cappadocia life travel

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Hot Air Balloons

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Cappadocia life travel.

Organizations in Cappadocia

"Breakfast with Balloons" is a delightful event where families gather to enjoy a morning meal accompanied by the whimsical sight of colorful balloons.

The atmosphere at "Breakfast with Balloons" is filled with joy and excitement as children marvel at the floating decorations while savoring their breakfast favorites.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons

Cappadocia Daily Tours

Cappadocia Activities

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As if plucked from a whimsical fairytale and set down upon the stark Anatolian plains, Cappadocia is a geological oddity of honeycombed hills and towering boulders of otherworldly beauty. The fantastical topography is matched by the human history here. People have long utilised the region's soft stone, seeking shelter underground and leaving the countryside scattered with fascinating cavern architecture. The fresco-adorned rock-cut churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum and the subterranean refuges of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are the most famous sights, while simply bedding down in one of Cappadocia's cave hotels is an experience in 21st-century cave living.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

Güllüdere (Rose) Valley

The trails that loop around Güllüdere Vadısı (Rose Valley) are easily accessible to all levels of walkers and provide some of the finest fairy-chimney…

Dark Church

The highlight of Göreme Open-Air Museum is the stunning and fully restored Dark Church, famed for the vivid colours and excellent preservation of its…

Göreme Open-Air Museum

This Unesco World Heritage site is an essential stop on any Cappadocian itinerary. First thought to be a Byzantine monastic settlement that housed some 20…

Zelve Open-Air Museum

The road between Çavuşin and Avanos passes a turn-off to the Zelve Open-Air Museum, where three valleys of crumbling cave-habitations and churches…

Kaymaklı Underground City

Kaymaklı underground city features a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth, though only four are open to the public. The…

Eski Gümüşler Monastery

Some of Cappadocia's best-preserved and most captivating frescoes are hidden within this rarely visited rock-hewn monastery that was only rediscovered in…

Kızılçukur Viewpoint

One of the best views of Kızılçukur (Red) Valley's fang-like rock cones and wavy cliff ridges is from this lookout point, signposted off the highway,…

Buckle Church

The Buckle Church is 50m back down the hill towards Göreme and across the road from the main Open-Air Museum complex, but is covered by the same entrance…

Top picks from our travel experts

The 9 best experiences in cappadocia.

Sultan Marshes

This Ramsar-listed wetland area encompasses over 24,000 hectares of marshland and is one of Turkey's most important birdwatching sites. A major resting…

Museum of Seljuk Civilisation

This excellent museum is set in the restored Çifte Medrese, a 13th-century twin hospital and seminary built at the bequest of Seljuk sultan Keyhüsrev I…

Mahperi Hunat Hatun Complex

The austere and stately Mahperi Hunat Hatun complex is one of Kayseri's finest Seljuk monuments, built in the 13th century during the reign of Sultan…

Ihlara Valley

Rimmed by high cliffs that hide rock-cut churches, the lush Ihlara Valley is one of Cappadocia's most popular hiking destinations. Most visitors arrive on…

Yılanlı Kilise

Many of the frescoes are damaged, but it's possible to make out the one outlining the punishments for sinners, especially the three-headed snake with a…

Kayseri Castle

The monumental black-basalt walls of Kayseri castle were first constructed under Roman emperor Gordian III and rebuilt by the Byzantine emperor Justinian…

Devrent Valley

Look: it's a camel rock! Nicknamed 'Imagination Valley' locally, Devrent Valley's rock formations are some of the best formed and most thickly clustered…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Cappadocia promises incredible natural sights, ancient cultures and wonderful hikes – where to begin? With our round-up of the 9 best things to do there.

Things to Know

From how long to stay to how to stay safe, here are the key things to know before you go to Cappadocia.

Transportation

Cappadocia enjoys good transport options by car, taxi and dolmus (van) – check out these tips for getting around Türkiye's dreamiest region.

Money and Costs

From off-season travel to finding cheap food, these money-saving tips can help you stretch your budget further in Cappadocia

Best Road Trips

Cappadocia’s combination of dramatic scenery and well-maintained roads makes it a pleasure to explore by car.

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Cappadocia and beyond

Explore Cappadocia: An Unforgettable Life Travel Experience

Table of Contents

Cappadocia Life Travel

Cappadocia is a region located in Central Anatolia, Turkey, and known for its incredible natural beauty and interesting history. This area is home to some of the world’s most impressive landscapes, including the iconic ‘fairy chimneys’ and the majestic rock-cut churches. It is also home to some of the best-preserved Byzantine architecture, making it a great destination for those looking to explore the past.

History of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a region that has been inhabited for centuries, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. In the 6th century BC, the region was part of the Persian Empire, and later became part of the Roman Empire. During the Byzantine period, the region was an important religious and political center, and many of its churches, monasteries, and other religious sites still stand today.

Exploring Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a great destination for travelers who are looking to explore the outdoors. From hiking and biking to hot air balloon rides and horseback riding, there is something for everyone. The most popular activity in Cappadocia is the hot air balloon ride, which offers stunning views of the landscape below.

Accommodation and Food

Cappadocia is a great destination for travelers who want to stay in a traditional setting. There are a variety of hotels and hostels, as well as more traditional accommodations such as cave hotels. The food in Cappadocia is also delicious, with a variety of Turkish and international dishes to choose from.

What to Do in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a great destination for travelers who want to explore the outdoors and experience the history of the region. There are a variety of activities to choose from, such as exploring the rock-cut churches, hiking through the valleys, visiting the underground cities, and taking hot air balloon rides.

Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling to Cappadocia

• Cappadocia can be a very hot place during the summer months, so make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water.
• Be aware of the altitude in Cappadocia, as it can be difficult to adjust to the higher elevation.
• Make sure to check the weather before you go, as the weather can change quickly in Cappadocia.
• Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking in Cappadocia.
• If you are traveling during the winter months, make sure to bring warm clothing.

Cappadocia is a great destination for travelers who are looking to explore the outdoors and experience the history of the region. From hiking and biking to hot air balloon rides and horseback riding, there is something for everyone. With its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and delicious food, Cappadocia is sure to be a memorable destination for any traveler.

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Cappadocia travel guide — the fullest cappadocia tourist guide & cappadocia travel blog for first-timers.

Not only famous for its overwhelming and magnificent mosques, Turkey is also blessed with breathtaking, spectacular natural landscapes. Among the most famous tourist destinations in Turkey must mention to Cappadocia – a land with a scene like straight out from fairy tales. If you love history and love to explore, then Cappadocia in Nevsehir province in central Turkey, 290 km from the capital Ankara is one of the interesting destinations for you. This is a famous natural wonder of Turkey that has been recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage since 1985. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Cappadocia for the first-time? Let’s check out our Cappadocia travel blog (Cappadocia blog) with the fullest Cappadocia travel guide (Cappadocia guide, Cappadocia tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• Where to go in Cappadocia? — Explore 9 best places to visit in Cappadocia
• Where to stay in Cappadocia? — 8+ Top hotels & best cave hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey
• Cappadocia itinerary — How to spend 3 days in Cappadocia perfectly?
• What to buy in Turkey? — Top 26+ must-buy & best things to buy in Turkey
• When is the best time to visit Turkey? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to travel to Turkey

Under the brilliant sunset covering the sky of the Cappadocia valley, the hot air balloons with vivid and brilliant colors flying under the sky, making visitors feel like they get lost in a wonderland. Indeed!! It’s not too ostentatious when visitors fondly called Cappadocia is a fairy valley. With thousands of stone pillars (bizarre forms of stone) like chimneys in fairy tales, this place is also known as the “mushroom valley”. Relying on the favor of nature, the people of central Cappadocia have carved and sculptured rocks, caves, mountains into houses, monasteries and churches…

Cappadocia travel guide: Overview of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is located in the central region of the Anatolia peninsula (also known as Asia Minor), in the Nevsehir province in central Turkey. Cappadocia is far from 2 big cities: Istanbul 756 km and Izmir 800 km and 290 km from the capital of Ankara.

About over 50 million years ago, the whole area of ​​Cappadocia was just fissures and craters. Soft rock mountains have formed on that lava bed. After millions of years, thanks to the exogenous effects such as flood water, wind, and rain that make large erosion… have created extremely unique rocky mountains with bizarre stone columns.

Cappadocia is formed from sedimentary rocks and volcanic rocks. Under the influence of external conditions and time, the rock layer gradually eroded and produced unique shapes, sometimes mushrooms, sometimes camels. It is this that has created a fairy scene that is only possible in fairy tales in Cappadocia.

For more details, you can refer to the following Cappadocia tourist map (I have marked attractions, hotels and restaurants):

Cappadocia travel guide: The meaning of the name Cappadocia

The name of Cappadocia has absolutely nothing related with the above-mentioned geological factor, but rather means “the land of beautiful horses”. Since ancient times, when maritime trading was not yet developed, Cappadocia was an important transit point on the legendary of Silk Road.

When the merchants stopped here, they took advantage of trading and choosing horses. And only in Cappadocia there were the best horse breeds that can withstand the “storm and wind” for the long journey over thousands of kilometers to China. The name Cappadocia began to be widely used from then on.

Some interesting facts about Cappadocia:

• Cappadocia once was part of the Roman Empire in the past.
• An estimated 600 churches have been found inside the caves (and this number will increase as there are many more caves yet to be discovered).

Cappadocia travel blog: When should you visit Cappadocia?

According to my Cappadocia travel experience, you should visit here in spring (April – June) or autumn (September – November). These are the 2 best weather periods to both enjoy the beauty of Cappadocia and participate in exploration activities.

Avoid going to Cappadocia in the summer because the temperature at that time can reach 40 degrees Celsius. And because it is a valley, the real feeling will be much more suffocating.

In winter, when snow falls, the whole Cappadocia valley will be like a fairyland. However, if you come in this time, trekking and hot air ballooning activities will be limited.

Cappadocia travel guide: How to get to and getting around Cappadocia?

There are two ways to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia, one is by night bus, the other by plane. I do not recommend you to take the night bus because it takes time (10 – 12 hours) and is not much cheaper (from 60 – 120 TL / one-way). So, we decided to flying. Partly because this is a fairly safe and economical option, and partly because flying to Cappadocia takes exactly 75 minutes, so much faster than taking the bus.

NOTE: To fly to Cappadocia, you can choose to land at Nevsehir or Kayseri airport. But it is more convenient to fly to Nevsehir airport and from Kayseri airport to Goreme town (Central Cappadocia) takes more than 1 hour.

There are 2 airlines operating this Istanbul – Kayseri route: Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. The price of the two airlines is not much different, but the better and cheaper one is still Turkish Airlines. We took the flight at a good time, so the price was a bit higher (160 TL / round trip). If you willing to fly late at night, it only costs about 98 TL.

Getting from Kayseri Airport to hotel (& vice versa)

You can take the airport shuttle bus or book the hotel transfer service where you will stay. Most tourists often directly book the transfer service of their hotel because the price is very affordable at €10/way with pick-up and drop-off service. If you work hard to deal a little, you will get a little discount, sometimes without pay money. We bought the Balloon Tour + Green Tour + Red Tour of the hotel, so we were offered a free one-way airport shuttle, which helped a lot.

Getting around Cappadocia

The capital of Cappadocia, Goreme which is quite small town, so you can walk around. As for tourist destinations that are quite far apart without public transport, you will have to rent a car with a driver.

You can book a car directly with the hotel (after booking service, the hotel will message you via email or WhatsApp).

Cappadocia travel guide: Where to stay?

Tourists often choose to stay in Goreme town because this is the main capital of Cappadocia, so it gathers many places to eat and drink, convenient for taking tours and also near the hot air balloon launch site. Most of the hotels in Cappadocia are built inside caves, but what is worth the money in each hotel is the balcony area. Because only a hotel with a balcony with a beautiful view can create photos of a lifetime.

The hotel that famous bloggers often stay at is the Sultan Cave Suites ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , which located on a high hill with a large balcony with a beautiful morning view of hot air balloons. But the hotel does not have a 4-person room and the price is a bit high, so if you have a good budget, please consider to stay. We stayed in the Goreme Palace Cave Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) which also have a virtual living balcony, and it also offer a 4-person room at affordable price that is exactly what we want.

However, not every hotel with a balcony with a nice view can take pictures of the sky filled with hot air balloons. Because wanting to take photos like bloggers did on Instagram depends on the weather and wind direction. When we went to the hotel balcony to take some photos, but because the hot air balloons kept flying to the side, we couldn’t take any pictures.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Aydinli Cave Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Millstone Cave Suites ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Mithra Cave Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Kelebek Special Cave Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Argos In Cappadocia ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top and best hotels in Cappadocia on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Cappadocia travel blog: Where to go, what to do?

Kaymakli Underground City

Cappadocia’s underground cities were first created during the Hittite Bronze Age but they were most famous during the early Byzantine period (6th and 7th centuries) when Catholics chose to live underground to evaded the Arabs and Persian invaders. Kaymakli is Cappadocia’s largest underground city with a labyrinthine system and rooms connected by tunnels that can extend up to eight floors. Exploring the underground city of Kaymakli will be one of your great experiences when traveling to Turkey, when you come here you will feel the raw and mysterious beauty of this thousand-year-old city.

Pigeon Valley

In the olden days pigeons were used as tools to deliver mail, and their waste was used as fertilizer. For the convenience of livestock, people have carved rocks and built nests for thousands of pigeons.

Today, the number of pigeons is not as much as before, but their “nest” is still preserved by local people. And that is also the origin of the name of this famous tourist destination “Pigeon Valley”.

Love Valley

At first, I did not understand why this place was called the Valley of Love, it turned out that there was a reason.

If you imagine, you will see that the stones here are shaped like the “reproductive organ of men”. But anyway, when the hot air balloon flew over this area, I felt like watching a sci-fi movie.

Avanos Village

A small, ancient village where two famous traditional trades are still kept: carpet weaving and ancient ceramics. Shops selling colorful ceramics line the cobbled riverside streets or narrow streets.

Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is a large rock structure that rises high above the terrain. Different from the original thought of a castle, Uchisar has a special shape like a giant anthill, with small black holes. That shape is created from hundreds of small holes that are rooms inside the light rock texture.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu is a city built underground, extending to a depth of 60m. The first caves were formed from the 8th – 7th centuries BC and fully developed in the Byzantine period. Form a shelter and protect the locals from Arab attacks. This underground city is large enough to house up to 20,000 people along with their necessities (such as churches, shops, livestock, and public baths).

This area reminds me of Cu Chi tunnels, but the scale is much larger. And you should take the tour to understand more about the meaning of each area in the city. The most obnoxious point in this area is that when tourists go from the outside in or go from the inside, there will be a “choir” inviting to buy souvenirs.

Goreme Open Air Museum

The Goreme Open Air Museum is an ancient monastery built inside stone caves. Inside the caves, there are still exquisite frescos dating from more than 1000 years ago in pretty good condition. Note a bit that inside the cave is not allow to film and take pictures.

The Göreme Open Air Museum is home to a number of churches that medieval Christian monks carved into rock and where you can learn about the Eastern Roman people who created those unique pictures.

Devrent Valley (​​Imagination Valley)

Unlike other areas in Cappadocia, the Dervent valley has never been inhabited. The stones here are not honed by humans but have natural unique shapes.

