2 Days Tour to Cappadocia from Antalya with Hot Air Balloon

Exploring Cappadocia from Antalya becomes a truly memorable experience with this 2-day tour, priced at $694.09 per person. The tour combines cultural stops, scenic viewpoints, and an optional hot air balloon ride that promises stunning views at sunrise. The entire journey is designed for those who want a comprehensive taste of the region’s distinctive rock formations, underground cities, and artistic heritage, all in just two days.

While the tour offers pickup service and group discounts, the hot air balloon experience is highly limited and should be booked early to secure a spot. The tour is suitable for individuals with moderate physical fitness, and it includes meals, entrance fees, and transportation. However, note that photos and videos are not included in the package, which may matter to some travelers.

Key Points

• Price is $694.09 per person for a 2-day experience from Antalya.
• The hot air balloon ride lasts one hour and is a main highlight, weather permitting.
• The tour visits Saratli Underground City, Pigeon Valley, Goreme Open-Air Museum, and Love Valley.
• Transportation, meals, and entrance fees are included, but photos/videos are not.
• The tour is private, with pickup and drop-off services offered, starting at 5:00 am.

Starting from Antalya: Early Morning Pickup and Route Overview

This tour begins with an early pickup at 5:00 am in Antalya. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the long journey. The trip covers approximately two days, with the first day packed with stops at key sites and the second focused on scenic views and souvenir shopping.

Travelers are driven through the Taurus Mountains, passing the Alacabel pass at the highest point, offering a scenic introduction to the landscape. The day is structured with timed stops at notable locations, making the most of every moment.

Visiting Tinaztepe Magarasi and the Taurus Mountains

The journey begins with a 30-minute stop at Tinaztepe Magarasi, after crossing the Alacabel pass—the highest point on the route through the Taurus Mountains. This brief pause allows for sanitary needs and appreciation of the mountain scenery. The stop is free of charge, making it a convenient start to the day.

Next, the vehicle continues toward Cappadocia, with a focus on the impressive mountain landscape. The route provides a sense of the region’s natural grandeur, setting the stage for the subsequent historical stops.

Discovering Saratli Underground City

The tour’s signature experience is a visit to Saratli Underground City, which has origins dating back millions of years. The formation of underground cities is tied to the volcanic activity of Mount Erciyes, Melendiz, and Hasanda, which created soft, light-colored soil suitable for carving.

Constructed from prehistoric times, these underground complexes served various civilizations, including Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Walking through the tunnels, visitors witness how ancient inhabitants used underground spaces for protection and storage. The admission fee is included, making this a seamless step into history.

Exploring Pigeon Valley and Its Unique Formations

Next, the tour takes travelers to Pigeon Valley, famous for its carved dovecotes and soft volcanic rock formations. Starting from Uçhisar and extending to Göreme, the valley’s name comes from the traditional pigeon houses built into the rocks, which were used to feed the local community.

The 30-minute stop allows for photo opportunities of the fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. This site offers a light walk and stunning views, perfect for capturing images of the region’s distinctive landscape.

Art and Craft at Bezirhane Culture and Ceramics Center

The tour includes a visit to Bezirhane, a center dedicated to Cappadocian pottery, arts, and ceramics. This stop showcases the region’s artistic heritage, where local artisans demonstrate traditional pottery techniques. Visitors often find themselves eager to try the pottery wheel firsthand, an engaging way to connect with local craftsmanship.

This stop lasts about an hour, providing an opportunity to learn about the region’s artistic roots and perhaps purchase handmade souvenirs.

Touring Göreme Open-Air Museum

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is the highlight of the day’s stops. This UNESCO-listed site features some of the best-preserved rock-cut churches and monasteries in Cappadocia. Visitors explore ancient cave complexes decorated with frescoes and religious paintings, offering a vivid sense of the region’s spiritual past.

With a 1 hour 30 minutes allocated for exploration, visitors have plenty of time to appreciate the architecture and artwork, making this a key highlight of the trip.

Admiring Love Valley’s Fairy Chimneys

A brief 30-minute stop at Love Valley offers sweeping views of tall, pointed fairy chimneys that give the valley its name. The formations are especially striking at sunrise or sunset, but even during the day, the scenery remains captivating. This site provides excellent opportunities for photos of the iconic rock formations.

The stop is free of charge, allowing visitors to soak in the scenery without the rush.

The Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

On the second morning, the tour provides the chance to participate in a hot air balloon ride, weather permitting. The balloon parade starts at sunrise, offering panoramic views of Cappadocia’s landscape from above. The one-hour flight is a core experience, though it must be pre-booked due to limited spaces and high demand.

The cost of the balloon ride is not included in the main price but is refundable if canceled due to poor weather. Participants are transferred to the observation deck to watch the balloons ascend if they choose not to fly.

Visiting Kapadokya Onyx and Uçhisar Castle

After breakfast, the tour moves to Kapadokya Onyx, a center where visitors can learn about sultanite and onyx gemstones. It’s a brief 30-minute visit and free of charge.

Next, a photo stop at Uçhisar Castle provides panoramic views from the highest point in Cappadocia. The 30-minute stop allows for scenic pictures from the castle’s slope, offering a perfect vantage point over the region’s striking landscape.

Lunch and Return to Antalya

The trip includes a lunch stop in Konya, which is not included in the tour price. This provides a chance to relax and enjoy local cuisine before heading back. The return journey to Antalya begins after, with expected hotel arrivals between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm depending on your hotel location.

Practical Details and Booking Information

This tour is a private activity, meaning only your group participates, adding comfort and flexibility. The pickup and drop-off services make logistics easy, especially for those staying in Antalya. The tour operates with confirmation at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The moderate physical activity involved includes walking and some climbing, suitable for most travelers with average mobility. Note that photos and videos are not included, so travelers wishing to capture memories should prepare their own devices.

Final Thoughts on the Cappadocia Excursion from Antalya

This 2-day tour offers a comprehensive experience of Cappadocia’s unique landscape and history, topped with the thrill of a hot air balloon ride. The itinerary balances scenic views, cultural insights, and artistic demonstrations, making it ideal for those seeking a diverse adventure without overextending their schedule.

While the hot air balloon is optional and subject to weather conditions, the stunning valley stops and underground city exploration provide plenty of memorable moments. The private format and included transfers add convenience, making this a solid choice for travelers looking for an organized yet personal experience.

Those who love scenic views and want to see Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys and underground cities will find this tour particularly rewarding. However, it’s worth planning ahead for the balloon ride due to limited availability, and travelers should be aware that photos and videos are extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hot air balloon ride included in the tour price?
No, the hot air balloon ride is not included and must be booked separately. It lasts about one hour and is refundable if canceled due to weather.

What are the main stops on this tour?
The tour includes stops at Saratli Underground City, Pigeon Valley, Goreme Open-Air Museum, Love Valley, and visits to Kapadokya Onyx and Uçhisar Castle.

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins with pickup at 5:00 am in Antalya.

Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinner are included; lunch in Konya is not included.

What transportation is used?
An air-conditioned vehicle is provided, with pickup and drop-off service included.

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and some climbing, making it suitable for most with average fitness.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from 30 minutes at spots like Tinaztepe Magarasi and Uçhisar Castle to 1 hour or more at sites like Goreme Open-Air Museum.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

What is the total duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately two days, with hotel return between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

How do I book the hot air balloon ride?
The balloon ride must be pre-booked separately, and it’s recommended to do so early due to high demand and limited spaces.

Who is the provider of this tour?
The tour is operated by Laledi Tur, with contact at +902426060180 or [email protected].