ALL ABOUT CAPPADOCIA TURKEY & CAPPADOCIA TOURS!
Hi everyone! Cappadocia is one of the most important touristic destinations in Turkey. To be honest, it might be the most important one!
Cappadocia always inspires its guests with its; fairy chimneys, rock formations, ancient cave churches, underground settlements, Hot Air Balloon Flights, Cave Hotels, and many more things to do! Here we have created a perfect guidebook for your potential Cappadocia Tours!
CAPPADOCIA TURKEY!
Cappadocia is called Kapadokya in Turkish. Besides it is one of the most popular destinations in Turkey, it is also a very historic and picturesque place. It is located in central Anatolia, Turkey. It is roughly 750 km away from Istanbul, 300 km away from Ankara, the Capital of Turkey, 75 km away from Kayseri, and 800 km away from Ephesus Ancient City.
Cappadocia is a beautiful region in Central Anatolia, Turkey, comprised of three different villages – Göreme, Uçhisar, and Avanos. Göreme is the most popular amongst travelers and offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences. From fascinating historical sites, to traditional cafeterias, and breathtaking hot air balloon rides, Göreme Village is the perfect destination for those looking for a unique and memorable trip. There is something for everyone in Göreme, making it the ideal place to explore the wonders of Cappadocia.
FORMATION OF CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY!
Goreme Valley in Cappadocia has been shaped and molded by the erosive forces of wind and rain for thousands of years, and its inhabitants have taken advantage of this natural phenomenon to create a unique landscape. People have been carving tunnels and chambers complexes into the soft rock since the 4th century AD, using this natural resource to meet their sheltering needs. This culturally-rich area has been inhabited for centuries, making it one of the most historically significant places in the world.
Today, these settlements accommodate millions of travelers from all around the World! And provides an unforgettable & stunning time to its visitors. Also, Cappadocia is marked as one of the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985!
HOW TO GET FROM ISTANBUL TO CAPPADOCIA?
There are 3 different ways to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia; by flight, by bus, and by train. In this post, we will inform you about flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia since it is the most popular way among travelers. However, if you would like to learn more about other options(bus, train transportations), you may click the following link and check another post to have in-depth information about every detail such as; prices, tips, departure places, how to book, etc… How to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia!
If you compare price/balance/comfort performance, you will definitely pick the flight option. The flights are way cheaper than you’d think. The price range is 20-60 USD per person depending on the season you travel; summer season, winter season. There are 2 things which make the prices lower; traveling in winter and making an early booking.
The most well-known airline companies are; Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. Since Turkish Airlines is a Worldwide known company, most travelers prefer to pick their flights through it instead of Pegasus Airlines. However, we do not recommend Turkish Airlines for domestic flights since they cancel their scheduled flights frequently and breake your travel plans. On this hand, Pegasus Airlines would be a smarter option for you since it has lower prices than THY.
The point you should be careful about is the Airports in Istanbul and the airports in Cappadocia. There are 2 Airports in Istanbul; Istanbul New Airport(IST), and Sabiha Gökcen Airport(SAW). And, there are 2 Airports in Cappadocia; Kayseri Erkilet Airport(ASR), and Nevsehir Airport(NAV).
Let’s say that you have booked your flight and looking for a shuttle service to go to the Airport! You can use Havaist services to go to Istanbul New Airport. It departures from Sultanahmet, and Taksim. And, it cost you around 18 Turkish lira per person. For Sabiha Gökcen Airport, you can use the Havabus company. It departures from Taksim and it cost you around 18 Turkish lira too.
The way we recommend is picking a private transfer. This is the safest and hassle-free way to go to the Airport. It cost you around 40 – 60 USD for 1 to 6 persons, and provides you timely, stress-free transfer at any time of the day.
Imagine that you have a flight to Cappadocia at 8 am, and you should be ready at the airport at around 5-5:30 am. So, picking a private transfer would be a perfect solution!
Ok, all went smooth and you landed in Cappadocia! How you can get to Goreme, Urgup, or Avanos?
First, we would like to remind you that there are 2 Airports around Cappadocia; one is Kayseri Airport, and the other is Nevsehir Airport. Kayseri Airport is about 65 km and, Nevsehir Airport is about 30 km away from Goreme Village.
Again you have 2 options; getting shuttle service to Cappadocia and getting a private transfer to Cappadocia! Shuttle service costs you about 30-40 lira per person. Private transfer costs you about 40 – 60 USD per person. If you are the one who looks for more comfort and stress-free time, we do recommend picking a private transfer.
Note: Do not forget to click the following link and read the post to have deeper details about busses, or trains: How to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul??
WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA? WHAT KIND OF HOTELS BETTER?
Not a question! If you are in Cappadocia, you must stay in the Cave or Stone Hotel in Goreme, Uchisar, or Avanos! We do not recommend big chain Hotels since they all located outside of the center.