You can find rocks with all unique shapes, maybe a camel or maybe a dolphin. That’s why Dervent Valley is also known by another name, Imagination Valley.

Cappadocia travel guide: Overview of tours in Cappadocia

There are many places to visit in Cappadocia, but they are very far apart. So for the most convenience, you can buy a tour at the hotel (The hotels here are linked with travel agents). Tours will include shuttle bus, guide, tickets to attractions, water and lunch for guests. The tours are quite strict, the guide always accompany you and they only allow you to take pictures and wandering around within 30 minutes. Made us rush to rush, fortunately we were able to take some nice photos. If you want to be proactive, you can rent a car with a private shuttle driver. The price is also quite reasonable.

There are 4 main tour routes (each tour will be marked with its own color Red, Green, Blue, Yellow) and Hot air balloon tour. The tours prices are very cheap from only 100TL (20€) which including all services (shuttle bus, tour guide, entrance tickets to attractions, water and lunch for guests).

But in short, I still recommend you to buy a tour, because the guide will tell you a lot of useful information about the tourist attractions, feeling like going to join an extra-curricular class. The “teachers” (we call the tour guides in a funny way) joked that before the end of the tour, they would check where we went for the day, if we could not answer, we could not return.

• Taking a tour will have to go to souvenir shops which is very time consuming.
• You can buy a tour through a travel agency or through your own hotel.
• Tour price can be paid in € or TL. You should consider which one is more valuable, then choose. We bought the tour in Euro because the price was 20 TL cheaper per tour.

And below I will also review in detail about the 3 most recommended tours in Cappadocia: Green Tour, Red Tour and Hot air balloon tour.

Hot Air Balloon Tour – A must-try experience in Cappdocia

A hot air balloon tour will include hotel room pick up service (staff knocks on the door and pick you up), breakfast, champagne after landing and a certificate after the tour.

At first, we didn’t know and we thought the hot air balloon operated all day, we could go whenever we wanted, but it turned out that it was only available at dawn (I asked a hotel staff, he answered like that).

Many of you wonder whether should book a hot air balloon tour because the cost is VERY HIGH. But in my opinion, this is the most memorable experience when traveling to Cappadocia. I really have never seen such a beautiful sunrise, the whole sky is full of hot air balloons, like watching a sci-fi movie.

• Duration: 1 – 1:30 hours
• Price: 100 – 200 euros
• Operators: Royal Ballons, Rainbow Ballons, Butterfly Ballons, Turkey Ballons, Sultan Ballons, …

Green Tour – The most recommended tour

Green Tour is the most recommended tour on TripAdvisor, because of going to the best spots in Cappadocia. Among the attractions, I like Derinkuyu Underground City the most, because I understand a lot more about the history and living habits of the ancient Cappadocia residents.

The most regret is the Pigeon Valley, so beautiful but it not include in the tour, instead we must visit a gem shop opposite.

• Duration: 8 hours
• The tour will go to the following spots: Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley hike, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, Göreme Panorama.
• Price: 120 TL

Red Tour – The popular tour inCappadocia

Red Tour will take you visit the main tourist attractions in Cappadocia, with a rather short tour duration, only 6 hours from 9:30AM to 3PM. So the feeling is not satisfied like Green Tour.

But one more boring thing is that the tour only allows to enter to visit the Goreme Open Air Museum while with other places you only just stand from afar to look at.

• Duration: 6 hours
• The tour will go to the following spots: Uçhisar Panorama, Goreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley, Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), Devrent (Imagination Valley), Cavusin.

Cappadocia travel blog: Before you go

• Should wear a bohemian style will be very suitable for the landscape as well as the architecture in Cappadocia. And you must choose a comfortable pair of sports shoes (you will have to “climb” when visiting some tourist attractions in Cappadocia).
• The people of Cappadocia in particular and Turkey in general are extremely friendly and hospitable.Before coming to Cappadocia, I had seen many photos on Instagram and admired the beauty of this place. And when I got there, I was even more impressed. If possible, look forward to returning to Cappadocia in the near future.
• It is recommended to stay in Cappadocia for at least 2 nights to be able to hunt for a beautiful hot air balloon scene from early in the morning (we stayed for 3 nights but it was too windy, so all 4 mornings I couldn’t take photos of the hot air balloon).
• You should book at least 1 night at a hotel with a nice view: Mithra Cave hotel or Sultan Cave Suites (book in advance). The remaining day is spent to experiencing hot air ballooning.
• It is recommended to rent a self-drive car from Kayseri airport (the rental and gas prices in Turkey are extremely cheap), so you can experience more remote spots of Cappadocia such as: the Pasabag valley; Devrent Imagination valley; Red valley (with Ali cafe to watch the beautiful sunset).
• Should experience camel riding tour (you can book a tour at your hotel).
• Don’t forget to take “virtual living” photos with the beautiful rugs (carpets) here: Galeri Ikman carpet shop. You should book an appointment in advance if you want to take pictures with a drone or pay about 10 euros for 15 minutes of self-photography.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Cappadocia you can refer to

• Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia
• Cappadocia Devrent Valley Tour
• Blue Tour Cappadocia
• Green Tour with Trekking in Ihlara Valley
• Historical Cappadocia Red Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Cappadocia : Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Turkey here .

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Cappadocia Life Travel - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to cappadocia with our comprehensive guide..

Meta-description: Embark on an unforgettable journey with The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide. Explore this mystic land of fairy chimneys and mesmerizing landscapes. Learn about the best spots, traditional food, activities, and everything you need to plan your Cappadocia trip .

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of exploring an alien-like landscape on Earth? Have you ever wished to step into a time capsule taking you back to the early days of civilization? If you’ve been nodding in agreement, let me introduce you to Cappadocia, a natural marvel tucked in the heart of Turkey . Let’s dive in and explore this unique destination with The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide.

The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide: An Overview

A snapshot of cappadocia.

Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its distinctive “ fairy chimneys ,” tall cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley and elsewhere. This enchanting region appears to be plucked straight out of a fantasy novel, with its captivating landscapes, historical caves, and magical hot air balloon rides .

History and Heritage

Steeped in history and heritage, Cappadocia is the cradle of early Christian civilization. The region is dotted with ancient cave churches adorned with Byzantine-era frescoes, and underground cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, serving as silent witnesses to the area’s rich past.

Cappadocia’s Unique Geology

Cappadocia’s unique geology is thanks to the erosion of the soft volcanic rock by wind and water over millions of years, resulting in the iconic landscapes we see today. A walk around the region feels like you’re on another planet, making Cappadocia a geologist’s dream come true.

Planning Your Trip to Cappadocia

Join budget-friendly Cappadocia tours provided by One Nation Travel and experience the wonders.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Cappadocia is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), as the weather during these periods is more comfortable for outdoor activities.

How to Reach

The easiest way to reach Cappadocia is by flying into either Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport. From there, a taxi or shuttle will get you to your accommodation.

Where to Stay

Cappadocia offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from luxury cave hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Staying in a cave hotel is a unique experience not to be missed!

Unmissable Sights and Activities in Cappadocia

Hot air balloon ride.

Riding a hot air balloon is a must-do activity in Cappadocia. As you float above the fairy chimneys at sunrise, you’ll feel as if you’re in a dream. It’s an experience of a lifetime!

Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient cave churches and monastic settlements, offers a glimpse into Cappadocia’s rich history and religious heritage.

Visit the Underground Cities

Step into the labyrinthine tunnels of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, and marvel at these ancient underground cities. They were once home to early Christians seeking refuge from persecution.

Hiking in the Valleys

Cappadocia’s breathtaking valleys, such as Love Valley , Rose Valley, and Ihlara Valley, are perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The hiking trails pass through beautiful landscapes and offer stunning views of fairy chimneys.

Cappadocian Cuisine: A Feast for the Senses

Traditional delights.

Cappadocia offers a range of delicious dishes. Try the local specialty, “Testi Kebab,” a succulent meat dish slow-cooked in a clay pot.

Wine Tasting

Cappadocia’s fertile lands are perfect for vineyards. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample some local wines.

Visit a Turkish Tea House

Unwind at a traditional Turkish tea house and enjoy a hot cup of Turkish tea or coffee – a perfect end to your day of exploring.

Travel Tips for Your Cappadocia Journey

Dress appropriately.

Remember to dress modestly as Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country. Always carry a scarf, especially when visiting religious sites.

Stay Hydrated

Cappadocia can get pretty hot during summer. Ensure to stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen and a hat for protection.

Respect the Environment

Preserve the beauty of Cappadocia by not littering and respecting the natural and historical sites.

What is Cappadocia famous for?

Cappadocia is famous for its unique landscapes dotted with fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, churches, and underground cities. It is also known for its hot air balloon rides, which offer stunning aerial views of the region.

How many days do I need in Cappadocia?

A minimum of two to three days is recommended to explore Cappadocia’s main sights and attractions. However, if you’re a history buff or a hiking enthusiast, you might want to spend more time there.

Is Cappadocia safe for tourists?

Yes, Cappadocia is generally safe for tourists. As with any travel destination, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places.

Do people live in the caves in Cappadocia?

While most people no longer live in the caves, many caves have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and museums.

Can I visit Cappadocia in winter?

Yes, you can visit Cappadocia in winter. The fairy chimneys covered in snow make for a magical sight, and the region is less crowded.

Do I need a guide in Cappadocia?

While it’s possible to explore Cappadocia independently, hiring a local guide can enrich your experience as they can provide insights into the history and culture of the region.

The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide aims to provide a comprehensive look into this magical land’s offerings. From unique landscapes to rich historical sites, tantalizing cuisine, and exciting activities, Cappadocia promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and set off on an adventure of a lifetime!

3 Unforgettable Cappadocia Tours Tailored for Your Adventures

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Have wanderlust? Here’s why you should visit Cappadocia at least once in your lifetime

Whether you’ve been to one country, or one hundred, a visit to Cappadocia is sure to be one of the most memorable travel experiences of your life.

When I first moved to Turkey in 2014, I would talk about where I’d been and almost without fail I’d get interrupted and someone would ask, “…but, have you been to Cappadocia?” Eventually, I realized that I couldn’t keep answering no to that question.

When I finally did visit, I instantly understood why everyone asked that question. The landscape itself is dramatic and otherworldly, and, in truth, it reminded me more of my childhood visions of other planets more than any other place I’d been on earth.

As a travel writer, I’ve written about and recommended many places, all with varying levels of enthusiasm and verbosity. Yet, in the case of Cappadocia, I have to muster all my strength just so my brain doesn’t short circuit with a cacophony of adjectives.

An Intrepid group exploring Cappadocia

There’s no other way to say it, Cappadocia needs to be on more travel bucket lists because there are few, if any, places like it.

What makes Cappadocia special?

Cappadocia is a notable region for a number of reasons, but, namely because of its lengthy history and breathtaking scenery. Cappadocia’s human history is estimated to have started as far back as 1800 BC, and it has always occupied this “in-between” space as empires fought battles on either side (and sometimes through it). Due to its rocky formation, Cappadocia has been a hiding place for millennia, and most notably for the Christians in the fourth century who were petrified to face the wrath of Rome.

These people weren’t just “hiding,” they were creating. When you go to the region of Cappadocia, and particularly near Göreme, you’ll find literal cave chapels replete with stunning frescoes. That’s what resonated with me when I went, that even in a time of great duress, these people managed to establish a place of incredible beauty – a sanctuary within the rocks. You can still see these frescoes today, though, sadly, at varying levels of preservation.

It’s important that you learn about the history when coming to Cappadocia, but the geographical formations in this region are without comparison.

VISIT CAPPADOCIA ON A SMALL GROUP TOUR OF TURKEY WITH INTREPID

What should I see and do in Cappadocia?

In many ways, just being in this region of Anatolia is enough, but there are certain areas and activities that are well worth investigating. The good news is that the vast majority of Intrepid’s Turkey trips  do an excellent job of covering the Cappadocia bases. I can tell you from personal experience that 2-3 days is going to give you a great feel for the area, and you might even need a new memory card for your camera when you’re finished.

Göreme Open Air Museum

To me, this is the best place to take in the feel of Cappadocia, both from a geological and historical standpoint. You can wander in and out of old frescoed churches and duck through houses carved into the rockside, but you can also stand on balconies and look across the valley at the great breadth of fairy chimneys. If you’ve brought a camera with you to Cappadocia (and you should!), make sure it’s charged before you arrive here.

Between the architecture and the rock paintings, this is the top tourist attraction in the region without question. Just think about it, some of these frescoes were painted over a thousand years ago and are still as vibrant as if they were painted yesterday.

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The underground cities

There are several major underground cities that are worth visiting in the region, but Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı that come to mind for me (in fact, they’re connected). I must admit, I always giggle when I read Kaymaklı Underground City because “kaymaklı” in Turkish literally translates to “with cream.” 

That is, however, besides the point. The underground cities of this region in general are incredibly impressive. The caves were most notably used by Christians to evade persecution, and some of these cities were built up to 10 floors underground – just let that sink in for moment.

I’m not claustrophobic, but I swear when I was on the lowest floors of kaymaklı, I could feel the weight of the ground above me. It’s interesting because you can see how there were actually tunnels that served as escape channels should the caves be entered from the front, complete with defense mechanisms and the like that wouldn’t allow the persecutors to chase after them.

READ MORE: WHAT IT’S LIKE VISITING TURKEY SOLO ON A GROUP TOUR

A hot air balloon at sunrise

Going up in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia can be expensive, but it’s worth every single penny (or lira, as it were). This was one of the defining travel experiences of my life, and I’ve been lucky to travel to nearly 80 countries. You shoot up high over the cracked earth below, then effortlessly drift down into the valleys, as you skirt past fairy chimneys. I was in literal awe the entire time, and the pictures I have from that experience are cherished possessions of mine.

The view from a balloon

The cuisine

The Turkish food you’ll try in this region will, in all likelihood, wow you. I’d personally recommend the testi kebap, which is an array of meat, vegetables, and spices cooked in a sealed clay pot. I also found the gözleme, a Turkish crepe of sorts often served with potato or spinach, to be excellent in Cappadocia. I’m not the world’s biggest fan of Turkish coffee, but the Turkish tea (known as çay) was very much to my liking there. Cuisine in Göreme is cooked slowly and with care, so whatever you order is likely to be good, even your average kebab.

READ MORE: 6 DISHES YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO TRY IN TURKEY

So, why visit Cappadocia?

There isn’t anything else like it, period and, to me, that’s enough of a reason. Trust me, I’ve spent most of my life in pursuit of what makes this world unique, and this, my friends, is unique as it gets.

A photo I’m proud to have taken

It’s a history few people know about in a place that not enough people have visited. If anything, that’s more incentive to go and see it for yourself.

Your ticket to Cappadocia is a ticket to another world, and I mean that in the most literal sense. Let Cappadocia change you, as, thankfully, it changed me.

Ready to experience this incredible region for yourself? Check out Intrepid’s small group trips in Turkey.

(Image credits from top to bottom: Intrepid Travel x4, Christ Mitchell, Intrepid Travel, Chris Mitchell.)

Feeling inspired?

