Cappadocia Dream: 2-Days Tour from Istanbul & Balloon Ride Option
Istanbul, Turkey
- 2 days (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Although many cross-country tours in Turkey only allocate a day to Cappadocia’s preternatural landscape and innovative architecture, most travelers find that a two-day tour strikes the right balance between seeing the region’s highlights and sacrificing time elsewhere in the country. See all of the highlights of Cappadocia comfortably during this two-day tour departing from Istanbul. Don’t risk running out of time to see all of the region’s unique natural heritage; instead, make sure you get to experience all of Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, its cave churches, and the underground city.
- Transport, tour guides and accommodation are all pre-arranged for you
- Spend less time waiting in lines, and more time exploring Cappadocia
- Breathe easy: get around comfortably in a non-smoking vehicle
- Enjoy a memorable scenic sunrise flight by Hot Air Balloon
What's Included
- Breakfast
- Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional – Included Only with Selected Booking Options)
- Round-Trip Domestic Flights Between Istanbul and Cappadocia
- One night accommodation at cave boutique hotel including breakfast
- Semi-private guided tour (Maximum 10 guests per group)
- Entrance fee - All entrance fees for museums and ruins listed in itinerary
- Private transportationFully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles
- Hotel / Airport pick-up and drop-off services
- Lunch (2)Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Start time.4:00 am
Itinerary
Day 1
Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Included Flight Tickets) / Semi-Private Cappadocia Tour / Overnight at Cappadocia
12 Stops
1
Istanbul
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Cappadocia
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
The Three Beauties (Uc Guzeller)
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Goreme National Park (Pass By)
4
Goreme Open Air Museum
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
5
TokalI Church
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
6
Ortahisar
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Avanos Oren Yeri
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
8
Uchisar Castle
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
9
Devrent Valley
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fairy Chimneys (Pass By)
10
Cappadocia
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Included - When booking your tour, you may select your preferred hotel from a range of available accommodation options.
Meals: Lunch
Day 2
Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional) / Semi-Private Cappadocia Tour / Flight Back to Istanbul (Included Flight Tickets)
8 Stops
1
Cappadocia Balloon Tours
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Keslik Monastery
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
3
Sobesos Ancient City
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Şirhanem Cave Restaurant
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
5
Pigeon Valley
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Kaymakli Underground City
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
7
Cappadocia
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
8
Istanbul
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- To book your domestic flights, the supplier may kindly ask you to provide your passport details. Sharing this information will help ensure that your flight reservations can be arranged without any issues.
- Your domestic flight e-tickets will be emailed to you by the supplier three days before your departure. There is no need to print your tickets, as both the airline and the supplier accept digital copies.
- Each traveler is entitled to 15 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of carry-on baggage on all domestic flights. If you expect to exceed the checked baggage allowance, please inform the supplier before your trip. Additional fees may apply for excess baggage.
- If you request any changes to your domestic flight(s) after the tickets have been issued, the supplier may ask you to cover the cost of the new flight ticket(s). Please note that once issued, domestic flight tickets are non-refundable and cannot be modified.
- ✔️ MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE FOR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: All hot air balloon flights are subject to weather conditions and Civil Aviation Authority safety regulations. In the event that your balloon flight is canceled because of unfavorable weather, the supplier will provide a full refund for the balloon ride. Refunds are usually processed within the next day, ensuring a simple, transparent, and worry-free experience.
- ✔️ FIXED PRICE GUARANTEE FOR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: Hot air balloon prices are dynamic and may change daily based on demand and weather-related cancellations. During periods of high demand, especially after weather cancellations, prices can increase by 30–40% and, in some cases, by as much as 70–80%. By booking today, you lock in your current price. Once your reservation is confirmed, your balloon ride price is guaranteed and will not increase, even if rates go up later. BOOK NOW WITH OUR FIXED PRICE GUARANTEE AND SAVE MONEY!
- ✔️ SEMI-PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS: The guided day tour(s) included in this package are operated with a maximum of 10 guests, offering a more exclusive alternative to standard group tours. With smaller groups, you'll enjoy a more personalized experience, greater comfort, and better opportunities to explore Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes and fascinating historical and cultural heritage.
