Cappadocia Dream: 2-Days Tour from Istanbul & Balloon Ride Option
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
66241P60
Overview
Tour at a glance
What's included
- Private transportation
- Round-Trip Domestic Flights Between Istanbul and Cappadocia
- Lunch
- Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional – Included Only with Selected Booking Options)
- Breakfast
- Entrance fee - All entrance fees for museums and ruins listed in itinerary
- Hotel / Airport pick-up and drop-off services
- One night accommodation at cave boutique hotel including breakfast
- Semi-private guided tour (Maximum 10 guests per group)
Not included
- Dinner
- Drinks
Day by day
- Istanbul Your journey to Cappadocia begins with a transfer to the airport. The driver will pick you up from the hotel reception or your Airbnb location, provided parking is accessible. From there, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
- Cappadocia Upon your arrival in Cappadocia, you will be met by your driver, who will be waiting for you at the exit gate of the arrival terminal holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be driven to your hotel for a short refreshment before the semi-private guided tour scheduled for today. We organize the guided tour(s) as semi-private to provide a more comfortable, high-quality, and personalized experience. By limiting the group to a maximum of 10 guests, we ensure closer interaction with the guide, smoother organization, and a relaxed pace throughout the tour. This approach allows our guests to enjoy the destination without crowds, receive more individual attention, and make the most of every moment.
- The Three Beauties (Uc Guzeller) Your expert local guide will meet you at your hotel reception before you set off on a carefully crafted journey through the wonders of Cappadocia. Designed through years of experience and guest feedback, this itinerary offers an immersive introduction to the region's rich history, culture, geology, and breathtaking landscapes. Admire Cappadocia's iconic trio of fairy chimneys, a natural landmark famous for its unique rock formations, stunning views, and the legends that surround it.
- Goreme National Park Leaving the iconic Three Beauties behind, continue to Göreme National Park, where Cappadocia's world-famous valleys, fairy chimneys, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes await. Within this UNESCO-listed landscape, explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the historic Tokalı Church, renowned for their exceptional rock-cut architecture and beautifully preserved Byzantine frescoes.
- Goreme Open Air Museum The Göreme Open Air Museum is recognized as one of the earliest monasteries in Christian history. This rock-hewn settlement, where education was provided to spread Christianity, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, renowned for its fresco-covered churches and rock-hewn living spaces.
- TokalI Church The Tokalı Church (Buckle Church) in the Göreme Open Air Museum is considered one of the most beautiful of the Cappadocian cave churches. Its interior boasts some of the most outstanding frescoes, notable for their theological and artistic significance. The church is part of a larger complex that includes four churches and a hermitage, all dating back to the 9th century. Once the most famous church in the region, it remains one of the most impressive churches in the area today.
- Ortahisar Castle, also known as the most spectacular fairy chimney of Cappadocia, is located in Ortahisar town of Nevşehir. Said to be one of the first multi-storey settlements in the world, this castle is surrounded by steep valleys on three sides. Its geography enabled the castle to be used for protection and shelter in ancient times. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns.) After a panoramic visit to this amazing rock castle, you will continue for Weaving is a significant aspect of Turkish culture, with roots that trace back to Central Asia. This ancient tradition is still alive in Cappadocia today. During our tour, we’ll take a brief visit to a cooperative where world-renowned Turkish carpets are crafted, offering you the chance to learn about the intricate details of this age-old art form.
- Avanos Oren Yeri Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Avanos, where you'll have the opportunity to try "Testi Kebab," a traditional kebab unique to the Cappadocia region. (Vegetarian options are also available at the same restaurant.) Avanos is well-known for its charming old town with cobblestone streets and scenic river views. Formerly known as Venessa, the ancient city of Avanos overlooks the Kızılırmak (Red River), the longest river in Turkey, which separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. A notable historical feature of Avanos, still prominent today, is its earthenware pottery production, which remains a key economic activity in the town. The ceramic industry in this area, with its numerous pottery workshops, dates back to the Hittites, and the clay sourced from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has been used for centuries. You will have a short stop for get this experience during your tour.
