Known across the world for its unique rock formations and collection of colorful hot air balloons that litter the sky every sunrise, Cappadocia is a travel lover’s dream.

From its 4th-century rock-cut churches to its volcanic hoodoos that have formed over millions of years, there are a wealth of sights to see in this historic corner of Turkey.

Cappadocia multi-day trips from Side are an ideal way to add the destination to your itinerary without spending your entire excursion traveling.

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

How to get to Cappadocia from Side?

Cappadocia is located in Central Anatolia and brushes against five different provinces — Kayseri, Aksaray, Niğde, Nevşehir, and Kırsehir. It is approximately 470 kilometers from Side.

From Side to Cappadocia by car

It takes approximately 6 hours to make the journey to Cappadocia by car and begins by following the D400 in a southeasterly direction. You’ll then turn onto the D695, which you’ll follow until it merges with the D330 just past Seydişehir.

Upon reaching a fork in the road, you’ll turn onto the D696, which leads you as far as Konya. On the other side of the city, you’ll join the D300 as far as Nevşehir where you’ll switch to the D302 to complete your journey to Cappadocia.

From Side to Cappadocia by public transport

Those without access to a car can make most of the jaunt to Cappadocia by public transport. However, you will first need to reach neighboring Manavgat, which you can do via a taxi.

From there, you can catch a direct bus to Göreme Bus Station, which operates several times a day and takes approximately 7.5 hours to complete the route.

Guided tour to Cappadocia from Side

Alternatively, most travelers prefer to book a guided excursion to Cappadocia and let someone else take care of the transportation details for them.

These types of tours typically last between 2 and 3 days, and you’ll benefit from a convenient accommodation pickup from your hotel lobby at a predetermined time on the first day of your multi-day trip to Cappadocia, sometime between 4 AM and 7 AM.

What is the typical itinerary?

Each multi-day trip to Cappadocia features its own unique itinerary. However, you’ll usually be collected from your hotel lobby by your guide, board your vehicle and get acquainted with your group. Once everyone is on board, you’ll begin the long, yet scenic, drive to Cappadocia.

Many excursions stop for a break in Konya where you’ll have the opportunity to stretch your legs and feast on a local breakfast. You may also pay a visit to the town’s crowning jewel — its museum dedicated to Rumi.

Because of your early start, you’ll typically reach Cappadocia around lunchtime, and waste no time hopping between historic landmarks to see as much as possible.

You’ll stay in a three or four-star hotel overnight and head out early the next day to watch the sunrise over the area’s fairy chimneys, either from the ground or from the basket of a hot air balloon.

During the days of your Cappadocia multi-day tour, you’ll participate in guided walks through the site’s most historic monuments, which include Göreme Open Air Museum and Devrent Valley.

In the evenings, you’ll have the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into Turkish customs with an array of entertainment, including whirling dervish shows. On the final day, you’ll drive back to Side, reminiscing on your experience and soaking up the spectacular landscape as it passes you by.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cappadocia?

You can choose from a couple of different multi-day tours to Cappadocia, depending on which sites you wish to explore and how much time you have freed up on your itinerary.

2-Day tour to Cappadocia from Side

Leaving Side early in the morning, in this 2-day trip you’ll travel through the vast countryside of Turkey as the sun rises, watching the scenery change as you travel further inland.

You’ll stop for breakfast with a view in the lofty Taurus mountain range before heading to Konya, which is known to be the resting place of the 13th-century poet, Rumi. Here, you can visit the museum dedicated to the historical figure, which houses more than 500 books and 1,700 manuscripts.

Reaching Cappadocia, you’ll spend the rest of the day exploring the Göreme Open Air Museum, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can tour a plethora of rock-cut churches, each featuring its own distinct frescoes.

After a restful night, you’ll return to the Göreme Open Air Museum where you’ll have the opportunity to hop into a hot air balloon basket and travel gently across the skies.