- Accommodation is based on double or triple room occupancy. Room arrangements depend on the number of travelers: 2 guests will be accommodated in a double room, while 3 guests will stay in a triple room. For groups of 4 or more, accommodations will be arranged in a suitable combination of double and/or triple rooms. Solo travelers will be provided with a single room at no additional cost. A single room supplement may apply if travelers in a group of two or more request separate single rooms.
- Your hotel accommodation (Misty Cave Hotel, Zeydem Suites, or Yunak Evleri) is based on the package option selected during booking. Please select your preferred option carefully. If your chosen hotel is unavailable on your travel dates, the supplier reserves the right to substitute it with another hotel of comparable quality and standard.
- The Hot Air Balloon Ride will be operated in the Standard Category. This category offers an approximate flight duration of one hour, using baskets with a capacity of 20 to 28 passengers. The actual flight time may vary between 50–55 minutes or 65–70 minutes, depending on weather conditions prior to landing. Flight duration decisions are made by the pilot in accordance with the safety regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority. The total duration of the activity is approximately 3 hours.
- If you choose not to use any included service or decide not to participate in scheduled activities, guided tours, hot air balloon rides, airport transfers, or other included services, it will be regarded as a last-minute cancellation. Unfortunately, no refund can be issued for any unused services.
- The children aged 6 and under are not allowed to participate in the hot air balloon ride due to Civil Aviation regulations.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 3 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.3
based on 242 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Robert_M, Jul 2026
Excellent trip. Our guide, Bushar, provided a thorough historical and personal perspective on all the areas we visited. The geology of the area is other worldly. The underground cities and are astonishing. I enjoyed the authentic local restaurants we visited - both the food and atmosphere. We enjoyed the Zeydem Suites Hotel (upgrade option) - large, clean, well-designed rooms.
One suggestion: It would have been nice to get the airport itinerary earlier than 3 days before. i had made reservations in Istanbul area assuming we were going in/out of the IST airport, but as it turned out we were using the SAW airport. That caused a lot of extra driving.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us!
We're delighted to hear that you had an excellent trip and that Bushar's passion, historical knowledge, and personal insights helped bring Cappadocia's incredible history to life. From the breathtaking landscapes and fascinating underground cities to authentic local cuisine, we're so happy every part of your journey left a lasting impression.
It's also wonderful to know that you enjoyed your stay at Zeydem Suites. We believe that a comfortable and memorable stay is an important part of the overall experience, so we're thrilled the upgraded room exceeded your expectations.
Thank you as well for your thoughtful feedback regarding the flight itinerary. We'd like to provide a little more context, as it may be helpful for future travelers as well. Due to Viator's cancellation and refund policy, we're only able to finalize and issue domestic flight tickets after the free cancellation period has ended (3 days before departure). This helps ensure that, in the unlikely event of a cancellation, our guests are not left with non-refundable flight tickets.
Regarding the airports, both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) are located at a similar distance from the central hotel areas in Istanbul, with an average transfer time of around one hour depending on traffic. For this reason, using one airport instead of the other generally doesn't result in significant additional travel time. That said, we completely understand how having this information earlier would have made planning your stay in Istanbul easier, and we truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us.
Leroy_P, May 2026
Ballon ride was great. Restaurant meals were great. Transportation had a major glitch. Our transfer to airport did not show so we had hotel call us a taxi.
Marcy_F, May 2026
We absolutely loved everything about this trip. It was unlike any place we have ever been. The Cliff dwellings were incredible and the hot air balloon ride absolutely breathtaking. The food was true local cuisine and delicious. The Cliff dwelling hotel was quaint and very comfortable.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us!
We are truly delighted to hear that your Cappadocia journey was such a memorable one and that it felt unlike anywhere you had ever been before. Cappadocia is a place where nature, history, and culture come together in a truly magical way, and we are so happy that you were able to experience its unique beauty.
Hearing that you enjoyed the incredible cliff dwellings, the breathtaking hot air balloon flight, and the authentic local cuisine means a lot to our team. We believe that the best journeys are not only about seeing amazing places, but also about feeling the spirit of the destination through its flavors, traditions, and unforgettable moments.
We are also thrilled that you enjoyed your stay in our cave hotel. Staying inside the historic rock formations of Cappadocia is a special experience, and we are happy that your accommodation added even more comfort and charm to your adventure.
