7 Best Tours and Day Trips from Cappadocia

Cappadocia is the kind of city that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime, given its exotic entertainment offerings and semi-arid landscapes in central Turkey. Fairy chimneys, the Ihlara Valley, ancient Greek and underground cities, Mount Erciyes and other dream locations await you here.

Note that Cappadocia' s highlights are easy to access with quad biking, off-road jeep tours, classic cars and hot air ballooning. In addition, you can enjoy unforgettable experiences such as participating in a pottery workshop, attending a traditional show, enjoying a Turkish dinner and exploring the surrounding nature.

If you want to soak up the history and beauty of Cappadocia, you should probably start with the most iconic locations. A great way to do this is on a quad bike, which is a four-wheeled vehicle ideal for traversing arid areas. This will give you the opportunity to visit the scattered rock formations in the Valley of the Swords, which emerge from the ground creating a breathtaking landscape.

Note that you'll probably see the Goreme Open Air Museum, known for its hiking areas and ancient shrines that are a departure from the traditional. Marvel at the rock-hewn churches and the frescoes hidden inside. And as you hike, you'll come across tunnels, caves and fairy chimneys in the Valley of Love.

Of course, a stop at the Red Valley, where the Turkish sandstone is tinged with reddish tones, is a must. It is best to join a guided tour, as they usually include a short training session that will enable you to use the quad bike properly, so you can experience intense thrills safely. Alternatively, you can hire a camel ride to see the Red and Pink Valley at the same time.

Interesting details

• Price: from 39 € per person if it is a shared tour with other tourists, from 74 € per person in case of a private option.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Means of transport: this type of experience is carried out on quad bikes, a meeting point is likely to be arranged.

Among the tours you should consider is a full tour of the Cappadocia valleys, known for the geological formations that dot the landscape. An off-road jeep tour lasting almost four hours may be the best way to see the most popular ones, as well as take in the hidden corners of the region. For a comfortable and carefree route, you will find guided experiences that are inserted into the culture, history and other interesting facts.

Along the way, it is possible to see Pigeon Valley which offers the best views of Cappadocia. You will also find yourself in front of the Goreme Valley with stone pillars and whimsical mushroom formations that have made it a World Heritage Site. Discover how Christians lived from the 10th to the 13th century, through rock-hewn churches that contain a wealth of historical heritage.

Generally, the tour continues through the Valley of Roses and dives into an authentic village, where you'll see the popular Ortahisar Castle, a lush ancient building with cliffs for the adventurous. Additionally, one thing I love about these experiences is that they often take a break to recharge at a barbecue, with authentic Turkish flavours in the middle of nature.

Interesting details

• Price: from 69 € per person, the price can include entrance to Ortahisar and Goreme Valley.
• Duration: almost four hours.
• Means of transport: The tour takes place in an off-road jeep and usually includes transfer to and from the accommodation.

The ground tours are interesting to detail the geological formations up close, however the region is famous for the balloon rides in Cappadocia. From the heights you will witness the most impressive sights and the Turkish plains that will not leave you indifferent. Delight in a surreal geographical feature as you spot the famous fairy chimneys, whose origin dates back more than 60 million years. In fact, their hollowed-out shape made them the perfect refuge during Turkey's repressive times.

From the air you can also see the sunrise or sunset that illuminates the natural areas, as well as the peculiar churches with centuries of history. This exclusive lookout will take you 300 metres above the ground with professional pilots who will accompany you for at least an hour of flight. You will receive instructions on how to enjoy the experience and most usually include a tasty breakfast.

Be sure to book a balloon flight with a reliable agency, as some offer short flights or flights through areas where there is not much to see, which can be disappointing. Additionally, most are daytime options so you 'll need to get up early and plan your itinerary accordingly, although sunset options can be found.

Details of interest

• Price: from €114 per person.
• Duration: the whole experience can take at least three hours, however most flights in the region cover an hour in the air.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport to and from the hotel.

If you want to experience the magical nightlife of Cappadocia, then you have to consider that there are different options that give you the opportunity to experience its charm and lifestyle. Generally, it is best to start with oriental cuisine and book a traditional dinner and show in a cave restaurant.

Cave restaurants are a different proposition as they are embedded in the famous geological formations of the region. This gives you access to folk dances in colourful costumes, such as belly dancing, and Turkish rhythms involving Ottoman, Byzantine, Persian, Balkan and modern roots. Generally, you can get up on stage and participate, which makes the experience more up-close and spectacular.

This gives you access to Turkey's multi-regional culture and the twinkling beauty of the city. Another option is to camp in the Red Valley, where you can venture out for stargazing and watch the balloons take off, or book a balloon flight. It all depends on your itinerary and preferences. If you want something a little quieter, you can board an evening cruise, which usually includes dinner and entertainment.

