What are the main historical sites covered in Istanbul before heading to Cappadocia?

The journey begins in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district where visitors explore the iconic Blue Mosque Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The route continues through the bustling Grand Bazaar and aromatic Spice Market followed by a scenic Bosphorus cruise connecting the European and Asian sides of the city. One TourRadar traveler noted, "Our guide at the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia was incredibly knowledgeable, bringing Istanbul's rich history to life before we continued to Cappadocia."

How are the accommodations typically arranged between Istanbul and Cappadocia?

The journey starts in Istanbul with stays at 4-5 star properties in prime locations. Hotels like the Recital Hotel in Sultanahmet or properties near Taksim Square provide modern amenities and central access. In Cappadocia guests transition to distinctive cave hotels such as Arte Cave Hotel or Under Cave Hotel in Goreme. A TourRadar traveler mentioned, "The contrast between our modern Istanbul hotel and authentic cave hotel in Cappadocia added to the experience."

What unique activities are offered in Cappadocia after departing from Istanbul?

Cappadocia offers a range of experiences that contrast with Istanbul's urban setting. Visitors can float above the landscape in dawn hot air balloon rides explore the rock-hewn churches of Goreme Open Air Museum and venture into ancient underground cities like Derinkuyu. The region's valleys invite hiking while local crafts come alive in Avanos's pottery workshops. A TourRadar traveler shared, "The hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's moonscape was absolutely magical - definitely worth waking up early for!"

What's included in the flight arrangements between Istanbul and Cappadocia?

Domestic flights connect Istanbul Airport (IST) to Kayseri or Nevsehir airports in Cappadocia taking approximately 1.5 hours. Packages include round-trip flights with a luggage allowance of 15kg checked and 8kg carry-on per passenger. According to reviews one TourRadar traveler mentions: "Transfers to airport and flights went like clockwork for the second half in central Turkey."

What's the best time of year to start an Istanbul-Cappadocia tour?

The shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild temperatures ideal for exploring both regions. Summer brings heat to Cappadocia's valleys while winter weather can affect balloon operations. Year-round accommodations like the Arte Cave Hotel maintain comfortable conditions regardless of season. A TourRadar traveler recommended, "We went in September and had perfect weather for both sightseeing in Istanbul and balloon rides in Cappadocia."

What are the common starting points within Istanbul?

Tours begin from three key Istanbul neighborhoods: the historic Sultanahmet district the modern Taksim Square area and the cultural Beyoglu district. Hotels like Recital Hotel and The Central Palace Hotel serve as convenient pickup points in these areas. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Starting from our hotel in Sultanahmet made it easy to explore the historical sites before departing for Cappadocia."

What's included in typical meal arrangements on Istanbul-Cappadocia tours?

Tours feature daily hotel breakfasts and lunch during guided excursions. The menu spans Turkish cuisine with options for vegetarian vegan and halal diets. Some tours offer special dining events like the Turkish Night Show in Cappadocia as add-on experiences. A TourRadar traveler shared, "The included meals were delicious especially the traditional lunches during our Cappadocia valley tours."

Cappadocia Tours from Istanbul

An adventure starting in Istanbul is a great way to see Cappadocia. We have 57 tours that range from 3 days up to 19 days. The most popular time for tours from Istanbul is March, which has the most tour departures.

10 best Cappadocia tours from Istanbul

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In-depth Cultural
3 Days - Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Drivers were punctual and tourist guides knowledgeable, pleasant and polite and no wasted downtime."
Dianne, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Iglesias Tour Turkey
From
US$798per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
3 Days Best of Cappadocia Tour from/to Istanbul
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"it was very good services. our guide was Ali he is like proffered"
Ali, traveled in April
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Moira Travel
15% Off
From $797
US$678per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
A Tale of Two Marvels: Istanbul & Cappadocia 7 Day Tour
5.0 (13 traveler reviews)
"Unforgettable Adventure in Cappadocia! I can't express how incredible this journey was!"
Sercan, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Dorak Tours
15% Off
From $2,200
US$1,870per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia | 6 Days
4.8 (43 traveler reviews)
"The tour was definitely worth it. I highly recommend this tour and tour company."
Kelsey, traveled in July
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Ankara, Urgup, Cappadocia, Kayseri
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Eskapas
7% Off
From $1,650
US$1,535per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Istanbul and Cappadocia 5 Days with 2 flights
4.8 (21 traveler reviews)
"We had wonderful guides, couldn't recommend them more highly, and the driver in Cappadocia was also wonderful."
Jennifer, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Kayseri, Urgup, Avanos, Cavusin, Uchisar, Kaymakli,Goreme+1 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Eskapas
3% Off
From $1,600
US$1,552per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Istanbul and Cappadocia with Hot Air Balloon Ride
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The City of Sultans is a must-see destination, offering a captivating blend of history and culture."
Thomas, traveled in April
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
City of Sultans
10% Off
From $1,000
US$900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
3 DAYS - Cappadocia Tour from/to Istanbul with Optional Balloon Ride
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Avanos, Pasabag, Devrent
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Turkey Tours Company
5% Off
From $575
US$546per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Istanbul And Cappadocia Tour
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The tour was wonderful."
Ali, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Moira Travel
15% Off
From $762
US$648per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
7 Days Istanbul and Best of Cappadocia Tour (Included museum entrance fees)
4.4 (12 traveler reviews)
"We saw all of the highlights of Istanbul and Cappadocia. Such a stress free way to travel."
Carolyne, traveled in May
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Goreme, Devrent
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Turkey Tour Booking
15% Off
From
US$1,325per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Explorer
4 Days Istanbul&Cappadocia w/cave hotel+optional balloon
4.8 (10 traveler reviews)
"Istanbul leg of the tour was spot on. Transfers to airport and flights went like clockwork for the second half in central Turkey."
Jeremy, traveled in August
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Altinkum Travel
17% Off
From $938
US$779per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
The Istanbul Cappadocia Trail 4 Days of Wonder
4.5 (10 traveler reviews)
"An amazing tour with 2 destinations a lovely contrast. Nice pace, fabulous accommodation, flight times, transfers and communication."
Alexandra, traveled in May
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Guide of Ephesus
20% Off
From $900
US$720per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
3 Days Cappadocia from/to Istanbul w/cave hotel+optional balloon
4.7 (15 traveler reviews)
"The overall experience was excellent. The organization by the tour company was among the best that I've seen."
Claire, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Altinkum Travel
20% Off
From
US$762per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
6 Days Istanbul&Cappadocia w/cave hotel+optional balloon
4.6 (7 traveler reviews)
"It was an excellent experience being a first timer solo traveler. I will surely use you again for my next travel tour."
melody, traveled in April
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Altinkum Travel
17% Off
From $1,250
US$1,038per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
7 Days Best of Istanbul and Best of Cappadocia Package
4.8 (52 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was excellent and I was kept up to date at all times about what was happening."
Catherine, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
City of Sultans
10% Off
From $1,190
US$1,071per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
5 DAYS - Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Turkey Tours Company
5% Off
From $727
US$691per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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