If you’re thinking of heading to Turkey and you’re looking for a magical Cappadocia itinerary for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, then look no further. In this itinerary, I cover some of the best things to do, extraordinary places to eat and some dreamy places to stay.
Whether you’ve only got 2 days in Cappadocia or you’re able to stay for 3, 4, 5 or even longer, this guide should make things simple for you to hop on a plane and begin your magical adventures in Cappadocia.
Where is Cappadocia
The region of Cappadocia is situated in the centre of Turkey – approximately three and a half hours south of the capital city of Ankara.
The largest city in Cappadocia is Nevşehir, however by far the most popular town to visit in Göreme as this is where the infamous hot air balloons flood the skies most mornings.
Below you’ll find an interactive map of the exact location of Cappadocia.
How to get to Cappadocia
By plane | if you’re travelling from another country, have a decent budget, or want to travel to Cappadocia as quickly as possible, then travelling by plane is the best option.
If you’re coming from outside of Turkey, you’ll need to fly to a larger city such as Istanbul, Antalya or Akara before taking a domestic flight to either Nevşehir or Kayseri.
In my experience, flying to Kayseri seems to be cheaper, but it is slightly further away. From either of the airports, you’ll then need to take a shuttle bus or taxi to the town where you’re staying in Cappadocia. I’d recommend you book these ahead of time as the airports are small and in remote locations, so it’s best to have something organised for when you arrive with a trustworthy company.
Check flights: Omio
Check transport prices from Kayseri: GetYourGuide
Check transport prices from Nevşehir: GetYourGuide
By bus | if you’re travelling from elsewhere in Turkey and you’re on a budget or don’t enjoy flying, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a pretty decent bus network across Turkey.
However, since Cappadocia is a remote part of Turkey, the timetable isn’t always that great. For example, if you’re looking to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia then currently your only option is to take a night bus. On the plus side, the bus is cheap and you’ll be saving a night on accommodation since you’ll hopefully be getting some sleep on the bus.
I personally chose to fly, but I met plenty of others who took the bus and they said the busses were very comfortable with reclining seats and were well-equipped.
By car | alternatively, it’s possible to rent a car and drive around Turkey. I’d never considered this option before arriving as it seemed quite daunting and I didn’t imagine the roads to be that great.
However, I also met a few people who were driving across Turkey and quickly found that the roads were arguably better than some of those in the UK – even in remote parts such as Cappadocia.
If I ever visit Turkey again, I’d definitely consider this option. If you’re travelling as a group and you’ve got time on your side, then this is going to be cost-effective for all of you. However, I would avoid driving in Istanbul at all costs as it’s incredibly chaotic compared to the rest of the country.
Check prices: Rentalcars.com
How to travel around
By foot | Cappadocia is a relatively small town and so if you’re only planning to stay in Cappadocia itself, then you’ll be able to walk around very easily. However, you’ll need to bear in mind that there are some hills to climb around Cappadocia if you’re wanting to visit some of the popular viewpoints and quaint stores tucked down some of the high streets.
By bus | If you’re looking to venture out of the area – perhaps to do one of the many hikes in Cappadocia – then there are plenty of buses available. The timetable isn’t always that accurate and so the best thing to do is to head to the bus station the night before to see what’s available the next day.
By taxi | Taxis are readily available in Cappadocia if you’d prefer to take this mode of transport. You’ll see plenty in the streets, however, the best option is to ask your hostel or hotel to arrange this for you to ensure you’re travelling with a trusted company that offers fair prices.
How many days to spend in Cappadocia
Depending on what you want to include on your itinerary for Cappadocia will depend on how many days you need. Most people are heading here for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a balloon trip over this stunning region – so, technically you only need two days in Cappadocia.
However, there is so much more to Cappadocia than the hot air balloons and you could definitely spend much longer here. In fact, I spent almost two weeks in Cappadocia.
Typically, people spend three days in Cappadocia, but I’d recommend spending at least five.
Cappadocia itinerary
Cappadocia Itinerary: day 1
Arrive and check-in
As mentioned earlier on in this guide, before heading to Cappadocia you’ll almost certainly have come from somewhere else within Turkey beforehand.
It’s common for people to fly into Cappadocia from Istanbul. There are heaps of flights a day from here, but I’d recommend getting into Cappadocia as early as you can to make the most of your time here.
Traditional Turkish ice cream
If you haven’t already done so in another location in Turkey – or even if you have – it’s time to try some of the local ice creams.
Although there isn’t usually a great deal of variety, the whole ordering process is an experience in itself.
To become an ice cream man in Turkey you need to have a lot of character and energy. It’s a real performance.
These stalls are dotted everywhere in Cappadocia. However, if you’re staying in Göreme (the most popular town in Cappadocia) then you’ll find one on the main high street close to the mosque.
