3-Day Cappadocia and Ankara Tour from Istanbul

3 Days

Departure from

Istanbul
Transportation

Airplane & Bus
Tour type

Group
Group Size

10 - 25
Language

English
Best season

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct & Nov

Overview

Discover the unique landscapes of Cappadocia and the rich history of Ankara on this 3-day tour. Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia to explore its breathtaking valleys, iconic fairy chimneys, and ancient underground cities. Visit the Zelve Open-Air Museum, known for its ancient rock-hewn dwellings and fascinating history. Continue to Ankara by bus to explore the capital's cultural landmarks. With flights, bus tickets, and expert local guides included, this tour is a perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and discovery. Book now for a journey filled with culture and stunning views!

Highlights:

Explore Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and ancient underground cities with local guides.
Visit the Zelve Open-Air Museum and its captivating rock-hewn structures.
Discover Pigeon Valley’s stunning scenery and charm.
Visit Ankara’s top landmarks, including the Atatürk Mausoleum.
Flights and bus tickets included for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Istanbul – North Cappadocia Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul early in the morning and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, departing between 6:00 and 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Cappadocia, where you’ll meet your guide and begin a full-day North Cappadocia tour.

The tour begins at Devrent Valley, renowned for its unique fairy chimneys and rock formations. Next, visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to marvel at its striking mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Then, head to Avanos, a charming town famous for its traditional pottery-making heritage.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll explore the Zelve Open Air Museum, where you’ll discover ancient rock-cut churches and caves, offering insight into the monastic history of the region. The day concludes with a stop at Uchisar Castle, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Although entry to the castle is not permitted, the nearby viewpoints provide spectacular photo opportunities.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

For evening activities, you can choose from the following options (available at an additional cost): a traditional Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through the valleys, or a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show. Please note that only one activity can be selected due to time constraints. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
2

South Cappadocia Tour – From Göreme to Ankara by Intercity Bus

For an unforgettable experience, consider starting your day with an early morning hot air balloon ride. Soar above Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys to enjoy breathtaking aerial views. Please note this optional activity is available at an additional cost.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel. At approximately 9:30 AM, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide for a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia.

Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, known for its vivid rock formations and hidden churches. From there, enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the beautiful Rose Valley (Gulludere), surrounded by unique fairy chimneys and peaceful trails.

Continue to Cavusin Village, a historic settlement with abandoned rock houses and ancient churches once inhabited by early Christian clergy.

Around noon, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik), named for the pigeon houses carved into its cliffs, offering one of the best panoramic views in the region.

In the afternoon, explore one of the region’s underground cities — either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City — both fascinating networks of tunnels and rooms where early Christians once took refuge.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the Göreme main bus station to board an intercity coach to Ankara (approx. 5 hours). Upon arrival at the Ankara bus station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Ankara.
Day
3

Ankara Tour - Fly Back to Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up to begin a city tour of Ankara, exploring some of its most iconic landmarks. The tour includes a visit to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, a tribute to the founder of the Turkish Republic, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which features exhibitions from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian periods of central Anatolia.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Ankara Esenboga Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul, departing between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. END OF OUR SERVICE and TOURS.

Please note: 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:

Pickup from your Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport (on the European side only).
Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul to Kayseri and Ankara to Istanbul.
Intercity coach ticket from Cappadocia to Ankara.
1 night in Cappadocia at a Cave Hotel, including breakfast.
1 night in Ankara at a 4-star 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 service from Istanbul New Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport to your Istanbul hotel upon returning.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost).
Services not specified in the program.
Drinks with meals.
Travel insurance (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 9:00 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)

When will I receive confirmation after making a reservation?

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.

Is airport transfer included in the tour price?

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.

Can I customize the tour itinerary?

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.

What extra activities are popular in Cappadocia?

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.

What is the luggage allowance for domestic flights during the tour?

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.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, you must do so at least 5 days before the tour starts. In this case, the cost of all flight and bus tickets, which are non-refundable, will be deducted from your paid balance. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the tour, the full amount paid will be considered non-refundable, as a “no-show” policy will apply.