3 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul

This 3 Days Cappadocia tour from Istanbul is designed to showcase the best of Cappadocia, though we acknowledge that this remarkable region deserves more time to be fully explored. With excellent organization, guaranteed quality service, and high customer satisfaction, our Cappadocia tour from Istanbul is highly recommended for anyone visiting Turkey. Let’s begin with our first day, flying from Istanbul to Cappadocia…

1st Day: North Cappadocia

Your journey begins with a private van picking you up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferring you to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir. Upon arrival at Cappadocia Airport, our representative will meet you with a sign bearing your name. From there, you’ll be taken to your cave hotel, where you’ll check in and settle in for your stay.

Before starting your tour of North Cappadocia, you’ll meet with your knowledgeable guide, who will provide fascinating insights into the history and culture of this unique region.

Sights to Visit on Your First Day in Cappadocia:

Göreme Open Air Museum:
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, this open-air museum is home to some of the best-preserved cave churches, frescoes, tombs, and monastic complexes in Cappadocia. The site is significant both for its rock formations and its history of pilgrimage and monasticism.

Paşabağ (Monk’s Valley):
Famous for its surreal fairy chimneys resembling mushrooms, Paşabağ offers a mystical atmosphere. Here, you’ll find ancient monastic retreats and carved churches to explore amidst the striking landscape.

Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley):
Known for its unique rock formations that resemble animal shapes, Devrent Valley is a peaceful spot to enjoy Cappadocia’s natural beauty and let your imagination run wild. It’s a perfect place to escape the crowds.

Uçhisar Castle:
This 60-meter-high castle is a natural rock formation with numerous passageways and rooms carved into the rock. Once home to about 1,000 people, the castle is now open to visitors who can climb to the summit for panoramic views of Cappadocia.

Avanos:
This town is renowned for its long history of pottery making, with some ateliers still in operation today. In addition to its artistic heritage, Avanos is home to several beautiful churches, offering a glimpse into Cappadocia’s religious and cultural past.

Valley of the Monks (Zelve Valley):
This captivating valley features cave dwellings and stunning rock formations. It’s a peaceful place to appreciate the unique geological features and history of the region.

After a full day of exploring, your guide and driver will return you to your cave hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the evening.

2nd Day: South of Cappadocia

On your second day in Cappadocia, you’ll start early with an optional hot air balloon tour, weather permitting. If you choose to take the balloon ride, you’ll experience breathtaking aerial views of the surreal landscape at sunrise. After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for a delicious breakfast.

At 10:00 AM, your driver will pick you up from your hotel, and you’ll meet your guide for the South Cappadocia tour.

Sights to Visit on Day 2:

Pigeon Valley:
Stretching for about 4 kilometers between Uçhisar and Göreme, Pigeon Valley is a stunning natural site. The valley is famous for its pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rock, which are still home to many species of birds today. This picturesque walk offers a beautiful combination of history and nature.

Taşkınpaşa Madrasah:
Built in the 13th century by the Muslim community of Cappadocia, this architectural complex includes a mosque, madrasa (Islamic school), and tombs. It’s a great place to explore the region’s Islamic history and appreciate the local architecture.

Mustafapaşa:
Once known as Sinasos, Mustafapaşa is a charming village with beautiful examples of Greek architecture. This town was home to a large Greek population until the 1924 population exchange between Turkey and Greece. You can explore Greek churches and experience the town’s peaceful, historical atmosphere.

Kaymaklı Underground City:
One of the most fascinating sites in Cappadocia, Kaymaklı is an 8-story underground city carved into the rock. The city features interconnected rooms, narrow corridors, wine storage, food cellars, ventilation shafts, water wells, and even a church. Four levels are open to visitors, and you’ll be amazed by the ingenuity and scale of this ancient underground complex.

Red Valley:
Renowned for its surreal rock formations and stunning pinkish-red hues, Red Valley is one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful natural wonders. As the sun sets, the colors of the valley come to life, offering a magical experience. After enjoying the sunset views, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

3rd Day : Cappadocia, Return to Istanbul

On the third day, you have a chance to take another hot air balloon ride if the weather conditions prevented it on Day 2. Alternatively, you will have some free time in the morning to relax or explore on your own.

Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul, depending on your departure time.

Included:

English-speaking guide
Domestic flight tickets
All transfers and transportations
2 nights stay at a cave hotel
Entrance tickets to the mentioned sites

Excluded:

Personal expenses
Medical insurance
Hot Air Balloon Ride