2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Cave Hotel Stay

Summary

Explore Fairy Chimneys and Underground Cities on a Short Getaway

You’ll get to wander ancient underground cities, hike along riverside cliffs in Ihlara Valley, sleep inside real cave hotels in Göreme, and taste homemade Turkish food—all packed into two days away from Istanbul’s crowds. If you want something different (and don’t mind early mornings), this trip is for you.

What’s the experience like?

The day started before sunrise—still dark out when we left our Istanbul hotel for the airport. The flight to Cappadocia was just about an hour, but it felt like stepping into another world. Our guide, Selim, met us at the tiny Nevşehir airport with a big grin and a sign with my name (always a relief). He drove us straight to Göreme Town, where the air smelled faintly of dust and wild herbs. After a quick tea at his cousin’s café (I think it was called Nazar Börek), we joined the group for the South Cappadocia tour.

First stop: Derinkuyu Underground City. It’s cooler down there—almost chilly even in summer—and you can hear your footsteps echo as you wind through narrow tunnels. Selim pointed out old wine presses carved into stone and told us how whole villages hid here centuries ago. Next, we passed Love Valley—honestly, those rock formations are something else. People were snapping photos everywhere; I got one with the sun just peeking over the ridge.

The hike through Ihlara Valley was peaceful, except for the sound of birds and the river running below. Lunch was simple but good—fresh bread, lentil soup, grilled chicken—at a small riverside spot locals use. Afterward, we explored Selime Monastery; climbing up those steps is no joke but worth it for the view across the valley. Last stop: Pigeon Valley. The late afternoon light made everything glow pinkish-orange. We checked into our cave hotel in Göreme that evening—walls cool to the touch, quiet except for distant laughter from nearby terraces.

Day two started early again if you wanted to do the hot air balloon ride (I skipped it this time—maybe next visit). Breakfast at the hotel was fresh cheese, olives, tomatoes—the usual Turkish spread. At 9:30 sharp our North Cappadocia tour began with a photo stop overlooking Uçhisar Castle; you can see almost all of Cappadocia from up there on a clear day.

The Göreme Open Air Museum came next—a maze of old churches painted with faded frescoes. We had lunch in Avanos (the pottery town), then watched a local potter shape clay on his wheel—he let me try too; my bowl looked more like a pancake but he was polite about it! Quick stops at Çavuşin village and Devrent Valley followed—the rocks there really do look like animals if you squint right. We finished near Ürgüp before heading back to pack up for our flight home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul to Cappadocia and South Tour

• Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia and transfer
• Visit Derinkuyu Underground City
• Photo stop at Love Valley
• Hike through Ihlara Valley
• Visit Selime Monastery
• View from Pigeon Valley

Day 2 — North Cappadocia Tour and Return

• Photo stop at Uchisar Castle
• Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
• Lunch in Avanos
• Pottery demonstration and stop at Cavusin
• Visit Devrent Valley and St. Monk's Valley
• Scenic stop near Urgup and transfer to airport

Top questions

Is the hot air balloon ride included?

No, it's optional—you'll need to book it separately or ask us to arrange it for you.

Are meals vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! Just let us know your preference when booking—we offer both veg and non-veg options.

How much walking is involved?

There’s some hiking in Ihlara Valley and stairs at Selime Monastery and Derinkuyu Underground City. Most people manage fine but wear comfy shoes.

What kind of hotel will I stay in?

You’ll stay overnight in a boutique cave hotel in Göreme—it’s unique but comfortable!

What’s included

Your 2-day tour covers round-trip flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia, all transfers, guided tours with entrance fees included, lunches both days plus breakfast at your cave hotel in Göreme. We also handle airport pickups so you don’t have to worry about transport. Just bring your sense of adventure—and maybe a sweater for those cool underground tunnels!