Cappadocia
is like landing on another planet
Welcome to Cappadocia
As if plucked from a whimsical fairytale and set down upon the stark Anatolian plains, Cappadocia is a geological oddity of honeycombed hills and towering boulders of otherworldly beauty. The fantastical topography is matched by the human history here. People have long utilised the region's soft stone, seeking shelter underground and leaving the countryside scattered with fascinating cavern architecture. The fresco-adorned rock-cut churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum and the subterranean refuges of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are the most famous sights, while simply bedding down in one of Cappadocia's cave hotels is an experience in 21st-century cave living.
Top experiences in Cappadocia
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $27.99
Cappadocia activities
Cappadocia Balloon Ride and Champagne Breakfast
The Cappadocia region of Turkey is the perfect location for a hot-air balloon flight, thanks to its outstandingly beautiful landscapes and great weather conditions. After complimentary pickup from your hotel by comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, take in views of the Turkish countryside as you head to the hot-air balloon office, where you’ll enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast of fruit, pastries, meats and salads.Head to the nearby launch field and watch as your 100-foot tall (30-meter) hot-air balloon is inflated before boarding the balloon basket with your experienced pilot. Then, up you go!Feel the subtle motion of the balloon as it lifts up over the stunning volcanic landscape. On your safe, scenic, flight, enjoy panoramic views of the Cappadocia relief, a high plateau standing more than 3,281 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level and pierced by tall, thin volcanic spires. As you fly through the Cappadocia valleys, take a close look at the rock formations and listen to your pilot's interesting commentary about Cappadocia's history and geological formations. See churches and houses carved into the rocks as the balloon climbs approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters). After your flight, raise your glass for a Champagne toast while being presented with a silver or gold medal as a flight souvenir. Then, relax on the drive back to your hotel.The 1-hour flight holds up to 20 people; for a more intimate experience, take the 1.5-hour ride, which guarantees a maximum of 12 people.
Turkey Tour from Istanbul to Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, More
Traveling with a knowledgeable guide and by air-conditioned coach, your 7-day tour takes you on a captivating round-trip to Turkey’s classic historical and cultural sights, starting and finishing in Istanbul. Your tour includes six nights of accommodation: with one night in Çanakkale, two nights in Kusadasi, one night in Pamukkale, and two nights in Cappadocia. All accommodation is centrally located for maximum convenience, and there’s ample free time to explore each town at your leisure in between excursions. Breakfast and dinner are included at each hotel and there is a break for lunch at your own expense on each day.See the Itinerary for details on each day of your tour.
2-Day Cappadocia Tour with Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride
Your hassle-free trip to Cappadocia is off to a smooth start with an included flight from Istanbul. Once you arrive in Cappadocia, the real fun begins. Set off on this action-packed overnight tour to the Rose Valley, Göreme Open-Air Museum and Çavuşin. Opt to upgrade your trip with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s stunning landscape.
Cappadocia Balloon Tour with Champagne Breakfast Included
Your tour begins in the early morning around 5:30am when you will be picked up from your hotel (list of hotels in schedule) and head to your included breakfast. After, head to the launch site where you meet your pilot and have a brief safety orientation. Board your balloon and prepare to take to the skies. Get settled in the basket and comfortable because you will be soaring the skies with ease and great visibility. The magnificent sights come into range as your balloon floats up and as the sun starts to rise on the horizon. The pink and purple colors fill the sky and set an environment that is like no other. Below, see the unique volcanic spires, chimneys and villages that dot the region. The region has been formed over ages through the forces of nature such as wind, floodwater and volcanic activity. After the allotted time, you will be lowered gently back to the earth to head back to your accommodation where the day is just beginning.
Tour of Highlights of Cappadocia with Lunch
Once you have been picked up at your hotel, the tour will start at 09:30 with the visit to the most important place in Cappadocia Region: Goreme Open Air Museum. It has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. You will see the best-preserved rock-cut churches in the area. The next visit will be in Cavusin where Greek and Turkish people lived together until 1924. You will see an old Greek and Turkish village, which was inhabited until 1950’s and then moved by the government to a new place because of rock falling from the village.You will then visit Pasabag (Monks Valley) with the best preserved fairy chimneys in the region. The fairy chimneys in this valley are the best examples in Cappadocia region and they are also called as “mushroom fairy chimneys”. Your lunch will be in a nice restaurant in Avanos. Then, you will have the kick-wheel pottery demo which has been an art practised for about 4000 years. Starting with the Hittites, this art became the most important cultural heritage of the town.The next stop will be Kaymakli Underground City, which is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cappadocia. After experiencing the life in underground, we will drive you to Pigeon Valley to see Uchisar Castle and the valley from a panoramic point.
Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cappadocia at approximately 4.30am for the transfer to the launch site. Warm up from the early morning chill with complimentary tea or coffee. While you enjoy breakfast, watch the professional flight team prepare your balloon for flight. Then, as the sun begins to rise, float to an altitude of about 1,000 feet (300 meters) for extraordinary 360-degree views of Cappadocia. The wind will transport you across the valleys and mountains for about 60 minutes, depending on the weather. Marvel at the unique rocks and caves of the region from a bird’s eye perspective.Celebrate your landing with a champagne Toast and get your personal flight certificate before the transfer back to your hotel at about 7am.