6-Day Cappadocia & Antalya Tour from Istanbul

6 Days

Group Size

1

Overview

Awaken to a horizon scattered with hot air balloons drifting over a moonlit landscape of stone — this is Cappadocia, where centuries of wind and faith have carved an open-air dreamscape of fairy chimneys, hidden churches, and entire cities hewn beneath the earth. After a smooth flight from Istanbul, your guide leads the group through the surreal valleys of Devrent and Pasabag, the rose-tinted cliffs of Red and Rose Valleys, and the riverside pottery town of Avanos before descending into the silent tunnels of the Kaymakli and Derinkuyu underground cities. You'll hike beside the Melendiz River through dramatic Ihlara Valley and stand awed by the towering rock-cut halls of Selime Monastery. Then the journey turns Mediterranean: a domestic flight delivers you to Antalya, where unhurried days unfold among the cobbled lanes of Kaleici, the old harbour, and seaside cafes. A final flourish traces the ancient region of Pamphylia — the colonnades of Perge, the flawless theatre of Aspendos, the seafront Temple of Apollo at Side, and the cool spray of Manavgat Waterfall — before your evening flight home. With flights, stays, and guided touring handled, you simply savour Turkey's wonders.

Trip Highlights

Wander the surreal rock formations of Devrent Valley
Watch artisans spin clay in riverside Avanos
Descend into the Kaymakli and Derinkuyu underground cities
Hike the canyon trails of Ihlara Valley
Marvel at the towering rock-cut Selime Monastery
Stroll the Ottoman lanes of Antalya's Kaleici old town
Step into the flawless Roman theatre of Aspendos
Admire the seafront Temple of Apollo at Side
Unwind beside the cascading Manavgat Waterfall
Drift over Cappadocia's valleys by sunrise balloon (optional)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Flight to Cappadocia - Zelve & Fairy Chimneys Tour

Around 4:00 AM, you will be collected from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the domestic airport for your early flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, departing between 6:00 and 7:30 AM. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, your guide will meet the group and begin a full day of exploration.
Start at Devrent Valley, known for its rock formations that resemble animals and abstract shapes. Continue to Pasabag Monks Valley, where mushroom-shaped pinnacles once served as places of solitude for hermit monks. Next, drive to the riverside town of Avanos on the Red River, famed for its centuries-old pottery tradition, where you can watch local artisans at work.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, a rock-cut village of cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries. End the day with about 15 minutes for panoramic photos of Uchisar Castle before transferring to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
2

Rose Valley & Underground City Tour

For a memorable start, consider an optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's valleys at sunrise (available at additional cost, must be pre-booked). After breakfast at your hotel, around 9:30 AM your guide will collect the group to begin the day.
First, explore Red Valley, known for its rock-cut churches and red-hued cliffs. Continue with a peaceful hike of about 5 km through Rose Valley, passing unique rock formations and hidden cave chapels along the trail. Next, visit Cavusin Village, home to remarkable stone houses and churches that reveal the lives of the Christian clergy who once lived here.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Pigeon Valley, famous for the pigeon houses carved into its cliffs. In the afternoon, descend into the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians once sheltered through intricate tunnel networks. Return to your hotel around 4:00 PM. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
3

Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu & Selime Monastery Tour

After breakfast, your guide will collect the group around 9:30 AM for another full day of discovery. The first stop is the Derinkuyu Underground City, one of the deepest subterranean refuges in the region, where early Christians carved tunnels, living quarters, and storage rooms to hide during periods of persecution.
Continue to the stunning Ihlara Valley, formerly known as Peristerema. Here you will explore rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 4 km hike along the Melendiz River, surrounded by dramatic canyon walls. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant set within the valley, where you can sample local dishes in a tranquil natural setting.
On the way back, stop at Selime Monastery in Guzelyurt, an impressive rock-cut monastic complex with towering formations and ancient chapels that shed light on the region's monastic past. Around 4:00 PM, the group returns to the hotel, with free time to relax or browse local craft shops. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
4

Flight to Antalya - Free Time in the Old City

After breakfast at your cave hotel, check out and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Cappadocia to Antalya (routed via Istanbul if no direct flight is available). Upon arrival at Antalya Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the old city for check-in.
The rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and explore at your own pace. The atmospheric old quarter of Kaleici sits right at your doorstep, with its narrow cobblestone lanes, restored Ottoman houses, and the old harbour overlooking the Mediterranean. You may wish to stroll past the historic city gates, browse the boutique shops, or relax at a seaside cafe as the sun sets over the water.
For dinner, the old town offers a wide choice of restaurants serving fresh seafood and regional Turkish specialties. Take the evening at your own pace before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Day
5

