Cappadocia: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Alanya

Cappadocia is one of the most recognizable sites in the world and has gained popularity as a remarkable spot to hop in a basket and experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride.

Formed over 60 million years, this district is filled with geologic phenomena, fascinating history and breathtaking landscapes.

Multi-day trips to Cappadocia from Alanya enable you to explore the distinctive rock-cut churches and fairy chimneys that make the region so famous.

Here's all you need to know about Cappadocia, one of the most exciting multi-day trips from Alanya.

How to get to Cappadocia from Alanya?

Cappadocia is a historic district within the Anatolia region of central Turkey. It is approximately 500 kilometers from the city of Alanya.

From Alanya to Cappadocia by car

To make the sizable journey to Cappadocia by car, you’ll leave Alanya in a westerly direction, along the D400. From there, you’ll merge onto the D695 heading north, continuing along as it merges into the D330 and then taking a right onto the D696.

You’ll travel through the center of Konya and, on the other side, join the D300, which leads you into Cappadocia. The entire route takes approximately 6 hours to complete.

From Alanya to Cappadocia by bus

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to Cappadocia via public transport. You can catch a bus from Alanya Bus Station, which travels directly to Göreme Bus Station in Cappadocia.

This route typically takes between 8 and 9 hours, and buses leave several times throughout the day.

Guided tour to Cappadocia from Alanya

Alternatively, consider booking a guided multi-day excursion to Cappadocia and allow someone else to take care of the transportation details for you.

These generally last 2 to 3 days and visit a multitude of destinations within the region. Most tours offer a convenient hotel pickup service on the first day between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM.

What is the typical itinerary?

Each multi-day tour to Cappadocia features its own unique itinerary. However, they all share some similarities. You’ll be collected from your hotel lobby by a friendly guide early in the morning and begin the long transfer to central Anatolia, where Cappadocia is located. You can use this time to sleep, relax or admire the scenery and you’ll stop for breakfast along the way.

Most of these excursions are fast-paced, and take you on a whirlwind tour of the region as soon as you arrive. You’ll discover the most renowned sites in the district, such as Göreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley and Uçhisar Castle. In the evenings, you can enjoy a drink and meal with your group or rest in your hotel room. Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to engage in additional activities, such as a whirling dervish show.

You’ll set out each morning after a hotel breakfast to explore another corner of the region, and while in Cappadocia, you may be able to experience its valleys from above on a hot air balloon ride. When journeying back to Alanya, where your Cappadocia multi-day trip ends, you’ll often pass by Konya where you may re-energize yourself with a meal, or alternatively step inside Rumi’s mausoleum.

While some trips include a stop in Konya at the end of your experience, others visit this city, thought to be 5,000 years old, on the way out to Cappadocia.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cappadocia?

You can choose from several different options for a multi-day trip to Cappadocia, depending on how much time you have to spare.

2-Day tour to Cappadocia from Alanya

On this tour, you’ll embark on your 2-day trip from Alanya to Cappadocia, crossing Turkey’s spectacular landscape.

You’ll stop along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy breakfast, and, upon arrival in the ancient region, you’ll head straight to the Saratli Kirkgoz Underground City to explore its collection of 40 historic cave rooms.

Discover the UNESCO-listed rock-cut churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum, built during the Byzantine period. You’ll also visit the 60-meter rock formation of Uçhisar Castle, as well as several valleys, where you can see Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys.

Watch local artisans constructing pottery and onyx by hand before checking in to your hotel. After a restful night’s sleep, you’ll continue on your sightseeing multi-day tour of Cappadocia, stopping to see more religious monuments, as well as Love Valley, which is a popular spot for marriage proposals.

Then, bid Cappadocia farewell as you make your way back to Alanya, pausing in the city of Konya, best known as the final resting place of Rumi, to refuel yourself with a meal.

3-Day tour to Cappadocia from Alanya

Alternatively, if you choose a longer 3-day trip from Alanya to Cappadocia, you’ll have the opportunity to discover additional sights. You’ll stop en route to marvel at the view from one of Turkey’s lofty mountains and pay your respects to the great poet Rumi at his mausoleum in Konya.

You can choose to participate in a sunrise hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia, which transports you gently through the sky and provides a memorable view of the region’s famed fairy chimneys.

Throughout the trip, you’ll also discover the most celebrated sites in this ancient wonderland, including both Pigeon and Pasabag valleys. On your return journey back to Alanya, you’ll visit Sultan Han — a 13th-century fortification, which is considered a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture.

How much does a multi-day trip to Cappadocia from Alanya cost?

Multi-day trips to Cappadocia vary in price, depending on their duration and inclusions. You can expect to pay US$120 per adult for a 2-day excursion, which includes accommodation, as well as some meals and admission to the Underground City. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 are charged at a rate of US$100 each while those under 5 can participate for free.

You’ll be responsible for other entry fees, and, if you choose to travel solo, you’ll be charged a small additional fee which is payable in cash on the day.

Alternatively, if you choose a 3-day tour to Cappadocia, you’ll pay US$200 per adult, with children aged between 5 and 10 costing just over US$160 each. Children under 5 travel free and you can expect accommodation, as well as some meals to be included. You can select additional activities for an extra charge, including a hot air balloon ride and a whirling dervish show.

What will you see and do?

Göreme Open Air Museum

The Göreme Open Air Museum is a monastic complex filled with rock-cut churches, built by hand by monks between the 10th and 12th centuries.

The attraction was listed as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey and many of its religious monuments feature intricate frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible, including the nativity and the raising of Lazarus. Göreme Valley pre-dates Christianity and was once used as a Roman burial ground.

Love Valley

Love Valley is one of the most popular spots in Cappadocia for sunrise hot air balloon rides. However, the gorge is spectacular at any time of the day and is littered with fairy chimneys — distinctive rock spires also called hoodoos.

These natural wonders have been formed over a span of 10 million years and began developing after the eruption of the Erciyes Dagś volcano.

When is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

The best time to visit Cappadocia is arguably in the spring, between April and June. Daytime temperatures are often in the pleasant range of 16-26 degrees Celsius, and you'll skip the crowds of the high tourist season in summer.

Spring and autumn, between October and November, also provide the best conditions to go on a hot air balloon ride, a highlight of any Cappadocia trip.

Are there any other multi-day tours to Cappadocia from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are multi-day tours departing from other cities in Turkey:

• Multi-day trips to Cappadocia from Antalya
• Multi-day trips to Cappadocia from Side
• Multi-day trips to Cappadocia from Belek
• Multi-day trips to Cappadocia from Kemer

Travel tips

• Pack comfortable clothes and good shoes for walking in case you decide to go exploring the valleys on foot.
• You'll want to bring extra layers for warmth if you visit the underground caves or go on a hot air balloon ride.
• Cappadocia has a rich culinary tradition. Try local dishes like testi kebab (a meat and vegetable stew cooked in a clay pot) and pide (a Turkish pizza).
• Respect this unique environment. The landscape and formations in Cappadocia are delicate and have taken millions of years to form. Stick to the paths, don't climb the fairy chimneys, and always dispose of your trash.