9 Best Cappadocia Tours From Istanbul: Multiple Day Excursions [2024]

Cappadocia is one of the top places you can’t miss when visiting Turkey. Its fairy chimneys, unique landscape, underground cities, and unforgettable hot air balloon ride at sunrise are on every traveler’s bucket list.

I visited Cappadocia for 4 days and traveled from Istanbul. So I know what a good tour should contain and look like.

I’ve picked the 9 best tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia for you. So read about my insights and opinion, and choose the right one.

Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Tour From Istanbul To Cappadocia

When choosing the right tour of Cappadocia, I recommend considering a few factors. So here are my top tips for what to think of when booking a tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia:

• list of things to do in Cappadocia
• Red/Blue/Green Tour
• number of days
• hot air balloon experience
• cave hotel accommodation
• free time during the tour
• transportation

List Of Things To Do In Cappadocia

The most important thing is to clearly define what exactly you expect from Cappadocia and what you want to see and do. Since you landed on my article, I’ve done the job for you and chosen tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia to show you the highlights.

I also visited the entire area and researched the best things to do in Cappadocia. I’ve also done many of them during my visit.

👉So read my article here and create your own list of things you want to experience in Cappadocia.

Red Tour/Blue Tour/Green Tour

The main thing to do in Cappadocia is to join organized tours: Red, Blue, and Green. Each tour offers different places and experiences. All of them together will show you the entire Cappadocia.

Each tour from Istanbul consists of the Red Tour (the first day), with the Blue Tour or the Green Tour on the second day.

So I recommend you first read about each tour and its offerings. And then choose whether you want to do the Blue or Green Tour. It’ll make the decision-making much easier and faster when booking your Cappadocia tour from Istanbul.

👉 Click on each tours to learn about what they offer: Red Tour, Blue Tour, and Green Tour.

Number Of Days

Another major thing is, of course, time. I haven’t included day trips from Istanbul to Cappadocia on this list just because I believe once you spend the money going to Cappadocia, you should get the most out of it.

Honestly, spending just a day in Cappadocia (including flights from and to Istanbul) doesn’t give you a lot of time to soak up the atmosphere of this place and do the best things. So I don’t recommend booking a 1-day tour to Cappadocia.

The optimal time to spend in Cappadocia is between 3 to 5 days. 2 days are also fine if the tour includes everything that’s on your bucket list.

👉 I don’t recommend booking a 1-day tour to Cappadocia as it’s not worth the money.

Hot Air Balloon Experience

One thing to consider when choosing the right tour to Cappadocia is the hot air balloon experience. Do you want to ride a hot air balloon for sure? Or do you want it to be an optional activity on your tour? Check with yourself and see how important it’s for you to have it on the itinerary.

👉 Click this link to learn more about the hot air balloon experience and what to expect.

Cave Hotel Accommodation

All of the tours below include a hotel stay. My tip is to book the tour that includes a cave hotel. It’s one of the experiences you can’t miss in Cappadocia.

Many tours offer a stay in a beautiful cave hotel, and the price is similar to other tours that offer just a regular hotel room. So consider it: sleeping in a cave hotel in Cappadocia is an unforgettable experience.

👉 READ ALSO: Where To Stay In Cappadocia: Best Areas & Hotels

Free Time During The Tour

Once you have your list of things to do in Cappadocia and have chosen a tour, think about your free time. Does it give you extra time to explore more things on your own?

Usually, the 2-day tours are packed and don’t have extra free time. So, if you want to do even more activities that your tour won’t include, opt for a 3-day tour from Istanbul.

👉 Check out my list of the top activities in Cappadocia to see what else you can do besides the three main tours (Red/Blue/Green).

Transportation

Last but not least, think about how you want to get to Cappadocia.

The fastest and most convenient way is to fly from Istanbul to Nevsehir (the main city in Cappadocia). And most of the tours in this list have flights included.

But taking an overnight bus from Istanbul is a unique experience, too. So, just in case you want to experience a Turkish bus ride and stop at several bazaars, I’ve also included a Cappadocia tour from Istanbul by bus.

Some tours end in Cappadocia, and some offer a return trip to Istanbul.

👉 Consider whether you want to stay in Cappadocia or have return transportation to Istanbul included in the tour.

9 Best Cappadocia Tours From Istanbul

Here is the list of the top 9 tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia. It includes tours for different days, activities, and places; some are with a cave hotel, and some include a hot air balloon ride. So choose the tour that best fits your needs and interests, and book it using my links to get the best deals.

