2 Days Cappadocia Red and Green Tour from Istanbul by Flight

An immersive 2-day Cappadocia experience with flights from Istanbul

The 2 Days Cappadocia Red and Green Tour from Istanbul by Flight offers a thoughtfully planned journey through Turkey’s most iconic landscapes in just two days. Priced at $879.78 per person, this tour combines flights, hotel accommodation, and guided sightseeing, making it a convenient option for travelers eager to see Cappadocia’s famous sights without the hassle of self-planning. The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves some walking and exploration of uneven terrain.

While the tour boasts notable highlights such as underground cities, fairy chimneys, and valleys, it is important to note that hotel accommodations may not be luxury hotels but are described as clean and comfortable. The tour departs early from Istanbul Airport with a flight to Kayseri Airport, and the entire experience is managed by Funland Travel, known for organizing seamless group excursions. The tour’s reviews reflect a generally positive impression, with a 4.0/5 rating based on 5 reviews, though one guest highlights an issue with hotel standards, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations.

This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive Cappadocia experience in a short period, including an airport transfer, guided excursions, and entrance fees to major sites. It also includes breakfast and two lunches, but excludes optional extras like a hot air balloon ride. Let’s explore the various facets of this tour in detail.

Picking up from Istanbul and catching the flight to Kayseri

The journey begins very early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel or address in Istanbul, followed by a transfer to Istanbul Airport. The flight to Kayseri Airport is scheduled as the first step of the adventure, providing a smooth transition from city life to the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia. Upon arrival, a driver is waiting with a name sign to transfer guests to their hotel in Göreme.

The hotel check-in process is flexible, with options for early check-in or simply dropping off luggage if rooms are unavailable. This logistical setup ensures a stress-free start to the tour, allowing travelers to begin their sightseeing between 10:00 and 16:00. The group is greeted by a licensed guide who will lead the exploration of Cappadocia’s most photogenic sites. This initial day sets a brisk but manageable pace, covering key highlights over approximately five hours.

Exploring Pasabag and the Monks Valley

The first major stop on the day one itinerary is Pasabag, also called Monks Valley, where visitors encounter the famous fairy chimneys. These conical rock formations resemble tall, pointed towers, some of which served as homes and Orthodox churches for hermits. The admission ticket is included, and the site offers an excellent opportunity for photos of these unique geological structures.

A short drive takes the tour to Devrent Valley, known as the Valley of Imagination. Here, natural rocks have formed animal-shaped fairy chimneys, including the iconic camel-shaped formations. This area provides a fantastical landscape where it feels like nature has sculpted a zoo in stone. Visitors can see human-like figures in the rocks, adding a touch of whimsy to the scenery. The 30-minute stop allows ample time for photos and wandering among the imaginative formations.

Visiting Göreme Open Air Museum and Avanos Pottery

Next, the tour visits Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This rock settlement was inhabited from the 4th century AD to the 13th century and features churches, chapels, and dining halls carved into the rock. The admission fee and guided commentary highlight the spiritual and architectural significance of this historic site.

Afterward, travelers stop for lunch in Avanos, a charming village famous for its pottery craftsmanship. The red soil of the Kızılırmak (Red River) has supported a pottery tradition dating back to the Hittite period. Visitors can explore local pottery workshops, often free of charge, and see artisans shaping clay into artistic pieces. It’s a hands-on experience that celebrates Cappadocia’s enduring craft heritage.

Scaling Uçhisar Castle and relaxing in Göreme

Following the pottery visit, the tour proceeds to Uçhisar Castle, the tallest fairy chimney in Cappadocia. The view from the top provides a panoramic perspective of the entire region, with Cappadocia’s landscape spreading out below. This site is also included in the admission fee, and the climb is suitable for most visitors with moderate fitness.

The day concludes with a return to Göreme, where guests are transferred to their hotel for a restful evening. The 30-minute free time allows for refreshment and some independent exploration of the town, which is dotted with cave hotels and local shops.

