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Istanbul
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Airplane
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Group
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15 - 20
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English
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Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct & Nov
Itinerary Overview
Explore Turkey’s most magical landscapes on this all-inclusive 3 Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul, with flights and guided tours included. Begin with Devrent Valley, the mushroom-shaped pinnacles of Pasabag, pottery-making in Avanos, the Zelve Open Air Museum, and panoramic views from Uchisar Castle. Stay in a traditional Cappadocia cave hotel and continue with hikes through the Red Valley and Rose Valley, historic Cavusin Village, scenic Pigeon Valley, and either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City. Conclude with the remarkable Derinkuyu Underground City, a hike in the Ihlara Valley, and the monasteries of Selime Village. Book today for the ultimate short escape.
Trip Highlights
- Devrent Valley – animal-shaped rocks
- Pasabag – fairy chimneys
- Avanos – pottery traditions
- Zelve Open Air Museum – cave churches
- Uchisar Castle – panoramic views
- Red Valley – rock-cut churches
- Rose Valley – scenic hiking
- Cavusin Village – ancient cave houses
- Pigeon Valley – carved dovecotes
- Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City
- Derinkuyu Underground City – multi-level refuge
- Ihlara Valley – canyon hiking, cave churches
- Selime Village – monasteries and rock formations
Route: Istanbul → Cappadocia (2 nights) → Istanbul
Day-by-Day Itinerary
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 am and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, departing between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Cappadocia to start your full-day tour.
First, you will visit Devrent Valley, known for its unique rock formations that resemble various animals and shapes. After exploring this otherworldly landscape, you will head to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where you’ll see the famous mushroom-shaped pinnacles that were once used as places of solitude by monks.
Next, you’ll drive to the charming town of Avanos, situated along the Red River. Avanos is known for its long history of pottery-making, and you will have the chance to watch local artisans create beautiful pottery using traditional methods.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Zelve Open-Air Museum. This incredible site is filled with ancient cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries carved into the rocks, providing an insight into the region’s rich monastic history.
Towards the end of the day, you will have about 15 minutes to take panoramic photos of Uchisar and its impressive natural castle formations. Please note that entry into the castles is not permitted for safety reasons.
After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in and an overnight stay.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Cappadocia: Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, Zula Cave House, or Kismet Cave House.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
For an unforgettable start to your day, consider booking an early morning hot air balloon ride to take in the stunning aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys at sunrise. Please note that this activity is optional and comes at an additional cost.
After breakfast, around 9:30 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel to begin your day’s adventure. The first stop is Red Valley, renowned for its striking rock-cut churches and vivid, red-hued cliffs. Following your exploration, enjoy a peaceful 5 km hike through Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi), where you’ll encounter unique rock formations and hidden cave chapels along the way.
Your next destination is Cavusin Village. Known for its remarkable stone houses and churches, Cavusin offers a glimpse into the lives of Christian clergymen who once lived here. After immersing yourself in the history of the village, you will have lunch before continuing your journey.
Post-lunch, you’ll visit Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), famous for the pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. The valley’s stunning scenery and history make it a must-see in Cappadocia.
In the afternoon, you will explore one of Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities—either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City. These subterranean cities, with their intricate tunnel systems and rooms, were once used by early Christians as refuges during times of persecution.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 4:00 pm. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Cappadocia: Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, Zula Cave House, or Kismet Cave House.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 9:30 am to start the full-day tour. The first stop is Derinkuyu Underground City, an extensive refuge carved by early Christians to hide from persecution. Here, you will explore its intricate tunnels, living quarters, and storage rooms, showcasing the remarkable engineering of its time.
From Derinkuyu, continue to the stunning Ihlara Valley, formerly known as Peristerema. While in the valley, you will explore its famous rock-cut churches and enjoy a peaceful 4 km hike along the Melendiz River, surrounded by the beautiful canyon scenery.
After your hike, enjoy a lunch break at a traditional Turkish restaurant in the valley, where you can savor local dishes in a serene natural setting.
On the way back, visit the monasteries in Selime Village (Güzelyurt), where you can see impressive rock formations and ancient monastic complexes that offer insights into the region’s history.
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul, which departs between 7:00 – 10:00 pm (1 hour 30 minutes flight duration).
Please note: Drop-off transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul upon return is not included in the price.
END OF OUR SERVICE and TOURS.
INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
- Pick-up from your Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport (on the European side of Istanbul only).
- Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir and return.
- 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
- English-speaking guide during the tours.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch.
