Cappadocia Day Trip from Istanbul

Cappadocia in a Day: Day Trip from Istanbul

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 am and will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Cappadocia. In Cappadocia, you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Cappadocia.

The first stop of the tour will be Devrent Valley, also known as “Imagination Valley,” where the extraordinary rock formations resemble animals and various shapes, created naturally over centuries. This is one of the most iconic landscapes in Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys.

Next, you’ll head to Avanos, a charming town known for its ancient pottery tradition dating back to 3000 BC. The town sits along the Kizilirmak River, or Red River, which provides the red clay used for pottery. Here, you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop to see artisans creating unique ceramic pieces, a craft passed down through generations.

Afterward, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Turkish restaurant before continuing your journey.

The next stop is the Zelve Open Air Museum, an ancient monastic retreat with cave dwellings and churches carved into the rocks. This area provides a glimpse into the history of early Christian communities and their unique way of life.

From there, you’ll head to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia. While entrance to the interior of the castle is no longer allowed due to safety reasons, you will have the opportunity to take in spectacular panoramic views of the Cappadocia region and the distant Mount Erciyes from the surrounding area.

Finally, you will visit the impressive Kaymakli Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s most extensive underground cities. This multi-level city, carved deep into the rock, served as a refuge during invasions, with its complex tunnels and chambers offering a glimpse into the ancient defensive strategy.

After your full day of exploring Cappadocia, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul, departing between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm. END OF OUR SERVICE and TOURS.

Please note that transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Pick up from Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport (on the European side of Istanbul only)
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir and from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Istanbul only
• Professional licensed English speaking guide during the tour
• Lunch
• Entrance fees mentioned by the itinerary
• Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

• Drop off transportation service from Istanbul New Airport OR Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul Hotel upon returning to Istanbul
• Any optional tours
• Tips to staff, items of a personal nature
• Travel insurance

WHAT TO BRING:

• Hiking shoes
• Camera

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This tour must be booked at least 3 days in advance.
• This tour itself is private with a private car and a private English-speaking tour guide. However, please note that pick-up, drop-off, and all transportation will be shared and will not be private.
• Private transfer service will be at an additional cost. Please let us know if you require an Additional Info: private transfer service.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request
• The normal arrival time in Istanbul is between 8:00 – 11:00 PM. If you are planning on reserving your plane back home that same day, we recommend you book a plane ticket from 1:30 AM onwards, to avoid missing your flight.
• We strongly urge you not to book travel arrangements from Istanbul to your home destination on the day of your tour. We cannot be responsible for common or uncommon travel delays in our arrival time back to Istanbul.

WHEN TO BOOK?

• Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
• You can book up to 2 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.