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A person taking a photo of a landscape with mountains and hot air balloons in the sky. 1
A camel with a saddle in a rocky cave. 2
A camel with a rider in a desert landscape. 3
A person with a camel in a desert landscape. 4
A person standing on a hill with multiple hot air balloons in the sky. 5
By Turkey Experiences

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Features

  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

  • Experience Cappadocia Without Rushing — 3 Days of Freedom, Landscapes & Hidden History

    Discover Cappadocia on this 3-day journey combining free time with two contrasting guided tours. Fly from Istanbul and enjoy your first day at leisure to settle in or explore at your own pace. Then discover Northern Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, Göreme Open-Air Museum, Avanos and dramatic valleys before visiting Kaymakli Underground City, Keslik Monastery and ancient Sobesos on your final day. Testi kebab lunch, domestic flights, museum entrance fees and Istanbul hotel or Galataport pickup are included. Tours operate with no more than 10 guests. Add a hot air balloon ride by selecting the balloon-included option when booking.

    Highlights
    ⭐ Balance a free arrival day with two full days of Cappadocia discovery.
    ⭐ Experience iconic northern landscapes and Southern Cappadocia’s hidden heritage.
    ⭐ Choose Istanbul, Izmir/Ephesus, Bodrum or Antalya as your onward destination.

Activity location

  • Istanbul
    • Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
    • 34906, Sanayi, İstanbul, Türkiye

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles
  • Inclusions
    Hotel / Airport / Port pick-up and drop-off services
  • Inclusions
    Semi-private guided tours (Maximum 10 guests per group)
  • Inclusions
    Domestic flight tickets for the flights specified in the itinerary
  • Inclusions
    Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional – Included Only with Selected Booking Options)
  • Inclusions
    Entrance fee - All entrance fees for museums and ruins listed in itinerary
  • Inclusions
    2 nights accommodation at cave boutique hotel including breakfast
  • Exclusions
    Dinner
  • Exclusions
    Drinks

Know before you book

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • To arrange your domestic flights, the tour operator may require your passport details. Providing this information in advance will allow us to complete your flight reservations smoothly and avoid any potential issues.
    • Your domestic flight e-tickets will be sent to you by the tour operator via email six days before departure. Printing your tickets is not required, as both the airline and the tour operator accept digital copies.
    • Each traveller is allowed 15 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of carry-on baggage on domestic flights. If you anticipate exceeding the checked baggage allowance, please notify the tour operator in advance. Additional charges may apply for excess baggage.
    • If you request any changes to your domestic flight(s) after the tickets have been issued, the tour operator may require you to pay for any additional costs associated with rebooking. Please be aware that once issued, domestic flight tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed or amended.
    • ⭐ MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE FOR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: All hot air balloon flights are dependant on weather conditions and the safety regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority. If your balloon flight is cancelled due to unsuitable weather conditions, the tour operator will issue a refund for the cost of balloon ride. Refunds are generally processed within the following day, providing you with a straightforward, transparent, and hassle-free experience.
    • ⭐ SEMI-PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS: The guided day tour(s) included in this package are conducted with a maximum of 10 guests, providing a more intimate and comfortable experience than traditional group tours. Smaller group sizes allow for more personalised attention, greater flexibility, and a better opportunity to fully enjoy Turkey’s remarkable landscapes, history, and cultural heritage.
    • ⭐ FIXED PRICE GUARANTEE FOR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: Hot air balloon prices are subject to daily fluctuations depending on demand and weather-related cancellations. During peak-demand periods, particularly following weather cancellations, prices may rise by 30–40% and, in some cases, even 70–80%. By booking today, you secure the current rate. Once your reservation is confirmed, the price of your balloon ride is guaranteed and will not increase, even if the rates rise after your booking. BOOK NOW WITH OUR FIXED PRICE GUARANTEE AND SAVE!
    • Accommodation is based on double or triple occupancy, depending on the number of travellers. Two guests will share a double room, while three guests will be accommodated in a triple room. For groups of four or more, rooms will be arranged in the most suitable combination of double and/or triple rooms. Solo travellers will receive a single room at no extra charge. If members of a group of two or more request separate single rooms, a single-room supplement may apply.
    • Your hotel accommodation in Cappadocia is determined by the booking option selected at the time of reservation. The hotel names corresponding to each booking option are clearly listed in the option descriptions, allowing you to review the available hotels before completing your booking. Please review the booking options carefully and select your preferred option. If the selected hotel is unavailable for your travel dates, the tour operator reserves the right to provide alternative accommodation of a similar quality and standard.
    • The Hot Air Balloon Ride is operated in the Standard Category, featuring an approximate flight duration of one hour and baskets accommodating 20–28 passengers. Depending on weather conditions and the pilot’s assessment before landing, the actual flight time may vary between 50–55 minutes or 65–70 minutes. The final flight duration is determined by the pilot in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority safety regulations. The total duration of the balloon experience, including transfers and preparation, is approximately 3 hours. If you have not booked the hot air balloon ride, you will not be able to participate in any of the services or activities associated with the balloon experience.
    • If you choose not to use any of the services included in your package, or decide not to participate in scheduled activities, guided tours, hot air balloon rides, airport transfers, or other included services, this will be considered a last-minute cancellation. Unfortunately, no refund will be provided for any unused services.
    • Children aged 5 and under are not permitted to participate in the hot air balloon ride in accordance with Civil Aviation regulations.
    • Please inform the tour operator of any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking so that the necessary arrangements can be made in advance.
    • A vegetarian meal option is available. Please inform the tour operator at the time of booking if you require a vegetarian meal.
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia / Overnight in Cappadocia

