Cappadocia itinerary
Hot air balloons and unbelievable landscapes come to mind when thinking about Cappadocia, and it truly is one of the most fascinating destinations you could ever visit. This Turkish region has many attractions, including rock formations, underground cities, archeological sites, museums, and more.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry; we’ve covered your 2-day getaway with this Cappadocia itinerary.
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About Cappadocia
Three volcanic peaks dominate Cappadocia, Erciyes, Hasan, and Melendiz Dağları. Their compressed volcanic ash has eroded over millions of years, forming dusty valleys and fairy chimneys.
Stay in Göreme, one of few local settlements where cave dwellings are still inhabited, and explore the highlights of Cappadocia in two action-packed days.
How to get to Göreme
There are several ways to get to Göreme from Kayseri airport.Â
By bus: getting the bus to Göreme from Kayseri Airport is very affordable. You first need to transfer to Kayseri Central Bus Station by taxi to get the bus. There are 7 buses to Göreme from 07:00 – 21:00 daily. The journey duration is 60 minutes, and a single ticket costs 3€. To buy a bus ticket, you can either go online, purchase one at the bus station or call the company before your flight.
Shared Transfer: prearrange your journey before the flight. There are plenty of shuttle bus companies that operate in Cappadocia. It takes approximately 70 minutes to get to Goreme, and the average single ticket price is €10. The service is generally available from 5:30 – 23:30, but this can change from one shuttle bus company to another.
Private Transfer: if you’re arriving at a later time (23:30 – 05:30), you can pre-book a private transfer. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes. Compare prices to find the best deal for you.Â
Taxi:Â grab a taxi outside the airport. When you pre-book, you get a fixed fare, but if you decide to get a taxi at the airport, there can be extra charges because of busy roads, additional luggage, or travel time. Always ask to put the meter on!
Best time to visit Cappadocia
The best times to visit Cappadocia are April – June, and September- October. Days are warm, nights are cool, and there is very little chance of rain, and April can be windy, resulting in hot air balloon cancellations.
If you visit in the winter, you might get lucky to see some light snow which should be very interesting!
Summers are hot, dry, and very crowded, so it’s best to avoid going to Cappadocia.
We were there in mid-September, and the weather was just perfect!
How to spend 2 days in Cappadocia
There is so much to see and do in Cappadocia, and you can easily spend several days here. However, this Cappadocia itinerary will help you plan a perfect two-days getaway! And you will see the best Göreme town has to offer.
Cappadocia itinerary: Day 1
Hot air balloon ride
The first thing to check off from your Cappadocia itinerary is the Hot Air Balloon ride. Exploring the area from above is a magical experience. The rugged landscape, rock formations, fairy chimneys, and dozens of balloons floating around you are worth the ride!Â
Cappadocia is famous for its balloon rides, as it is the best place to fly year-round due to its perfect balloon-flying conditions.
The flight lasts from 60 – 90 minutes, depending on your booking. Once you’ve landed, you will get a champagne toast to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime experience.Â
We flew with Kapadokya Balloons, and they were terrific!
If, for some reason, you decide to skip this activity, wake up early to enjoy the view of dozens of hot air balloons floating in the sky.Â
The hot air balloon ride would be over by 8 AM. There is still time for breakfast before the next activity.Â
Travel tip:Â We recommend booking the hot air balloon for day 1, just in case of a cancellation; there is still time to reschedule.Â
Explore The Goreme Open Air Museum
Visiting the Göreme open-air museum is the second most popular activity in Cappadocia.
It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, consisting of monastery caves and dwellings with well-preserved fresco paintings that date back to the 10th century.
The museum is a 15-minute walking distance from Goreme’s town center.
Opening times: 08:00 – 19:00 in the summer. In the winter, the museum closes at 17:00.
Ticket: €8.5
If you prefer a guided tour, check out the options here.Â
Pasabag Valley
The Pasabag Valley, also known as Monks Valley, is filled with fascinating fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. Rock formations, once used as a seclusion place for the Monks, are now a lovely tourist zone in Cappadocia.
Fairy chimneys are unusual rock formations that came into existence due to destructive forces such as volcano eruptions and erosion.
Pasabag Valley, situated between Avanos and Goreme, is one of the most popular places in Cappadocia, where travelers may experience mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys with multiple stems and caps.
Ticket: €1.70
You can use the same ticket to visit Zelve Open Air Museum.
Enjoy the sunset from Uçhicar Rock Castle
Uçhisar Castle is located at the highest point in Cappadocia in the town of Uçhisar. It’s best known for the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, which are unbelievable. This magnificent rock-cut castle also has many rooms and pillars throughout its landscape.
The castle was used as a defense mechanism to prevent attacks in the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1985 it became a member of the UNESCO World Heritage List and, in 1986, a National Park.
Opening times: 07:30 – 20:00
Ticket: €1.60
Cappadocia Itinerary: Day 2
Enjoy hot air balloons from the ground
Wake up for another sunrise with the magical hot air balloons, but this time from the ground.Â
Watch the balloons from the rooftop of your hotel. If you’re heading to Cappadocia, the most important thing is where you choose to stay. Waking up to that magical sunrise on the rooftop is a must!