Red and Rose Valley
The Red Valley and Rose Valley are two in Cappadocia with incredible landscapes. As their names suggest, the rock is red and pink and at times, it looks as though you’ve just stepped foot on mars.
There are a few options when it comes to these valleys; hiking or driving to the viewpoint.
Personally, I hiked here. There is a well-trodden trail that leads from the centre of Göreme and is approximately 10 kilometres. It also leads past Haçlı Church – a cave-style church which many people are interested in seeing. You’ll also find a sweet restaurant just outside of the church which is a great place to stop and have some lunch if you haven’t already done so in Göreme.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the viewpoint. It’s just 15 minutes drive and once you arrive, there are plenty of gift stalls and restaurants where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the unbelievable view over the Red and Rose Valleys.
If you think you’d like to hike, but not 10 kilometres, then I’d suggest taking a taxi to the viewpoint and then walking back to Göreme. This would be almost half the distance and predominantly downhill for most of the way. If you take the trail to the right of the viewpoint, you’ll also pass Haçlı Church.
Read more: Cappadocia Red Valley hike
Turkish Carpets
Once you’ve taken a rest after visiting the Red and Rose Valley, it’s time to see what all the fuss is about with Turkish carpet shops.
The most well-known shop that’s being plastered all over social media is called Galerie Ikman. However, Sultan Carpets is also popular.
Regardless of which one you choose, if you want to take any photos then you’ll need to pay a small fee. Granted, these photo areas are set up to look absolutely incredible and you’ll even get some drone shots taken for you.
I checked out both stores and there is no denying they’re beautiful, but the whole photo thing wasn’t really for me and so unfortunately I did not take many great pictures. However, if you want to see what kind of photos can be achieved then check out Galerie Ickman on Instagram.
Sunset at Lovers Hill
Watching the sunset at Lovers Hill is one of the nicest things to do to round off the day. The viewpoint is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Göreme and you’ll need to pay 5 Turkish Lira (approximately 20p) upon arrival.
At the viewpoint, you’ll find a couple of stalls selling some food and drink, but mostly just tonnes of people chilling and admiring the view. Oh, and a few dogs doing the same thing.
Dinner at the Wooden Spoon Cave
The Wooden Spoon Cave restaurant is one of the most charming places to eat in Cappadocia. It’s tucked away on one of the many cute side alleys that sprawl from the centre of Göreme and provides a real authentic cave-dining experience.
Upon arrival, you’ll have the choice of sitting on some gorgeous Turkish cushions on the floor or at a table. The choice is yours, however, the floor feels like you’re getting a more immersive experience.
The menu is diverse, however, I highly recommend trying the pottery kebabs. This is the traditional Anatolian dish where the meat and/or vegetables are cooked inside a clay pot. Once it’s ready to be served, the waiter or waitress will smash the pot and the contents will pour out onto your plate.
Cappadocia Itinerary: day 2
Hot air balloon ride
For most people, this is the main reason that they’re visiting Cappadocia. It’s a bucket list thing to do and will almost certainly be included on your Cappadocia itinerary.
However, there are some very important things to consider ahead of your trip if this is something you want to do.
The main thing you’ll need to do book in advance. You’ll want to book this for the first morning that you’re in Cappadocia because if the weather does not permit balloons to fly that day, you’ll be bumped to the next available day. Sometimes, if there has been a string of bad weather days in Cappadocia, then there is a backlog of people who are waiting to fly and you will have to wait a few days.
On the day of your balloon ride you’ll need to be up super early. It varies by the tour company, but you’ll most likely need to be ready to leave at 4:30 am when you’ll meet your tour provider and they will transfer you and the group to the launch site.
Once you arrive, you’ll be served champagne, tea, coffee and some light snacks before getting into the balloon basket.
Once you’re in the air, you’ll be floating around amongst the other balloon as the sun continues to rise for approximately 60 minutes before coming back down to land again. Wherever this is, your tour company will be there to pick you up and transfer you back to your hotel.
Usually, you’ll arrive back around 7 am and want to head back to bed for a few hours!
Check prices: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon
Uçhisar Castle
Once you’ve recovered from the early start, it’s time to head to Uçhisar Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re staying in Göreme and you feel like you’ve got enough energy, then you can walk 5 kilometres through the Pigeon Valley all the way to Uçhisar. This is gradually uphill for most of the way and very idyllic. If you’d prefer not to walk, then hop in a taxi and you’ll arrive in roughly 10 minutes.
Either way, once you’ve arrived you’ll need to pay 10 Turkish Lira to enter.
It’s important to note that Uçhisar Castle is not your typical castle. In keeping with the rest of the region, it’s a cave that was carved out in the 15th and 16th centuries in order to defend the land during the Ottoman period.
Whilst you’re able to wander in and out of the various segments of Uçhisar Castle, the best part – in my opinion – is the view from the top. You’ll need to climb approximately 100 stairs to reach the top which should take around 10 minutes. The view from up here is incredible, with panoramic views over all of Cappadocia.