All these tours are provided by 2 companies with which I cooperate: Get Your Guide & Viator. Both companies offer reliable tours with professional guides and the best experiences. I often book activities with them when I travel.

Here is a quick list of the best tours to Cappadocia from Istanbul:

1. 2-Day All Inclusive Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul
2. 2-Day Cappadocia Tour With A Cave Hotel
3. 2-Day Cappadocia Tour With Hot Air Balloon & Cave Hotel
4. 2-Day Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul By Bus
5. 3-Day Cappadocia Tour With Hot Air Balloon
6. 3-Day Cappadocia Tour With Cave Suite
7. 3-Day Cappadocia With Hot Air Balloon (With A Champagne) & Cave Hotel
8. 4-Day Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul
9. 8-Day Cappadocia Tour Package From Istanbul (With Pamukkale & Ephesus)

2-Day Cappadocia Tours From Istanbul

We’ll start with 2 days tours to Cappadocia from Istanbul. I’ve selected three different packages based on the things and activities they offer, accommodation options, and hot air balloon rides. Almost all of them include domestic flights to Cappadocia.

1. 2-Day All Inclusive Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul

This 2-day all-inclusive tour to Cappadocia includes the main highlights. You’ll hike through the top valleys like Rose, Red, and the Pigeon Valley.

A professional guide will walk you through Goreme and its open-air museum, so you’ll learn a lot about the history. You’ll also visit famous underground cities, eat traditional food (Testi Kebab), and have some spare time for extra activities.

You’ll also stay in a traditional cave hotel, which is amazing.

The tour doesn’t include a hot air balloon ride is optional. So you’ll have to pay extra for the balloon experience if you want to.

Why To Choose This Tour?

What I like about this tour is that the hot air balloon ride is optional. It’s not included in the price of the tour. But it gives you a lot of flexibility.

If the weather is bad and hot air balloons don’t fly, you don’t have to deal with refunds or money losses. But if the weather is great and you decide to do the hot air balloon ride on the spot.

This tour also includes airport transfers in Istanbul, which many other tours don’t.

2. 2-Day Cappadocia Tour With A Cave Hotel

With this 2-day tour, you’ll follow the highlights of the Red Tour on the first day. You’ll enjoy stunning views of Göreme from the panorama point. After, you’ll visit the Devrent Valley with its rocks in the shape of animals. Then, you’ll explore the Monk Valley before visiting Avanos and its famous pottery workshop. Enjoy a delicious lunch, and after, visit the stunning Uschisar Castle.

On the second day, you’ll follow the Blue Tour by hiking between the gorgeous Red and Rose Valley. You’ll visit an underground city, Cavushin, and the famous Pigeon Valley.

Flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia, baggage (15kg bag per person), and all airport transfers are included in the price.

The only disadvantage of this tour is that it doesn’t include a hot air balloon ride. Yet, I believe you can book it in early in the morning on the second day if you want to.

Why To Choose This Tour

This tour offers the most things in Cappadocia from this list. It also has a special-class cave hotel stay, which is awesome.

The only thing it doesn’t offer is the hot air balloon ride. But you could still do it on the second day if you wanted to. Everything is possible.

3. 2-Day Cappadocia Tour With Hot Air Balloon & Cave Hotel

This 2-day Cappadocia tour from Istanbul with a hot air balloon and a cave hotel stay is perfect for those who want to have the one-package experience and experience almost all the highlights of Cappadocia. It already has the top 2 things from the bucket list (hot air balloon ride and cave hotel).

In addition, this tour will show you some spots included in the Red Tour, such as Göreme Viewpoint and Göreme Open Air Museum, take you to a pottery class, and the Devrent Valley.

On the second day, it’ll guide you through the famous sights of the Green Tour. These include the Pigeon Valley, Uschisar, Kaimakli underground city, and Ihlara Canyon.

A disadvantage of this tour is that it doesn’t include flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia. But you can look for flights and find cheap deals by clicking this link.

One thing that this tour doesn’t have is the famous Rose and Love Valley. But you can add the hikes yourself in the evening after the organized program ends (e.g. on the 1. day).

Why To Choose This Tour

This tour is fantastic because it checks off the main activities (a balloon ride and a cave hotel stay). And it’s affordable compared to other tours that don’t include these two things.