If you want to venture further than the hotel rooftop, there are many locations where you can enjoy the magical view. Charlotte (greeneyedtraveller.com) recommends two unique spots where you’ll get fantastic views of this morning’s magic: check out the balloon view here!
We didn’t get to watch the balloons from the ground as the flights were canceled for our second day. Check this website to find out whether the balloons will fly.Â
Explore Özkonak underground city
Özkonak Underground City in Cappadocia is one of several ancient settlements carved out of solid rock in late antiquity to provide shelter and defense in times of trouble. As much a city carved into the hillside as a city dug underground, Özkonak is smaller but quieter than many other underground cities in the region.
This underground city was carved out in 400 BC. Around 1970 a local man discovered the city by accident. He walked around his fields to learn why his irrigation water was disappearing. Instead, he found a large underground chamber that was part of the settlement.
Originally there were 10 floors. 4 of the floors are open to the public for visiting.
Opening times: 08:00 – 19:00
Ticket: €2.80
Explore Goreme Town
Goreme town is well known for its market area. Walk around and explore. You can find cheap souvenirs, carpets, lamps, sweets, and textiles.
The magic carpet shop
Visiting a Turkish carpet shop has become popular among tourists because you can get some incredible photos there. You can even rent out part of the shop for a photoshoot!
We went to Sultan Carpets for €10 per person. It will come at an extra cost if you want to include a photographer in the deal. We used our own cameras and cell phones. Â
Pottery demonstration
Türkiye is also famous for its pottery, besides the carpets.Â
We visited the Ömürlü Seramik pottery shop in Avanos and saw authentic pieces from Turkiye. The shop has been within the same family for 7 generations!Â
You will see how they make pottery from scratch and how the pieces are hand-painted. It’s the perfect place to get a souvenir for home.Â
Watch the sunset at Red Valley
Red Valley is the best place in Cappadocia to watch the sunset, and it’s only a 10-minute drive from Göreme. Named for the beautiful red hue, the rock turns during sunset in Cappadocia as the sun descends towards the horizon.Â
You can find a handful of bars to sit in and admire the sunset in the valley. If you don’t want to spend money, you can wander around, sit on the rocks, and take it in from there. You can also walk down into the rocks if you like exploring!
Red Valley is known to have one of the most beautiful hikes in Cappadocia.
Ticket: €0.84
Bonus: Dalton Brothers Horse Ranch
Visiting the Dalton Brothers Ranch in Cappadocia and taking a photo while walking between the running horses is one of the iconic things to do here.Â
The service is not displayed on their websites, but their Instagram has some epic shots that we definitely want to create on our next visit to Cappadocia!Â
Send a message to request it so it can be added to your package! The pros recommend hiring a professional photographer as it all happens quickly, and there is very little time to get the shot!Â
You can also go on a horseback ride through the incredible rock formations. Some extremely affordable options range from €25 for a 1-hour ride!
Where to stay in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is located in central Turkiye. There are three popular towns: Goreme, Urgup, and Uchisar. The cave hotels in Goreme are the best places for your accommodation. Goreme town is close to all the main attractions, and there are many restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can get an authentic Turkish experience. At sunrise, you can also watch the hot air balloons from your hotel’s rooftop terrace.
Here are some of our best recommendations for your stay in Cappadocia.
Budget:Â Artemis Cave Suites & Spa
Located in the heart of Goreme, Artemis Cave Suites & Spa features a garden. The hotel also has a terrace and views of the city.
Mid-range:Â Koza Cave Hotel
This Göreme ecological hotel is in a historic cave house overlooking Pigeon Valley. Nearby attractions include Üç Hisar Castle‎ and Zelve Open Air Museum‎, both 2 miles from the Hotel Koza Cave.
Luxury:Â Sultan Cave Suites
Perched atop Aydinli Hill, this unique hotel offers cave rooms furnished with antiques from throughout Turkey. It features far-reaching views out over Goreme from its panoramic terrace.
Where to eat in Cappadocia
The restaurants in Cappadocia are on the pricier side; however, many have beautiful views of the region and delicious meals! We ate at a few, and we are recommending Cappadocia Steak House and Cratus Premium  Restaurant.
Cappadocia Steak House is a delicious restaurant with breathtaking views over Uçhichar. Here you can find delicate meat, burgers, and lamb.
Cratus Premium Restaurant is a fantastic place with spectacular views of the city. The food is excellent!
How to get around in Cappadocia
The most convenient way of getting around in Cappadocia is by hiring a rental car or scooter. If you prefer not to drive, we recommend booking guided tours so you can easily explore the attractions.
Public transport is available, but you will have to hire a taxi for specific places.
Cappadocia is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and unique places you will visit. We hope our 2 day Cappadocia itinerary will help you explore everything this Turkish region offers.
A trip to Cappadocia can be perfectly combined with a visit to Istanbul. Check out our Istanbul Itinerary!Â