Chris Mitchell

Chris regularly thanks his unquenchable sense of curiosity for ensuring he's never in one place for too long. He's been to over 75 countries across this gorgeous planet of ours and has always felt that all that's needed for a good trip is a well-bound notebook, a well-written book, and a passport with an expiry date that offers a little wiggle room for extending your journey. As a freelance writer and blogger, Chris is only too pleased that his passion for travel, photography, and writing have ever so politely collided. You can follow his adventures at travelingmitch.com, or with the handle @travelingmitch on any of your favourite social media platforms.

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CAPPADOCIA LIFE TRAVEL (Goreme) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Cappadocia Travel Guide For Turkey (+Map)

Cappadocia Turkey is the most popular hot air ballooning location in the world, and for good reason — the prices are affordable, and you get to see some unique fairytale landscapes.

More than half of the world’s balloon trips happen here. And even if you’re not interested in the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides, it’s still worth coming here for the good food, cave hotels, history, and photogenic hiking trails.

This travel guide will explain how to get to Cappadocia Turkey, where to stay, and all the best things to do, complete with a Cappadocia map and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) What Is Cappadocia? What Is The History? 2) Where Is Cappadocia Turkey? 3) How To Get To Cappadocia Turkey 4) Where To Stay 5) Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels 6) Cappadocia Map 7) Best Things To Do In Cappadocia 8) How To Get Around Cappadocia 9) Best Cappadocia Tours 10) How Long To Stay 11) Best Time To Visit Cappadocia 12) More Turkey Travel Guides

Don’t miss the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides! (© GetYourGuide )

What Is Cappadocia? What Is The History?

The Cappadocia area has been settled by humans since prehistoric times, and over the centuries it’s been occupied by the Hittites, Persians, Romans, early Christians, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks and Ottomans.

Historically, Cappadocia Turkey is probably best known for being a place where Christians settled and sought refuge from the hostile Roman Empire, secretly carving thousands of houses, churches, and caves into the hills.

Most of these rock buildings and underground cities can still be seen today, and they look just like Star Wars movie sets. Supposedly George Lucas wanted to film parts of the original Star Wars movies in Cappadocia, but the Turkish government turned it down.

Cappadocia is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site , and today it’s one of the tourism hotspots of Turkey. It draws millions of tourists every year (3.8 million in 2019!) who come to enjoy the unique landscapes, cave houses, and hot air balloon rides.

Where Is Cappadocia Turkey?

Cappadocia is located in central Turkey, and the nearest major city and airport is Kayseri.

The Cappadocia tourist area includes the small towns of Goreme, Uchisar, and Urgup, but almost everyone bases themselves in Goreme since it has the best hotels and restaurant choices.

How To Get To Cappadocia Turkey

The best way to get to Cappadocia Turkey is to fly domestically from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen airport (SAW) to the Kayseri airport (ASR).

There are a bunch of flights doing this route every day and it only takes 1.5 hours. A one way ticket can cost as little as 150 Liras ($20 USD)! You can shop for flights to Kayseri at Skyscanner.

After you arrive in Kayseri, you’ll need a van transfer since it’s a 1 hour drive to the Goreme town center in Cappadocia. You can arrange this with your hotel, or book it online.

I recommend pre-booking this top rated Cappadocia shared airport transfer for as low as $7 USD per person. They also have private airport transfers for $30 USD. We’ve used this company ourselves and had a great experience!

Where To Stay

Most Cappadocia hotels are located in the towns of Goreme, Uchisar, or Urgup.

Goreme is generally the best area of Cappadocia to stay in because it has a huge variety of restaurants, tour shops, and cave hotels for all budgets — from backpacker to luxury hotels.

The Cappadocia cave hotels below are some of our top recommendations! You can see more options here .  

Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels

Zara Cave Hotel

Taskonaklar

Panoramic Cave Hotel

Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel

Mithra Cave Hotel

Cappadocia Map

Here’s a Cappadocia map below showing the main towns and some of the top tourist sights (click to enlarge).

The 4 popular tours in Cappadocia are color coded and each one covers a different area. My personal favorites are the Red Tour and Green Tour (more on that later).

Cappadocia map (click to enlarge) showing the color coded tour areas: red, green, blue, and orange.

Best Things To Do In Cappadocia

• cappadocia hot air balloon ride.

You can’t miss the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides. More than half a million tourists do this every year. The balloons are fun to watch from the ground, and even more fun to fly in!

You can wait and book your balloon ride once you arrive in Cappadocia, but I would recommend pre-booking online because it’s a very popular activity that can sell out.

Here’s a top rated 1-hour Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride with free hotel pickup starting at $70 USD. We’ve used this company ourselves and had a great experience!

Book Now: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon

The famous Cappadocia Turkey balloon rides (© GetYourGuide )

• Devrent Valley

This is a neat valley with a lot of uniquely shaped natural rock formations.

Some of them look like the typical chimney rocks, while others are shaped like animals or humans. The most popular one is Camel Rock, which has a neck and humps like a camel!

Devrent Valley is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Devrent Valley

The famous Camel Rock at Devrent Valley

• Monks Valley (Pasabag)

This was one of my favorite stops on the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Like the name implies, Monks Valley was inhabited by monks in ancient times who carved their own homes and windows into the steep chimney shaped rocks.

Monks Valley (Pasabag)

This is a historic town just a short distance north of Goreme, and a lot of Cappadocia visitors stop here as part of the historic Red Tour .

Avanos is known for its pottery and artistic plates and mugs, and even if you don’t plan on buying souvenirs it’s definitely worth a visit to see their wares being made. Lots of talent!

Avanos pottery

A fancy plate in Avanos

• Love Valley

This valley gets its name from the natural phallic shaped rocks. There are a bunch of short, easy trails in the valley if you want to do some easy hiking!

Love Valley is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Love Valley

• Goreme Open Air Museum

This area is full of interesting cave churches from the 11th and 12th centuries. You can go inside them, and some of the frescoes on the walls are fantastic.

The Goreme Open Air Museum is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Goreme Open Air Museum

Wall murals

• Uchisar Castle

Uchisar is a town just a short distance southwest of Goreme, and the central landmark is a 60-meter tall ‘castle mountain’ carved into rocks.

It’s the highest point of Cappadocia Turkey, and you can get some amazing panoramic views from the top of the tower.

Uchisar Castle is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Uchisar Castle

The small town of Uchisar

• Derinkuyu Underground City

There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the deepest one is Derinkuyu.

This city is 85 meters deep in the ground, and it has stables, churches, storage rooms, and thousands of ventilation ducts that gave it fresh air when people were living in it. It’s a fascinating place to explore!

Derinkuyu is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour , but some companies go to Kaymakli instead. Kaymakli is the deepest underground city, and Derinkuyu is the widest.

Cappadocia Underground City

• Ihlara Valley

This is a 100 meter deep valley formed by the Melendiz River.

At one time, this valley was home to 80,000 people, and thousands of their cave houses and churches can still be seen in the rock walls. It’s an amazing area that can be seen on a day trip with some light trekking.

The Ihlara Valley trek is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Ihlara Valley

• Melendiz River

This is a peaceful clear river that runs through the Ihlara Valley, and most day tours stop by the river for lunch.

In the autumn season (mid-October), you can see bright yellow fall colors here.

• Selime Monastery

This is the biggest religious structure in the Cappadocia area, and it’s one of my favorites.

It looks just like a Star Wars set, and you can go inside most of the buildings, which date back to the 8th or 9th centuries.

Selime Monastery is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Selime Monastery

Inside the Selime Monastery

• Pigeon Valley

This is a great hiking valley near Uchisar with lots of easy walking trails that wind through the chimney rocks and cave houses.

Pigeon Valley is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Pigeon Valley

Fall colors at Pigeon Valley

How To Get Around Cappadocia

• Walking: If you’re staying in Goreme and want some exercise, a bunch of nice sights will be in walking distance from your hotel. Some ideas would be Rose Valley, Lovers Hill (sunrise point), and the countless cave houses and churches.
• Horseback: This is another fun way to go sightseeing in Cappadocia. You can find 2-hour horseback riding tours online starting at $50 USD.
• Car + Driver: The most comfortable and efficient way to explore Cappadocia is to hire a private driver . Prices for a 4-8 hour tour start at $60 USD. If you have a couple of friends joining you, this can be very economical. If your group is bigger than 3, you can even hire a private van for even better savings.
• Scooter: As a solo traveler, renting a scooter in Goreme can be cost effective sometimes. Prices run about $30-$40 USD for the whole day.
• ATV: Quad biking can be another fun way to see Cappadocia, and the terrain is perfect for it. You can find Cappadocia ATV tours online starting at $25 USD for 2 hours.
• Group Tour: There are lots of Cappadocia group tours that you can join if you’re a couple or solo traveler. These normally include hotel pickup, lunch, and a full day of sightseeing. Read the section below for some more info on recommended Cappadocia tours!

Best Cappadocia Tours

The 4 popular tours in Cappadocia are color coded (Red, Green, Blue, Orange) and each one covers a different area of Cappadocia. My personal favorites are the Red Tour and Green Tour .

The Red Tour covers sights like Devrent Valley, Monks Valley, Avanos, the Goreme Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Castle. The Green Tour covers Ihlara Valley, Melendiz River, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and the Derinkuyu Underground City.

The Blue and Orange tours are less popular, and they cover sights like Ortasihar and the Gulsehir Open Air Museum. I didn’t do these tours, but we plan to try them next time we visit Cappadocia.

For the Red and Green tours, you can book them with a tour agency on the street in the Cappadocia, or you can pre-book the same tours online, which is what I did.

GetYourGuide has the Cappadocia Red Tour for $35 USD, or the Green Tour for $55 USD, with free lunch and hotel pickup included. We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Cappadocia Red Tour / Green Tour

How Long To Stay

At least 2 full days in Cappadocia are needed if you want to do both Red and Green tours and see the highlights of the countryside.

I’m sure you could spend longer too if you want to hit up more of the hiking paths and leave no stone unturned. Besides, Goreme town is a great place to get stuck, with loads of good Turkish restaurants!

If you plan to do the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride, I would add at least 2 extra days to your itinerary in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. The balloon rides can get canceled on windy days, so it’s good to have a little extra time as a safety buffer.

Best Time To Visit Cappadocia

The best time to visit Cappadocia Turkey just depends on what you’re looking for. It’s a nice place all year round, but the temperatures go up and down quite a bit with the seasons.

Cappadocia has hot summers, and cold winters with snow. In either season, the landscapes will be stunning and photogenic, and hotels have air conditioning and heating so you’ll still be comfortable.

I went in the autumn (October) and this seemed just about perfect. The crowds weren’t too bad, and the leaves on the trees were almost at peak color.

Spring would also be a great time to visit, because you’ll get cooler temperatures and less crowds.

Happy travels!

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Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this Cappadocia Turkey travel guide.

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I like the whole article about Cappadocia, Thanks

Excellent information about Cappadocia Hopefully will visit soon

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15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Cappadocia, Turkiye

Unlock the secrets of one of the world’s most beautiful places with our guide to the top things to do in Cappadocia, Turkiye. From awe-inspiring hot air balloon rides over fairy chimneys to exploring ancient underground cities and savoring authentic culinary delights, embark on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure.

From otherworldly landscapes, jaw-dropping cave hotels, and fascinating underground cities, Cappadocia is, without a doubt, the most sought-after of all of the places to visit in Turkiye .

There are so many unique and unforgettable experiences in this region of the country that visitors might feel like their heads are spinning.

From the hidden churches and “fairy chimneys” of Goreme National Park to the legendary Cappadocia hot air balloon rides that helped shoot this remote region of Turkiye to fame, it’s a challenge to see all of the things to do in Cappadocia in just a single visit.

But if you want to maximize your time in the region and discover the best attractions in Cappadocia through the towns of Goreme and Urgu, you can plan a visit that isn’t just exciting and memorable. It has the potential to be one of the most incredible destinations of a lifetime.

After visiting Cappadocia with my family on our travels through Turkiye , we mapped out the best places to visit and the most awe-inspiring experiences to help others make the most of their time here.

We experienced some astounding adventures during our four weeks in the country, from the Turquoise Coast and Ephesus to watching the sunrise over Mount Nemrut and visiting the oldest human-made structure ever found in Gobekli Tepe . But Cappadocia stood out as one of our favorites.

These aren’t just Cappadocia’s top highlights. There are also some hidden gems that, from my research, few people have ever talked about. From cave hotels to hot air balloon rides, our Cappadocia guide should give you everything you need to know before visiting one of the most beautiful places in the world.

About Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a region of central Turkiye renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, historic towns, and unique cultural heritage.

Contrary to popular belief, Cappadocia is not a city. Rather, it’s a region that is made up of small cities and towns, including Göreme, Ürgüp, and Uçhisar, each offering its own unique charms and attractions.

The history of Cappadocia dates back centuries and is characterized by ancient civilizations, including the Hittites and Byzantines. However, Cappadocia’s most iconic features are its surreal rock formations, known as fairy chimneys, shaped by volcanic eruptions and erosion over millennia.

These whimsical formations have been used for centuries as homes, churches, and even hotels, creating an awe-inspiring and mystical atmosphere that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe.

Cappadocia’s popularity could easily be drawn from its history alone. Complex underground cities used to stave off attacks from invading armies lie just below the surface, and Byzantine-era frescoes line the walls of historic cave churches.

But Cappadocia offers much more than historical wonders. The natural beauty in the region’s valleys, dotted with rocky monoliths that have been dubbed “fairy chimneys,” and tourist attractions such as hot air balloon rides that take adventure-seekers on a serene ride right through these famous monuments have added to its allure.

Our Cappadocia Travel Guide: Top Things to Do in Cappadocia

From monumental attractions to under-the-radar hidden gems, these are my absolute favorite things to do in Cappadocia.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

I don’t think that there is a more iconic image of Cappadocia than the view of hot air balloons floating effortlessly among the fairy chimneys of Göreme. People travel from all over the world and even from across Turkiye to enjoy this magical adventure.

There are many companies offering hot air balloon rides throughout Cappadocia, but the most popular are around Göreme and Ürgüp. We were staying in Ürgüp when we did our tour, but the balloons took us over the most popular sites, including Pigeon Valley and the town of Göreme itself.

Hundreds of hot air balloons launched within minutes of each other, filling the skies with glowing orbs. The experience itself is incredible (as we learned in our first hot air balloon ride in Luxor, Egypt). But the best views of the balloons actually come from the many hotel terraces sprinkled across the towns.

If you have a few days to spend in Cappadocia, spend one morning experiencing a hot air balloon ride for yourself and another morning watching the spectacle from the ground.

You can read our our tips for choosing the best Cappadocia hot air balloon tour here .

Stay In A Cave Hotel

My family has been lucky enough to have stayed in some pretty unique hotels. From floating lodges in Thai rivers to Island retreats with outdoor showers , the cave hotels in Cappadocia stood out as some of the most unforgettable.

This is a region where the landscape has encouraged a unique approach to architecture. For centuries, locals have been using the region’s soft sandstone and elegant fairy chimneys as a base for building homes, churches, and even entire cities.

While my family was in Cappadocia, we stayed at two different cave hotels, and both were completely unique and unforgettable.

