips and resources to help you make the most of your travels whether you are a first-time visitor to Cappadocia.

Take a Look At

14 must-knows when visiting cappadocia for the first time, top 10 things to do in cappadocia + detailed attractions guide, where to stay in cappadocia: cappadocia by regions + local tips, best daily tours & excursions in cappadocia for 2024, best cappadocia tours from istanbul (2024 prices with advice), trending now, hot air balloon ride in cappadocia | cost ▷ top 10+ flights 2024, goreme open air museum (2024 guide with tickets advice), where to watch the best sunrise and sunset in cappadocia, fairy chimneys in cappadocia (where best locations advice), general information about cappadocia – getting to know cappadocia, best panoramic viewpoints in cappadocia (observation terraces), must see underground cities in cappadocia + tips & tickets, shopping in cappadocia (what to buy top areas insider advice), goreme cappadocia: 2024 holidays, top things to do & see, cappadocia green tour: top 10 best tours, prices + insider advice, related reading, scenic hiking in cappadocia: 12 best hiking trails + tours, must see churches, monasteries and chapels in cappadocia, swords valley cappadocia (where things to do & see + advice), top best museums in cappadocia to visit + local tips, local recommendations from cappadocia4u team.

If youʻre visiting Cappadocia for the first time, we have you covered. Below are some of the top recommendations, tours and experiences!

Some useful info

• Cappadocia is the name of the region situated in the middle of Turkey . It is mostly known by the three popular towns of Goreme, Urgup  and  Uchisar  but actually  it is the name of the very big region  spread through the  cities of Nevsehir, Kirsehir, Nigde, Aksaray and Kayseri .
• If you are first-time visitor , want to get familiar, please read our Cappadocia for first timers guide.
• If you are not sure how to travel , please read our Traveling to Cappadocia guide.
• If you don't know where to stay , please read our Where to Stay in Cappadocia guide for regions, and Accommodation guide for hotels.
• If it is hard to plan your days , please read our Ideal 3-Days Cappadocia itinerary .

Top Attractions & Sights

There are 6 must do and see in Cappadocia that you won't want to miss!

• Hot Air Balloon Rides (the most exciting attractions in the world)
• Goreme Open Air Museum (some best-preserved examples of Byzantine rock-cut architecture and frescoes in the world)
• Pasabag Monks Valley (one of the most popular  fairy chimneys  areas)
• Uchisar Castle ( highest point, the biggest fairy chimney )
• Derinkuyu Underground City (one of the largest underground cities in the world, 8 th  century BC)
• Ihlara Valley (fantastic  canyon with a depth of about 100 mt. and 14 km. length)

Tip-1: One of the best ways to explore Cappadocia is by taking a sightseeing tour, so that you can cover all the top sights. Three main sightseeing tours available:  Red Tour  (covers the highlights of the region), Green Tour (best of natural  and  historical sites ), and Blue Tour  (lesser-known sights, off-the-beaten-path experience )

Tip-2: Private Tours are also good choice within a well-planned and custom itinerary along with a private vehicle, driver and professional guide. Great for those who don't have a car or don't know the region well.

For leisure activities we'd recommend 2 must-take attractions ! Don't miss! Wine Tasting and Photo Shooting

© 2019-2024 An ultimate Travel Guide & Holidays to Cappadocia, Turkey

Capadocia en todo el mundo

• Privacy & Cookie Policy

• Private Tours
• Multi Day Tours
• Attractions

SUNSET ATV TOUR

• What’s Included

Our experienced guides will lead you through the stunning valleys, fairy-tale-like rock formations, and otherworldly landscapes that make Cappadocia a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the sun sets over the horizon, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing display of colors, casting a golden glow on the unique rock formations that make Cappadocia famous. Ride through ancient trails, winding paths, and rugged terrain as you explore this one-of-a-kind destination. Feel the thrill of adventure as you navigate through the surreal landscapes, passing by cave dwellings, ancient churches, and panoramic viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of the Cappadocian valleys. Capture Instagram-worthy photos as the sky transforms into a canvas of fiery reds, warm oranges, and dreamy purples, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your ATV adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into the history, culture, and geology of Cappadocia, enriching your experience with their local expertise. Safety is our top priority, and our well-maintained ATVs are equipped with the latest safety features, ensuring a secure and enjoyable ride. Our guides will provide comprehensive safety instructions and assist you throughout the tour, making it suitable for all skill levels. Indulge in an unforgettable sunset adventure in Cappadocia with our Sunset ATV Tour, creating lasting memories and experiencing the natural wonders of this extraordinary destination in a whole new way. Join us for an adrenaline-pumping, awe-inspiring adventure that will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime!

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Know before you go, luke ling-song yang.