- Uchisar Castle Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns. Instead, you will have a stop for a panoramic view of the rock castle.)
- Devrent Valley This valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is home to numerous rock formations shaped like animals, predominantly in shades of red. One of the most common shapes found here is that of a camel.
- Fairy Chimneys Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. You will see many examples of the Fairy Chimneys while exploring the area on foot and by car.
- Cappadocia At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional – Included Only with Selected Booking Options • Fixed Price Guarantee • No Last-Minute Price Increases) : Embark on an unforgettable hot air balloon adventure and experience Cappadocia's world-famous landscapes from a truly breathtaking perspective. We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the balloon site where you will have the opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared for your flight. The flight will be at sunrise time, where your pilot will climb to a comfortable altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. It is from this elevation that you will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below you. During certain segments of the flight our pilots are also capable of flying as low as 1 meter above the rock formations which will allow you perfect photo taking opportunities. Duration of total activity is approx 3 hours, and total duration of flight is approx 60 minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at end of the ride.
- Keslik Monastery Your expert local guide will meet you at your hotel reception before you set off on a carefully crafted journey through Cappadocia's hidden gems and remarkable heritage.Keslik Monastery is a sprawling cave monastery complex with two churches, a large refectory hall, a sacred spring, and endless cave rooms. Located in an idyllic garden setting, this is the most expansive monastery in Cappadocia. This site has been used and developed in many ways throughout the course of 2,000 years. This area was a gravesite in pre-Christian Roman times, a large communal monastery during the Byzantine era, and now a tourist site in modern Turkey.
- Sobesos Ancient City Sobesos Ancient City was accidentally discovered in 2002 and offers a glimpse into Cappadocia's rich history. Unearthed during a three-year archaeological excavation, the site revealed numerous intricate motifs intricately crafted on colored stones. Notably, the floor mosaics stand out with their captivating geometric patterns.
- Today, indulge in an authentic Turkish culinary experience at a special cave restaurant in Ayvalı Village. Surrounded by the unique atmosphere of a traditional cave setting, you will discover the flavors, culture, and hospitality of Turkey through a carefully selected menu of delicious local dishes.
- Pigeon Valley Located in the town of Uchisar, this spot offers one of the best panoramic views of the region. It is also home to numerous pigeon houses built by the area's ancient inhabitants. If you wish, you can also visit a renowned onyx stone factory in the region.
- Kaymakli Underground City Kaymakli, one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, spans 8 levels. However, like many other underground cities, not all of its floors are accessible to tourists. The first level was specifically designed for animals, allowing them to move freely. Corridors connect the churches and other living areas, separated from the stables. Kaymakli Underground City is home to remarkable sections such as storage rooms, kitchens, cemeteries, a communal area, and a copper workshop. It is believed that hidden underground tunnels remain within the city, still waiting to be fully explored.
- At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
- Upon your arrival at the airport in Istanbul, your driver will be waiting to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. *** The departure time for your return flight is between 8:00pm and 9:30pm, which means your flight will land in Istanbul approximately between 9:30pm and 10:45pm. This timing is ideal, allowing you to comfortably catch your return flight to Istanbul after your full-day guided tour of Cappadocia today.
Meeting & pickup
Hotel pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point.
Pick-up and drop-off services are available from centrally located hotels or Airbnb addresses or Galataport Cruise Port in Istanbul. Hotels are listed in the search box above; however, some properties may not appear due to updates in the address system. If your hotel is missing, please specify it in the “Special Requests” section during booking.
Schedule
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- To book your domestic flights, the supplier may kindly ask you to provide your passport details. Sharing this information will help ensure that your flight reservations can be arranged without any issues.
- Your domestic flight e-tickets will be emailed to you by the supplier three days before your departure. There is no need to print your tickets, as both the airline and the supplier accept digital copies.
- Each traveler is entitled to 15 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of carry-on baggage on all domestic flights. If you expect to exceed the checked baggage allowance, please inform the supplier before your trip. Additional fees may apply for excess baggage.