Divan Cave Hotel was our accommodation for two nights while we were in Göreme. This beautiful hotel had a hidden pool on the bottom floor of our room that hadn’t even been advertised prior to our arrival, so it was a complete surprise to us. It also had an incredible rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the morning sunrise and hot air balloons.

While we were in Ürgüp, we stayed at the stunning Kayapaki Premium Caves Hotel . This incredible project is working to reclaim the former town of Kayapaki, which had been left in ruins after earthquakes and neglect.

This hotel is located in a more remote region of Cappadocia, but it still has access to many of the best things to do in Cappadocia. Kayapaki Premium Caves is an experience in and of itself. There are beautiful lavender gardens, incredible sunset views, and premium on-site restaurants. It’s also a heritage site where those staying at the hotel can explore the ruins of the former city.

You can find our guide to the best Cappadocia cave hotels right here.

Göreme Open Air Museum

Step back in time among cave churches decorated with detailed frescoes that were dug into the volcanic hills during the Middle Ages.

The Göreme Open Air Museum is within easy 1-mile walking distance of the city center, although it’s along a busy road, so getting here by taxi might be a bit safe. This complex features some of the region’s most famous chapels, including the Apple Church, the Chapel of St. Barbarra, the Chapel of St. Catherine, and the ominously named “Dark Church.”

These are among the most important Byzantine-era churches in the region. The caves and nearby homes were carved out by monks and nuns who escaped to Cappadocia to follow their monastic lifestyles. The outdoor museum was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Center in 1985.

The Dark Church holds some of the most well-preserved frescoes. Because of that, there is an additional entrance fee. But seeing the paintings in excellent condition is worth the minimal extra cost. Pay attention to the eyes, many of which were carved out by Romans and Muslims who did not like the idea of the painted figures “looking at them.”

Cappadocia Valleys

Hiking and cycling are very popular ways to explore the valleys surrounding Cappadocia, but there are also plenty of tours that will take visitors through some of the most scenic and otherworldly landscapes that fill the region.

Whether you want to explore the valleys of Cappadocia by horseback, on foot, or by ATV, all of these incredible experiences are within easy reach. The ten most famous valleys in Cappadocia can be explored on tours in a day or two or on your own over a few days.

All of the Cappadocia valleys are within six miles of Goreme. Each one is unique and offers a completely different experience.

Most of the valleys have free admission with a few exceptions, so if you’re looking to explore Cappadocia on a budget, they make for excellent options.

• Pigeon Valley : Throughout Cappadocia, pigeon holes, where farmers in the region used to breed the birds, can be seen everywhere. But there is nowhere that they are more prominent than Pigeon Valley. Toss seeds (which you can buy from vendors on-site) to the birds and watch them soar across the scenery.
• Love Valley : Famous for its “phallic-shaped rock formations, the striking landscape of Love Valley is one of the coolest places to visit in Cappadocia. But what stood out for us here was that there is a local couple, Arife and Hassam, who refused to sell their property when Turkiye turned the area into a national park. They live just beneath the markets in a self-made cave and are the last couple in Love Valley.
• White Valley : Connected to Love Valley, it’s often hard to know when you leave one and enter the other. But for those hiking or biking through Cappadocia, you’ll pass through here to access Uchisar Castle. It’s known for its bleached rock, giving it the “White Valley” name.
• Imagination Valley (Devrey Alley) : This small valley is famous for its rock formations, like the “kissing camels” and others that look like camels, snakes, seals, and dolphins. My boys had an absolute blast running through and climbing over the mazelike structures.
• Monks Valley : Located between the Zelve Open Air Museum and Goreme are Monks Valley and Pasabag Valley. Pasabag is a destination in and of itself, so I’ll get to that one later in the article. It’s a nice valley, but not the most beautiful. Monks Valley makes a nice addition to a stop in Pasabag, but I wouldn’t come here just for it alone.
• Sword Valley : This is the smallest of all of the valleys in Cappadocia. But don’t let its size fool you. It’s also home to the longest tunnel in the region.
• Red Valley : The valley gets its name from the vibrant hues of the rocks, especially during sunrise and sunset, creating a picturesque landscape that’s a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. It’s especially popular for sunset ATV rides.
• Rose Valley : Popular for its rose-tinted rock formations that seem to “shimmer” in the sunlight. This picturesque valley captivates visitors with its gentle pink and reddish hues, particularly striking during sunrise and sunset.
• Meskindir Valley : This shady trail takes hikers through several cave houses and small historic sites as well as several tunnels.
• Zemi Valley : This 3.75-mile hike begins in Goreme and follows a small stream past cave houses and rock arches. Not many people take the time to visit Zemi Valley, and I haven’t seen it on any of the local tours, so it’s a real Cappadocia hidden gem.

Red Valley Sunset Viewpoint

While the hot air balloons at sunrise might be the most famous of the Cappadocia attractions, the region’s sunsets are just as beautiful. And if you love a clean, clear sky, sunset at the sunset viewpoint in Red Valley is where it’s at.

This area is where most of the horseback riding and sunset ATV tours end. So it’s packed almost every night during the high season. But there’s lots of space, so you’ll be able to find a little area of your own to relax or join the celebration with the throngs of people taking in the views.

Çavuşin Castle & The Church of St John the Baptist

If you love under-the-radar attractions, Çavuşin Village is a very cool place to visit in Cappadocia. The small Çavuşin village is one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia. It’s most famous for its 5th Century church of St. John the Baptist, whose tomb my family saw when we were in the town of Selcuk the week before.

The church is the oldest and largest of its kind in Turkiye and is located about 20 minutes north of Göreme.

Nearby is the stunning Çavuşin Castle. The incredible building was built into the side of a cliff and looks like it’s just an extension of the mountain. From the lower side, you can explore the buildings and shops of the village. But from the upper side, you can actually access the viewpoint from the top of the castle.

Underground Cities

One of the most fascinating and unique aspects of Cappadocia is the underground cities sprinkled throughout the region.

When I say “cities,” I mean just that. These weren’t villages. Some were home to up to 20,000 people, all living together up to nearly 300 feet below the surface. These were carved out into the soft volcanic rock and served as refuge and protection for thousands of people during times of war and invasion.

The underground cities in Cappadocia date back to the Hittite era, nearly 2,800 years ago. They were expanded by early Christians fleeing persecution. The cities feature an intricate network of tunnels, rooms, ventilation shafts, and communal spaces that are spread across many levels.

There are three major underground cities in Cappadocia.

Derinkuyu: Among the most expansive and well-known of all of the underground cities in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu descends eight levels beneath the surface. It is believed to have housed around 20,000 people along with their livestock.

This city contains chapels, wine presses, stables, and ventilation shafts, showcasing its remarkable architectural and engineering marvels.

Kaymaklı: This is one of the most popular underground cities in Cappadocia due to the higher ceilings that allow taller people (like me) to move around safely. The city is carved across four levels, although only four of its levels are open to the public. It features various chambers for living, storage, and worship, along with ventilation shafts and a complex network of tunnels and passageways.

Özkonak: This lesser-known underground city is smaller in size compared to Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. Özkonak offers a glimpse into the underground life of ancient inhabitants with its distinctive architectural elements, including ventilation shafts, living quarters, and communal spaces spread across multiple levels.

Uçhisar Castle

Towering above the Cappadocia landscape, Uçhisar Castle is the highest point in the region. This massive complex of houses, churches, and battlements was built into the side of a hill and acted as the main point of defense in the city.

It’s so large that it’s believed to have once housed 1,000 soldiers and military personnel.

Much of the castle is worn down after centuries of wind and water erosion, but Uçhisar Castle makes for a fascinating place to explore and take in a unique aspect of the region. It was one of the most interesting and easy-to-explore things to do in Cappadocia.

Most visitors spend their time in the main castle, but if you follow the trails around the structure, you’ll find a collection of small churches that very few people ever visit. Some of them still have frescoes on the walls.

Eat A Testi Kebab

If you love trying all of the food in Turkiye , you’ll want to try a Testi Kebab. This traditional Turkish dish originated in Cappadocia and is famous for its rich flavor.

The term “Testi Kebab” loosely translates to “pottery kebab,” and it comes from the method by which the dish is prepared and served.

A clay pot is packed with chunks of lamb or chicken along with an assortment of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and tomatoes and then seasoned with herbs. The pot is then sealed with dough to trap steam inside and then is buried in hot coals, which slowly cook the ingredients in their own juices, infusing the flavors. The pot is then cracked in front of the diner, unveiling an aromatic and steamy delight.

One of the restaurants in Cappadocia best known for the Testi Kebab is Dibek Restaurant at Cami Sk. and Beldiye Cd. Their high-end but relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff just added to the amazing taste.

Sunset ATV Tour

When we were staying in Ürgüp, Christina and I took the boys out for a sunset ATV ride through the Rose Valley. It was an incredible way to spend an evening.

The cool evening air was a much-deserved contrast to the hot sun of mid-day when we did most of our exploring. The ATV tour lasted about two hours and came to an end at the Red Valley sunset viewpoint, where I spent the last hour drinking in the unbelievable beauty of Cappadocia at sunset.

Along with the ATV ride and sunset stop, we also had the chance to check out some parts of Goreme Historical National Park with its fairy chimneys and cave houses.

Ihlara Valley

Our visit to Cappadocia was in mid-August. The summer heat was intense, sometimes reaching over 100 degrees. There’s very little shade or vegetation in Cappadocia, so apart from exploring the castles and underground cities, there isn’t much escape from the sun.

Unless you visit Ihlhara Valley .

This incredible gorge is 10 miles long and has been carved out over centuries by a gently flowing river. With towering cliffs on both sides, the gorge has plenty of shade. And it’s absolutely teeming with large shade trees and beautiful flowers.

The walk along the bottom of the gorge is beautiful and peaceful. And it’s a relatively easy stroll that’s gentle enough for most people. However, it is not wheelchair or stroller-friendly.

It’s not just natural beauty that makes the Ihlara Valley one of the top places to go in Cappadocia though. There are 105 churches carved into the cliffs within the gorge. Sixteen of these churches are open for visitors to explore.

Many of the Ihlara Valley churches still have detailed frescoes and paintings in excellent condition. You can read our guide to the Ihlara Valley here .

Earlier, I listed off some of the coolest valleys in Cappadocia. But there’s one valley that I wanted to make sure that I gave special attention to. And that is Pasabag Valley.

Pasabag is one of the most popular spots to visit in Cappadocia. The valley is packed with fairy chimneys, hermit houses, and churches. And it has a truly fascinating history. It’s believed to be where Saint Symeon lived shortly after he converted to Christianity.

The caves here are relatively open to explore, and the boys found several places where they were able to climb up to the second floor of some of the cave houses for incredible views of the surrounding area.

Whirling Dervish Ceremony

Whirling Dervish shows can be found throughout much of Turkiye. But there are few places where you can witness a traditional Whirling Dervish ceremony.

Sufism is a mystical religion that originated in the 13th century, where trained mystics perform a ritual known as the Sema. During this ceremony, the Whirling Dervishes perform a musical and spinning dance in which the dancers enter a meditation-like trance.

The hypnotic whirling motion and the transcendent atmosphere is mesmerizing.

Where Whirling Dervish shows are performed by dancers and musicians, Whirling Dervish ceremonies are the real thing. Where the goal of the dancers is to enter that trance-like meditation. And in Cappadocia the proper ceremony takes place at a 13th Century Caravanserai  called Saruhan, about 30 minutes from Goreme.

You can book that experience here .

Selime Cathedral

If you love off-the-beaten-track attractions, Selime Cathedral is an amazing place to explore. This testament to human craftsmanship and spiritual devotion is tucked amidst the fairy chimneys and rock formations between the towns of Selime and Yaprakhisar.

This awe-inspiring rock-cut cathedral is carved into the towering cliffs of volcanic tuff and offers some of the most intricate interior design work of any cave church within Cappadocia.

Selime Cathedral was a place of worship and refuge for early Christians during the Byzantine era. Its grandeur and complexity are on full display with intricate columns, arches, and vast chambers that once held religious ceremonies and gatherings.

Exploring all of the amazing things in Cappadocia is hard work. And if you want to relax after a hard day of hiking, wandering, and learning, there’s nothing better than a traditional Turkish hammam.

This rejuvenating experience is steeped in centuries of history. The therapeutic ritual is deeply rooted in Turkish culture and is renowned for its revitalizing effects on the body and spirit.

The hammam experience dates back to Ottoman times. It’s a communal bathing ritual that involves cleansing and relaxing techniques in a heated, steam-filled environment.

With a combination of gentle heat, steam, and skillful massages, the hammam ritual not only purifies but promotes a profound sense of well-being.

Our Guide To Cappadocia, Turkiye

How To Get To Cappadocia

Cappadocia lies in the Neveshir Province in central Turkiye. It’s made up of several small cities, towns, and villages, the largest of which are Göreme, Ürgüp, and Uçhisar. The region reaches from the town Avanos in the South, northward toward Ihlaara Canyon.

There are several common ways to get to Cappadocia, Turkiye. The region’s popularity and central location mean that it’s well connected to large cities throughout the country.

Once in Cappadocia, local transportation options like taxis, rental cars, or organized tours are available to navigate and explore the region’s towns, attractions, and natural wonders.

Cappadocia By Air

The most common and convenient way to reach Cappadocia is by flying into one of the nearest airports, either the Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR).

These airports have regular domestic flights from major cities in Turkiye, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Upon arrival, visitors can take a shuttle or taxi or arrange for a private transfer to reach Cappadocia’s various towns, such as Göreme or Ürgüp, which are roughly a 30-60 minute drive away from the airports.

Cappadocia By Bus

For those traveling in Turkiye on a budget or arriving from smaller towns or remote regions, reaching Cappadocia by bus is an option. Bus routes run from major cities like Istanbul , Ankara, or other regions of Turkiye .

Several bus companies operate daily services to towns in Cappadocia, offering a comfortable and affordable mode of transportation. The journey duration varies based on the departure location, but it generally takes around 10-12 hours from Istanbul and 4-5 hours from Ankara.

Cappadocia by Car

For those who are driving in Turkiye or prefer flexibility and independence, renting a car and driving to Cappadocia is also an option. The region is accessible by well-maintained roads from major cities in Turkiye. The drive to Cappadocia allows travelers to explore the scenic routes and stop at various points of interest along the way.

Visiting Cappadocia With Kids

My visit to Cappadocia was on a month-long family trip through Turkiye that took us to some pretty incredible places. Cappadocia was absolutely incredible to visit with kids, but there are some things you should know before you go.

My kids were 12 and 10 during our time in Cappadocia.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Considerations: While hot air balloon rides are a signature experience in Cappadocia, they might not be suitable for younger children due to age and height restrictions.

Most hot air balloon rides will accommodate children as young as 5 or 6. However, they won’t be able to see over the side of the basket. Ask the company whether they have viewports for smaller children.

If you plan to take a hot air balloon ride without your kids, ensure childcare arrangements or activities are available for the kids during this time. Additionally, consider early morning balloon flights so that after the experience, you have the rest of the day for family-friendly activities. You can read our tips for hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia here .

Exploring Underground Cities and Fairy Chimneys: Kids often love exploring intriguing spaces, and the underground cities and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia can spark their curiosity.