Just think about it: a hot air balloon ride alone costs between $150 and $200. So this tour has a great price vs. program balance. It also covers highlights from the Green Tour (my favorite tour in Cappadocia).

The only disadvantage is that it doesn’t include airport transfers in Istanbul (only in Cappadocia). And it doesn’t have flights to Cappadocia either. But it’s great for those who already have flights purchased or want to start their tour in Nevsehir, Cappadocia (not in Istanbul).

4. 2-Day Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul By Bus

I also have something extra for you if you want to experience an overnight bus ride to Cappadocia instead of flying there.

I took the overnight bus, and it was, indeed, a great experience. The bus has comfortable seats, some serve drinks, and you’ll stop at Turkish bazaars several times.

This bus tour to Cappadocia includes program for 2 full days. You’ll do the famous Red Tour on the first day and the Blue Tour on the second day. It also includes a stay in a boutique cave hotel, all entrance fees, lunch, and a professional guide.

The tour doesn’t include a transfer back to Istanbul, nor a hot air balloon ride.

Why To Choose This Tour

This tour is perfect if you want to experience an overnight bus ride to Cappadocia instead of flying there. It’s also great if you want to finish your tour in Cappadocia and keep exploring other places in Turkey (like Pamukkale or southern beaches) rather than getting back to Istanbul.

The only disadvantage is that it doesn’t have a hot air balloon ride, but you can always add it and do it yourself before the tour program starts.

3-Day Tours From Istanbul To Cappadocia

If 2 days sounds like too little time for you in Cappadocia, I have some tours for 3 days. These three tours cover even more than the ones above, including extra special activities you’ll love.

They’ll also give you extra free time so you can do things that are left on your Cappadocia bucket list, which I love.

Almost all of the following tours include domestic flights. So let’s get to the best 3-day tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia.

5. 3-Day Cappadocia Tour With Hot Air Balloon

This all-inclusive 3-day tour is amazing as it includes almost all the highlights that Cappadocia has to offer. Your flights and transfers are included, and you’ll see the Red Tour and Green Tour sights.

One early morning, you’ll experience the breathtaking hot air balloon ride. What is special about this tour is that it offers the ATV tour at sunset after you arrive in Cappadocia, which no other tour on this list has.

It only doesn’t have a stay in a traditional cave hotel. Yet, you’ll sleep in a beautiful boutique hotel with rooms in the style of a cave.

Why To Choose This Tour

This tour is for you if you want to ultimately skip planning and want to have everything organized for you. With this tour, you’ll experience the top sights, and everything is included, so you don’t have to think about anything.

It might be slightly pricier, but it takes the stress out of you as the organizer will take care of everything for you.

6. 3-Day Cappadocia Tour With Cave Suite

This 3-day Cappadocia tour contains a one-way flight ticket to Cappadocia and a stay in a beautiful cave hotel. You’ll do the two famous tours: the Red Tour and the Blue Tour. The only thing not included is the flight back to Istanbul and hot air balloons.

Yet, it can be perfect for those who don’t want to return to Istanbul. Perhaps you want to continue touring Turkey and visit the southern beaches around Antalya or take a bus to the cotton castle of Pamukkale.

You’ll arrive in Cappadocia on the first day and stay in a cave suite. So I recommend adding an extra activity you can do in the evening yourself such as horse riding, camel riding, or this ATV Tour.

On the second day, a professional guide will take you to the sights covered in the Red Tour. You’ll see Goreme and its Open Air Museum, Uschisar, experience a pottery workshop, and see the Red River.

On the third day, you’ll hike between the two stunning valleys: Rose Valley and Red Valley. Afterward, you’ll see the beautiful Cavusin village, Kaymakli underground city, Pigeon Valley, and Ortshisar Castle.

PRO TIP: You can add a hot air balloon ride on the 2nd or 3rd day before your program starts.

Why To Choose This Tour?

This tour is suitable for you if you don’t want to return to Istanbul but want to continue visiting other places in Turkey from Cappadocia (such as Antalya and Pamukkale). It’s perfect because it includes all the highlights, including a stay in a cave hotel.

The only drawback is that it comes without the hot air balloon ride. But you can organize it early on day 2 or 3 before the official program starts.

7. 3-Day Cappadocia With Hot Air Balloon (With A Champagne) & Cave Hotel

This 3-day Cappadocia tour includes the famous hot air balloon with champagne at the end, the Red Tour and the Green Tour sights, and a cave hotel stay.

