2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Cave Hotel Stay and Optional Balloon Flight
by Tour Altinkum Travel
Overview
This two-day bus tour from Istanbul visits key sites in Cappadocia, including Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Cavusin, Red Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle, Ortahisar, and Avanos. The trip includes four airport transfers, two lunches, breakfast, and one night’s accommodation in a cave hotel. Transportation between sites is by minibus, and the tour is guided in English and Japanese with a group size of up to 10 people. There are two options for the domestic flights: one includes economy class flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia, and the other requires guests to book their own flights. The operator will provide advice on recommended flights if guests select the flight-excluded option. Admission fees to sites are not included but the guide carries skip-the-line tickets at historical sites. An optional hot air balloon flight is available but must be booked and paid separately in Cappadocia, subject to weather conditions and Civil Aviation Authority approval. Airport transfers do not include assistant services; the driver will drop off and pick up guests at airport entrances. Baggage allowance for domestic flights is 15 kg checked plus 8 kg hand luggage when flights are included. This tour suits travelers wanting an organized, short trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia with accommodation in a cave hotel and flexible flight options.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Hotel Lobby to Airport Transfer
At the chosen pick-up time, the driver meets the guest in the hotel lobby and transfers them to the airport for a 1 hour 30 minute domestic flight to Kayseri.
180 min
Arrival and Start of Full-Day Tour
Upon arrival, the driver meets the guest and drives to Cappadocia, where the guest joins the group and begins the full-day tour.
120 min
Rock-Cut Churches with Frescoes
This site includes numerous rock-cut churches from the latter half of the 9th century, featuring colorful frescoes that decorate the walls.
60 min
Valley of Animal-Shaped Rocks
Known for its unusual animal-shaped rock formations, the valley resembles a natural sculpture zoo. One pillar resembles the Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ, offering a distinctive lunar landscape.
45 min
Pacha's Vineyard (Monks Valley)
Also called Monks Valley, this site was home to the hermitage of Simeon monks. A chapel dedicated to St. Simeon and a hermit's shelter are built into a fairy chimney with three heads.
45 min
Lunch and Pottery Workshop
Guests have a typical Turkish lunch and participate in a pottery-making experience guided by local experts.
60 min
Uchisar Rock Castle
Uchisar is the highest natural rock castle in the area, providing extensive views of the surrounding region.
1 min
Hotel Transfer and Check-In
After the tour, the driver transfers guests to their hotel for check-in and overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Rose Valley Full-Day Tour
Following breakfast and hotel check-out, guests meet their guide at the scheduled time to begin a full-day tour. Rose Valley features sharp ridges with a pink tint caused by minerals in the sandstone, most prominent at sunset.
120 min
Village Surrounded by Red Valley
This village lies within a widening valley called Red Valley. Its houses are carved into large rock formations and it is known for its rock-cut churches.
60 min
Pigeon Valley Walk
Named for the many man-made dovecotes carved into soft volcanic tuff, Pigeon Valley is a notable walking area in Cappadocia.
60 min
Underground City Refuge
Once sheltering 15,000 Christians, this underground city was important for early Christianity and was used until the late 7th century AD. It has eight stories connected by 30 km of corridors, including bedrooms, a church, meeting hall, and food storage.
120 min
Uchisar Village
Known for its welcoming residents, stone houses, narrow alleys, and small churches, as well as the castle-like rock formation that gives the village its name.
60 min
Kayseri Airport Transfer
The tour proceeds with a drive to Kayseri Airport for the 1 hour 30 minute domestic flight to Istanbul.
180 min
Istanbul Arrival and Hotel Transfer
After arriving in Istanbul, the traveler will be met by a driver and taken to their hotel. This marks the end of the provided service.
120 min
Languages
Cancellation policy
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Istanbul
- Istanbul Airport Round-Trip Private Transfer to Taksim, Fatih, Besiktas, and Sisli Hotels
- Istanbul Bosphorus Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide
- Istanbul Private Sightseeing Tour: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace
- Istanbul Private Transfer to and from IST Airport, Cruise Ports and Hotels
- Vehicle and Guide Service
- Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise in Istanbul with Stopover in Asian Side