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
- Local taxes and service charges.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Drop-off transportation from Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel upon return
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride (available at an additional cost)
- Optional tours and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Services not specifically listed in the program
- Drinks during meals and dinners
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Important notes
- The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
- This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
- The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
- For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation.
- For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
- For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
- For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
- For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
- Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
- On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.
- The normal arrival time in Istanbul at the end of your tour is between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. If you plan to book your international return flight on the same day, we recommend choosing a flight that departs no earlier than 1:30 AM the following morning to avoid missing it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, 3 days is the perfect duration to explore Cappadocia’s highlights without rushing. Our itinerary ensures you see the best of the region, including the impressive Zelve Open-Air Museum, sunrise hot air balloon flights (optional), and mystical underground cities. By including domestic flights, we save you over 20 hours of travel time, giving you more hours to discover the fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings.
Staying in a boutique cave hotel allows you to experience the authentic spirit of Cappadocia at a great value. These charming, mid-range accommodations are built into the region’s famous soft volcanic rocks, offering a cozy and traditional atmosphere that you won’t find in modern hotels. By choosing our hand-picked boutique cave hotels, you enjoy a comfortable stay with essential amenities and local hospitality, making it the perfect choice for travelers seeking an authentic experience that fits their budget.
This package includes round-trip domestic flight tickets between Istanbul and Cappadocia to ensure a fast and comfortable journey. We also provide professional airport transfers within Cappadocia to take you directly to your hotel and the tour sites. Please note that the final transfer from the Istanbul airport back to your hotel at the end of the tour is not included in the standard price; however, you can easily add this service as an “Extra Add-on” during the booking process on our website. Hot air balloon rides are also an optional extra and can be pre-booked upon request.
Absolutely! While Cappadocia’s unique geology and ancient history are world-class attractions on their own, the hot air balloons are undoubtedly a highlight. In fact, around 70% of our guests complete their experience by joining a sunrise balloon flight. However, if you choose not to fly, you can still enjoy the spectacular view of the balloons filling the sky from your hotel terrace or local viewpoints at dawn. Combined with the Zelve Open-Air Museum and underground cities, our tour offers a rich and unforgettable experience regardless of your choice.
Once your online reservation is received and the specified 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your domestic flight tickets will be confirmed. You will receive an email confirmation, including all the details, within 2-3 days.
Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. This covers pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport, as well as all airport-hotel transfers throughout the tour. However, please note that when you return to Istanbul at the end of the tour, the service will conclude at either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Transfer to your hotel or chosen address from the airport will not be provided, so you will need to arrange this on your own.
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. Please contact us in advance if you have specific requests or changes you’d like to make to the itinerary. Some changes may be subject to an additional fee.
Cappadocia offers a variety of extra activities to enhance your experience, all available at an additional cost:
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape. This unforgettable experience provides panoramic views of the fairy chimneys and valleys.
- ATV Tour: Explore the rugged terrain and hidden trails on an exciting ATV (quad bike) tour. It’s a thrilling way to discover the area’s natural beauty off the beaten path.
- Horseback Riding: Enjoy a peaceful horseback ride through the valleys and hills of Cappadocia. Known as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” this activity offers a unique perspective of the region.
- Whirling Dervish Show: In the evening, immerse yourself in Turkish culture by attending a traditional Whirling Dervish Show. Witness the mesmerizing Sema ceremony, a spiritual dance that has been performed for centuries.
- Turkish Night Show with Dinner: Experience an authentic Turkish Night Show featuring traditional music, folk dances, and belly dancing performances. Enjoy a delicious dinner while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.
- Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience: Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath, a unique experience that combines steam, massage, and cleansing rituals.
These activities can be arranged upon request and are not included in the standard tour package. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.
Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. Upon your arrival and departure, we provide complimentary transfers between the airport and your hotel.
On domestic flights in Turkey, the luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person for checked baggage. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed one piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per person. If your total luggage weight per person is within these limits, you should be fine.
Please note that any excess luggage weight over 15 kg for checked baggage will incur additional charges by the airlines. These extra charges are not included in the tour price and are your responsibility to pay directly to the airline at the time of check-in. We recommend packing accordingly to avoid any unexpected fees.
Your luggage is your own responsibility throughout the tour. Please ensure that you handle any issues related to overweight or excess baggage directly with the airlines.
If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.
