3-Day Turkey Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Turkey tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffTurkey travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Cappadocia, incl. Istanbul and Göreme

  Turkish heritage tour connects 2 major cities via domestic flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia. Full days at Goreme Open Air Museum, Underground Cities, Rose Valley, and local craft workshops. Two nights in authentic cave hotels.

  

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  • Day 1

    Istanbul to Cappadocia

    Take an early 1.5-hour flight from Istanbul to Kayseri Airport. Book morning flights to avoid afternoon wind issues that can affect landing. After pickup go directly to the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open Air Museum to see 9th-century rock churches with vibrant frescoes. Arrive before 10 AM to avoid the tour bus crowds. Visit Devrent Valley to see unique animal-shaped rocks and stop at Paşabağı's fairy chimneys. In Avanos you can try traditional pottery making with local artisans. Watch the sunset from Uçhisar Castle for great panoramic views. Stay overnight in a cave hotel in Göreme or Ürgüp.

    
  • Day 2

    Underground Cities & Valley Hikes

    Start your day in the Rose and Red Valleys known for pink-tinted ridges. Wear sturdy shoes since morning dew makes trails slippery. Visit the ancient village of Çavuşin then explore Pigeon Valley with its centuries-old dovecotes carved into cliffs. One visitor noted: "The underground city tour was fascinating - seeing ancient bedrooms, churches and storage rooms carved eight stories deep into the rock." After lunch explore Ortahisar's narrow streets and stone houses. Bring plenty of water and sun protection since valley walks have minimal shade.

    
  • Day 3

    Optional Ballooning & Return to Istanbul

    If you're doing the hot air balloon ride ($300) you'll need to book ahead and be ready for 5 AM pickup. Watch hundreds of balloons float over the landscape at sunrise. After breakfast spend free time in Göreme town. One traveler suggests: "Don't miss Village Dowry carpet shop for both vintage and modern Turkish rugs." Take an afternoon flight back to Istanbul from Kayseri Airport. Plan extra time at the airport since check-in lines get long when multiple Istanbul flights leave at once.

    

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• 3 Days in Cappadocia, incl. Istanbul and Göreme

  Captivating route through Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, and Derinkuyu Underground City. Premium cave hotels for two nights, return flights from Istanbul, and professional guides included. Hot air balloon tours optional.

  

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  • Day 1

    Istanbul to Cappadocia

    Take an early morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (about 1.5 hours). "All transfers were on time and everything went as scheduled." Get to the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open Air Museum before 10 AM to avoid the crowds. Look through the ancient rock churches and frescoes before heading to Devrent Valley to see its unusual rock formations that look like animals. Have lunch then spend your afternoon at Paşabağı exploring the fairy chimneys and monk cells. Watch the sunset from Göreme Panorama.

    
  • Day 2

    Cappadocia Exploration

    Start your day with a hot air balloon ride if you choose (costs around $329). One visitor puts it simply: "The hot air balloon ride is a 100% MUST!!!" After breakfast explore the hidden churches in Rose Valley and the cave homes in Pigeon Valley. Visit one of the underground cities - either Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı. Bring a light jacket since it's cool underground no matter the season. Stop in Avanos to see traditional pottery being made. But take note of this traveler's comment: "The stops at pottery/jewelry places should be optional not mandatory."

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Istanbul

    Book a mid-morning flight back to Istanbul. Important advice from a traveler: "Allow at least 2 hours between your landing in Istanbul and any international connection." Remember that Istanbul Airport's domestic terminal requires lots of walking time.

    

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• 3 Days in Turkey, incl. Cappadocia and Pamukkale

  Packed three days in Turkey's must-sees: Day 1 at Goreme Open Air Museum and Devrent Valley, Day 2 through underground cities and flying to Kusadasi, Day 3 at Pamukkale travertines and ancient Hierapolis. Four major cities connected by domestic flights.

  

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  • Day 1

    Istanbul to Cappadocia

    Your day starts with a 3:45 AM hotel pickup from Sultanahmet or Taksim areas. A 1.5-hour flight takes you to Cappadocia followed by an hour's drive to the sites. Your tour includes the Goreme Open Air Museum and three unique valleys: Three Beauties, Devrent (Imagination Valley), and Paşabağı. A recent visitor shared: "The tour was very well organized with a diverse mix of activities, though the early 3:45 AM start makes for a long day."

    
  • Day 2

    Southern Cappadocia to Kusadasi

    Start with an optional hot air balloon flight if you want. Book this well in advance as spots fill up quickly and flights depend on weather. Your tour covers Red Valley, Çavuşin Valley, and one underground city (Kaymakli or Derinkuyu). Later you'll fly to Izmir and transfer to Kusadasi. A helpful note from a traveler: "It would have been good to include at least water for free with the meals."

    
  • Day 3

    Pamukkale and Return to Istanbul

    Leave at 7:30 AM for a 3-hour drive to Pamukkale. You'll explore the white travertine terraces and ancient city of Hierapolis. Swimming is allowed in the natural terraces but bring water shoes as the surface can be slippery. The Cleopatra Pool is available for an extra 150 Lira. Your evening flight back to Istanbul typically lands between 8-10 PM.

    

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