On the second day, your guide on the Red Tour will take you to Göreme Viewpoint and explain how the unique landscape was formed. After, you’ll take a pottery class in Avanos and visit the stunning Uschisar with its castle.

On the third day, you’ll tour the popular sights of the Green Tour. Visit the Pigeon Valley, underground cities, Ihlara Valley with traditional lunch, and Selime Monastery.

This tour is great as it shows you the highlights of Cappadocia and still leaves you space to do other activities on your own. I recommend visiting the Rose or the Love Valley on one of the evenings to get the most out of your stay.

It also includes a 2-night stay in a beautiful cave hotel. The airport transfer and entrance fees are included, too.

The tour doesn’t include flights to Cappadocia. So you’ll have to book these by yourself. Click this link to get the best flight deals to Cappadocia.

Why To Choose This Tour

Overall, this tour is fantastic if you’re already in Cappadocia and want a personalized and organized package for your stay. This is the perfect way to skip planning and see the highlights of Cappadocia.

I recommend adding extra activities after each day’s program, such as an ATV tour, Camel safari, horse riding, or hiking in The Love and Rose Valley.

8. 4-Day Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul

Now I have something extra for those of you who want to ultimately skip planning and visit the top 2 places in Turkey: Istanbul and Cappadocia.

On this 4-day tour, you’ll experience Istanbul in a day and Cappadocia in 3 days. It includes return domestic flights, airport transfers, stay in a cave hotel, and meals.

During the 2 full days in Cappadocia, you’ll see the highlights of the Red and Blue tours. And it also gives you extra time to do activities by yourself.

The only thing that is not included in this tour is the hot air balloon ride, which you can always add to your itinerary early in the morning.

So, if you only want to get to Istanbul from your country and have everything taken care of, this tour is a great package.

Why To Choose This Tour

This tour is excellent for you if you dislike planning anything. The bonus is it also includes the highlights of Istanbul, but most of it is Cappadocia. And you’ll get to do it almost all in the area.

As I mentioned, the only drawback is that it doesn’t include a hot air balloon ride. But it gives you flexibility to choose whether to do it on the spot or not.

9. 8-Day Cappadocia Tour Package From Istanbul
(With Pamukkale & Emphesus)

Last but not least, I’ve got a full package for you to visit Turkey. So it’s not just about Cappadocia, but you’ll get the entire experience of seeing the top sights in Turkey.

This is an 8-day tour to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus. Out of all, you’ll spend 2 full days in Cappadocia.

The first two days are designed to explore Istanbul. After, you’ll fly to Izmir and visit the beautiful travertine pools of Pamukkale. On the next day, you’ll get the chance to visit one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – Ephesus.

Then you’ll fly to Cappadocia, where you’ll enjoy this tour’s last 2 full days. It includes all the top sights from the Red and Blue tours with a professional guide.

It’s a nicely designed tour, so you don’t have to plan anything. You’ll only have to pay extra for entrance fees at each location.

Why To Choose This Tour

This 8-day tour is for you if you want to explore the highlights of Turkey and return to Istanbul. Flights, transportation, and accommodation are included, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

The only thing that this itinerary is missing is the hot air balloon. But as you already know from this article, you can add it by yourself early in the morning on one of the days you’ll be in Cappadocia.

Practical Tips For Visiting Cappadocia From Istanbul

Here are some tips (from my experience) for your visit to Cappadocia. It’s important to know which time of the year is the best to visit and what you should pack. I’ve also included a list of things to do so you can plan extra activities for your free time and get the most out of Cappadocia. Check them out below.

Best Time To Visit Cappadocia

The best time to visit Cappadocia is during the shoulder season: April, May, September, October, and the beginning of November. It’s way less crowded throughout these months, and the temperatures are mild. It’s also a great time to go hiking in Cappadocia’s valleys and enjoy its breathtaking views.

Summer In Cappadocia

Summer months (June, July, and August) are often the most crowded, and the place is full of visitors. While it’s also a nice time to visit, it’ll be very hot, so prepare accordingly. July and August are also famous for the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival. So prepare for the crowds.

Winter In Cappadocia

Winter in Cappadocia is a different experience. You can still do all the activities at other times of the year. But it gets cold. The temperatures range between 6°C and -5°C. It can also rain more often, so there is a higher chance that your hot air balloon ride will be canceled. Consider this when booking a tour.

