3-Day Cappadocia & Ankara Tour from Istanbul (Flights & Bus Included)

Fairy Chimneys, Underground Cities & Turkey’s Capital

Tour Starts: Istanbul
Tour Ends: Istanbul
Group Size: 10–25 Travelers
Transportation: Domestic Flights & Intercity Bus
Tour Type: Group Tour
Language: English

Tour Overview

Experience two of Turkey’s most fascinating regions in just 3 unforgettable days. This carefully designed tour combines the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia with the rich cultural heritage of Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

Begin with a flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, where you’ll explore dramatic valleys, iconic fairy chimneys, ancient underground cities, and rock-cut monasteries. Visit the remarkable Zelve Open-Air Museum, wander through Pigeon Valley, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic viewpoints.

Continue your journey by comfortable intercity bus to Ankara, where history meets modern Turkey. Discover the legacy of the Turkish Republic at Atatürk’s Mausoleum (Anıtkabir) and explore priceless artifacts at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

With domestic flights, bus tickets, expert guides, hotels, and entrance fees included, this tour offers a perfect balance of comfort, culture, and discovery.

Tour Highlights

✔ Explore Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and unique valleys
✔ Visit the historic Zelve Open-Air Museum
✔ Discover ancient underground cities carved beneath volcanic rock
✔ Enjoy panoramic views from Uchisar Castle viewpoints
✔ Travel comfortably from Cappadocia to Ankara by intercity bus
✔ Visit Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk
✔ Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
✔ Flights, bus tickets, hotels, and guided tours included

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia | North Cappadocia Tour

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, departing between 06:00 – 07:30 AM.

Upon arrival, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to Cappadocia to begin your full-day North Cappadocia Tour with a professional licensed guide.

Today’s highlights include:

• Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Famous for rock formations resembling animals and mythical shapes

• Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley): Iconic mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys

• Avanos: A charming riverside town known for its centuries-old pottery traditions

• Lunch at a local restaurant

• Zelve Open-Air Museum: Ancient rock-cut dwellings and churches reflecting Cappadocia’s monastic history

• Uchisar Castle viewpoints: Enjoy panoramic views over the valleys (photo stop only)

After the tour ends around 16:00, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Optional Evening Activities (extra cost):
Traditional Turkish Night Show, ATV Safari, Horseback Riding, or Whirling Dervish Ceremony (one activity can be selected).

Overnight: Cappadocia
Hotel: Cave Hotel
Meals: Lunch

Day 2 – South Cappadocia Tour | Intercity Bus to Ankara

Optional: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Cappadocia (extra cost)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart around 09:30 AM for a full-day South Cappadocia Tour.

Tour highlights:

• Red Valley: Vibrant rock formations and hidden cave churches

• Rose Valley (Güllüdere): Scenic 5 km hike through fairy chimneys and tranquil landscapes

• Cavusin Village: Abandoned cave houses and ancient Christian churches

• Lunch at a local restaurant

• Pigeon Valley: One of Cappadocia’s most scenic viewpoints

• Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City: Explore multi-level subterranean shelters used by early Christians

At the end of the tour, transfer to Göreme Bus Station to board an intercity coach to Ankara (approximately 5 hours).

Upon arrival in Ankara, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Ankara
Hotel: 4★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 – Ankara City Tour | Flight Back to Istanbul

After breakfast, depart for a guided Ankara city tour, discovering the cultural and political heart of Turkey.

Visits include:

• Anıtkabir (Mausoleum of Atatürk): Monument dedicated to the founder of the Turkish Republic

• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: One of Turkey’s most important museums, showcasing artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Roman period

After the tour, transfer to Ankara Esenboğa Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul, departing between 17:00 – 19:00.

End of Tour Services

What’s Included

✔ Hotel pick-up in Istanbul (European side only)
✔ Domestic flights: Istanbul → Cappadocia & Ankara → Istanbul
✔ Intercity coach ticket: Cappadocia → Ankara
✔ 1 night Cappadocia Cave Hotel with breakfast
✔ 1 night Ankara 4★ Hotel with breakfast
✔ Professional English-speaking licensed guides
✔ Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
✔ Entrance fees to listed attractions
✔ Local taxes and service charges

What’s Not Included

✘ Hotel drop-off in Istanbul after the tour
✘ Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
✘ Optional tours & activities
✘ Drinks with meals
✘ Travel insurance (recommended)