However, keep in mind that some underground tunnels might be narrow or have low ceilings, so supervision and caution are essential. Opt for visits to underground cities like Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu, which are more accessible and have guided tours suitable for families.

Take Family-Friendly Hikes: Cappadocia offers various hiking trails suitable for families. Consider exploring places like Rose Valley or Pigeon Valley, which offer relatively easy and scenic hikes with captivating landscapes.

These trails provide ample opportunities for kids to run around, discover unique rock formations, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Participate in Pottery Workshops: Engage your kids in a fun and educational activity by enrolling them in a pottery workshop. Cappadocia is famous for its pottery, and many places offer workshops where children can learn the art of pottery-making and create their own masterpieces under guidance.

We had a blast at our pottery workshop, and there was no pressure to buy anything when we left. You can sign up for one of these workshops here .

Choose Family-Oriented Accommodations: Opt for family-friendly accommodations such as hotels or cave guesthouses that consider the needs of families. Look for places that offer spacious rooms or family suites, outdoor areas for kids to play, and perhaps even activities or entertainment options specifically designed for children.

Cappadocia is not Stroller-Friendly : Cappadocia is incredible, but with all of the caves and wild landscapes, it’s not a great place for strollers and wagons. If you have small children, I’d highly recommend bringing along a child carrier backpack. You can check out my yearly guide to the best kid carriers here .

We stayed at Divan Cave Hotel in Göreme and Kayapaki Premium Caves in Ürgüp. Both were fantastic.

Remember to pace your itinerary to accommodate children’s rest, meals, and playtime needs. With its unique landscapes and rich history, Cappadocia offers a wealth of experiences that can captivate both adults and kids, creating lasting memories for the entire family.

Tips For Family Travel In Turkiye

Family travel in Turkiye, especially in places like Sanliurfa and the Southeast, requires some planning and a little bit of luck. Some areas of this country can be closed due to political unrest, so it’s always a good idea to check out current travel advisories and stay informed of the current travel status.

Check out our Turkiye Family Travel Blog for everything that you need to know about family travel in Turkiye and watch ouf Tips for Family Travel in Turkiye video below to help you plan an unforgettable visit to this mesmerizing and wonderful country.

You’d be doing us a huge favor if you could hit the like and subscribe buttons.

Enjoy Your Time In Cappadocia, Turkiye

There’s no denying that Cappadocia is one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Tur kiye. This region is absolutely jam-packed with stunning views and unimaginably wonderful experiences. When you visit, make sure to give yourself a few days in Cappadocia to fully appreciate just how special it is.

After our our visit to Cappadocia, we made our way to the far east of Turkiye to experience the wonders of Mount Nemrut , the world’s oldest man-made structure at Gobekli Tepe , and the ancient city of Sanliurfa .

You can find more great information about visiting Turkiye on our  Turkiye Family Travel Blog . Or feel free to join our  Family Travel Support Group on Facebook . You can connect with more family travelers just like you who love to explore the world.

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This Five-Day Itinerary in Cappadocia, Türkiye is a Real-Life Fairytale

Immerse yourself in natural and cultural wonders as you uncover an enchanting landscape of ancient rock formations and underground cities..

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COURTESY OF GO TÜRKIYE

The first impression many visitors have when they arrive in Cappadocia is of hot air balloons slowly ascending through a softly lit morning sky. But that’s just an introduction to the possibilities and adventures that await in this enchanting realm. Shaped by millions of years of erosion and early cultures that carved dwellings, churches, and underground cities into the surrounding rocks, Cappadocia has evolved into an open-air museum of natural and historic wonders—an otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys and troglodyte villages that are waiting to be discovered. During this five-day itinerary in Cappadocia, Türkiye , you’ll admire soft rock-carved churches adorned with exquisite Eastern Roman (Byzantine) frescoes, learn about the art of Anatolian rugs and carpets, and explore the largest excavated underground city in the world.

Trip Highlight

Cave hotels.

Trip Designer

CAPPADOCIA-GÖREME

Day 1: Welcome to Cappadocia

CAPPADOCIA-AVANOS

Day 2: Uncover the Secrets of Cappadocia's Underground Cities

HOT AIR BALLOONS OVER CAPPADOCIA-GÖREME

Day 3: Glide Above Cappadocia's Timeless Wonders

CYCLING IN CAPPADOCIA

Day 4: Pedal Through Wonderland

IHLARA VALLEY, CAPPADOCIA

Day 5: Step Back into the Past in Ihlara Valley

Cappadocia Travel Guide – All You Need To Know

Explore Cappadocia with our travel guide to find out how to get to Cappadocia, which places are best to visit, eat, drink, and stay in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia is easily one of the most magical places on earth, and on the bucket lists of many people for this reason. Nowhere else are the fairy chimneys this dense or this filled with history. This guide will assist you in planning your trip, and help you enjoy the most beautiful and out-of-this-world place Turkey has to offer.

Short History of Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys are not man-made. Cappadocia is around volcanic mountains that are no longer active. With the discharge that came from these mountains around 60 million years ago, Cappadocia’s earth became soft, ashy, and easily moldable. And it was molded indeed, by the rain, wind, and other natural causes. For millions of years, these natural causes slowly shaped the fairy chimneys into the shapes they have today.

Early humans knew there was something special about Cappadocia as well. The human inhabitants of Cappadocia date back to the Paleolithic era. During the Hittite Empire of the 12th century BC, Cappadocia became an important hub for commerce. During the 6th century BC, Cappadocia was part of the Persian Empire. The Persian emperor named the area hu-aspa-dahyu, meaning “land of good horses.”

After the death of Alexander the Great, who defeated the Persian Empire, the Kingdom of Cappadocia was founded in 332BC, and it became a part of the Roman Empire in 17 AD.

During the 3rd century AD, Cappadocia became an important hiding point for Christians who were escaping from the Roman Empire. Its natural qualities made it possible for Christians to live a secret life. During the 11th and 12th centuries, the area saw the influence of the Seljuk Empire. When the Ottoman Empire took over, the area became more stabilized. The last Christians living in the area moved elsewhere after the Lozan treaty was signed.

Climate of Cappadocia

The climate of Cappadocia is continental. This means Cappadocia has hot summers and cold winters. During summertime, the temperature can go up to 38 degrees Celsius, but it is not humid.

During Spring and Autumn, the temperatures can be anywhere from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect time to visit Cappadocia and hike around. Cappadocia’s hotels are usually in high demand during these times.

Winters bring a large amount of snowfall, whereas summers are usually dry. There is also a big difference between the daytime and nighttime temperatures. So it is best to keep another layer of clothing with you in case it gets chilly at night time. If you are planning to visit Cappadocia during winter to see fairy chimneys under the snow, it is best to bring thick clothes since it is normal to see temperatures between 3-10 degrees Celsius.

When we visited Cappadocia, it was mid March and the weather was very nice and sunny. We didn’t even need our coats. But two days later, it was snowing heavily and the weather was freezing. We absolutely loved this crazy change since we got to see Cappadocia under snow, but we were also happy we brought winter clothes just in case.

How to Get to Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is part of a larger region called Nevşehir, and that is part of the Central Anatolia region. There are several ways to reach Cappadocia.

First and maybe the best way is to go to Cappadocia is by renting a car. The road trip is fun and the views are wonderful. You can also use the car for traveling around in Cappadocia as well, since the public transport in the Cappadocia area is lacking. If you prefer not to deal with public transport, or driving yourself in Cappadocia, renting a private car with a private driver is the best option. And doing so in Cappadocia is very affordable.

Flying from Istanbul to Cappadocia

If you are in  Istanbul , you can find direct flights to Nevşehir, which would be the fastest option to get to Cappadocia. Flights to Nevşehir from Istanbul can be less frequent than other options. For this reason, you may wish to fly to Kayseri, which is only 75 kilometers away from Nevşehir.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can use an airport pickup service that will take you straight to your hotel from the airport without trouble. There are different options for airport pickup service, and you can choose a shared pickup service or a private one depending on your preference.

Taking a bus from a major city such as Istanbul is another option. If you are in one of the major cities in Turkey, you won’t have problems finding a bus to the Nevşehir area. It will probably be a long ride, but it will get you there in the end.

Where to Visit in Cappadocia

Cappadocia offers many places to visit and enjoy, and we’ll talk about the most important places you should see if you are visiting Cappadocia. With all these beautiful places to cover, Cappadocia definitely deserves a good chunk of your time. A five-day-trip would help you see most of the wonders of Cappadocia. But don’t worry if you don’t have too much time to spend here, a short weekend getaway would still help you get a taste of what this place offers. Here are some of the best places to visit while you are in Cappadocia.

Devrent Valley

Even though they occurred from the same natural phenomenon, each of the valleys in Cappadocia has different characteristic. Devrent Valley, for example, is famous for its fairy chimneys that look like animals, and it is one of our favorite places. The valley’s other name is Imagination Valley, because people walk around imagining what each fairy chimney looks like. This fun valley brings a lot of photo opportunities, especially the chimney that looks like a camel which is very popular among visitors.

Reaching Devrent Valley requires a private vehicle or taxi, because there are no public transportation options to get here. The entrance is a bit steep, so it is best to visit with comfortable shoes. Other than that, it is a very nice walk. The time you’d spend here depends entirely on how many photos you’d like to take, from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Avanos Hair Museum

Avanos Hair Museum is not your usual museum. In fact, it is so unusual that it ranked in The Guinness Book Of World Records as one of the weirdest museums you can visit. It is actually a pottery museum and shop, and the hair aspect occurred very romantically. The owner of the museum once fell in love with a foreign woman. Before his girlfriend left for her country, the owner asked her to leave a lock of hair and pinned the hair on the wall of the museum. When the other visitors asked about the meaning of the hair, they were moved by the story so they left their own hair. Today, the corridors and rooms of the museum are filled with locks of hair left by visitors from all over the world.

Twice a year, the owner of the museum does a raffle among the people who left their hair, and the winners gain an all-expenses-paid holiday for one week.

It is forbidden to take photos inside the museum because people leave their personal information along with their hair for the raffle. But I was allowed to take a picture of my own hair just before it took its place on the museum wall.

Zelve Open Air Museum

Zelve Open-Air Museum is located in an old cave village where Muslims and Christians lived together. You can see the churches and the mosque located close to each other. It was one of the places in Cappadocia that people inhabited very early on, and it was also one of the last to be abandoned.

Zelve Open-Air Museum is not only significant, but also breathtakingly beautiful. It offers some of the best panoramic views and a great hike surrounded by birdsong and the smell of flowers. There were hardly any other people when we visited, so it was a very calm and peaceful experience as well.

Zelve Open-Air Museum’s entry fee is 20 liras in 2020, but if you have a museum card, you can enter for free. Same goes for most of the other museums and underground cities around this area.

Çavuşin Old Mosque

Çavuşin Old Mosque is one of the oldest buildings in the area, dating back to the Seljuk Empire. It was closed off in the 1950s. After some restoration work, Çavuşin Old Mosque was reopened to the public in 2011.

Güllüdere Valley

If you’d like to have a walk during your visit, this is the place to do it. The valley is located between Göreme and Çavuşin, and the path is filled with beautiful scenery, and wineries. The walk will take about an hour, and the path is 4 km long. If you are visiting during hot months, please make sure to stay hydrated and protected against sunburn.

Rose Valley

Rose Valley, or Kızılçukur Valley in Turkish, is one of the best spots to watch the sunset and take amazing photos. It has a particular red hue under sunset that is mesmerizing. It looks very pretty under snow as well. If you want to explore the valley, you can only do so by walking or cycling. If you only want to visit the sightseeing point, vehicles are allowed there. The entrance fee is around 3 Turkish liras in 2020, but if you arrived as a part of a tour group, you don’t need to pay any fee. If you’d like to be a part of a hiking tour, you can visit Rose Valley along with other most-loved locations.

Love Valley

Love Valley offers some of the best panoramic views. The reason it is called love valley is that the fairy chimneys are in phallic shapes, and many people propose to their loved ones on this spot. If you’d like to see this destination without being part of a safari group, you might find the roads are not in the best condition. It is quite narrow and frightening to drive the road with your own car, so walking is the best option to get there. It is about five kilometers, and takes an hour to walk. If you like to join a safari group, you can find many options that include this valley in their itinerary.

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Göreme Open Air Museum is one of the things you can’t miss in Cappadocia. The museum consists of an old monastery with churches, wine cellars, and cemeteries. The most famous church in the complex is called Karanlık Kilise (Dark Church) and takes its name from not having many windows. Lacking sunlight helped to protect the colors inside the church, and frescoes in this church are full of vibrant colors. Keep in mind that Karanlık Kilise requires an additional ticket, which is around 10 Turkish liras and it is not included in museum card free-pass locations. The regular entrance fee for the whole museum is 30 Turkish liras in 2020, and it is free with a museum card.

It definitely worth paying the additional fee in my opinion. It’s hard to see the same level of untouched colors anywhere else and it gives you an idea of how the whole thing must have looked back in the day. In many interior parts of the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Dark Church being one of them, it is forbidden to take photos. You can only take photos and videos in these parts after getting special permission from officials.

Üçhisar Castle

Üçhisar castle is one of the highest points in Cappadocia, making it a perfect spot for watching the sunrise or sunset. It is one of the most well-known places in Cappadocia, and it is visible from around for miles with its high altitude. It is best to be mindful of the steps to climb there since not all of them are in the best condition. The entrance fee for the castle is 6 Turkish liras for adults and 3 Turkish liras for the students. There are daily tours that include Üçhisar castle in their itinerary along with other beauties of Göreme.

Three Graces (Beauties)

Three Graces are the symbol of the Ürgüp region in Cappadocia and very well known with their distinctive appearance. There is a legend about them that everyone knows in the Cappadocia region. According to this legend, there was a king living peacefully with his daughter. Though as time passed, he became overprotective towards his daughter, worried about the consequences of her beauty and charm. All the men of the kingdom were in love with the princess, but she fell in love with a shepherd. The king was furious and wanted her to marry someone more suited to a princess. The princess ran away with the shepherd and had a baby. Thinking the king might forgive this new family, she returned to the kingdom. The king wasn’t feeling as forgiving as she’d hoped; he asked the soldiers to kill the family. The princess prayed that they could either be turned into birds or stones when they were about to be captured. Her prayer was granted, and they were turned into the Three Graces.

The Three graces is also a viewing point and it has a beautiful view. If you are there in the winter or late autumn, you might notice it feels quite a bit colder than the rest of the Cappadocia. I’d recommend to bring some extra clothes while visiting this location in case it is a freezing day.

Paşabağ Valley (Valley of the Monks)

Paşabağ, Valley of the monks, has some of the chunkiest, nicest looking fairy chimneys and beautiful trees blossoming in the spring time. St. Simeon Church was built inside one of the chimneys here. According to the legend, Simeon lived a reclusive life near Aleppo in the 5th century. In time, people started saying he was able to perform miracles and this brought a lot of attention to Simeon. He wasn’t happy with this, so he escaped to this valley and started living in a column. First he was in a 2-meter-high (6 ft) column, but then he moved to a higher one that was 15 meters high (50 ft). It is said he lived there for 37 years, only coming down occasionally for supplies.