How To Pack For Your Tour From Istanbul To Cappadocia

You can pack what you want for your visit to Cappadocia. But the most important thing is to pack warmer clothes such as a jumper, sweater, jacket, and long pants. It gets chilly in Cappadocia in the early mornings and late evenings.

You’ll be in the mountains, so the temperatures drop for the night. Especially if you want to do the hot air balloon ride, bring long-sleeve (warmer) clothes.

I also suggest packing hiking clothes to visit the famous valleys (Love, Rose, Pigeon Valley).

Otherwise, Cappadocia has no restrictions on what to wear, so pack what feels comfortable.

If you take one of these tours from Istanbul, this is about the luggage allowance for your flight. Pack accordingly so you don’t have to pay extra for oversized luggage.

Packing List For Your Cappadocia Tour

Here is a quick packing list for your trip to Cappadocia:

• T-Shirts
• 1x shorts
• 1x dress
• 1x jumper/sweater
• 1x jacket
• 1-2x pants (long sleeve)
• 1x hiking shoes
• hiking poles (optional)
• 1x sneakers
• hat
• smaller backpack
• swimming suit (just in case)
• flipflops (optional)

Is Cappadocia Safe To Visit?

Cappadocia is a very safe place to visit. It’s the safest place in Turkey. Locals are very friendly and hospitable, there is not much danger, and an earthquake risk is also very low.

If you want additional safety tips and learn to be safe in Cappadocia, check out my article here. It’ll tell you about common traveler scams, too.

Best Things To Do In Cappadocia: Ultimate Guide

To help you choose the right tour, I’ve also written a separate article about the best things to do in Cappadocia. This list will give you a great overview of what to expect and activities you can do.

So check it out and choose the things that interest you. Then, write them down on a piece of paper and compare which tours from Istanbul offer the most of the things from your list.

👉 READ ALSO: Where To Stay In Cappadocia: Best Areas & Hotels

FAQs

Here are my answers to the most frequently asked questions so that you can prepare even better for your trip. Check them out below.

Is It Possible To Do A Day Trip From Istanbul To Cappadocia?

Yes, it’s possible to do a day trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia. You can fly from Istanbul to Nevsehir early in the morning, do one of the tours (Red/Blue/Green) to see the main highlights, and then fly back to Istanbul in the evening.

It’s doable. However, I don’t recommend it as you won’t get to enjoy the atmosphere to the fullest. I suggest visiting Cappadocia at least for 2 to 3 days.

How Much Does It Cost To Travel From Istanbul To Cappadocia?

The average price per flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia is $60 (one-way without extra luggage). The average price of the overnight bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia is $30 (one-way, including luggage).

The cost of travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia depends on various factors. You can either fly to Cappadocia or take an overnight bus. The price will also vary depending on the season and day you want to visit.

Cheaper flights are usually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Flights are more expensive on the weekends. Overnight bus has more and less the same price throughout the week. Price also depends on the company with which you choose to travel.

Is 2 Full Days In Cappadocia Enough?

Yes, 2 full days in Cappadocia is enough. You’ll get to enjoy all the highlights, including a stay in a cave hotel, a hot air balloon ride in the early morning, and 2 different tours that will show you the top sights of Cappadocia.

Is Cappadocia More Expensive Than Istanbul?

Yes, Cappadocia is more expensive than Istanbul. Istanbul is a big city so it depends on what you choose to do and how much you spend. Overall, Cappadocia is more expensive than Istanbul.

What Is A Good Time Of Year To Go To Cappadocia?

The best times of year to visit Cappadocia are the shoulder months: April, May, September, and October. These months are less crowded, and temperatures are mild. So you’ll enjoy the place more than in the crowded summertime.

What Is The Most Beautiful Town In Cappadocia?

The most beautiful town in Cappadocia is Göreme. It’s in the heart of Cappadocia, and you can easily access other sights and famous valleys from the town. It also has the best hotels, restaurants, cafes, and stunning views of the entire area.

WRAP-UP: Best Cappadocia Tours From Istabul

These are my top recommendations for organized trips to Cappadocia from Istanbul. As mentioned, first, create your own list of things you want to experience in Cappadocia. Then, choose the tour that checks most of the things from your list. This is the best way to choose the right tour for you.

If you have any questions, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you or design a customized travel itinerary for you.

Happy travels!