Thank you for choosing us to be part of your Cappadocia story. We hope to welcome you back one day to discover even more hidden valleys, fascinating landscapes, and unforgettable experiences that this incredible region has to offer. Until then, we wish you many more amazing journeys ahead! ✨
Kristen_H, Apr 2026
The best experience a person could do while in Turkey. It was thoughtful throughly, the lunches amazing we learned so much and "Bush" our tour guide made everything better. Also the hot air balloon ride well worth the upgrade. Im happy we picked the cave hotel too. Everything was such a treasure.
Nancy_G, Apr 2026
The 2 days were amazing. We were somewhat concerned about safety as we were 4 senior women traveling alone. But a Viator representative picked us up at our hotel in Istanbul, took us to the airport, another representative met us there and took us to our amazing cave hotel in Cappadocia. Our tour guide and driver met us there and made sure we had the experience of a lifetime. The hot air balloon ride was incredible, the food was outstanding, and having a private tour for the 4 of us was so much more personal than the tours provided by the cruise ships.
Jenny_C, Jan 2026
Viator Online Chat was extremely helpful and timely in planning and booking this trip.
Unfortunately, the Itinerary is not accurate. A lot of time was spent at an expensive Ceramics shop, Jewelry shop, and Leather shop but was NOT disclosed in the itinerary. Had I known that shopping was involved in this trip, I would have opted for a different trip option for my limited time in Cappadocia.
Also, it is very suspicious that another reviewer noted that their lunch was delayed for hours so the time at the expensive Ceramics shop was extended --- this is what also what "coincidentally" happened to my group. Very sketchy especially since our Guide said that the Ceramics shop was his family- a little self-serving for my taste. The one bright light was that lunch though - phenomenal food.
Ryan_L, Nov 2025
Busra was an excellent guide she was very helping. Full of great recommendations along with lots of fun facts about the area and their traditions/history.
Scott_G, Nov 2025
It was a great time and I would recommend it to everyone looking for fun and adventure in Turkey. The guide was very informed.
Reginald_K, Nov 2025
The breathtaking panorama and diverse history of Cappadocia makes it a unique must see and do experience when visiting Turkey. Activities range from sunrise balloon rides over ancient volcanic formations to exploring ruins from civilizations over 4000 years old. Like shopping? Cappadocia has world class carpet, ceramic and leather factories. You can learn how these items are made while sipping delicious local tea and the famous Turkish Coffee. Like rustic hotels? Stay in a wide range of rooms that are cites on USNESCOs list of world treasures. A marvelous departure from Istanbul.
Wai_L, Nov 2025
The two days Cappadocia Dream: 2-Days Tour from Istanbul & Balloon Ride Option is Great. The Balloon Ride was incredible. The one drawback was on the second day, there is not enough activities. We were left at the hotel for 3-4 hours to wait for the Shuttle bus to take us to the airport. It would be better for the tour to ether book us an earlier flight or fill the gaps with more activities. I would recommend this experience to my friend with some reservations.
Jere_R, Nov 2025
Jam-packed itinerary with great guides. We saw more in two days then some in three for less money. Highly recommend
William_P, Nov 2025
Coming back to Istanbul the directions were not clear where to be picked up. Other than that the whole experience was fun. Great hotel, excellent transportation. The guide was good. There was a high pressure effort to try to get us to buy carpets, jewelry, lamb skin clothes, and pottery. They could dial that back a notch. I would suggest adding the option for riding the quads. Overall the real highlight was the Hotel air balloon ride.
Jawed_A, Nov 2025
The overall trip was excellent. Though I found the tour guide to be rude at times and rushed. The rudeness could be because of language barrier.
