3-Day/2-Night Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul – Afternoon Departure

3 Days
  • Istanbul
  • Airplane
  • Group
  • 15 - 20
  • English
  • Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct & Nov

Overview

Experience the magic of Cappadocia on this 3-Day/2-Night Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul (Afternoon Departure), complete with cave hotel stays, guided excursions, and scenic landscapes. Explore both North and South Cappadocia, visit fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, and underground cities. Optional adventures like hot air balloon rides and ATV tours add extra thrill. Includes round-trip flights and select meals. Book early to secure your spot!

Highlights:

  • Devrent and Pasabag Valleys' fairy chimneys
  • Avanos pottery town and Zelve Open Air Museum
  • Hike through Red and Rose Valleys
  • Visit to Cavusin Village and Pigeon Valley
  • Explore Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri/Nevşehir – Arrival in Cappadocia

    You will be picked up from your hotel in central Istanbul (European side only) and transferred to the airport for your late afternoon or evening flight to either Kayseri or Nevşehir, depending on availability. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, you will have free time to relax and explore the surroundings at your own pace. Overnight in Cappadocia.

  • Day
    2

    North Cappadocia Tour

    You may begin your day with an optional Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, offering unforgettable views over the unique valleys and rock formations. This activity is not included in the tour price and must be booked in advance.

    After breakfast, around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a full-day guided tour of North Cappadocia. Your first stop will be the enchanting Devrent Valley, famous for its whimsical, animal-shaped rock formations. Then, continue to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to the region’s iconic mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.

    Next, visit Avanos, a town renowned for its traditional pottery and red clay sourced from the Kızılırmak River. Here, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

    In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Zelve Open Air Museum, where cave dwellings, rock-cut churches, and early Christian settlements offer deep insight into Cappadocia’s history.

    Before returning to your hotel, take a photo break at a panoramic viewpoint near Uchisar Castle. Entry into the castle is not included.

    The tour concludes around 4:00 PM. You will be transferred back to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

    One optional activity can be added during online booking at an additional cost from the list below:

  • Day
    3

    South Cappadocia Tour – Flight Back to Istanbul

    After breakfast at your hotel and check-out, you will be picked up around 9:30 AM to begin a full-day guided tour of South Cappadocia.

    Your first stop is the scenic Red Valley, where you will explore ancient rock-cut churches and enjoy a 5 km hike through the tranquil Rose Valley, known for its soft pink-hued formations.

    Next, visit Cavusin Village, an old Greek settlement featuring abandoned cave homes and historic churches once used by early Christian clergy. Around noon, you'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

    The tour continues to Pigeon Valley, famous for its countless pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. In the afternoon, explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or the Ozkonak Underground City — fascinating underground complexes that once sheltered early Christians during times of persecution.

    The tour ends around 3:30 PM, after which you’ll be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Flights typically depart between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. End of our services.

    Please note: Airport transfer 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 your city center hotel in Istanbul (European side only) and transfer to Istanbul Airport
  • Round-trip domestic flight tickets between Istanbul and Kayseri or Nevşehir
  • 2 nights accommodation in a cave hotel in Cappadocia, including breakfast
  • English-speaking professional guide during the tours
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
  • Entrance fees to all sites mentioned 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)

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.

Is airport transfer included in the tour price?

Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. Upon your arrival and departure, we provide complimentary transfers between the airport and your hotel.

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, 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.

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 15-20 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.