How to plan your 2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with optional Hot Air Balloon Flight

If you’re visiting Istanbul and looking for a way to explore the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, this 2-day tour is an excellent option. In this tour, you will be accompanied by a local guide who will take you to the top attractions of the region, including the Göreme Open Air Museum, Underground City, and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, you will have the option to add a hot air balloon flight experience to your tour, giving you a bird’s eye view of the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.

Here’s how you can plan your Cappadocia tour from Istanbul:

Day 1: Istanbul to Cappadocia

On the first day of your tour, you will take an early morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, the tour guide will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. After checking in and freshening up, the first stop of the tour is the Göreme Open Air Museum. This attraction is an extensive monastic complex of rock churches, chapels, and monasteries that date back to the 4th century.

Next, the tour will continue to the Paşabağı Valley, where you can see mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and hike through the valley. Then, the tour will head to the Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley. Here, you will see strange rock formations that resemble animals, objects or humans.

Finally, after a full day of sightseeing, you will return to the hotel to get rested and enjoy a comfortable night’s stay.

Day 2: Cappadocia and optional Hot Air Balloon Flight

On the second day of the tour, you can start your day with an optional hot air balloon flight over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia. The sunrise balloon ride is considering being one of the best activities to do in Turkey, and it is an experience you’ll never forget.

After the hot air balloon ride, or if you did not participate in it, the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel to continue the tour. The first stop of the day is the Kaymaklı Underground City, where you can explore the depths of the underground city that was once used by Christians hiding from persecution.

Next, the tour moves to the Pigeon Valley, where you can see the unique pigeon houses carved in the rocks. Afterward, you will visit Uchisar Castle, which is the highest point in Cappadocia and provides an excellent panoramic view of the whole region.

Finally, after a full day of sightseeing, the tour guide will take you to the airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul.

Booking your Tour

This tour is offered by a third-party company on the Viator platform, and the link to book this tour is here. Please note that the tour cost includes round-trip flights, one-night accommodation, breakfast, and entrance fees for UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Göreme Open Air Museum, and the Kaymaklı Underground City.

Overall, the Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with the optional hot air balloon flight is an excellent way to make the most of your time in Turkey. With a local guide to show you the top attractions, you can explore the region stress-free and have an unforgettable experience.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Goreme

Goreme is a small town in Turkey, located in the Cappadocia region. With its unique landscape and rich history, it’s no wonder that this town is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. However, there are still many questions that people have about Goreme. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this town.

1. What is the best time to visit Goreme?

The best time to visit Goreme is during the months of April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. The summer months (July and August) can be very hot, and the town can be packed with tourists. The winter months (December to March) can be cold, with occasional snowfalls, so it’s not recommended to visit Goreme during this time if you’re not a fan of the cold weather.

2. How do I get to Goreme?

You can get to Goreme by flying to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport from Istanbul, Izmir or Ankara. From there, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to Goreme. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir to Goreme. The bus journey takes around 12 hours from Istanbul and 10 hours from Ankara. However, it is recommended that you fly to save time if you can afford it.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Goreme?

Goreme is a town with a rich history and unique landscape. The must-see attractions in Goreme include:

• Goreme Open Air Museum- an outdoor museum with cave churches dating from the 10th to the 12th century
• Pasabag- a valley with fairy chimneys and rock formations
• Uchisar Castle- a fortress built into a rock that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area
• Pigeon Valley- a scenic walking trail with pigeon houses carved into the rocks
• Love Valley- a valley with unique rock formations that resemble phallic symbols

4. What is the food like in Goreme?

Goreme offers a variety of local cuisine such as kebabs, meze, and Turkish delights. You can find many restaurants and cafes in the town center that offer traditional Turkish dishes as well as international cuisine. Traditional Turkish breakfast, which consists of olives, cheese, bread, and tea, is a must-try when visiting Goreme.

5. Is it safe to travel to Goreme?

Yes, Goreme is a safe town to visit. However, as with any tourist destination, it is important to take basic precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended and being aware of your surroundings at all times. You should also follow any safety guidelines that are provided to you by tour guides or locals.

6. What is the currency in Goreme?

The currency in Goreme is the Turkish Lira. You can exchange your currency at banks or exchange offices located in the town. Most shops, hotels, and restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for small purchases or if you’re in a place that does not accept cards.

7. Can I visit Goreme on a budget?

Yes, you can visit Goreme on a budget. There are many budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates. You can also save money by eating at local restaurants and taking public transportation instead of taxis. The entrance fees for most attractions are also reasonable.

8. Do I need to speak Turkish to visit Goreme?

No, you do not need to speak Turkish to visit Goreme. English is widely spoken in the town, especially in tourist areas. However, it’s always good to learn a few basic Turkish phrases such as “Merhaba” (hello) and “Tesekkür ederim” (thank you) to interact with locals and show your appreciation for their culture.

Conclusion

Goreme is a town with a rich history, unique landscape, and welcoming locals. In this blog post, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about this town. Whether you’re planning a trip to Goreme or just curious about this beautiful place, we hope we’ve provided you with the answers you were looking for.