- If you request any changes to your domestic flight(s) after the tickets have been issued, the supplier may ask you to cover the cost of the new flight ticket(s). Please note that once issued, domestic flight tickets are non-refundable and cannot be modified.
- ✔️ MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE FOR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: All hot air balloon flights are subject to weather conditions and Civil Aviation Authority safety regulations. In the event that your balloon flight is canceled because of unfavorable weather, the supplier will provide a full refund for the balloon ride. Refunds are usually processed within the next day, ensuring a simple, transparent, and worry-free experience.
- ✔️ FIXED PRICE GUARANTEE FOR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: Hot air balloon prices are dynamic and may change daily based on demand and weather-related cancellations. During periods of high demand, especially after weather cancellations, prices can increase by 30–40% and, in some cases, by as much as 70–80%. By booking today, you lock in your current price. Once your reservation is confirmed, your balloon ride price is guaranteed and will not increase, even if rates go up later. BOOK NOW WITH OUR FIXED PRICE GUARANTEE AND SAVE MONEY!
- ✔️ SEMI-PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS: The guided day tour(s) included in this package are operated with a maximum of 10 guests, offering a more exclusive alternative to standard group tours. With smaller groups, you'll enjoy a more personalized experience, greater comfort, and better opportunities to explore Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes and fascinating historical and cultural heritage.
- Accommodation is based on double or triple room occupancy. Room arrangements depend on the number of travelers: 2 guests will be accommodated in a double room, while 3 guests will stay in a triple room. For groups of 4 or more, accommodations will be arranged in a suitable combination of double and/or triple rooms. Solo travelers will be provided with a single room at no additional cost. A single room supplement may apply if travelers in a group of two or more request separate single rooms.
- Your hotel accommodation (Misty Cave Hotel, Zeydem Suites, or Yunak Evleri) is based on the package option selected during booking. Please select your preferred option carefully. If your chosen hotel is unavailable on your travel dates, the supplier reserves the right to substitute it with another hotel of comparable quality and standard.
- The Hot Air Balloon Ride will be operated in the Standard Category. This category offers an approximate flight duration of one hour, using baskets with a capacity of 20 to 28 passengers. The actual flight time may vary between 50–55 minutes or 65–70 minutes, depending on weather conditions prior to landing. Flight duration decisions are made by the pilot in accordance with the safety regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority. The total duration of the activity is approximately 3 hours.
- If you choose not to use any included service or decide not to participate in scheduled activities, guided tours, hot air balloon rides, airport transfers, or other included services, it will be regarded as a last-minute cancellation. Unfortunately, no refund can be issued for any unused services.
- The children aged 6 and under are not allowed to participate in the hot air balloon ride due to Civil Aviation regulations.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Traveller reviews
My wife and I totally enjoyed this tour. We might have some money if we had booked the accommodation, airport transfers and local tours directly with each provider. However, we preferred the convenience of all-inclusive package that gave us a kind of peace of mind. On the first day, we were picked up at our hotel in Istanbul at 3:30 as scheduled. We were driven in a nice van to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Although this airport is a bit farther from the city center than the Istanbul International Airport, it took less than 40 minutes. At the airport, we had to check in for the flight ourselves and find our ways to the gate. The 6 am Pegasus Airlines flight to Kayseri arrived on time at 7:15. We met our pick-up as instructed. After a bit of wait, we were driven to our hotel in Ürgüp, which took about 1 hour and 20 minutes. After registration, we were served coffee and muffins until our guide came to pick us up at 10:30. Our guide was Buşra. On the first day, there was no other group, and the three of us had very good time. She started with a brief overview of the history and geography of the region. We visited the pigeon valley, an underground city, and an ancient monastery. During the tour, we had a nice home-style Turkish lunch at a cave restaurant. At the end of the day, we had a brief stop at a leather shop, but they were not very pushy. The tour ended around 3 pm. On the second day, the balloon ride was planned. We were picked up by the balloon company at 5 am and were driven to the launch