  • 3 stops
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Included – Select from our carefully curated hotel combinations when making your reservation.

Istanbul

  • 1h
Your Cappadocia experience starts with a private transfer from your pickup location to the airport. Your driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel, your Airbnb, or Galataport Cruise Port, provided parking is available. From there, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Airport Transfer

  • 1h
Once you arrive at Cappadocia Airport, another driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with your name. From there, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia, located about an hour’s drive away.

Cappadocia (Pass by)

Today is free of scheduled activities, giving you time to arrive, settle into your hotel, relax, or explore the area at your own pace. Your planned tour activities begin the following day.

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional) / Semi-Private Cappadocia Day Tour / Overnight in Cappadocia

  • 10 stops
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch
  • Accommodation: Included – Select from our carefully curated hotel combinations when making your reservation.

Cappadocia Balloon Tours

  • 3h
  • Admission ticket included
Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional – Included Only with Selected Booking Options • Fixed Price Guarantee • Money-Back Guarantee): Get ready for a unique and unforgettable experience in Cappadocia! We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the balloon site, where you can watch the balloon being prepared for your flight. The flight takes place at sunrise, with your pilot climbing to a comfortable altitude of approximately 700 to 1000 metres above ground level. From this height, you will marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia below. During certain segments of the flight, our pilots may also fly as low as 1 metre above the rock formations, giving you perfect opportunities for photos. The total activity lasts approximately 3 hours, with the flight itself lasting around 60 minutes. At the end of the flight, there will be a champagne celebration, and you will receive a souvenir to remember this magnificent experience. Afterwards, we will transfer you back to your hotel.

The Three Beauties (Uc Guzeller)

  • 20m
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 (Pass by)

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

  • 1h 30m
  • Admission ticket included
The Goreme Open-Air Museum features an extensive monastic complex carved directly into the soft volcanic rock, including ancient churches, kitchens, wineries, storerooms, and living spaces once inhabited by Anatolian Christians. With its unique architectural details and beautifully preserved frescoes, the site offers a vivid window into early Christian life in Cappadocia. Its cultural and historical significance has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

TokalI Church

  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
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 Panorama

  • 20m
The entire town is dominated by the 90-metre-high (300 ft) rock-castle in the centre of the town, which is called Sivrikoya by the inhabitants. It is an extraordinary example of the rock-cut architecture which is typical of the region and served as a refuge from attackers in Byzantine times. You will see all these rock-cut architecture by panoramic visit.