Details of interest

• Price: from 150 € per couple, you can also find a dinner with cultural shows from 57 € per person.
• Duration: between three and five hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.

If you want a detailed look at the charms of the surrounding area, join a tour that takes you to the Ihlara Valley. It's one of the most popular natural attractions, where you'll leave the stifling hustle and bustle of the big cities behind. You'll have around eight hours to discover the landscapes that characterise Cappadocia, with easy access to panoramic views at the Göreme Panorama viewpoint, which overlooks the Valley of the Birds and other points of interest.

In the area you'll see ancient rock-hewn churches such as Sümbüllü Kilisesi, Yilanli Kilisesi and Kokar Kilisesi, where there are images from the New Testament. You will also travel back in time to the 8th century to visit the Underground City of Derinkuyu, where people hid during invasions and wars. It has 8 underground levels that house wells, residential areas and evidence of life at the time.

Additionally, it is possible to visit the Selime Monastery and have lunch by the Melendiz River. You can plan the route on your own, but be aware that it is located about an hour and a half away and the only way to get around is by car or taxi. If you just want to enjoy your holiday, it's best to book a tour to Ihlara and the Underground City in Cappadocia, as they usually offer free time to explore the sights at your leisure.

Interesting details

• Price: from €53 per person.
• Duration: approximately eight hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport to and from the hotel.

Pottery is a deep-rooted tradition of Turkey, which has been prevalent in Cappadocia for centuries. It was a form of expression of the Hittites during the Neolithic period and today you can travel back in time through its history, as well as mould Turkish pottery. You'll find guided experiences that take you on this activity in Avanos, no need to worry about the logistics.

Be prepared to get your hands dirty and share with a professional craftsman, who will guide you in creating a unique piece to take home. Some experiences are combined with a weaving class, or take you to enjoy Turkish hospitality in the villages surrounding Cappadocia.

Additionally, you can also book a traditional Turkish bath experience, which is often ideal for resting your arms after the pottery activity, as it offers exfoliation treatments, massages and hot baths. The hammam offers a well-deserved rest in an environment that calms your mind, relaxes your muscles and cares for your skin.

Interesting details

• Price: from 23 € per person.
• Duration: between twenty minutes and an hour.
• Means of transport: usually includes pick-up and return to the hotel.

If you're a fan of adrenaline rushes and off-the-beaten-track activities, you should definitely escape to Mount Erciyes. It's located about an hour and a half from Cappadocia and is the highest dormant volcano in the region. From May to November you'll find chairlift rides, hiking trails, mountain biking, parachute jumping and bird-watching areas.

From December to April it is very popular for adventure sports, specifically it is possible to practice skiing through 33 slopes with different levels of difficulty. The ski lift, considered the longest in Turkey, is also available during this season.

You can use the Metro Turizm or the Kamil Koc buses, but you will still need to take a taxi to get to the resort. For this reason, I recommend booking a tour to save you the hassle of making the arrangements. They usually include winter skiing equipment, as well as a short induction course and free time to zigzag at your own pace.

Interesting details

• Price: from 89 € per person.
• Duration: approximately eight hours.
• Means of transport: may include hotel pick-up and return transfer by minibus.

Cappadocia offers a world of possibilities for adventurous spirits, so you can experience the treasures of the surrounding area. Spend the day exploring Mustafapaşa, the ancient Greek civilisation known as the City of the Sun, whose Orthodox history can be seen in its churches, monuments, monasteries and valleys.

Additionally, head to Sobessos an archaeological region characterised by Roman settlements and Turkish bath ruins. Later, take a scenic hike through the famous Soğanli Valley, where you can hike to the Keslik Monastery, known for its flaming torches, wine cellars, frescoes, liquor store and Turkish cuisine.

This type of experience takes no more than seven hours, so when you return to the city I suggest you take advantage of the evening and book a Dervish Girovagos show in Cappadocia. This is a Turkish performance with Muslim roots of the Islamic Sufi order founded in the 13th century, where you can see the Sema dance that gives you a mystical atmosphere and a spiritual journey.

Details of interest

• Price: from 95 ¤ per person.
• Duration: about seven hours.
• Means of transport: generally includes transfers in a minibus, as well as pick-up and drop-off.

• Wear cool clothes and comfortable shoes, as most experiences include hiking or adventure walks.
• Wear a scarf to enter some of the eastern monasteries and shrines.
• Don't leave litter in the valleys or places you visit - Turks consider it disrespectful.
• Ask before taking photos- it's usually OK, but it's important to consider that you're dealing with a different culture.
• Stay hydrated and use sunscreen, as the arid climate can be sweltering, especially in August.
• Follow the instructions of the expert guides if you opt for a guided experience, as they are there to facilitate the visit, but cooperation must be mutual.