The trip itself was amazing and we enjoyed all the site visits. They could probably pick us up earlier for the balloon ride as we were racing against time to reach in order to not miss the sunrise view. None the less the hotair balloon ride was the highlight of the trip
Nuzhet_M, Oct 2025
Loved this tour. Our tour guide Busra was friendly and extremely knowledgeable. She taught us not only about Cappadocia but many aspects of Turkey. The parts of the tour involving the history were fabulous, and I got incredible photos of the natural landscape of the region! Zeydem Hotel, gorgeous location, and I slept like a log in the darkness of the cave room. The drivers we had are very talented! We unfortunately did not get to the balloon ride due to weather, but received a swift refund. We also learned about many products made in the region such as ceramic and carpets. My only concern is that I went to stores and bought products which I didn't have much opportunity to research in advance and I wish I had so I could have haggled better. You may find similar, although not identical, products in stores in Cappadocia and in Istanbul. I likely paid a tourist price even with haggling. However, I want to tell people that the store owners stated repeatedly that we only had to look at buying if we were interested and our guide asked if we wanted to check out places before we went. We skipped the leather goods and it was no pressure. I loved learning about how the products were made. Overall, I enjoyed the tour. If I did this again, I would probably go back for the balloon ride, do a hiking tour of Cappadocia with our lovely guide, and stay another night at the Zeydem Hotel.
Tim_K, Oct 2025
Really interesting trip to sites I had known very little about. Ruins at Sobesus and underground tunnels at Kaymakli truly fascinating. Yasser was very knowledgeable, friendly and made the trip a great success. Now want to come back with my son!
Peter_W, Oct 2025
The tour was very good. Unfortunately, our balloon ride got canceled due to weather. Our guide bush was very knowledgeable and energetic.It's a wonderful must do experience.When you're in turkey
Jorge_R, Oct 2025
Great tour, great service and excellent tour guide! Cappadocia it’s a great place and this tour cover the best places in two days!
Nancy_S, Oct 2025
Through Viator we booked the 2 day Cappodoccia and it was handled trough “Travel Experts Cappodoccia” Agency. Booked the Superior experience and it was five star all the way. From booking, to travel updates from the agency, taxi transfers, hotel, good, tour guide, excursions and of course the hot air balloon company. Days were 6 hrs each approx not including the 2-3 hours for ballon ride. Wow, wow, wow class act from the minute we were picked up to the minute we were dropped off. The agency was also excellent with replies to questions on What’s App and provided very thorough itineraries, as well as daily follow ups with scheduled times.
Samantha_S, Oct 2025
Cappadocia is beautiful. The ballon ride was amazing. Lovely hotel that we stayed in. The only downside, was visiting the carpet, leather, pottery and jewellery shops which were part of the tour. We did not come back to Istanbul after but headed to Antayla, so ended up staying an extra night. The company were very good at accomodating this request and transferring us to the airport.
Sergio_G, Sep 2025
Viator is a platform that works with local tour operators so we have to deal with local people that probably do not have the same standards, rude operators, don’t communicate properly, make mistakes and do t take responsibility for their actions, nothing against Viator however I believe that Viator should really have very high quality standards to avoid tour operators that don’t perform well
DianeElizabeth_K, Sep 2025
My guide Yasar Eroglu and Driver Muhareem were both very professional and obviously love their job.
Yasar wanted to ensure that I got the most out of my trip and even inquired if their were other areas of interest locally that I would like to learn more about, such as jewelry design, fashion, rug making and stones. The tour was informative and very interesting, and all questions were answered.
Unfortunately, the balloon ride was canceled due to inclement weather, but do understand that this is out of their control and was clearly explained this could potentially occur beforehand.
I am so thankful I had such a knowledgeable tour guide that is willing to share his love of Cappadocia and on his days off he visits archaeological sites to see what is being uncovered from many years ago..
Maria_S, Sep 2025
Yasar was amazing. He was very informative and knowledgeable. He was friendly and kind. My husband and I enjoyed the tour and his company very much. I would highly recommend this tour and Yasar as the guide.
Zofia_P, Aug 2025
The site seeing was good, hotel Misty cave hotel also, lunches very good, you have to pay extra for drinks. We visited carpet, leader, ceramic factories and were encourage to make a purchase. It would be good to know about it beforehand. Also we should have some time for shopping after visiting underground city. Our flight back to Istanbul was delayed.
AbdulHameed_K, Aug 2025
We had a lovely trip to Cappadocia, the service was excellent we couldn’t have asked for better communication! Everything was well planned well organised and our tour guide Yashir was friendly and very knowledgeable. We booked our package with the hot air balloon and it was an unforgettable experience! Again communication was excellent, all of the pilots are well trained and have great experience, there was nothing to worry about despite what is shown online! The Zeydem cave suite hotel exceeded our expectations, rooms were spacious and luxurious. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Overall this trip was worth the money and we are left with priceless memories!