Avanos Oren Yeri

  • 1h 30m
Today’s lunch service will be in a local restaurant at the Avanos, and you will have chance for test the "Testi Kebab" which is a traditional kebab variety of the Cappadocia region of Turkey. (Also, vegetarian meals are available in same restaurant.) Avanos is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river. The old city of Avanos, whose name in ancient times was Venessa, overlooks the longest river of Turkey, the Kizilirmak (Red River), which also separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. The most famous historical feature of Avanos, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery; it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak has always been used.

Uchisar Castle

  • 30m
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. (There are no any visit to rock castle because of the walking difficulties and safety risks on there. You will have a stop for panoramic view to this rock castle.)

Devrent Valley

  • 20m
Which is also known as Imagination Valley. Valley contains many animal shaped rocks which are mostly in red colour. Some of the most frequent shapes is like Camel.

Fairy Chimneys (Pass by)

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.

Day 3: Semi-Private Cappadocia Day Tour / Flight Back to Istanbul

  • 8 stops
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch
  • Accommodation: Not included

Mustafapaşa

  • 5m
Your expert local guide will meet you at your hotel reception before you begin a carefully curated journey through Cappadocia’s hidden treasures and fascinating heritage. As you make your way to Keslik Monastery, the first stop of your tour, you will pass through Mustafapaşa, a historic former Turkish-Greek settlement. From the comfort of your vehicle, you will have the opportunity to admire its distinctive traditional houses and unique architectural character.

Keslik Monastery

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Keslik Monastery is an extensive cave monastery complex featuring two churches, a spacious refectory, a sacred spring, and numerous interconnected cave chambers. Set within a peaceful garden, it is considered one of the largest monastery complexes in Cappadocia. The site has served different purposes and evolved significantly over the past 2,000 years. During pre-Christian Roman times, it was used as a burial site; in the Byzantine era, it became a large communal monastery; and today, it stands as a remarkable historical attraction open to visitors.

Sobesos Ancient City

  • 30m
Sobesos Ancient City was unexpectedly discovered in 2002, offering a fascinating glimpse into Cappadocia’s rich historical heritage. Excavations carried out over three years uncovered a variety of elaborate motifs carefully crafted from colourful stones. Among the site’s most remarkable features are its floor mosaics, which showcase stunning geometric designs.

Şirhanem Cave Restaurant

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Today, enjoy an authentic Turkish dining experience at a unique cave restaurant in Ayvalı Village. Set within the distinctive ambiance of a traditional cave, this memorable meal invites you to experience Turkey’s rich flavours, culture, and warm hospitality through a carefully curated selection of delicious local specialities.

Pigeon Valley

  • 20m
Situated in the town of Uçhisar, this location offers one of the finest panoramic views across the region. The area is also known for its many pigeon houses, which were carved and built by its ancient inhabitants. If you like, you may also visit a well-known onyx stone workshop in the region.

Kaymakli Underground City

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Kaymakli is one of Cappadocia’s largest underground cities, extending across eight levels. As with many underground settlements in the region, only certain levels are open to visitors. The first level was dedicated to animals, providing them with space to move freely. Separate from the stables, a network of corridors leads to churches and other living quarters. The underground city features a variety of fascinating areas, including storage chambers, kitchens, burial grounds, a communal meeting area, and a copper workshop. It is also believed that undiscovered tunnels still lie beneath Kaymakli, waiting to reveal more of its hidden history.

Cappadocia

  • 1h
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

Istanbul

  • 1h 20m
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 expected to be between 8:00pm and 9:45pm. This timing is ideal, allowing you to comfortably catch your return flight to Istanbul after your full-day guided tour of Cappadocia today.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Istanbul
    • Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
    • 34906, Sanayi, İstanbul, Türkiye
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Istanbul Airport
    • No:1 Terminal Caddesi
    • 34283, Tayakadın, İstanbul, Türkiye
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Cappadocia
    • Türkiye
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Galataport İstanbul
    • No: 8 Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi
    • 34433, Kılıçali Paşa, İstanbul, Türkiye
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Uçhisar
    • 50240, Uçhisar, Nevşehir, Türkiye
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Göreme
    • 50180, Göreme, Nevşehir, Türkiye
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Istanbul
    • Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Istanbul
    • Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye

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