Cappadocia Itinerary : Perfect 2 Days In Cappadocia
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Packed with lots of amazing things to do, this Cappadocia itinerary would help you enjoy your vacation to it’s fullest. Here’s how you can spend 2 days in Cappadocia perfectly.
The breathtakingly unbelievable landscape and lots of hot air balloons, this is what comes in vision when we think about Cappadocia. Globally, it would be true to say in all aspects that Cappadocia is one of the most fascinating places you could every visit. This Turkish region is filled with lots of attractions including rock formations, museums, underground cities and archaeological sites. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we have got your trip covered with our 2 day Cappadocia itinerary. We have also included information regarding the best hotels to stay in and about transportation in the region at the end of the itinerary. So, let’s get started.
Cappadocia Itinerary : Top Things To Do In 2 Days
Day 1 : Hot Air Balloon Ride, Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Devrent Valley, Pasabag Valley
Morning (Sunrise) : Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Riding on a hot air balloon is the first thing you should be striking off from your Cappadocia itinerary. The rugged landscape, rock formations, fairy chimneys and the entire area seems magical from the ride. It’s a sight to behold. The hot air balloon flight lasts for 60 minutes or 90 minutes, depending on the one you have booked. Once you have landed down, you would be given a champagne toast to celebrate this once in a lifetime experience you have just had.
You should not miss out this ride even if you are scared of height. But, if you are missing it due to some reason, do wake up early to enjoy the view of these dozens of hot air balloons floating in the sky.
The hot air balloon ride would be over by 8 AM. If you would like to, you can head back to the hotel to freshen up and have a quick breakfast before the next activity.
Morning : Explore The Goreme Open Air Museum
Visiting the Goreme open air museum is the second most popular activity in Cappadocia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of monastery caves and dwellings with well preserved fresco paintings that date back to the 10th century. The museum is located at a 15 minute walking distance from Goreme’s town center.
The museum being a tourist hotspot in Cappadocia is generally crowded, but don’t let that disappoint you. It is one the most unmissable things to do in your Cappadocia itinerary.
- Opening Hours : 8 AM to 7 PM during summers (April – October), 8 AM to 5 PM during winter (November-March)
- Entrance Fees : 40 TL (USD 8 approx) per person
Afternoon : Get Amazed By The Rock Formations And Fairy Chimneys Across Devrent and Pasabag Valley
The Devrent (Imagination) Valley is well known for it’s unique rock formations that have been formed by nature. Some of these also look like animals such as camel, lion and seals. You could explore the valley by climbing on the steep hills and walking around the various rock formation.
The Pasabag Valley is filled with fascinating fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. Fairy chimneys are unusual rock formations that come into existence due to destructive forces such as volcano eruptions and erosion. These fairy chimneys form a very scenic view which attract major tourists to visit the Pasabag Valley.
Both Devrent and Pasabag valleys are the most amazing places to visit in Cappadocia.
Evening : Enjoy Sunset View From Uchisar Rock Castle
Uchisar Castle is located at the highest point in Cappadocia. It’s best known for the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The views are unbelievable. This marvelous rock cut castle also has many rooms and pillars throughout it’s landscape. Try to reach before the time of sunset and enjoy the most delightful transition of the region while the sun goes down.
- Opening Hours : 8 AM to 10 PM
- Entrance Fees : 9 TL (USD 2 approx) per person
Day 2 : Green Tour (Derinkuyu Underground City, Ilhara Valley, Selme Monastery)
Morning : Set On A Tour Of The Derinkuyu Underground City
One of the most intriguing places in Cappadocia, is the deepest underground city Derinkuyu. It dates back to the 8th century and has served as refuge during times of war and invasion. The city was a secret until it was discovered by a local man in 1960s. Derinkuyu’s 18 storey interior has a series of well planned cave rooms including schoolrooms, homerooms, churches, kitchen, bathhouses, winery, ventilation shafts, etc for civilization. Exploring the underground city through a maze of tunnels is a very enthralling experience to strike off from your Cappadocia itinerary.