In the center of the Goreme, Avanos, Uchisar Villages, there are tons of boutique cave and stone Hotels. Experience this extraordinary feeling that will make you say WOW! If you do not have an idea or could not decide which hotel to stay in, feel free to contact us to ask for some recommendations!
BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPPADOCIA?
Cappadocia is greatly nice to visit during the Summer and even greater to visit during the winter season!
What is the average temperature in Cappadocia? The summer season dry and sunny, it is around 35 – 45 degrees! And, the peak season is between May to October.
The Winter season cold and snowy, it is around -10 to – 5 degrees! The busses and flights are slightly more irregular in wintertime. However, Guided Tours in Cappadocia runs for 12 months.
THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA!
Here are some examples of the most popular destinations in Cappadocia which you must visit; Göreme Open Air Museum, Kaymaklı Underground City, Derinkuyu Underground City, 3 Beauties Rock formation, Pigeon Valley, Love Valley, and Red Valley… Click the below link to learn more about “What to do in Cappadocia“!
In all around the Cappadocia, you will see the natural formations of fairy chimneys, caves, and worldwide famous Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Rides. Also, the best places to explore and best activities to experience; Whirling Dervishes Dances / Sufi Dances, Turkish Night and Dinner Show, and Jeep/Horse Safari in the Fairy Chimneys. Let’s make a list to provide an easier to-do list for you;
- Hike to Red Valley and take some time in the Sunset ViewPoint
- Hike to Rose Valley and take some snaps from Sunset ViewPoint
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise
- Take a walk through the trail from Love Valley to Uchisar Castle
- Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum, Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City
- Take time in Ihlara Valley
- Explore the Salt-Lake
- Stay in a Cave or Stone Hotel
CAPPADOCIA TOUR FROM ISTANBUL! CAPPADOCIA TOURS AND PRICES!
If you are planning a Cappadocia Trip from Istanbul and looking for Excursions in Cappadocia; you do not need to think about what are the best tours to take in Cappadocia! Here are the most picked Cappadocia Tours;
- Cappadocia Green Tour; commonly known as Cappadocia South Tour too. And, green tour Cappadocia price range is 40 – 55 USD per person for a small-group tour up to 15 persons. The highlight of the tour is as below; Red Valley, Love Valley, Cavusin Valley, Valley of Doves, Cavusin Castle, and Kaymakli or Derinkuyu underground cities.
- Cappadocia Red Tour; commonly known as Cappadocia North Tour too. And, red tour Cappadocia price range 40 – 55 USD per person for a small-group tour. The highlight of the tour is as below; Panoramic View of Goreme, Goreme Open Air Museum, Three Beauties Rock Formation, Devrent Valley, Pasabag Valley, and Avanos Village.
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight; this is the most popular tour that travelers prefer to pick. A balloon tour Cappadocia price range is 180 – 300 USD per person. This runs early in the morning around 05:00 to 08:00 am. Timing can vary due to the summer and winter seasons.
- Cappadocia Whirling Dervish Ceremony; the price range of this activity is 45 – 60 USD per person. It provides you a great atmosphere and idea of the tradition of whirling dervishes. And, it is only operated around the afternoon. So, it fits with the Cappadocia city tour such as; Green Cappadocia Tour, or Red Cappadocia Tour.
- Turkish Night Show and Dinner; this is one of the other most preferred activities by travelers! If you are a history lover and love exploring unique destinations such as Cappadocia. But, you would like to stop for a couple of hours and enjoy traditional Turkish music like belly-dancing and eat Turkish dinner; this activity is for you! The price range is 45 – 60 USD per person. And, it is operated only at around late afternoon.
- ATV Quad Safari in Cappadocia; there are several valleys in Cappadocia to take an ATV quad Safari. If you like outdoor adventures, do not miss out on taking ATV safaris in Cappadocia. The price range is 45 – 60 USD per person. And, it provides you a unique and unforgettable landscape trail of Cappadocia in 2 hours.
These are the most popular tours and activities if you are organizing your own Travel to Cappadocia.
One of the most common questions is; how can I find Cheap Cappadocia Tours, or how can I complete my travel to Cappadocia as much as cheaper?
So, if you arrange your own transfers, flights, and arrange your own tours to Cappadocia; you can make your trip cheaper. However, please note that there you might face many travel difficulties and last-minute surprises! In the final, this can turn to cost you more than picking scheduled tour packages because of unexpected issues!
If your time and comfort valuable, we highly recommend you to consider one of our Cappadocia Turkey Tours from Istanbul. We have several options in this category such as; Cappadocia 2 Day Tour from Istanbul, 3 Day, 4Day, or 5 Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Hot Air Balloon included or excluded.
These packages start from your Istanbul Hotel and terminate at your Istanbul Hotel. Includes all you may need during your Tour to Cappadocia such as; airport transfers, best Cappadocia Tours (Green & Red Cappadocia Tour), licensed tour guides, accommodation in cave/stone Hotels, museum entrance tickets, breakfast at the Hotel, and Lunch during the tours. Also, it provides you an opportunity of adding optional activities to your travel package; Hot Air Balloons, Whirling Dervishes Ceremony, Turkish Night Show and Dinner, and etc…
SIMULATION OF OUR 2 DAYS – CAPPADOCIA TOUR FROM ISTANBUL
Let’s use some imagination and simulate the 2 days Cappadocia tour from Istanbul by plane!
