An arid, otherworldly landscape shaped by erosion, Cappadocia offers stunning scenery, unique experiences, a distinctive lifestyle, a rich and layered history, and small-town warmth.
It is famous for its exotic-looking terrain, its iconic fairy chimneys, and for being a shelter for early Christians.
Today, its thrilling troglodyte sights — the church-and-chapel-filled valleys, the workaday communities, the fortress-like peaks, and entire subterranean cities that could house thousands — continue to draw visitors.
Splurging on a once-in-a-lifetime hot-air balloon ride over this unique, mind-bending landscape is the cherry on top of any visit to Cappadocia.
Our three-day sample itinerary covers major highlights of the region, and takes you beyond the beaten path for a unique travel experience. You will stroll the streets of non-touristy villages, and get to know real people.
Tour can be redesigned to your specifications, travel plans and expectations, or extend to include other regional tours.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Introduction and Göreme Open Air Museum
Meet your guide at the airport and drive to the heart of the region. En route, you may stop at Dervent, Paşabağ or the Pigeons Valley to observe and photograph some of the most picturesque land and rock formations.
You will have your lunch with a local family, in a small village. This is a private visit; the family opens their doors only to our travelers. During lunch, you will have a chance to chat with family members, and learn about the rural life in Cappadocia.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Göreme Open Air Museum and the late Byzantine churches carved in the rock. The museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Based on the time and your personal interest, you may visit a pottery workshop, to learn more about this traditional craft, and the ancient kick-wheel.
Walking: moderate to strenuous
Day 2: Back Door Villages and Underground City
Optional hot-air balloon ride at the sunrise.
In the morning, stroll the tiny streets of Mustafapaşa, a typical Cappadocian village under state preservation for authenticity of its architecture.
The walk will give you a clear look and understanding of the geography, culture, and history of Cappadocia.
Enjoy lunch in the home restaurant of a young couple whose house overlooks the picturesque İbrahimpaşa Valley.
After lunch, you will visit the Uçhisar Castle. You will then drive to the underground city of Kaymakli that was once a temporary shelter in times of danger and siege.
Later in the day, you may visit a local winery, a carpet weaving facility, or both.
Walking: moderate to strenuous
Day 3: Valleys and Heritage
In the morning, you will enjoy a nature walk in either Gomeda or the Ihlara Valley, to appreciate the Cappadocian landscape. Then you will drive off the beaten path to the town of Guzelyurt for lunch, home of St. Gregory of Nazianus.
In the afternoon, you will walk through ancient Guzelyurt, to see the centuries old cave dwellings, and the renowned Church of St. Gregory. The original church was physically built by St. Gregory of Nazianus, one of the founding fathers of the Orthodox faith.
Today, the building serves as a mosque. You will meet with the imam of the mosque for a Q&A on Islam.
Visit a local winery and taste wines made from ancient grape varieties which are ancestors of today’s European wines.
Walking: moderate to strenuous
Day 4: Tour over
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to your next destination.
What's Included
- A certified SRM guide
- Round-trip domestic flights
- Accommodations in chosen hotel
- Private chauffeured vehicle
- Tolls and parking
- Lunches
- Admissions
- Fast track
Contact us for questions, prices, booking and customization.
Customize or extend this itinerary
- Add a hot air balloon ride.
- Extend to add a day trip to the capital city of the Hittite Empire: Hattuşaş. Walk in the footsteps of Emperor Hattuşili III—and Empress Puduhepa—who challenged Ramses II and signed the world’s first peace treaty — a replica is proudly displayed at the UN in New York. You will walk through lion- and sphinx-guarded gates, explore sacred sanctuaries carved into rock, and sense the scale of a civilization that rivaled Egypt and Babylon.
- Extend to allow more time in nature: River valleys of Cappadocia offer unmatched nature hiking and discovery opportunities, as well as unique photography chances. Contact for details.
- Customize or extend to put a special emphasis on the history of men and women who lived and served in the name of Christianity. Cappadocia has a profound Christian heritage. Cappadocian Fathers (and one Mother) forged Christianity into the religion known today; Basil the Great established a regimen of work and prayer that set the tone for monastic life, and his eloquent prayers have become part of everyday liturgy. Gregory of Nazianus, also known as the ‘Trinitarian’, helped confirm the doctrine of Holy Trinity. He successfully championed the three-in-one concept, known today as the Nicean Creed. And, Macrina, Basil’s pious sister, set the moral tone and became an example of humility and virtue. Contact for details.
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