Our multi-day Turkey packages are regular group/shared tour arrangements, not fully escorted tours with one tour leader and the same guests from arrival to departure. Sightseeing tours are shared and usually operate with about 15-20 guests, but group size and participants may change by city or day as travelers join or leave different scheduled tours. Licensed English-speaking guides lead scheduled sightseeing visits only. Guides do not travel with guests on domestic flights, intercity buses, airport transfers, hotel transfers, or free-time periods unless this is specifically stated in the itinerary. For flights, buses, and transfers, guests are met by our driver or local representative at airports, bus terminals, or hotels and assisted with the planned transfer. One Nation Travel coordinates the full itinerary, hotels, domestic tickets, transfers, local guides, and support throughout the trip.
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Laia D.(Málaga, Spain)July 8, 2026 Cappadocia flights from Istanbul ran on timeTransfers and flights from Istanbul were very easy, which helped a lot with our family group. Aylin kept the 3-day Cappadocia tour at a good pace, with enough time to enjoy places without rushing too much. Zula Cave House was clean and comfortable, and Remzi was always on time with the driving. We were tired by the end, but very happy. Thank you One Nation Travel and Ayhan for arranging it so well.Date of Experience: July 03, 2026 -
Verified PurchaseBy Tegan R.(Australia)March 16, 2026 Cave Hotels Are Real and I'm ObsessedOk so I genuinely thought cave hotels were some kind of gimmick for tourists but NO. Waking up inside an actual carved-out cave room with fairy lights and stone walls was probably the most surreal morning of my life. I just sat there drinking Turkish tea in bed staring at the rock ceiling like... this is my life right now??Anyway the whole 3 days were unreal. Did the Red Tour first — Göreme Open Air Museum blew my mind with those ancient church frescoes still hanging on after centuries. Then the Green Tour took us through Derinkuyu Underground City which was WILD. Like an entire civilisation just living underground, multiple levels deep. I'm a bit claustrophobic and our guide Bilal noticed straight away, kept checking on me and explaining the ventilation systems which weirdly helped me relax lol.Highlight was definitely hiking through Ihlara Valley. The canyon walls towering above you, the little stream running through — felt like a movie set honestly. Wasn't expecting Cappadocia to have that kind of green landscape.Flights from Istanbul were seamless, transfers sorted, zero stress. If you're coming from overseas and short on time this is the way to do it. One Nation Travel made the whole thing ridiculously easy. Already telling all my mates back in Melbourne to book it.Date of Experience: March 12, 2026
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Verified PurchaseBy Aiko T.(Osaka)June 8, 2025 A Peaceful and Beautiful 3-Day Escape to CappadociaI joined the 3-day Cappadocia tour from Istanbul and it was a truly peaceful and unforgettable experience.The natural scenery was breathtaking, especially the sunrise hot air balloon ride — it felt like floating in a dream. I also loved visiting the underground city and the beautiful valleys. Everything was well planned, and the transfers, flights, and hotel were all arranged smoothly.Thank you, One Nation Travel, for your kind hospitality and for making everything feel so easy and safe. I will always remember this special journey.Date of Experience: June 04, 2025
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Verified PurchaseBy Amanda R.(New Jersey)June 8, 2025 Cappadocia Was Magical – So Glad I Did This 3-Day Tour!This 3-day trip to Cappadocia was one of the most unique travel experiences I’ve ever had. From the surreal rock formations to the underground cities and the unforgettable hot air balloon ride — every moment felt like a dream.The tour was well-organized from start to finish. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and the hotel we stayed in was clean and cozy. I loved the pace — not too rushed, but we saw so much in just three days!If Cappadocia is on your bucket list, I definitely recommend doing it with One Nation Travel. Everything was taken care of, and I felt completely safe and supported throughout the journey.Date of Experience: May 28, 2025
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Verified PurchaseBy Yin San L.(United States)September 30, 2024 Unforgettable 3-Day Cappadocia Tour: A Perfect Family Getaway!My family and I recently joined the 3-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with One Nation Travel, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we arrived in Cappadocia, everything was perfectly organized. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, providing great insights into the region's history and culture. The hot air balloon ride was the highlight of the trip – a truly magical experience! The accommodations were comfortable, and every detail was taken care of to ensure a stress-free journey. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore the beauty of Cappadocia. It was worth every moment!Date of Experience: September 29, 2024
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Featured Hotels
Hotel options associated with this itinerary; the selected tour page and written confirmation control the included hotel and category.
View Featured Hotels (3)- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel for an additional cost, which is added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Hotels are subject to availability; alternatives of an equal standard may be provided.