area. While the balloon was being prepared, we got some snack and juice. We took off a little bit later than other balloons, but still enjoyed the sunrise. The captain, Oğuzhan, was very entertaining and safely guided us through the valley. The basket has 8 compartments that held 4 people each. It was a bit crowded, but we had enough fun. After the ride, we were served sparkling wine to celebrate our first flight. We returned to our hotel around 8 am. At 10:40, Buşra came to pick us up. Although the original plan was to leave our luggage with the hotel and come back to hotel after the tour, Buşra told us to bring the luggage with us so that we could go to the airport directly after the tour. On this day, we were joined by a family of 4. The minibus was spacious enough for all of us. It was a typical ‘Red Tour’, with visits to Goreme open air museum, Uçhisar castle, and the Imagination valley. Before and after lunch, when it was very hot, we had indoor activities, visiting carpet and ceramic workshops. Again, there were no hard pushes to purchase anything. After around 4 pm, the schedules tour was completed. Since there was some time left before our return flight, we had some relaxing time near Ortahisar castle. Then we went to Red valley to enjoy the beautiful valley during the sunset. After this, we were driven to Nevsehir Airport. On our way, we bid goodbyes to Buşra. We arrived at the airport just before 8 am. Since our flight was scheduled for 9:50 pm, we had to wait some time at the airport. Our flight was delayed by ~30 minutes due to aircraft connection. We arrived at SAW after 11:30 pm, where a driver was waiting for us. By the time we returned to our hotel, it was 12:50 am. It was very long and tiring two-day trip, but worth every bit of it. I would like to commend the tour company for the perfect arrangements and our guide Buşra for going well beyond her way to keep us busy(?) and entertained until the last minute. I would definitely recommend this tour to all those who want a well-organized package tour to Cappadocia from Istanbul.
That you should be prepared to do a lot of walking and climbing up and down the high and rough terrains, especially if you’re willing to visit the hidden city.
Excellent trip. Our guide, Bushar, provided a thorough historical and personal perspective on all the areas we visited. The geology of the area is other worldly. The underground cities and are astonishing. I enjoyed the authentic local restaurants we visited - both the food and atmosphere. We enjoyed the Zeydem Suites Hotel (upgrade option) - large, clean, well-designed rooms. One suggestion: It would have been nice to get the airport itinerary earlier than 3 days before. i had made reservations in Istanbul area assuming we were going in/out of the IST airport, but as it turned out we were using the SAW airport. That caused a lot of extra driving.
Ballon ride was great. Restaurant meals were great. Transportation had a major glitch. Our transfer to airport did not show so we had hotel call us a taxi.
We absolutely loved everything about this trip. It was unlike any place we have ever been. The Cliff dwellings were incredible and the hot air balloon ride absolutely breathtaking. The food was true local cuisine and delicious. The Cliff dwelling hotel was quaint and very comfortable.
The best experience a person could do while in Turkey. It was thoughtful throughly, the lunches amazing we learned so much and "Bush" our tour guide made everything better. Also the hot air balloon ride well worth the upgrade. Im happy we picked the cave hotel too. Everything was such a treasure.
The 2 days were amazing. We were somewhat concerned about safety as we were 4 senior women traveling alone. But a Viator representative picked us up at our hotel in Istanbul, took us to the airport, another representative met us there and took us to our amazing cave hotel in Cappadocia. Our tour guide and driver met us there and made sure we had the experience of a lifetime. The hot air balloon ride was incredible, the food was outstanding, and having a private tour for the 4 of us was so much more personal than the tours provided by the cruise ships.
Viator Online Chat was extremely helpful and timely in planning and booking this trip. Unfortunately, the Itinerary is not accurate. A lot of time was spent at an expensive Ceramics shop, Jewelry shop, and Leather shop but was NOT disclosed in the itinerary. Had I known that shopping was involved in this trip, I would have opted for a different trip option for my limited time in Cappadocia. Also, it is very suspicious that another reviewer noted that their lunch was delayed for hours so the time at the expensive Ceramics shop was extended --- this is what also what "coincidentally" happened to my group. Very sketchy especially since our Guide said that the Ceramics shop was his family- a little self-serving for my taste. The one bright light was that lunch though - phenomenal food.
Reviews are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor from verified travellers.
Product code 66241P60
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