Leisure Day in Antalya

After breakfast at your hotel, the entire day is free to enjoy Antalya at your own pace. With no scheduled activities, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind on the Mediterranean coast and shape the day around your own interests.
You might spend the morning wandering the historic streets of Kaleici, the charming old town with its Roman-era walls, ornate gates, and the picturesque yacht harbour. Art and history lovers may wish to visit the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey's finest archaeological collections, home to remarkable Roman statues and artefacts.
Alternatively, relax on one of Antalya's beaches, enjoy a leisurely Mediterranean lunch by the sea, or browse the local markets for souvenirs and handmade goods. Optional excursions and water activities can be arranged locally if you prefer a more active day. In the evening, savour the relaxed coastal atmosphere with a seafood dinner in one of the old town's waterfront restaurants. Overnight in Antalya.
Day
6

Perge, Aspendos, Side & Manavgat Waterfall Tour – Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and meet your guide for a full day exploring the ancient region of Pamphylia. Begin at the ancient city of Perge, with its grand Roman gates, colonnaded streets, agora, and well-preserved stadium and theatre.

Continue to the remarkable Aspendos Theater, considered one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world and still used for performances today. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to the seaside town of Side, where you can admire the seafront Temple of Apollo and the impressive ancient theatre.

Round off the sightseeing at the Manavgat Waterfall, a tranquil cascade set within a lush forested canyon. Afterwards, transfer to Antalya Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. End of tour services.

Inclusions:

5 nights hotel accommodation: 3 nights at a cave hotel in Cappadocia and 2 nights at a boutique hotel in Antalya
Daily breakfast at the hotels
4 lunches at local restaurants on touring days
Domestic flight: Istanbul to Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevsehir)
Domestic flight: Cappadocia to Antalya (via Istanbul if required)
Domestic flight: Antalya to Istanbul
All airport and hotel transfers
Professional English-speaking guide on touring days
All entrance fees as per the itinerary
Air-conditioned touring vehicle
Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

Travel insurance
Lunches and dinners on the Antalya leisure days
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Drinks during meals (except water)
Optional activities (hot air balloon ride, Turkish bath)
Gratuities for guide and driver
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Important Information

Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are weather-dependent and may be canceled by the aviation authority. We recommend booking your earliest available morning. Refunds or rescheduling will be arranged if canceled due to weather.
Please prepare your luggage the night before.
Domestic flights in Turkey allow approximately 15 kg checked luggage per person. Excess luggage fees apply, so we recommend packing light with soft-sided bags.
Cappadocia involves several walks and hikes over uneven terrain; comfortable walking shoes are essential. Underground cities have narrow, low passages not suited to those with claustrophobia or mobility limitations.
Entry into the Uchisar castle formations is not permitted for safety reasons; the stop allows time for panoramic photos only.
The Antalya portion includes free leisure days with no guide; meals beyond breakfast are at your own arrangement during this time.
A modest dress code is required when visiting mosques and some religious sites: shoulders and knees should be covered, and women may need a headscarf.
Cappadocia mornings and evenings can be cold even in shoulder seasons, while Antalya stays warm; pack layers suited to both climates.
Turkey uses Type C and F electrical outlets (European standard, 220V). Travelers from the US/UK should bring an adapter.

FAQs

How do I book this tour and what deposit is required?

The deposit or full-payment requirement, currency, balance due date and any disclosed payment-processing charge vary by booking and are stated on the current booking page and in the written confirmation before payment. Flight and bus tickets are issued only under the confirmed booking terms and, once issued, are non-refundable. 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.

What is the cancellation policy?

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.

Are the domestic flights included in the price?

Yes. The tour includes the domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Cappadocia to Antalya, and Antalya back to Istanbul. International flights to and from Turkey are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul on Day 1 and ends on Day 6 with a transfer to your hotel in Istanbul after the flight back from Antalya.

Is the hot air balloon ride included?

The hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is an optional activity at additional cost and must be pre-booked. It is best scheduled for an early morning during your Cappadocia stay, as it is weather-dependent and subject to aviation authority approval.

How many days do I have free in Antalya?

You have free time on the afternoon of Day 4 and a full leisure day on Day 5 to explore Antalya at your own pace, relax by the Mediterranean, or arrange optional local activities.

Will I travel with the same group and guide throughout the tour?

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 15-25 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.

What kind of accommodation is provided in Cappadocia?

In Cappadocia you stay in a hotel that may include a traditional cave-style property, offering an authentic regional experience. In Antalya you stay in a hotel located in the historic old city, close to the harbour and main attractions.

Are the underground cities suitable for everyone?

The underground cities feature narrow, low, and steep passageways. They are a memorable highlight but may not be suitable for travelers with claustrophobia, heart conditions, or limited mobility. You can wait above ground if you prefer not to descend.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather for both Cappadocia hiking and Antalya's coast. Summer is warmer, especially in Antalya, while winter brings cooler, occasionally snowy conditions to Cappadocia.