- Opening Hours : 8 AM to 7 PM during summers (April – October), 8 AM to 5 PM during winter (November-March)
- Entrance Fees : 35 TL (USD 7 approx) per person
Afternoon : Visit The Ihlara Valley And Selme Monastery
Ihlara is a narrow valley having steep cliffs, tall trees, rock cut monasteries and the scenic Melendiz river. It’s a nature lovers paradise where one can sit along the riverside and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Throughout the valley you will come across many churches, only a few of which are open for visitors. Ihlara valley is also ideal place for an easy trek. Along the trekking route on the banks of Melendiz river, is Belisirma village where you can stop for lunch.
Located at the edge of Ihlara valley is the Selme Monastery, one of the largest religious complexes in Cappadocia. Many monks resided in this monastery, so you can actually see how they used to live in those days.
- Opening Hours : 8 AM to 7 PM
- Entrance Fees : 36 TL (USD 7 approx) per person
It’s advisable to book a guided tour to visit the Derinkuyu underground city and Ihlara valley, alone it wouldn’t be easy to navigate and understand about the existence of these sights. Click here to book a small group tour (aka Green Tour) now. It’s inclusive of hotel transfers, lunch, guide and all the entrance fees required.
Evening : Explore Goreme Town
You would probably be staying in Goreme, which is also well known for it’s market area. It’s a great place to get cheap souvenirs or Turkish goods such as carpets, lamps, sweets, textiles and more. You should also visit Sultan’s Carpet, a store that is centrally located in the market area. It has amazing carpets and is a lovely photography spot (a small fee is charged for photography). There are also many cool restaurants and bars where you can chill and enjoy the delicious Turkish cuisine.
General Information
Where To Stay In Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is a region located in the central part of Turkey. It has three popular towns, Goreme, Urgup and Uchisar. Among these, the cave hotels in Goreme are ideal places where you can book your stay. Goreme is a lively town which is close to all the main attractions in Cappadocia. It has many restaurants, cafes and stores where you can take a stroll, shop or reach out for authentic Turkish culinary experience. You can also see the hot air balloons taking flights at sunrise from your hotel terrace in Goreme.
Here are some of our best recommendations for your stay in Cappadocia;
Budget (Below $50) : Grand Elite Cave Suites is a very affordable cave hotel in Goreme. It features a large outdoor pool, garden and sauna. The rooms are spacious, have modern amenities and are beautifully designed. It’s a great deal for a comfort stay in budget in the Goreme town. Click here to book this hotel and check its availability.
Mid Range ($50 – $100) : Located in the heart of Goreme is the stylish Artemis Cave Hotel. It has amazing views of the town with a picturesque seating area at it’s terrace where you can watch sunrise or sunset from.. With friendly staff, comforting vibes and a relaxing atmosphere, this place really makes guests feel special. Click here to book this hotel or check its availability.
Luxury ($100+) : The Sultan Cave suites is a best option if you are looking for an authentic and luxurious stay in Cappadocia. It’s a unique hotel, perched on a scenic hilltop that is surrounded by surreal landscape. The majority of the rooms have a private terrace or balcony, and all have a seating area and modern bathrooms. Sultan Cave suites also have a stylish restaurant that serves traditional delicacies and specialties of Cappadocia. The terrace is also beautifully designed for comfort where you can watch the magical sunset or sunrise views. Click here to book this hotel or check its availability.
How To Get Around Cappadocia?
The most convenient way of commuting in Cappadocia is by hiring a rental car or scooters. Mostly it’s advisable to take guided tours in Cappadocia, because that way only you would be able to explore all the attractions easily. Public transport is available within the towns but if you want to visit any attraction, for example the Derikuyu underground city, you will have to hire a taxi.
Also, remember that most nationalities need a Visa to visit Turkey. You can apply for your Turkey e-Visa online in advance.
Cappadocia is surely going to be one of the most memorable and unique places that you may have visited. We hope that our 2 day Cappadocia itinerary would help you in exploring everything this Turkish region has to offer.
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Thanks for sharing this information, it’s an amazing place and was on our list before COVID struck. We are however now in Turkey now till 1 December but think we will leave this trip until another time 😁
I love Cappadocia. What a unique place. I hope I get to visit again!
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