The tour was amazing, we took a lot of photo with an amazing viewpoint and guide was perfect

Jordan Lo Russo

Super cool, really professional and felt very confident even though I hadn’t been on a quad in years. Highly recommend. It’s a must do if f you are in Goreme👍

Erica Bertucio

Everything is super cool. This is the best sunset activity.

Enlly Paulino

I rate this tour 10/10! We had participated in the ATV sunset tour with Ertan and had a wonderful experience. We were picked up and dropped off to our hotel. All the staff were accommodating and welcoming. The age group ranged from 23-63 and Ertan accommodated to each of us. He took pictures and videos. I highly recommend it!

Ferreneza Amevie Davies

Sunset ATV Tour is a best experince to see valleys. The view was amazing and they gave us a mask to keep us from dust.

Dominic Brown

We have done ATV in other countries but this one was the best! Amazing scenery and the guides were fantastic.

Mark Linkins

The tour agency provided a fantastic experience from start to finish. They picked me up from my hotel right on time, and the tour route was simply breathtaking. Seeing all the stunning landmarks, especially riding around the fairy chimneys, was priceless. I must highlight Eren, our tour guide, who was incredibly friendly, skilled, and hospitable. Truly a 10 out of 10 experience. Highly recommended!

Ming Yui Au-Yeung

好人，夠時間睇晒所有地點我推薦日落旅行團

Pedro Nunes

Tivemos um grande momento e fomos levados a algumas áreas muito agradáveis ​​que não teríamos visto de outra forma. Os guias foram ótimos e muito divertidos!

Tiffany Pau

This was absolutely amazing and a lot of fun! Staff took good care of us. Would definitely recommend this tour to all. The best in Cappadocia!

We had so much fun and were taken to some really cool areas that we wouldn't have seen otherwise. The guides were great and a lot of fun!

sin man kung

真係好難以置信，超出咗所有預期！我哋嘅導遊 Eren 非常親切，友善同善良，佢細心噉引導我哋，佢好有幫助噉影相，畀啲地方嘅資料，總之我只可以強烈推薦佢！

HELOIZA NICHOLS

It was incredible, it exceeded all expectations! Our guide was extremely cordial, friendly and kind, he guided us carefully, he was helpful in taking photos, giving information about the places, in short, I can only strongly recommend it!

This was an absolute blast! Upon arrival we were provided buffs to protect us from the dust/sand which I didn’t see with other ATV groups. My ATV died a couple times while driving and the guides were incredibly attentive and immediately there to help and got me a new ATV in the middle of the tour. I felt safe and looked after. We had a massive group yet the guides still made it work and my family and I were so glad we did it. We very much recommend!

Naseer Ul Haq Mohammed

Both me and my girlfriend really liked it, I recommend it to everyone!

Arnold Capalad

The Overall experience for me and my girlfriend was the best activity we did in Cappadocia. Highly Recommended. Also the staffs are so nice and helpful to take our picture and they made it safe for all of the people riding the ATV with us.

Bellissima esperienza. Personale attento e premuroso. Abbiamo avuto qualche difficoltà nel guidare il quad ed hanno trovato una soluzione per noi senza farci pesare minimamente la cosa. Posto stupendo, peccato solo che eravamo lì in giorni in cui il meteo ha fatto i capricci.

Sedat Ozelci

Sunset ATV was such great experience, first time on a quad the guys took care of us so well especially Eren, they supply helmets goggles and mask which you can keep. Great way of seeing the valley’s. Highly recommended

Niamh Brady

Would highly recommend. Great service start to finish. Felt safe the whole time whilst seeing the best sights. Great value too!

Un hermoso recorrido con vistas muy lindas y un atardecer increíble, los caballos están muy bien cuidados

I recommend 100%. People were super kind and beautiful sunset in the end was bonus!! A must do

Cappadocia is amazing and this tour made it special. Thank you for the guides who were very caring and helpful

Shlok Asrani

Best memories in Cappadocia. Lots of fun but dusty. They provide mask and goggles though

Fantástico recorrido en cuatrimoto por Capadocia. Toda mi familia disfrutó el recorrido y el costo fue económico. Se lo recomendaría a otros.

Que experiência incrível! O passeio de quadriciclo 🏍️ ao pôr do sol em Cappadocia foi simplesmente inesquecível. A adrenalina de percorrer os caminhos sinuosos enquanto o sol se punha no horizonte criou um cenário de tirar o fôlego. Recomendo vivamente este tour para quem procura uma aventura emocionante e paisagens deslumbrantes! 😊

We saw amazing places and staff were so kind and helpful

This was an amazing tour and service was top notch

wonderful places and kind people. highly recommended

MARIA ISABEL RIVAS

Personal guapo y vistas increíbles. Fueron muy serviciales y muy buen precio.

Simay Arikan

sjoveste aktivitet i Kappadokien. vi reserverede på forhånd og betale mere end billigere end den faktiske pris

Wen Ting Leong

Best price. The helpful staff ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, while the breathtaking sunset views make it a must-do for any adventure seeker.

