Cappadocia Day Trip from Istanbul

FromTRY 280
12 hours
Istanbul, Turkey

About this activity

Experience the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Cappadocia on a full-day guided tour from Istanbul, including flights and lunch.

Highlights

  • Explore the unique fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
  • Visit the ancient rock-hewn dwellings in Goreme
  • Discover the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli
  • Enjoy panoramic views from Uchisar Castle
  • Experience a traditional Turkish lunch in a local village

Full description

Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Cappadocia on this full-day guided tour from Istanbul. Begin your adventure with a comfortable flight to Cappadocia, where you'll be greeted by a knowledgeable guide. Explore the unique fairy chimneys and ancient rock-hewn dwellings in Goreme, delve into the depths of the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, and enjoy panoramic views from Uchisar Castle. Savor a traditional Turkish lunch in a local village before returning to Istanbul, filled with unforgettable memories of this magical region.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia
  • Guided tour of Cappadocia's highlights
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Itinerary

1

Upon early pick up from your hotel, drive to Istanbul Airport for your 1 hour 30 min domestic flight to Kayseri.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Upon arrival at Kayseri Airport, you wıll be greeted by your driver and drive to Cappadocia, here you wıll join the other group participants and start your full-day tour.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
3

was the name of a village with homes carved from natural tufa and was inhabited until the 1950s. Early churches and houses can be seen in three different canyons intersecting each other.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
4

earneıng its name from the countless man-made dovecotes (Pigeon Houses) that have been carved into the soft volcanic tuff. Pigeon Valley is one of the best spots for walking in the marvelous Cappadocia region

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

famous for its quirky animal-shaped rocks. It unıquely looks like a sculpture zoo made by nature's faır hand. Look out for the stunnıng rock pillar which looks like the Virgin Mary, holding Jesus Christ. Take in the unique lunar landscape of the valley and feel like you're in another World

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

consists of many rock-cut churches from the second half of 9C with beautiful colorful frescoes decorating the walls

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NO
7

which means: the Pacha's vineyard. This site is also called Monks Valley. The hermitage of Simeon monks was here. A chapel dedicated to St. Simeon (Simon), a hermit's shelter is built into one of the fairy chimneys with three heads. Pasabag valley contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps. This style is unique even for Cappadocia and these fairy chimneys are named mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Once the tourıs fınıshed we drive you to Kayseri Airport for your 1 hour 30 min domestic flight to Istanbul.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
9

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by your driver who will drive you safely back to your hotel. End of our service.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour involves moderate walking; please consider your fitness level.
  • Flights are subject to availability; book in advance to secure your spot.
  • Lunch is included; inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions beforehand.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historical sites.
  • Ensure you have a valid passport for domestic travel within Turkey.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Baggage allowance: 15 kg checked + 8 kg hand luggage. (if the “INCLUDED flight tickets” option is selected)
  • Entry tickets to historical sites are Excluded. Your guide will have pre-paid skip-the-line tickets to avoid queues; please pay your guide in cash (EUR, USD or TRY).
  • Airport transfers: We do not provide assistant service. In Istanbul, the driver will drop you at the airport entrance; proceed to the check-in desk following the provider’s instructions sent in advance. On arrival at your destination airport, the driver will meet you with a sign bearing your name.
  • The tour offers INCLUDED and EXCLUDED domestic flight ticket options. Please select your preferred option during the booking process.
  • For guests who choose the EXCLUDED flight tickets option, we will inform them which flights they need to purchase.
  • Hot Air Balloon Flight is not included. You need at least one overnight stay in Cappadocia to join, as flights operate only early mornings.

Traveler reviews

4.5
18 reviews
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Definitely worth it!

Long day but worth it! Cappadocia is a very unique and amazing place. Erdi was excellent and very informative. Worth the money. Everything was well organized. I would recommend especially if short on time.

Marina_MApr 2, 2026VIATOR

Private tours of Cappadocia

I booked this private tour on our sister trip! On the day of the event, they were flexible, such as having their flight delayed or having their lap arranged. We had a really good lunch and had a really good time ✨😍✨

serinaf2019Dec 26, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Must do!

Excellent tour. So much history that I did not know regarding the caves. Our tour guide was excellent and very entertaining.

Inspire179001Jun 2, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Overall we still had a good tour on we we did see.

Excellent tour guide and driver. Very kind. I really think the time given in the town to walk around was a big waste of time. We could of did another fill in site seeing activity. We also arrived to to airport so early and sat around for a very long time.

Diane_CJun 23, 2024VIATOR

Captivating Cappadocia

Our tour guide John was the best ! He was very knowledgeable and accommodating and very patient. He gave us all the time to explore each and every tourist site that we visited. Our driver was very friendly and helpful as well. And the hotel - Fresco Cave Hotel- that we spent the night over was beautiful and had big rooms. I highly recommend Tour Altinkum for their professionalism- the driver took us to the airport , to the hotel , around town and was also our transfer back to the airport . Cappadocia was amazing 💫

Sandra RDec 18, 2023TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Entrance fees are excluded (Your guide will have skıp-the-line tıckets, so you will skip long ticket lines) Free entry to hıstorıcal sıtes for the childrens 8yr and below Baggage allowence is 25kg+8kg hand luggage Please note that we do not have an assistant service for airport transfers. The driver will drop you off at the entrance gate of İstanbul airport. Please go to the check-in desk according to the instructions the provider will share in advance. When you arrive at the destination airport, the driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. Hot Air Balloon Flight is not included in the package. You need to stay in Cappadocia for at least 1 night to catch flights. Because they take place only early in the morning.