Gss, Jul 2025
The hotel was ok. Our balloon ride was canceled due to bad weather conditions and I think they should have some kind of backup plan for when this happens so as to have something to do in the time you were supposed to be in the balloon.
Cappadocia is lovely and I hope to go back someday.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Guest,
The balloon rides are cancel by Civil Avaition Authorty of Turkish governmet somedays because of the poor weather conditions. We always refund the cost of the balloon ride if it cancelled. The big BACKPLAN should be that. Because the balloon ride organiseat sunrise time (in dark) and there are no any other available activity at this sunrise timing (around 03.00am to 07.00am).
Taylar_F, Jun 2025
The trip was sensational. Our tour guide was incredible and very knowledgeable. The air balloon was a memory I will cherish forever. It was also incredible knowing that every moment of the trip was accounted for so you didn’t have to worry about anything.
Katherine_M, Jun 2025
It was so interesting to learn all about the history of Cappadocia through all the stops we had. Our guide, Yasser was excellent and the personal touch of knowing he used to previously make pottery as well as previously run a balloon company made it that much more interesting too! The balloons ride is very much dependent on the weather, and I lucked out while two others in my group who had tried the day before were unable to go. That was a bucket list experience for me for sure!
GuoTing_W, May 2025
Not bad, but quite expensive, can keep the same tour guide for the whole tour, not suggest to have different tour guides for the 2-day tour
Lucy_B, May 2025
The trip to Capadocia and all the activities were 5 star! Our guide on Day 1 was also a 5 star, but the one on day 2 seemed to not want to be there and didn’t offer too much as far as explanations. My only serious issue is that I had to book the entire package for both my husband and I despite me telling the agent that only myself would be going on the balloon ride. He assured me that portion of the excursion would be refunded, but when I reached out to Viator they said they had no record of that and of course he wouldn’t give it to me in writing. Anyway if you are in the same situation make sure you get assurances in writing. Been using Viator for many years so this was upsetting and disappointing.
Eduardo_M, Apr 2025
Life time experience! Cappadocia is amazing and the hot air balloon is the highlight of it! It is completely worth it to do it. We recommend doing it with a tour agency, and this one we purchased on Viator was amazing! From picking us at the hotel in Istanbul to bring us back, everything was coordinated to the perfection! Communication was clear and response times was almost instantly, regardless of the time of the day. I will definitely recommend this tour to my family and friends! Thank you “Travel Experts”
From $556.44
per personup to 3 days in advance
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Cappadocia Dream: 2-Days Tour from Istanbul & Balloon Ride Option
242
2 days
Free Cancellation
From
$556.44
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Shore Excursions
- Multi-day Tours
- Walking Tours
- Historical Tours
- Private and Luxury
- On the Ground
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Istanbul
- Walking Tours - Bursa
- Historical Tours - Bursa
- Shore Excursions - Burgas
- Walking Tours - Burgas
- Historical Tours - Burgas
- Walking Tours - Nessebar
- Historical Tours - Nessebar
Attractions in Istanbul, Turkey
- Miniaturk (Miniatürk) Tours & Tickets
- German Fountain (Alman Çeşmesi) Tours & Tickets
- Emirgan Park (Emirgan Korusu) Tours & Tickets
- Green Tomb (Yesil Türbe) Tours & Tickets
- Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) Tours & Tickets
- Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) Tours & Tickets
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) Tours & Tickets
- Gallipoli Peninsula (Gelibolu Yarimadasi) Tours & Tickets
- Fener District Tours & Tickets
- Eminӧnü Square (Eminönü Meydani) Tours & Tickets
- Cagaloglu Hamam Tours & Tickets
- Belgrad Forest (Belgrad Ormani) Tours & Tickets
- Koza Han Tours & Tickets
- Cemberlitas Hamami Tours & Tickets
- St. Anthony of Padua Church (Sent Antuan Bazilikasi) Tours & Tickets
- Beyazit Mosque (Beyazit Camii) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Istanbul, Turkey
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Tours & Tickets
- Bosphorus Tours & Tickets
- Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) Tours & Tickets
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) Tours & Tickets
- Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) Tours & Tickets
- Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani) Tours & Tickets
- Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) Tours & Tickets