Love Valley
The Love Valley is an area in Cappadocia that’s incredibly unique. Its phallic rock formations make for some interesting images, to say the least, but it’s definitely worth including on your itinerary to capture this unusual sighting.
You can drive here and park up just about anywhere, or you could walk from Uçhisar Castle, through the White Valley and then onto the Love Valley. In fact, there is a great trail which leads through a number of valleys and to Uçhisar Castle if you can find half a day to do it.
Read more: Love Valley hike
Sunset ATV Tour
A sunset ATV tour is one of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia and it was one of my favourite experiences whilst I was there. It’s relatively cheap and I can’t recommend it enough.
Once you’ve booked your tour, the provider will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the starting point. It doesn’t really matter which tour provider you choose, as they’re all following the same route.
Once you’re adequately dressed and you’ve learnt the basics of how to drive an ATV, you’ll set off on your adventure through a number of the valleys in Cappadocia. You’ll stop off at various viewpoints before arriving at an area where you can leave your quad bike and climb a small hill to watch the sunset. You’ll be joined by 100’s of others who are enjoying an ATV tour, as well as some locals who are trying to sell you some snacks to have during the sunset.
Check prices: ATV Tour Cappadocia
Dinner at Dibek
To finish off the day, you’ll want to head to Dibek – a traditional cave restaurant that’s over 475 years old. It’s in Göreme and is super cute with little mini cave-like areas for dining. Not only are they renowned for their authentic dining experience and excellent food, but also for their wine.
I’d recommend booking ahead for this one since it’s quite popular.
Cappadocia Itinerary: day 3
Green tour
The two main tours in Cappadocia are the Red Tour and the Green Tour. However, most of what’s offered on the Red Tour can be reached fairly easily by yourself and most of those sites have already been included in this Cappadocia itinerary.
However, the Green Tour is a full day out and you’ll get to explore much more of what’s on offer in the surrounding areas – most notably, the Ihlara Valley.
The day will begin with collection from your hotel or hostel at approximately 9 am. You’ll then proceed to your first location, which is a viewpoint with fantastic views of Uçhisar Castle in the distance.
Next up, you’ll head to Derinkuyu Underground City. You’ll get to wander through the tiny tunnels and venture into different chambers which were built as a way of protecting people during the war. Be warned that if you’re highly claustrophobic then you may want to skip this part.
You’ll then head to the Ihlara Valley and embark on a short and easy hike before stopping for lunch on the river. It’s a truly idyllic part of the tour and arguably the best bit.
Before returning back to Göreme, you’ll visit the Selime Monastery, the Onyx Jewellery Factory and Pigeon Valley.
Check prices: Green Tour
Dinner at Legarto Restaurant
Legarto Restaurant is situated in Ürgüp and is undoubtedly one of the most romantic restaurants in Cappadocia.
They’ve got a beautiful terrace which overlooks the authentic town of Ürgüp, as well as indoor seating inside the cave which has been decorated with chandeliers.
Although it’s not the cheapest, the food here is outstanding – particularly the mezze!
Cappadocia Itinerary: day 4
Watch the balloons at sunrise
If you can’t justify the hefty price of a balloon trip in Cappadocia – or even if you can – one of the best things to do is to get up early and head to Lovers Hill to see all of the balloons flying.
In order to see the balloons, you’ll need to arrive at Lovers Hill around 6:15 am. Similarly to when you visit at sunset, you’ll need to pay 5 Turkish Lira to get access to the viewpoint. You’ll be able to watch the balloons flying over for over an hour which really is one of the most magical sights!
If you’ve got the energy, then I recommend doing this as many mornings as you can. The view never gets old and the sunrise is never exactly the same.
Göreme Open Air Museum
Göreme Open Air Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Cappadocia. It’s included as part of the popular Red Tour, however, it’s within walking distance from the centre of Göreme (which is where most people stay) and so it’s easy to visit this by yourself.
It costs 40 Turkish Lira to enter the site, however, you can also include an audioguide or pre-book a guided tour for an extra fee.
Once you’ve entered the site, you’ll be able to wander in and out of the various different caves and churches which have a number of different pieces of artwork on display. If you’ve opted for self-discovery then there are plaques on show which explain the history of the region. However, if you’ve decided to include an audio or tour guide, then you’ll get a more in-depth insight.
It’s easy to spend 1 to 2 hours exploring Göreme Open Air Museum and for most people, it’s an important thing to do in order to understand more about the history of Cappadocia.
Horse Riding
Heading on a horse riding trip is one of the best experiences to include on your Cappadocia itinerary. And, regardless of the time of year, it’s quite magical. During the summer months, you’ll typically head out across the valleys for sunset as during the day, it’s far too hot for the horses. During winter, you’re less restricted on time, but you’ll be travelling through the snow which – although I didn’t visit during this time –