Paşabağı’s entrance fee is 20 liras in 2020 and it is free with a museum card. There is also a large shopping area for souvenirs by the entrance.

Ortahisar Castle

Ortahisar Castle is the biggest fairy chimney in Cappadocia at a towering 18 meters in height. It was used as a castle in Byzantine times. In time its structure got damaged, but today with the restoration work, it is reopened. Now you can climb the ladders till you reach halfway up and enjoy the breathtaking view.

Although it is restored and reopened, it can be quite a steep and narrow climb at times. If you are scared of heights, you might want to skip this one. Instead of me, my boyfriend climbed the ladders in our case. Here I’m adding the pictures my boyfriend took, who later on said that I’d probably have a heart attack if I tried, and he wasn’t too far from it either.

Underground Cities

Cappadocia is not only filled with magical fairy chimneys, but also elaborate, large, carved underground cities you can explore. They are a big part of Cappadocia’s history and it is amazing to walk on the narrow paths of these structures.

Underground cities has a very interesting history. They started as a protection measure. People of Cappadocia were constantly threatened by attacks from various outside forces. Villages who were fed up with living in fear, decided to carve a secondary village, to escape to, under their own villages. Each house of the village had a hidden passage to the underground village. Every village in Cappadocia followed this method and in time, the underground villages were connected with each other and turned into underground cities.

Another fascinating aspect of the underground cities is their level of development and sophistication. They had sewer systems, ventilation system, and even mental hospitals inside the cities.

Today there are 36 underground cities excavated, but it is estimated that there are more than 150 underground cities in Cappadocia, waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the most visit-worthy ones.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu underground city is the biggest underground city you can visit in Cappadocia. It could be home to 20,000 people along with their livestock. It has 8 levels, a missionary school, and a christening pool. It also has a well inside and its name comes from this, Derinkuyu means deep well in Turkish.

It is thought there are many more underground cities under Derinkuyu, and there are 600 doors to these unknown cities. Some of these doors open to the currently used houses in Cappadocia. Today, people use these underground city entries as storage rooms.

The entrance fee is 50 liras in 2020, but it is for free with a museum card. By the entry, you can find a guide, which would cost you about 100 liras. You can also visit Derinkuyu as part of a tour group with a skip-the-line ticket.

Kaymaklı Underground City

Kaymaklı Underground City is about half the size of Derinkuyu and it can house 5000 people at once. Even though it is smaller, it’s kept in great condition and the lights that show the connections and paths make this a very neat place to visit. Kaymaklı also has 8 levels, but today you can visit the upper 4 levels only.

Kaymaklı Underground City is about 20 km away from Nevşehir. The entrance fee is 50 liras as of 2020, and it is again free for museum card holders. There are also hiking tours that include Kaymaklı in their itinerary.

Özkonak Underground City

Özkonak Underground City is thought to be built by Hittites, because an eagle statue, their symbol, was found within the city. Özkonak has 4 levels and some unique properties. For one, this city has long holes between the levels, allowing each level to communicate with one another. Another one is that the entrance sections have holes on top, allowing the citizens to pour hot oil on top of unwelcome visitors.

This slightly more vicious underground city’s entrance fee is 25 liras in 2020, and museum card can be used as well.

Other Activities in Cappadocia

If you’d like to fill your days with adventure, you have countless memorable experiences waiting for you in Cappadocia. From world-famous  hot air balloon trips  to horseback riding tours, there is something for every visitor. If you’d like to find out more about these options, please read our “Top 10 Things to Do in Cappadocia” post.

What to Eat in Cappadocia?

With its rich food culture, Turkey offers its visitors a wide variety of regional cuisines and Cappadocia is not different. Cappadocia offers some delicious options for food, and some of the dishes they serve can’t be found anywhere else in Turkey.

Testi Kebab

Testi kebab is a brew of meat and veggies slow-cooked inside a sealed pot. This method makes the meat so tender and mixes all the deliciousness together. With bread to dip inside the yummy sauce, you are all set. This is the perfect, hearty meal after a long day of hiking and sightseeing.

Dried Cream

Dried cream is a very different food from cream that you can find anywhere else in Turkey. Normally soft and spreadable, this cream is a bit tougher and crunchier since it’s dried. It can be consumed with jams and bread or just by itself.

Also called Turkish jellybean, koftur is somewhere between Turkish delight and grape molasses. Since the only ingredients are dried grape molasses, starch, and flour, it is a healthy-ish alternative to the desserts with sugar.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Called yaprak sarma in Turkish, stuffed grape leaves are an extremely delicious Turkish delicacy, especially if the leaves are thin and nice. If they are not, it might slightly feel as if you are eating leather with saucy rice in it. The good news is, Cappadocia is one of the best places to have stuffed grape leaves with fresh leaves from many wineries nearby. A must-try that you can find in many restaurants.

Where to Eat in Cappadocia?

We talked about some of the food you can try in Cappadocia. Now let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants in Cappadocia.

No: 10 Restaurant

No: 10 Restaurant is the restaurant for Elika Cave Suits hotel and its menu has old Ottoman recipes and some other Turkish classics. Their starters are also very successful, their hummus was one of the best we’ve ever had. The staff is also very friendly and polite, and the view is wonderful.

No: 10 Restaurant on Google Maps

Ziggy Cafe has a wonderful menu, view and vibe to visit on a late afternoon. Here you can nibble on different starters and drink some wine. The cafe is named after their dog, Ziggy, and you can see Ziggy also influenced their interior design quite a bit.

Ziggy Cafe on Google Maps

Seki Restaurant

Seki Restaurant offers one of the finest menus, along with one of the finest views. Overlooking a valley and fairy chimneys, the restaurant is in the Argos hotel. They also have wine tastings in their historical wine cellar with their special wines. They charge Euros and are a bit pricey (about 70 Euros per person), but it is also a very unique experience. If you choose to go to the wine tasting, you should call them ahead and make a reservation during the day.

Seki Restaurant on Google Maps

Old Greek House Restaurant

With a charming location that once was a residence, Old Greek restaurant offers a great ambiance. The food is fresh, homemade, and delicious. A great place to try some mezes and cold dishes.

Old Greek House Restaurant on Google Maps

If you want to treat yourself with some fine dining, Lil’a is the place for you. With a dress code, ever-changing hip, and always delicious menu. Lil’a is a perfect spot for celebrations and special occasions. Best to be prepared for higher prices on the menu!

Lil’a Restaurant on Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions About Cappadocia

Where is cappadocia.

Cappadocia is in Central Anatolia, Turkey, between the cities Niğde, Nevşehir and Kayseri.

How Do You Pronounce Cappadocia?

Kap-ah-DOK-yah

How To Get To Cappadocia?

You can get to Cappadocia with a short flight to Nevşehir or Kayseri from any of the big cities in Turkey. You can then take another short bus ride from Nevşehir or Kayseri to Cappadocia, or you can rent a car.

How Much Is A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Cappadocia?

Hot air Balloon ride prices start from $200, but it can easily reach to $250 and more depending on the services included.

Yacht Tourism in Turkey

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Cappadocia Itinerary: 2, 3, 4 or 5 Day Options

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

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Cappadocia is one of the most unique places on the planet. Its vast desert landscape has been made famous by its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, as well as scenic hot air balloon flights, numerous hiking trails, and fascinating open-air museums.

There’s so much to see and do, that putting together your Cappadocia itinerary is not easy.

If you’re thinking of visiting Cappadocia but you’re not sure what to see and when, in what order, and how to get around, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ve listed our itinerary for 2, 3, 4, and 5 days in Cappadocia, so you can plan your visit and have a smooth trip. 

But first… 

Planning a trip to Cappadocia last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Cappadocia:

• Airport Shuttle From Nevsehir Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Airport (ASR) (Super affordable!)

Here are our recommended tours in Cappadocia:

• Hot Air Balloon Flight In Cappadocia At Sunrise (A must-do In Cappadocia)
• ATV Tours At Sunset
• Green Tour In Cappadocia (Perfect for those not renting a car!)

Here are our recommended places to stay in Cappadocia:

• Koza Cave Hotel (Amazing views and great photo opportunities)
• Museum Hotel (Most luxurious hotel in Cappadocia)
• Kamelya Cave Hostel (Budget hostel with cave rooms!)

How many days is Enough in Cappadocia?

The amount of time you spend in Cappadocia will vastly differ depending on how you travel and what you want to see. 

If you are desperate to fly in a hot air balloon at sunrise, which is the most iconic thing to do in Cappadocia , then you should allow 3-4 days.

Why? Because they don’t fly every day. You should allow yourself some time to avoid disappointment because if the conditions are too windy, they won’t fly and you’ll miss your opportunity.

You should also allow more time if you intend on traveling by public transport. We used only public transport when we visited and it slowed us down a lot. Buses run sporadically and we had to change a couple of times. It took us an hour and a half to get somewhere you can drive in 30 minutes.

If you hire a car and you do it yourself, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Cappadocia to see the highlights. However, you can easily find enough to fill your time for 4 or 5 days.

We stayed for 10 days the first time we went because we loved it so much (and no, we didn’t see it all).

📚 Read More: The Best Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale Itinerary!

Don’t Miss Out on the BEST Experience in Cappadocia!

No trip to Cappadocia is complete without taking an epic hot air balloon flight at sunrise!

Make sure you reserve your tour well in advance to avoid missing out or paying any additional fees last minute!

Where to Stay in Cappadocia?

What many people don’t realize about Cappadocia is that it’s a region and not a city. It’s made up of several small towns and villages and expands over an area of 150 square km.

If it’s your first time and you’re not sure where to stay in Cappadocia , we recommend you stay in the heart of the region in the town of Goreme.

This is where the night bus from Istanbul drops you off, it’s where you can get buses to other towns in the region, and you can easily book the best Cappadocia tours and hire cars there.

It’s well set up as a base to explore Cappadocia.

The Best 2- Day Cappadocia Itinerary

If you only have two days in Cappadocia then you are going to need to strap on your comfiest shoes and set your alarm early, because we have a lot to pack in!

For those wanting to see the highlights of Cappadocia, we recommend you follow the Red and Green Tour itineraries for these two days. 

These tours, whether you do them yourself or with a tour group, take you to the unmissable places in Cappadocia. 

Day 1: Red Tour

We recommend you start with the Red Tour since it has the least amount of hiking (save your energy for the last day). But first, no trip to Cappadocia would be complete without…

Stop 1: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

…a sunrise hot air balloon flight. This is what makes Cappadocia famous . 

Taking a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia is something that’s definitely worth doing when you’re visiting the area. 

Due to the best wind conditions, they ride at sunrise, which means it doesn’t interrupt your plans for the rest of the day since you have landed and been bought back to your hotel in time for breakfast. 

A sunrise flight is truly spectacular, and the soft warm orange light really enhanced the incredible natural scenes of Cappadocia, with its interesting rock formations, deep valleys, and ancient cave dwellings framed against a glowing orange backdrop. 

The experience of being up in the sky, drifting around all these historic sites, and taking in the majestic panoramic views is truly unforgettable. 

Just make sure to have your tour booked in advance so you don’t miss out. If the balloons are unable to fly on the day you booked, don’t worry, you can reschedule for the next day.

Stop 2: Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cappadocia since it sits at the highest point in the region. It is believed to have been built somewhere between the 6th and 7th century BC as a defense against oncoming Byzantine armies.

The castle was once a fortress housing over a thousand soldiers, but today it’s an open-air museum that is best known for its views from the top.

As you walk around the museum you need to use your imagination to see how caverns and crevices were used as rooms, but there is no doubt the rock formations are fascinating.

Make sure you wear sturdy shoes as the rocky ground here can be slippery in places.

Stop 3: Goreme Open Air Museum

Without a doubt, the Goreme Open Air Museum is the best museum in Cappadocia. Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park, this ancient village was one of the first settlements in Cappadocia.

While the exact time in which the settlement was created is unknown, it is considered one of the oldest monastic settlements in the region.

As you wander around the museum, you are surrounded by numerous cave dwellings, fairy chimneys, and rock-cut churches, many of which contain original frescoes from the 10th to 12th centuries during the Byzantine and Roman eras.

One of the most well-preserved churches in the Goreme Open-Air Museum is the Dark Church. It was named because of the little light that enters this dark cave. Despite its darkness, you can still see vibrant frescoes depicting biblical scenes on the vaulted ceilings carved into the cave.

The best part about visiting Goreme Open-Air Museum is that it is within walking distance from the town center of Goreme!

Read More: 7 Best Hot Air Balloon Tours In Cappadocia

Stop 4: Cavusin

Cavusin is a small village located between Goreme and Avanos and is most famous for its castle and chapel. Cavusin Castle is an epic rock formation that rises above the village of Cavusin, and it’s also the home of St. John the Baptist Chapel, one of the largest cave churches in Cappadocia.

Unfortunately, most of the Cavusin Castle has been heavily eroded due to the passing of time, so it’s not safe to go climbing over the rock and into its rooms, but there is a bridge that allows visitors to get to the chapel to see it.

Fortunately, you can still get a pretty good view of it from the road.

Stop 5: Avanos Town (Pottery Workshops)

Avanos is well known for its pottery scene. The pottery here has a long history, dating all the way back to the Hittite period, around 2,000 BCE. The clay used to make the pottery comes from the Red River (Kızılırmak), which runs through Avanos.

The pottery-making tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, and today, there are many pottery shops in Avanos where you can watch the potters at work. When you walk down the street of Avanos, you might see some of the master craftsmen still practicing their pottery skills in their family-owned businesses.

Some of the pottery shops also offer free pottery-making sessions, perfect for travelers that like an interactive experience when traveling in Cappadocia. Without a doubt, pottery from Avanos is the perfect souvenir to remember your Cappadocia trip.

But beware of the tourist traps in Avanos. Much of the pottery is now mass-produced in factories that mimic the work of skilled potters. If you are not sure how to look for a good properly handcrafted piece of work, then make sure you find someone that can help you with it!

Stop 6: Pasabag Monks Valley

Just outside of Avanos is  Pasabag Valley , or Monks Valley in English. This valley is known for its unique fairy chimneys with double to triple mushroom heads.

The most interesting part of the valley is that some of the fairy chimneys have been turned into dwellings by monks and hermits, which is how the valley has gotten its name.

The caves were first inhabited by St. Simeon from Aleppo in the 5th century. Eventually, more and more monks followed in this footsteps and came to Monks Valley to escape from the world and live a simple life in nature.

Nowadays, the caves are no longer inhabited but you can still explore them! Just be careful with going in and out as some of the rooms are very high and might require a bit of climbing!

Stop 7: Devrent Imagination Valley

Devrent Valley , also known as Imagination Valley, is a place in Cappadocia filled with unique fairy chimneys. These rock formations have been carved out over time by erosion, and they look like different animals or objects.

The most notable one is the camel-shaped rock at the entrance of the valley. But as you walk around, you might find a dolphin-shaped rock, a snail-shaped rock, and more! It is one of the best places to get a photo to remember your visit to Cappadocia!

Getting to Devrent Valley can be quite challenging since it is hard to get there via public transport. The best offer is to either get a taxi or take the red tour, which has Devrent Valley as one of the stops.

