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

Istanbul to Cappadocia combines city and nature in a mind-blowing way. From exploring Istanbul's mosques and bazaars, to flying to Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, discovering underground cities, touring cave hotels, and riding hot air balloons over landscapes, you’ll never forget this trip! You’ll see Turkey's range, experiencing two completely different regions, and photographing scenes that look photoshopped. Are you ready?

10 best Cappadocia tours from Istanbul

View Map
Explorer
3 Days Best of Cappadocia Tour from/to Istanbul
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The tour was very comprehensive and excellent value for money. 10/10 tour."
Ahmet, traveled in February
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Moira Travel
15% Off
From $800
US$680per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia | 6 Days
4.8 (43 traveler reviews)
"The trip was excellent. The itinerary is flexible and the transportation is good comparing with other tour companies."
JoeYwuzKirstsen, traveled in May
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 $1,700
US$1,581per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
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 $1,700
US$1,649per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
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
35% Off
From $1,000
US$650per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
3 Days Cappadocia & Pamukkale (Included museum entrance fees)
4.8 (10 traveler reviews)
"The company were fantastic and everything is meticulously planned down to the finer details."
Hayley, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Kayseri, Devrent, Pasabag, Avanos, Goreme, Uchisar,Cappadocia,Cavusin,Ortahisar,Pamukkale+4 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Turkey Tour Booking
10% Off
From $735
US$662per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
3 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The trip to Cappadocia was very helpful."
Wenzhi, traveled in December
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Turkey Tour Booking
10% Off
From
US$794per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
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
10% Off
From
US$576per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
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 $765
US$650per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Explorer
4 Days Istanbul&Cappadocia w/cave hotel+optional balloon
4.8 (12 traveler reviews)
"The views were extraordinary and the landmarks were all fascinating and well put together."
Kelli, traveled in February
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Altinkum Travel
13% Off
From $706
US$614per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
7 Days Istanbul and Best of Cappadocia Tour (Included museum entrance fees)
4.4 (12 traveler reviews)
"Our trip was perfect! We would book it like this another time!"
Corinna, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Goreme, Devrent
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Turkey Tour Booking
13% Off
From
US$1,329per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
The Istanbul Cappadocia Trail 4 Days of Wonder
4.2 (11 traveler reviews)
"Well organized and very well done."
Robert, traveled in October
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
View tour
View Map
Explorer
3 Days Cappadocia from/to Istanbul w/cave hotel+optional balloon
4.7 (15 traveler reviews)
"Great tour. The cave hotel was great."
Robert, traveled in April
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Altinkum Travel
13% Off
From $565
US$491per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
5 Days - Istanbul Cappadocia Tour
4.5 (7 traveler reviews)
"It was a truly well organised and magical holiday! We had the best time and everything ran like clockwork."
TIMOTHY, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Iglesias Tour Turkey
13% Off
From
US$1,094per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
6 Days Istanbul&Cappadocia w/cave hotel+optional balloon
4.6 (7 traveler reviews)
"Hotel selections were awesome, great locations, easy check in process and good food."
Priscilla, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Altinkum Travel
13% Off
From $1,006
US$875per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
7 Days Best of Istanbul and Best of Cappadocia Package
4.8 (52 traveler reviews)
"From the transportation to the lodging to the overall experience this tour will forever be in my heart."
Pamela, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
City of Sultans
35% Off
From $1,190
US$774per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour