Itineraries for Your Trip to Cappadocia
2 Days in Cappadocia for First Timers
I’ve been writing about Turkey ever since I won a travel writing competition back in 2011. The prize brought me on assignment to Cappadocia, among other destinations, and led to my being commissioned to work on a guidebook to Turkey. For several years after, this fairy chimney wonderland was in regular rotation in my travels, and I made multiple trips to Cappadocia to rewrite the guidebook, watching as it grew into the tourist honeypot it is today.
Two days in Cappadocia is the minimum amount of time that I’d recommend for exploring this vast mountain-hemmed region, and guided full-day tours are your best bet for fitting it all in. Here’s what to do in Cappadocia for first-time visitors.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to one of Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities.
Shade can be scarce in Cappadocia’s desert-like valleys, so pack a wide-brimmed hat and high-factor sunscreen.
If it’s your first time in Cappadocia, you can’t miss a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimney valleys. Brace yourself for an early start as sunrise balloon flights set out before 5am—choose a tour that includes hotel pickup and breakfast to soften the blow. The sleepiness will soon disappear as you float over the valleys and gaze out over the pink-hued landscapes below.
One of the best things to do in Cappadocia for first timers is to follow the classic “Red Route” tour, which includes the most famous fairy chimney landscapes—Love Valley, Imagination Valley, and Monk’s Valley. Afterward, visit the deserted cave village of Çavuşin, climb to the top of Uçhisar Castle for a spectacular view over the surrounding villages, then explore the ancient churches of the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience an ancient Turkish ritual performed by the Mevlevi whirling dervishes at the Saruhan Culture and Event Center. Attend a whirling dervish ceremony and watch the mesmerizing dance-like meditation inspired by the mystic Sufi religion. It’s one of Turkey’s most unique traditions and a memorable way to end the day.
Visit the rest of the must-see attractions in Cappadocia on a “Green Route” tour, which covers the villages and valleys in the south of the region. Start by taking in the views from the Göreme Panorama, then head to Derinkuyu Underground City to explore the subterranean rooms and passages of Cappadocia’s largest and most famous underground city.
After lunch, continue to the Ihlara Valley, a scenic canyon along the Melendiz River. Hike along the valley, where you can peek inside ancient rock churches and visit the magnificent Selime Monastery. On the way back, make a final stop at Pigeon Valley to admire the unique rock formations, including fairy chimneys carved with pigeonholes.
Round out your 2-day Cappadocia itinerary by booking a stay in a cave hotel and enjoying a delicious dinner at one of the region’s atmospheric cave restaurants. Feast on a variety of tasty mezzes (appetizers) and try typical dishes like börek (stuffed pastries), creamy manti (Turkish ravioli), or sweet baklava while being entertained by live folk music and belly dancing.