We booked the ATV Sunset Tour. Very professional, took care of every detail (including supplying face coverings and air cleaning off our clothes at the end), kind guides, super fun to see Cappadocia from the ATV (especially if you are lazy like me, and don’t love to hike ☺️), reasonably priced - highly recommend!

Mohamed Neji Soltani

Cappadocia Adventures offers an exhilarating ATV (quad) tour that provides a fantastic opportunity to explore numerous important sites. The adventure allows you to experience the unique landscapes of Cappadocia while enjoying the thrill of off-road riding. The tour is well-organized, providing a memorable and adventurous way to discover the beauty of the region.

Elena Martinez

100% recommend!!! we loved the tour and the guide was amazing

Amazing experience...

Dust, rocks, and an epic sunset – the perfect ATV adventure

Sushant Shivnani

De ATV-tour in Cappadocië was geweldig! De gids leidde ons door adembenemende landschappen en langs spannende paden. Het rijden op de ATV's was echt opwindend en gaf een gevoel van avontuur

Carlos Camargo

Used this company for both the atv and dinner show both very were excellent. I recommend to download wattsapp to communicate.

Zuljejha Serifi

Es war ein tolles Abenteuer für uns. Die Tour wurde unseren Bedürfnissen angepasst und unser Guid war ein richtiger Profi, bei dem Sicherheit an erster Stelle stand. Er war äusserst freundlich, hat uns an wunderschöne Orte gebracht und uns Geschichten darüber erzählt. Zum Schluss gab es einen Tee und eine interessante Unterhaltung. Es war uns eine grosse Freude.

Muhammad Kamal Subhani

One of the best experiences I've ever had. Driving through different valleys, amazing view points and great guide Eren. 100% recommended.

Busy busy busy but lots of fun! Very safety conscious and helpful guides.

Daren Hewson

Fantastic team and operation, really enjoyed it and love my free neck scarf ! A level above other providers that I saw! First class transport on time, clear and great instructors

Anshul Nama

This tour and service was very good. They gave us face masks and goggles to protect from sand and dust. Most of the other tours don’t give you this. Also they took videos and photos while riding and sent them to us for free by AirDrop. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience.

Great people, professional skills, excellent host, amazing experience, recommend anyone come to enjoy this this ATV ride. 非常棒的体验！

Elaya erdogan

The peoples worked for Cappadocia Adventures were very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, we was unlucky with the weather so if was a little pitty but anyhow the route was breathtaking. Suggestions to improve: a short introduction

Timor Nazari

Die Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour war einfach fantastisch! Die atemberaubende Landschaft, die aufregende Fahrt und der unvergessliche Sonnenuntergang machten diese Tour zu einem perfekten 5-Sterne-Erlebnis.

Mark Padolina

The Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour was an exhilarating experience with breathtaking views

Tour was an extraordinary experience that provided us with an exclusive and thrilling adventure amidst the stunning landscape, making it a truly unforgettable and magical journey.

Yinghao Guan

卡帕多西亚日落ATV之旅是一次刺激而难忘的体验。在壮丽的风景中穿越，欣赏日落，真是一次令人兴奋的冒险

My family of nine booked an ATV sunset trip through this company, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. We were warmly greeted by their staff, who also provided us with drinking water. They ensured our comfort by offering face masks, helmets, and protective eyewear to shield us from the dust, which was expected due to the dry conditions in Turkey. Our guide was exceptionally kind and informative throughout the trip. One of the guides went the extra mile to capture videos and pictures of my family during our adventure, putting in a great deal of effort, and we truly appreciate his dedication. Upon completing the trip, they even assisted us in cleaning our clothes and removing the dust from our bodies using their air pressure machine. In summary, it was a fantastic 5-star experience with this company

This was definitely a highlight of our time in Cappadocia! The guides had amazing local knowledge and took us to some of Cappadocia’s hidden gems. We made a few stops and got some cool pictures with their help. If you have no experience in quad bike we recommend having an instructor with you. They can show you crazy tricks and go on steep slopes. They were super fun and chatty and we enjoyed every moment of it. Must join if you want to see the best of Cappadocia!

We enjoyed the activity a lot! Transportation was smooth, the ATV guide was very helpful. All in all, it was a fun activity in Göreme!

Bharath Sivaraman

Fantastic customer service and experience was once in a lifetime. I would recommend this to anyone.

Niccolò Ferrari

It was a very nice tour. The atv quod was perfect with all the equipment given by the organisers. The tour is well programmed. I really recommend it

Jean-Pierre Kim

Great tour and fun, host showed us interesting routes and looked after us well

Proceed to Checkout

Enter your reservation details:, per person 45 €.

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link at no extra cost to you. TheTurkeyTraveler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our full affiliate disclosure .

© 2024 The Turkey Traveler