Scenic Highlights of the Second Day: Love Valley and the Red Valley

The second day begins with a visit to Love Valley, renowned for its distinctive phallic-shaped rock formations. The panoramic view of Göreme from this spot captures the drama and beauty of Cappadocia’s landscape. The area is ideal for photography and appreciating nature’s sculptural artistry.

A more vivid color palette reveals itself at Red Valley, where vivid red rock formations dominate the scenery. The 1-hour stop allows visitors to walk among these stunning formations, famous for their vivid hues during sunset or sunrise—though in this tour, the stop is during the day. The admission fee is included, and the landscape provides a drama-filled backdrop for memorable photos.

Discovering Çavusin Village and Derinkuyu Underground City

Next, the tour explores Çavusin Village, one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia. The village’s caves and dwellings carved into fairy chimneys date back centuries, and many early Christians created habitable spaces to escape Roman pressures. The 1-hour visit offers insight into past ways of life and the region’s archaeological richness.

The highlight of the second day is the Derinkuyu Underground City, an immense subterranean complex extending about 85 meters underground. With 18 floors of tunnels and rooms, this largest underground city in the world could shelter up to 20,000 people. The admission fee is included, and visitors walk through narrow tunnels, chapels, and living quarters, gaining a tangible sense of ancient defense and community strategies.

Final stops: Pigeon Valley and departure from Kayseri Airport

The tour concludes with a visit to Pigeon Valley, renowned for dovecotes carved into rock faces and the rock formations that resemble doves. The one-hour stop offers a peaceful setting for walking and taking photos of rock formations and pigeon houses.

Finally, the guide assists guests in transferring to Kayseri Airport for the return flight to Istanbul. The entire afternoon transfer completes the two-day adventure, with a 5-hour flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, a driver is available for transfer back to the hotel or address.

Practical details and overall value

This tour includes all major transportation costs, hotel accommodation, breakfast, lunches, and entrance fees to key sites. The small group size (maximum 15 travelers) helps ensure a more personalized experience, and pickup and airport transfer services enhance convenience.

While the hotel quality may vary and one review mentions a disappointing hotel experience, the overall package offers a comprehensive snapshot of Cappadocia’s highlights. The inclusion of guidance, entrance fees, and flights provides good value for travelers wanting an organized, hassle-free trip.

Cappadocia in two days: Who will enjoy this tour?

This 2-day Cappadocia tour from Istanbul suits those who want a well-rounded experience with minimal planning. The tour covers key sights, from fairy chimneys and valleys to underground cities and cultural sites. It’s ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a structured, guided exploration of the region.

However, hotel standards can be a concern, and travelers should be prepared for moderate physical activity and some walking on uneven terrain. The hot air balloon ride is not included but can be booked separately if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel accommodation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel accommodation in Göreme, described as clean and comfortable.

Are flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia included?
Yes, the round-trip flights from Istanbul to Kayseri are part of this package.

What are the main highlights of the first day?
You visit Pasabag (Monks Valley), Devrent Valley, Göreme Open Air Museum, Avanos for pottery, and Uçhisar Castle.

What sites are covered on the second day?
The second day features Love Valley, Red Valley, Çavusin Village, Derinkuyu Underground City, and Pigeon Valley.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking and exploring uneven terrain, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Yes, but if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Can I book the hot air balloon ride separately?
Yes, the hot air balloon is an additional fee and is not included in this tour.

What is the overall rating of this tour?
It holds a 4.0 out of 5, based on 5 reviews, with some guests highlighting issues like hotel standards, but many praising the guided experience.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked around 10 days in advance.

Is airport transfer included?
Yes, pickup from your hotel to Istanbul Airport and transfer from Kayseri Airport to hotel are provided.

This 2 Days Cappadocia Red and Green Tour from Istanbul offers a structured, comprehensive glimpse into one of Turkey’s most captivating regions, balancing sights, culture, and convenience for those eager to explore without the stress of independent planning.