Stop 8: Sunset at Lover’s Hill

Lover’s Hill is one of the best sunset viewpoints in Cappadocia and possibly the most famous. Located in the town of Goreme, it’s also called the Goreme Sunset Viewpoint, and sits about 30 meters above the city, offering visitors nearly a 360-degree view of the region.

There is a platform built on top of the rock formations where visitors can take photos with the Goreme historic town as the backdrop. There is also usually a horse at the top where you can take photos with it, for a fee of course. 

You can have a light snack or a drink at one of the restaurants on the hill, but it is quite windy so it makes eating and drinking quite difficult.

During sunset, the sun sets behind Uchisar Castle and creates a really cool silhouette of this  Turkey landmark . On the other side of the Goreme Sunset Viewpoint, you can see Zemi Valley.

Because it is situated only a 15-minute walk from Goreme, this viewpoint is one of the most crowded places to visit in Cappadocia, especially during sunset. There is a small fee to enter if you are coming from Goreme, but you can go through Zemi Valley and avoid the fee. 

Day 2: Green Tour

For the second day, you’re going to want to wear your comfiest hiking shoes as it’s time to explore the valleys.

Stop 1: Esentepe Viewpoint (Pigeon Valley Viewpoint)

The Esentepe Viewpoint isn’t a huge attraction in Cappadocia but it’s worth stopping by to check out the incredible scenery. Cappadocia is huge and its size is often largely forgotten about unless you were able to see it from above in a hot air balloon!

One of the best places to appreciate how big the region is, is at Esentepe Viewpoint, which sits between Uchisar and Goreme and overlooks Pigeon Valley .

Pigeon Valley is a special valley in Cappadocia as it is home to several pigeon dwellings. Many years ago, pigeon poop was used as a fertilizer and was incredibly expensive, so the locals cut these pigeon holes into the rock here as a way to collect the poop.

You can wander down into Pigeon Valley from here to check them out, or you can see them from above. It’s up to you!

Stop 2: Derinkuyu Underground City

One of the most fascinating pieces of Cappadocia’s history is the use of underground cities. They weren’t discovered until the early 60s when a local villager was remodeling his house and knocked a wall into the city.

From there, archeologists discovered a huge metropolis of tunnels, caverns, chambers, and vents that make up a massive underground city.

It’s believed that there are more than 200 underground cities in Cappadocia but they have not all been excavated. The largest underground city is the Derinkuyu Underground City , which goes down 8 levels to around 65 meters deep. The full scale is unknown as it’s still being fully excavated, but they think it connects all the way to Kaymakli Underground City.

The cities were believed to have been used as hiding places from Byzantine invaders, and are estimated to have housed more than 20,000 people including all their livestock and belongings.

Stop 3: Ihlara Valley

There are many valleys in Cappadocia but none as unique as Ihlara Valley – for the sole reason that it’s incredibly green . Yes, there is lush nature in the desert!

Ihlara Valley is a gorge filled with lush green vegetation and the Melendiz River passes through the center. There is a hike that passes down through the valley, into the gorge, and past several ancient monuments along the way.

You will come across many Byzantine cave churches and dwellings that were carved into the canyon walls. It’s truly a spectacular place.

This hike can be as long or short as you want it to be since many different trails branch off the main path. However, we recommend starting at Ihlara Village and finishing at Selime so you can see the Selime Monastery.

But if you don’t want to hike for that long, you can start at Ihlara Village and finish at Belisirma Village, where you can have a meal at one of its iconic floating restaurants.

Stop 4: Belisirma Village

Belisirma Village is nestled in the heart of Ihlara Valley. Like most villages in Cappadocia, the houses in Belisirma were cut into the rock face.

But today, small wooden huts have been built on the water’s edge and are used as restaurants for hikers. Some of these huts have platforms reaching out into the middle of the Melendiz River, so you can sit and have your lunch whilst listening to the waters rushing past you on all sides.

After hiking in the warm sun, it’s the perfect place to stop and rest for a while.

Stop 5: Selime Monastery

The Selime Monastery is the last monument on the Ihlara Valley hike and is an epic rock-cut church with plenty of frescos. This cathedral-sized church has been largely damaged by the weather and passing of time, but it’s still impressive to see and with clever imagination, you can see how settlers lived here in the 8th and 9th centuries BC.

It was said that the monastery was also a fortress, as the upper section has what looks like trenches and steep staircases leading to passageways. This evidence puts the creation of the monastery back to the time of the Hittites, before the 8th century – or so it is believed.

The church in the monastery has been separated into 3 sections by two well-preserved rock columns. You can also see where the monks slept and where they cooked meals in the kitchens. It’s truly a fascinating structure.

Stop 6: Onyx Jewelry Factory

Cappadocia is home to some precious gemstones used for jewelry making. The most precious stone in Cappadocia is the Black Onyx, a hard gemstone that can easily be used in the art of jewelry making.

The Onyx Jewelry Factory is a bit touristy and is obviously designed to encourage tourists to spend money, but it is still interesting to learn about the mining and craft work of this gem.

Stop 7: Watch a Whirling Dervishes Show

At nighttime, there’s no better evening entertainment than a Whirling Dervishes show. The Whirling Dervishes are part of the Sufi tradition and they are known to induce a trance-like state that leads to divine inspiration, or “ecstatic trances” for the performers.

The ceremony starts with the recitation of devotional Islamic prayer and then the dervishes start to spin. There are three sections to the dance, so they whirl around for about 10 to 15 minutes each time.

For many of them, this is a way to connect with God and achieve a state of inner peace. The experience can be quite powerful, even if you’re not religious.

There are plenty of places where you can watch the Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia. However, if you want to see it in an atmospheric setting, then I suggest watching it at the 13th-century Saruhan Caravanserai near Avanos.

The Best Cappadocia Itinerary for 3 Days

Not tired of hiking? Good! Because today we are going to the BEST valleys in Cappadocia and our absolute favorites to hike.

Day 3: Hiking Red and Rose Valley

Depending on your fitness level, you may want to skip some of these hikes and just do the Rose Valley and Red Valley hikes. 

We recommend you get up early to see Love Valley and then rest until early afternoon before hitting the rest. This means you can avoid the strong midday sun.

Stop 1: Love Valley

Love Valley is one of the closest valleys to Goreme so if you haven’t wandered through it yet, you should make sure to check it out first thing in the morning.

It gets its name from the phallic shapes of the rock formations, which experts believe were formed by ancient  volcanic eruptions that occurred 9 to 3 million years ago .

The region was covered in thick ash, which eventually solidified into soft rock formations that eroded easily. The cap of the fairy chimneys is usually much more resilient to erosion, hence why the cap of the fairy chimney is usually bigger than the neck.

The valley is small and won’t take long to wander around. Once you’ve grabbed a few selfies, it’s time to go on some real hiking.

Stop 2: Meskendir Valley

Meskendir Valley is often overlooked as a valley because it doesn’t have those huge rock formations that everyone knows and loves. However, if you have allowed a full day to hike Rose and Red Valley, then it’s easy to add this on to your hike and there is a good reason why you would want to do this.

The Meskendir Valley starts from Kaya Camping Ground, just across from Aynali Church. From here, you will immediately see a signpost in graffiti saying ‘Rose’ and ‘Red’ indicating the route to take.

Meskendir Valley only adds another 2.7km to the hike and it’s pretty flat most of the way. You’ll pass by gorgeous rock tunnels and formations, and it’s also pretty green as well with a few trees for shading.

Stop 3: Rose Valley

Rose Valley is one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia because of the pink hue of the rock that lies here. Its landscape is stunning, with gorges and ridge lines that are covered in dry grass, and from the top of the ridge, you have pretty epic views into Red Valley as well.

It’s also home to some ancient cave dwellings and churches. The most famous is The Crusader Church, which still has some well-preserved frescoes inside.

Inside the valley, you walk past pigeon homes (dovecotes) and more cave dwellings. The highlight is seeing the Columned Church, which is famous for its intact columns inside the church.

Stop 4: Red Valley

Rose Valley leads into Red Valley , and the exact spot in which the two valleys connect isn’t exactly clear, but you will know when you enter Red Valley and the sun goes down as the rock is illuminated in a gorgeous red color.

Red Valley also has some fairy chimneys and churches, but unlike Rose Valley, you cannot go inside them. The landscape of Red Valley is reason enough to visit, and if you plan your hike too late afternoon, you should reach Red Valley around sunset.

The Red Valley sunset viewpoint is one of the most special places. You can sit on swing benches, unroll a picnic blanket, or sit on the picnic benches next to the refreshment stands and replenish yourself as you watch the sunset.

Don’t dwindle too long as you still need to hike back. Fortunately, the hike is pretty flat all the way once you make it down from the ridge, and the sun takes a while to set, so you can reach Goreme before the sun passes behind the valleys.

Stop 5: Red Valley ATV Adventure

If you finished your hike earlier than sunset, don’t rush off back to town, stick around and do an ATV sunset tour of Red Valley. This is an activity for the adrenaline junkie, as you get to zip through the desert on a four-wheel drive ATV quad bike.

You’ll be led by an expert guide who will take you off-the-beaten-path, to the most beautiful spots where you can watch the sunset, and give you time to see how fast you can go on the flat stretch of sand used as a hot air balloon landing site.

Ever wanted to zoom around the desert on an ATV? Now is your chance.

The Best Cappadocia Itinerary for 4 Days

On the fourth day, we are going to travel a long way to Lake Tuz, which is around 126km West of Goreme.

Day 4: Avanos and Lake Tuz

The route to Lake Tuz first goes to the town of Avanos, so if you haven’t explored it yet, we recommend you stop at two very iconic landmarks in the area first. 

Then you pass through two cities in Cappadocia, Nevsehir, and Aksaray. 

You will need to hire a car or take a tour to see Lake Tuz , it’s just too complicated on public transport.

Stop 1: Zelve Open Air Museum

If you enjoyed the Goreme Open Air Museum, or maybe you skipped it, you might also like to see the Zelve Open Air Museum which is much of the same thing.

Zelve was a former settlement, and while there isn’t much hard evidence that tells its history, we can learn from the architecture and excavations that the cave dwellings were used by a small troglodyte community since the Byzantine Era.

It was only until the 9th and 13th centuries did this small village come into religious importance, with the first seminaries for priests established here. In between those times, Zelve was used as a haven against the Persian and Arab attacks. After the Byzantine era, this small village was turned into a Muslim village under the Ottoman Empire.

Nonetheless, Zelve was a place where Christians and Muslims co-existed harmoniously, as detailed by the ruins of churches and a rock-cut mosque with a dome.

What’s always fascinated me about Zelve was that people were living here right up until 1952! It was then that the Turkish government moved the settlers to nearby Yeni Zelve (Aktepe), just 2 kilometers to the northeast because the rock dwellings were deemed too unsafe to live in.

In 1967, the Zelve Valleys were turned into the museum, and you can see large portions of the village have been closed off due to erosion, but what’s left to see is pretty cool.

Stop 2: Avanos Chez Galip Hair Museum

Perhaps there is no attraction in Cappadocia more unusual than the Chez Galip Hair Museum in Avanos. This museum is exactly what it sounds like, a museum dedicated to hair, women’s hair. It is estimated that there are over 16,000 locks of hair in the museum.

The museum all started when the owner of a pottery shop, Galip Körükçü, was given a lock of his friend’s hair as a memento when she moved out. This story moved a lot of women that stopped in the area, and many of them started to give some of their hair to Galip Körükçü.

Eventually, he opened up a museum dedicating the hair of women. Nowadays, women still come to donate their hair, but that is because they have a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to Cappadocia.

When visiting the Chez Galip Hair Museum, make sure you check out the pottery shop that accompanies it.

Stop 3: Nevşehir

At the heart of Cappadocia lies the beautiful city of Nevşehir, the capital of Cappadocia. Partly surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped mountain ridge, the city is packed full of amazing historical sites and attractions.

As you head towards Lake Tuz, be sure to stop at the Nevsehir Museum which contains ancient relics and artifacts found in the area. You can also pass by Nevşehir Castle, which has amazing views of the city.

Stop 4: Aksaray

The city of Aksaray is full of beauty and history, making it a great pit stop on the way to explore Lake Tuz. With ruins from the Seljuk Empire and various historical mosques, including Somuncu Baba Tomb, Aksaray has many places to explore if you’re still interested in Cappadocia’s history.

The Zinciriye Madrasa church, Sultanhani Caravanserai, and Aksaray Museum are three of the top attractions in the city.

But the reason to visit Aksaray is that it is one of the largest cities in the region, meaning it has plenty of great places to enjoy the delicious local cuisine as well as unique shopping experiences. 

Fuel up, both your car and your belly, and when you’re ready keep driving to Lake Tuz.

Stop 5: Lake Tuz

Lake Tuz was the second-largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world. It’s famous for its pink hue, which is caused by salt-tolerant algae.

The lake is not always pink though, it’s only pink when the weather is hot and there’s no rain – so it’s best to visit in the summer if you want to catch the pinkness.

The lake may be a natural phenomenon, but it is also used for mining salt. It is believed that it supplies the country with 70% of its salt production.

Over the years, the lake has been slowly drying up due to climate change , and in October 2021, it dried up completely. Because there is no outlet, when the water is used up, it’s used up.

It was also home to 5,000 flamingoes, but since there is no longer a home for them, they have all disappeared.

While you might want to visit to see the iconic pink hues that made it famous, today you should visit for another reason – to see the catastrophic effects of climate change with your own eyes.

The Best Cappadocia Itinerary for 5 Days

If you’re planning to spend 5 days in Cappadocia, I wouldn’t add any more attractions than the ones I’ve already given you. You could do some more hikes and see more valleys , but after 5 days you are probably feeling like you’ve seen a lot of the same landscape.

Instead, I would just do the four day Cappadocia itinerary above much slower. You may want to do the Red and Green tour itinerary yourself by hiring a car and spending more time at the Ihlara Valley for example.

You may also find the Derinkuyu Underground City fascinating and want to see the nearby Kaymakli Underground City as well.

I suggest hiring a car for five days and being flexible. Use the itinerary above as a guide for which attractions to visit and in which order, but don’t feel like you need to rush through them. Use your last day as a buffer.

Or simply relax in a Turkish hamam or have an extended lunch looking over the valleys. What’s a vacation without a little relaxation as well?

Getting Around Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a bit of a pain to get around if you don’t have a car. I highly recommend renting a car and driving yourself if you are spending more than 2 days in Cappadocia.

If you’re short on time, it would be beneficial for you to book the Red and Green tours, as they take you to all the highlights.

You can get around Cappadocia by public transport (we did) but it was not an efficient use of time. The buses run every 20-30 minutes and they run on Turkish time, which means they show up when they feel like it.

The bus drivers also speak very little English and you may have to change buses (especially if you plan to go from Goreme to the underground cities ). It can take you up to an hour to reach each attraction on the bus, so you will need to allow at least 4-5 days in Cappadocia if you don’t drive.

We found we hiked to most places. You can easily hike to Uchisar from Goreme by passing through Love Valley and White Valley, and you can also hike to Cauvusin from Goreme through Red and Rose Valley. 