You liked this package, decided to book for September 25, and sent an inquiry to us. One of our consultants will get back to you with the price, hotel, and availability details. At this stage, you will be able to ask your questions in case you have any. Once you become clear on all the details, the team will provide the deposit payment details.
Right after you completed your deposit payment, the team will secure your place on the tour, prepare your final itinerary, and send it to you. This final itinerary will include all the details of domestic flights, estimated pick-up and drop-off times, accommodation hotel, and etc…
On September 25: our driver will pick you from your Istanbul Hotel at the previously agreed time and transfer you to Airport. Once you arrived at Airport, you will make your self-check-in and take your flight to Cappadocia.
Upon landed in Cappadocia, our team will meet you at the exit gate and transfer you to meet the rest of the group and your tour guide. You will take your Green Cappadocia Tour, and transfer to Hotel for free time at leisure. Also, you will be able to join Whirling Dervishes Show, or the Turkish Night Show and Dinner in this free afternoon.
On September 26: You will have your Red Cappadocia Tour, and transfer to Airport at the end of the tour. Then, take your flight back to Istanbul. Upon landing in Istanbul, our team will meet you at the exit and transfer you back to your Istanbul Hotel. Also, this morning you will be able to join the Hot Air Baloon Flight in case you are interested to take it.
Here you are, completed your 2 Day Tour Cappadocia from Istanbul! You see that you do not need to make tons of searches about; transfers, flights, guided tours, hotels, etc… You simply book your Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul, prepared for all time-wise and budget, sit back to you and enjoy your holiday! Our team handles all for you during your entire Cappadocia, Turkey Tours.
THE THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID DOING!
- Do not make a last-minute reservation for your Istanbul to Cappadocia Tour Package!
- Do not make a last-minute reservation for particularly Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons Flight!
Otherwise, you might miss out on availability or might face paying higher prices due to the high domestic flight prices.
- Do not book through less known or not review backed Travel Agencies, only because they have lower prices.
These are complex packages that include many items in them. Having lower prices does not mean that they visit the same places or provide the same quality of service! Do not let your dream holiday turn into a horror movie!
The path you should better to follow is too easy!
- Find your trust-worthy Turkey Travel Agency.
- Find your Travel Package, and book it.
CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS AND COMMON QUESTIONS!
At this point, we should open a special bracket for Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon! This is the most picked activity all around Turkey which is preferred by travelers from all around the World. It provides you a very unique experience with a surrealistic view of Cappadocia while the sun-rise up! Let’s make a quick list of the most common questions;
- How and when to book a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?
Since the Civil Aviation Authority allows limited Hot Air Balloon flights, in order to keep security well. Sometimes, it is a big problem to find available spots! On this hand, we highly recommend you pre-book your Hot Air Balloon Ride and secure your spots before-hand if you are interested to take it. Our recommendation is to book it a minimum of 2 – 3 months before-hand if you are traveling in a peak season!
- Is Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia safe?
It is pretty safe, however, this does not mean that the risk is zero! Of course, all the Balloon Companies want to operate safely. They try their best, no one wants injury or accident. However, the Cappadocia ballooning system is not perfect yet! By 2020, there are 25 Hot Air Balloon Companies and 220 licensed balloons. And, accidents are extremely rare!
- How high do Hot Air Balloons fly in Cappadocia?
The range is 3.000 – 6.000 feet above the ground level. However, this may vary due to wind direction and level.
- How long is the Balloon Flights?
There are 2 types of Cappadocia Balloon Flights. Standard Balloon Flight lasts about an hour. And, Deluxe Baloon Flight lasts about an hour thirty minutes.
- Is there an age limit on the Balloon Flights?
Yes, there is. Almost all the Balloon Companies do not allow under 6 years old (even with their families).
WHY DO WE RECOMMEND CAPPADOCIA TOURS?
Why we recommend picking a tour is because Cappadocia is a place where you have tons of places to visit. In addition, it is a village, not a modern developed city! The region itself is more focused on Tourism. So, if you pick a guided tour in Cappadocia, you may sit back and enjoy the time in the comfortable A/C vehicles which are designed for tourism meanwhile your tour guide points you to the most important tips and treasures of the Cappadocia.
The free provided information on the internet is not always updated or not provide complete detail. On this hand, self-arranged trips always have last-minute surprises. To not waste your time and money, travel packages, handled with local licensed travel agencies, are recommended!
We do provide great flexibility of customizing all our Turkey Tour Packages. That means: you loved the package but, you would like to add an extra night, extra places, or you have some customization request on the package. That’s our job to accommodate your requests! Contact us and customize your Turkey Travel!
As a result, do not hesitate to check our travel packages from the below menu if you are Planning a Trip to Cappadocia!
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