From there, you’ll descend into one of Cappadocia’s underground cities, which were built by Christians to avoid persecution before sampling local wines at a vineyard and then returning to Side.

3-Day trip to Cappadocia from Side

With 3 days to spare, you’ll have the opportunity to discover more of the historic region. You’ll gain panoramic views across Turkey from Cappadocia’s highest point, Uchisar Castle, and duck in, and out of cave houses in Çavuşin.

This village is known for its 5th-century rock-cut church and offers breathtaking views over both the Rose, and Red valleys.

Watch artisans expertly sculpt pottery in the town of Avanos, which has been known for its clay sculptures since the Hittite Empire. Wander through a myriad of valleys, including Devrent, Göreme and Pasabag, all littered with fairy chimneys before making the picturesque drive back to Side.

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

Multi-day trips to Cappadocia vary in group size and what they offer, so be sure to consult the inclusions of your preferred excursion before booking.

If you opt for a 2-day tour to Cappadocia, you’ll be part of a group capped at 50 participants and you’ll pay just over US$140 per person of any age. This excursion includes accommodation, as well as some meals. You can add a hot air balloon ride to your itinerary for an additional charge.

If you book a longer Cappadocia multi-day tour, you’ll also pay US$140 per person. Children under the age of 4 can participate for free and you’ll be part of a smaller group, limited to 27 guests. Accommodation in a four-star hotel is included, as well as some meals and round-trip transportation.

Additional activities, such as whirling dervish shows and hot air balloon rides are at your own expense, as are entrance fees to historic sites. If you travel solo, you’ll be subject to a small charge of €15 (US$16) per day.

What will you see and do?

Göreme Open Air Museum

Göreme Open Air Museum showcases Turkey’s largest display of rock-cut churches and the area was once used as a Roman burial site.

The valley’s landmarks became Christian in design after the region converted to the religion, and it was a group of Byzantine monks that first constructed these unique churches after fleeing persecution from the Arabs.

It was one of the first two UNESCO World Heritage sites declared in the country and its religious monuments are known for their ornate frescoes, which depict an array of Bible stories.

Çavuşin

Çavuşin is a small village, nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, between Göreme and Avanos. The destination is known best for its duo of rock-cut churches, which were constructed in the 5th and 6th centuries respectively, and are both dedicated to John the Baptist.

The saint spent part of his life in Turkey and is now buried nearby the ancient city of Ephesus. One of these churches features intricate frescoes of well-known Bible scenes, including the nativity, while the other is famed for its historic carvings.

Avanos

Originally named Venessa, Avanos is a town that has likely been producing pottery since the Hittite period. Its position along the Kızılırmak — also known as the Red River — has enabled artisans to use the red clay of the riverbed to create iconic works of art, from trinkets to vases and everything in between, for centuries.

Between the 3rd and 1st centuries B.C., Avanos was renowned as one of the most significant destinations in Cappadocia, and once housed a temple dedicated to the god of the sky, Zeus.

Those on a multi-day trip to Cappadocia can stop by Avanos to participate in a pottery-making workshop. The most famed destination to do so appears in the Guinness Book of World Records for its unusual collection of hair.

When is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

The months of April to June and September to October are ideal for traveling to Cappadocia in Turkey.

The best weather for activities like hot air balloon rides and exploring the unusual rock formations may be found during these months, which also offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.

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

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

Travel tips

Pack appropriately and be sure to check the Cappadocia weather prediction. Since temperatures can change during the day, wearing layers is advised. Bring good walking shoes so you can explore the diverse scenery.
Bring your camera to capture the sunrise and sunset of Cappadocia which is renowned for its breathtaking views.
Discover the magnificent underground cities of Cappadocia are well-known.
Try local cuisine and regional wines, filled vine leaves, and clay kebabs while you're here. Visit historic villages, engage with the populace, and take part in programs to fully experience the area's distinctive culture.

Cappadocia: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Side