Cappadocia: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Antalya

One of the most visited areas in Turkey, Cappadocia is brimming with fascinating historic monuments, as well as unusual geologic formations.

From its scatterings of fairy chimneys to its rock-hewn churches and underground cities, the region has something to pique everyone’s interest.

Multi-day trips to Cappadocia from Antalya are a must for anyone wanting to dig further into Turkey’s roots, as well as those wishing to experience a bucket-list moment, drifting over the valleys in a hot air balloon at sunrise.

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

How to get to Cappadocia from Antalya?

Cappadocia is a historic region of Central Anatolia and is approximately 510 kilometers from Antalya.

From Antalya to Cappadocia by car

The journey to Cappadocia by car takes approximately 7 hours and travels out of the city in an easterly direction along the D400.

You’ll utilize the D687 to head north and continue along as it merges into the D330 just past Lake Beyşehir. You’ll pass through the center of Konya and, on the other side, join the D300, which leads you the rest of the way to Cappadocia.

From Antalya to Cappadocia by public transport

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to Cappadocia by public transport. A direct bus service connects Antalya Bus Station to Göreme Bus Station and operates several times a day. This route lasts between 9 and 10 hours, and you can travel overnight if you prefer.

Guided tour to Cappadocia from Antalya

Alternatively, you can allow all the transportation details to be taken care of for you by booking a guided multi-day excursion to Cappadocia.

These tours typically last between 2 and 3 days, and begin with a hotel pickup somewhere between 3 AM and 9 AM, depending on which one you choose. Alternatively, you may meet your friendly tour guide at Antalya Airport.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary of each Cappadocia multi-day trip varies, depending on the amount of time you have to spare. They usually begin early in the day, in order to give you the maximum amount of exploration time. You’ll often stop en route to stretch your legs, and you may do this in the historic city of Konya, most famed for its association with Rumi, or at the unique Lake Tuz.

Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you may begin your fast-paced tour right away by visiting Kaymakli Underground City. However, if you opt for a longer Cappadocia multi-day tour, you’ll enjoy some relaxation time instead. The days are packed with sightseeing, which you’ll begin after a complimentary hotel breakfast, and you’ll hop between landmarks in a comfortable car or bus, with a tour guide to fill you in on each monument.

You may have the opportunity to take part in the region’s most popular activity — a hot air balloon ride — and after busy days spent exploring the area, you’ll rest overnight in a comfortable hotel. On the last day of your tour, you can expect to leave Cappadocia late in the day after squeezing in a few final sights, arriving back in Antalya during the night.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cappadocia?

There are several options for multi-day trips to Cappadocia, depending on your travel style and how much time you have to spare.

2-Day tour to Cappadocia from Antalya

On this whirlwind 2-day tour from Antalya to Cappadocia, you’ll first head to Konya to visit the mausoleum of the great 13th-century poet, Rumi. Upon reaching your main destination — Cappadocia — you’ll explore the Kaymakli Underground City, which was used to protect inhabitants from raids.

You’ll spend the next day ticking many of Cappadocia’s most celebrated landmarks off your bucket list, including Göreme, as well as the 60-meter-high Uçhisar Castle and the fairy chimneys of Love Valley. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a hot air balloon ride over this spectacular landscape before heading back to Antalya.

3-Day tour to Cappadocia from Antalya

After a relaxing transfer from Antalya, you’ll begin your 3-day tour to Cappadocia with some free time to explore the historic region at your leisure. The following day starts early as you participate in a sunrise journey through the skies on a hot air balloon ride.

Continuing on, you’ll travel to Göreme to discover its rock-cut churches, as well as Çavusin, which has a history stretching back to the Hittite Empire. You’ll also watch artisans crafting pottery by hand in Avanos, using clay from the Red River.

Private 3-day tour to Cappadocia from Antalya

A private 3-day trip to Cappadocia enables you to have a more personalized experience. With a dedicated guide, you’ll travel to the vibrant pink waters of Lake Tuz, the color of which is due to the formation of algae.

On the second day, you’ll visit the many iconic sights of Cappadocia, including both Pasabag and Devrent Valley, as well as Çavusin, and Göreme Open Air Museum. Before returning to Antalya on day 3, you’ll tour the region’s underground city, as well as the Ilhara Valley and the largest religious complex in Cappadocia, Selime Monastery.

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

A multi-day trip to Cappadocia that lasts just 2 days costs US$50 per adult and US$30 per child aged 7 and under. This excursion operates in a group of up to 40 guests and you can expect accommodation, as well as some meals, and entrance fees to be included.

If you choose a 3-day tour, you’ll be part of a small group limited to 15 participants and can expect to pay US$450 per adult. Children between the ages of 3 and 11 cost US$390 each while children under 3 cost US$220 each. A hot air balloon ride is included in the price, as well as accommodation, entrance fees and some meals.

Alternatively, if you opt to travel solo on a private tour, you’ll pay US$1,900. However, the price per head reduces with each adult added to the party, and, with the maximum group size of 15, you’ll each pay US$990. Children aged 12 to 16 cost US$550 each while those between the ages of 6 all 11 cost US$220 each. This excursion includes the services of a private guide, as well as accommodation and some meals, and you can add a hot air balloon experience for an additional charge.

What will you see and do?

Göreme Open Air Museum

Göreme Open Air Museum was listed as one of the first two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey and houses the country’s largest collection of rock-cut churches. This site was established in the 4th century and while it now houses religious sites featuring frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible, these monuments predate the religion.

This part of the Göreme National Park was once used as a Roman burial site, and, after the region’s conversion to Christianity, the buildings changed to reflect this. The area was originally settled by Byzantine monks escaping persecution, who carved these formations by hand.

Uçhisar Castle

Uçhisar is not a traditional castle, but in fact, a large rock formation, which was hand-carved to provide shelter to the townsfolk of the area. The castle served as the main point of defense in the Cappadocia region and stands at a height of 60 meters on a hilltop.

While in ancient times this made it the perfect outlook spot, these days the giant rock is popular among tourists seeking a panoramic view over Cappadocia and beyond to the lofty Mount Erciyes.

When is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

The best time to visit Cappadocia is in the spring from April to June. The weather is idyllic during this time, with daytime temperatures typically ranging between 16-26 degrees Celsius. You'll also avoid the inundation of tourists that summer usually brings.

For those looking forward to experiencing the spectacle of a hot air balloon ride, a hallmark of a Cappadocia journey, the most favorable conditions typically occur in spring and autumn, from October to November.

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

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

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

Travel tips

• Remember to pack clothes that suit the season you're visiting in. Even in summer, it can be cool in the evenings, so layers are a good idea. Comfortable walking shoes are essential given the uneven terrain and amount of walking you may do.
• Don’t miss out on local foods like testi kebab, pide, gözleme, and baklava. Turkish tea and coffee are also a must.
• Especially if you're traveling in the warmer months, make sure to stay hydrated and use sunscreen regularly. Also, consider bringing a hat and sunglasses for further protection.