Tips for Visiting Cappadocia

To help you have the best trip to Cappadocia, here are a few words of advice:

• Go slow and don’t try to pack it all in. I know these itineraries are jam-packed, but you’re going to exhaust yourself trying to see every valley and do every hike . Take time to just wander the towns and soak in the atmosphere as well.
• Hire a car. It will honestly save you so much time and stress by doing everything yourself and driving.
• Download the MapsMe App. This is an offline satellite GPS and is perfect for those who are hiking as you can follow the trails offline. 
• Prepare for cold weather. Even in the summer, nights can be cold in Cappadocia. Pack warm clothing such as a jumper to wear in the evenings.
• Prepare for hot weather. Contrary to above, the daytime can be super hot because the landscape is all white and reflects the sun. Wear suncream and a sunhat. You’ll thank me later.
• Take out cash, as many places don’t accept credit cards.

Final Thoughts on Cappadocia Itinerary

So there you have it, this is how you can spend your days in Cappadocia, and as you can see, there is a LOT to see and do.

No matter how many days you plan to spend in Cappadocia, we know you will have a great trip.

Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

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Try this travel inspiration app for your next roadtrip

By Roadtrippers

Travel inspiration is the fuel that drives epic journeys. But how do you get inspired on where to go? 

There’s an app for that 🙂 Actually, there are several apps for that. The question is, how do you pick the best app for travel inspiration? After all, you don’t want FOMO on your trip — you want to know that your app of choice shows you all the things . Let’s dig into the pieces that make for the most inspiring app out there. 

As you might imagine…

Roadtrippers is a travel inspiration app. And yes, we think it’s pretty rad. But we’ll still talk about features of other apps and why we think the things we offer in-app are best for travel inspiration. Here it goes:

Travel inspiration apps need lots of locations

A travel app is only as good as the world it draws from. If you’re looking to get inspired for a trip to a particular region, it stands to reason that your chosen app should sift through many locations to help you find inspiration. Roadtrippers has more hotels, restaurants, popular attractions, museums, and quirky stops to choose from than most anyone else. We’re talking over 5 million locations featuring reviews from real humans, the ability to book things right in the app, and route planning that inspires new discoveries. 

No matter which app you choose — be sure it’s one that can inspire you with many options.

Stories inspire inspiration

How often have you been inspired to take a trip based on a friend’s experience? Our guess is quite often. Stories from others paint pictures of places in ways that make us want to go. That’s why you should look for a travel inspiration tool incorporating real-life journeys. The Roadtrippers Magazine is woven into our app for this reason. Whether you want to take a UFO-inspired road trip , follow in Guy Fieri’s footsteps , or go on other outlandish adventures, our quirky content guides and inspires. 

A few other apps do this too, but we don’t think you’ll beat us when it comes to storytelling over the road. 

Travel inspiration should be guided by real-life trips

Your trip should be fueled by real-life journeys taken by real humans. Autopilot is our trip-planning tool that’ll create a customized itinerary based on over 38 million trips that really happened. 

Simply answer a few questions, and it’ll create travel inspiration for you that’s easy to modify. 

Many apps can create a trip itinerary based on the quickest route, some cool stops, and other things. But we’re one of the few (and maybe even the only) that incorporates this deep human element. 

Camping, glamping, or hoteling 

What good is travel inspiration if the app you’re using only recommends hotels when you travel by RV ?

The best apps will ask how you travel to make the right recommendations. Roadtrippers does this, and you can even reserve certain spots within the app. 

The best travel inspiration apps ask for dates

How unfun it is when an app offers travel inspiration you love, only to discover that the attraction is closed or the event isn’t happening when you roll through.

That’s why the best travel inspiration apps let you input your trip dates and then dish up the inspiration accordingly.

You guessed it — Roadtrippers is big on this!

Get inspired together with trip collaboration

Trip planning is better when it’s a team effort. Roadtrippers is the only travel inspiration tool that lets you add collaborators to your trip and manage it with friends and family.  

Travel inspiration looks different for RVers than it does for other travelers. You need RV-specific routes, camping spots along the way, free overnight RV parking, and more. 

The Roadtrippers app plots RV travel that matches reality . We’re one of the few apps out there that cooks up the routes, campgrounds, and stops to fit the unique needs of a home on wheels. 

Cell coverage

Many people work remotely over the road. It’s a bummer to discover an epic destination only to realize you won’t have the cell coverage needed to get your work done.

A travel inspiration app like Roadtrippers features real data and real people’s reviews about cell coverage in an area so you can stay connected when discovering new places. 

Travel deals

Why not inspire some travel savings along the way? The best apps will show you ways to save dough on the trips they recommend. That’s why Roadtrippers actively works out exclusive discounts on gear, campgrounds, fuel, dump fees, and more.

Take travel inspiration for a test drive

Finding inspiration for your next road trip is a task made easier with apps designed to help. Like many travel planning tools, Roadtrippers offers a free trial so you can try it before you commit. Test it out to add a side of travel inspiration to your next road trip.

Meet the Author

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers helps you find the most epic destinations and detours—from roadside attractions to natural wonders and beyond.

Get the most inspiring stories from the road sent directly to your inbox.

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More From Forbes

Father’s day gift guide: the best travel gadgets and gifts for frequent-flying dads.

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These Father's Day gifts cover a range of ideas and prices.

Frequent flying dads have seen it all in their travels. If you want to surprise him with a gift that will improve his work trips or give him something more to look forward to when he returns home, here are some interesting Father’s Day gift ideas at all price ranges. Or if you’re feeling lucky, try entering these free travel contests for a surprise vacation that costs nothing at all.

Dollar Shave Club Electric Trimmers

These TSA-friendly items make a great gift for frequent-flying Dads.

Lightweight, but multi-purpose, these Dollar Shave electric trimmers are ideal for frequent travelers. The Double Header Electric Trimmer has multiple trimmers for beard and body while the 3-in-1 Freestyler Electric Trimmer/Razor has the Club Series 6 Blade razor plus adjustable trimmer guards that make this water-resistant tool great for every use when traveling. The best part is that both of these are priced below other high-end trimmers (both together are less than $100).

GPX FlexFan

FlexFan is a lightweight and strong portable fan.

Whether in the office, by the pool or attached to the beach chair, the GPX FlexFan is rechargeable and comes with tripod style legs. It can power up via a laptop or traditional outlet lasting 18 hours during a full charge. The quiet fan blast becomes surprising when you feel how strong it is. There is also a tilt function so that it gives a direct blast of air. It is a little too large for a briefcase (although it certainly fits), but it does make a great item to pack away and use when traveling or at home. For $20, this is a solid gift for the men in your life.

Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag

This durable duffel has leather accents and a modest brand tag. It fits in most carry-on sizers with ... [+] a little push.

Known for its wide range of apparel and travel gear, the Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag from Lands’ End is a great gift for Dads. It is stylish and durable with a large, interior compartment that can hold a lot from clothes to shoes. One large zippered opening makes it easy to fill it to the top for a quick trip. The leather accents give it an elegant look. This bag can be carried by its handles or swung over the shoulder with detachable, padded straps. There’s an internal mesh pocket that keeps certain items separated from the rest in this brown or navy bag.

Leather Honey Complete Leather Care Kit

Clean travel gear plus items at home with this convenient kit.

Frequent travel can scuff shoes, luggage, briefcases and belts. The Leather Honey Complete Leather Care Kit contains leather cleaner, conditioner and cloths that can smooth out any marks or lines on leather surfaces. It is also great for home or car care because it can remove marks on leather chairs, car seats and wallets. rom belts and shoes to wallets and briefcases, frequent travel can wreak havoc on leather with scratches and stains. The cleaning wipes have a textured surface on both sides to wipe away dirt. It even works on leather jackets and fake leather, too.

When Is The Voice Season 25 Finale All About The Star Studded Event

Sam altman apologizes to scarlett johansson over openai chatbot voice she called ‘eerily similar’ to hers, donald trump jr attends father s hush money trial as melania and ivanka avoid it here are the other trump allies in court, roborock s8 maxv ultra robot vacuum.

This is the most advanced robotic vacuum on the market.

Coming home from a long trip, the last thing people want to do is clean up dust and dirt that has gathered. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum is the most advanced on the market, and it can sync with a smartphone app that allows travelers to have it start cleaning their home even when they are far. It has a built-in voice activation system as well as a flexi-arm design to clean hard-to-reach spaces. This vacuum has an intelligent dirt detection system, which is a common complaint about other robot vacuums that need human intervention. There is also a hot water mop washing and heated air drying system, unheard of with robotic vacuums. The steep $1,800 price tag is steep, but it can quickly erase the need for housekeeping services while travelers are away and make up the price for itself.

Weber and TownePlace Suites by Marriott grill kits

Many items in these kits are complimentary for guests at TownePlace Suites by Marriott properties.

To celebrate its 500 th hotel opening , Marriott Bonvoy’s TownePlace Suites brand worked with TikTok grilling expert Darryl Postelnick and created a Dad-perfect barbecue grill kit with Weber utensils, grilling rubs and salts, and other ideal goodies for the perfect summer cookout. While these hotels have Weber Grills and all the cooking utensils you need, people can now purchase these kits to give as gifts . Order by June 10 to have it delivered in time for Father’s Day so that Dad has a gift to look forward to when he returns.

Minu Brightening Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This TSA-friendly size bottle has pigments of Iron Oxide and Mica to brighten the skin.

For Dads who spend a lot of time outdoors, Minu Brightening Sunscreen Minerals Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Gel-Cream is a great gift because of its all-mineral, all-natural ingredients. Using plant extracts, vitamins and peptides it doubles as a moisturizer while using light diffusing pigments for UV protection approved in the U.S. as well as Europe and Asia (where standards can be different). It’s not just watersports, beach time or backyard barbecues where sunscreen is key. But, daily sun exposure from walking to work or just going for a jog can put the skin at risk. This lotion has a universal tint that blends into the skin while feeling lightweight and refining skin imperfections.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Mix

Liquid I.V. now sports a new look and flavors.

With an updated look, new packaging and a new brand campaign, the popular Liquid I.V. electrolyte powder mix is a great gift for dads that travel a lot, enjoy having some down time on weekends or need a pre-work pick-me-up. There is a growing number of fruit flavors like passion fruit and white peach that give people the chance to customize hydration and energy boosts to their own palate. They come in multiple-count packs and use no artificial sweeteners.

Bug Bite Thing

This contraption is a great gift for those that spend a lot of time in nature.

This clever contraption immediately removes the stinger after a tick, mosquito or other insect bite to help avoid further irritation or itchiness. It’s the perfect gift for dads wanting to host a barbecue or who spend a lot of time outside. The brand recently launched an awareness campaign in honor of Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May to help people understand how ticks and other insects can transmit disease. The tweezers are easy to use and small enough to fit into a pocket to take for a hike or barbecue. It is also a great gift for pet owners, too. The device comes in multiple variations designed for different insect bite use, and this is the perfect summertime gift.

Old Spice toiletries for home and travel

Old Spice has a new line of toiletries and updated some of its original classics.

The well-known Old Spice brand has several new products for the season : Total Body Cream, Spray and Deodorant that is an all-purpose formula that works all over the body and the Swagger antiperspirant body spray, which has a cedarwood scent, but boasts a new look. Fans of Old Spice will also appreciate its new premium line of Shore Is Nice bar soap with 10 times more moisturizers than the average bar of soap with three tropical scents. These are great gifts for Dads for those that don’t want to spend a fortune of for men that don’t enjoy fancy lines of toiletry products. These are for every man, and the tried-and-tested scents have been a favorite for decades.

Luxury Scent Box subscription

These TSA-friendly fragrance samples are perfect for frequent travelers.

This fragrance subscription service is extremely popular with travelers, especially because they often get to sample and experience different colognes in duty-free shops and airport stores during their travels. But, carrying the larges bottles those stores sell is not an option in a carry-on bag. That’s why Luxury Scent Box (LUXSB) is up-ending the way people sample new fragrances and discover others they like. Members receive regular boxes with TSA-friendly, travel-sized spray bottles to refill with your favorite scent. If you find one of the 800 designer fragrances you like, you can also order a full-sized bottle.

Among the newest additions are Mancera Amore Caffe eau de parfum with notes of coffee, amaretto liquor, vanilla ice cream, speculoos (like those famous Biscoff cookies) and brown sugar, a highly popular scent. Another are the raspberry royale and French black pepper fragrance from Michel Germain and two eau de parfum fragrances from MEMO Paris. One is the Cappadocia scent with floral and woodsy notes, and the other is Inverness with cedarwood and sandalwood scents. These unisex scents are great for Father’s Day, but if you want to give the gift that keeps on giving, the subscription is an entertaining idea.

Affordable, but unique, wines from around the world

Each bottle retails for between $20-27 making them an affordable gift.

After a long trip, give Dad some of his favorite libations to enjoy with loved ones or just a good book. Finding the perfect bottle of wine can be hard, which is why relying on expert advice can be key when looking for a bottle that is not overpriced. Kobrand Fine Wine and Spirits sources unique and eclectic wine labels (among other beverages like sake and spirits to help buyers make the right choice.

Among their latest finds are Bodega Norton Reserva Chardonnay with notes of citrus fruits, green apple and marzipan. From Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand, Craggy Range Single Vineyard Te Kahu is a Bordeaux blend with flavors of cassis, black olive. and dried tobacco. This Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Chateau la Nerthe Les Cassagnes Côte Du Rhône Rouge 2021) has black current and pepper flavors while the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 has its own rich cassis and berry overtones. All of these retail for between $20-27 making for a great gift.

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• Entertainment
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• 5 best day trips from Seattle, chosen by our food and film critics

Dinner at a Movie started out with Seattle Times food critic Bethany Jean Clement and film critic Moira Macdonald testing out Seattle-area cinemas that also offer food (and drink!). As the series has continued, our D.A.A.M. duo has valiantly taken on arduous day-trip research: outings via ferry rides, Amtrak or not-too-far drives with dinner and a movie waiting on the other side. And for summertime, there’s the tremendous bonus of an interval of movie-theater air conditioning — making a Dinner at a Movie day trip the best possible kind.

Here are five of Bethany and Moira’s very favorite day trips … so far. Click on each name for their full report.

McMenamins Olympic Club in Centralia: Turns out that taking the train to an incredibly charming historic Centralia hotel that houses a theater with velvet love seats plus a marvelously old-timey saloon is a perfect Seattle day trip — see full report on this page for all the details . (112 N. Tower Ave., Centralia; 360-736-5164; mcmenamins.com/olympic-club; amtrak.com )

The Starlight Room and Finistère in Port Townsend: First, the ferry to super-picturesque Port Townsend. Then a film at a theater featuring prosecco, plush couches, crystal chandeliers, and mountain and water views through huge windows of wavy antique glass. Finally, dinner at pretty Finistère (or your choice of other nice local spots). This one’s tied with the train to Centralia for best-ever day trip. (The Starlight Room at the Rose Theatre: 235 Taylor St., Port Townsend, 360-385-1089,  rosetheatre.com ; Finistère: 1025 Lawrence St., Port Townsend, 360-344-8127,  restaurantfinistere.com ; wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries )

The Grand Cinema and Red Star Taco Bar in Tacoma: We loved seeing a movie at Tacoma’s nonprofit Grand Cinema, a movie-lover’s clubhouse in a grand old brick building that happens to have fantastic A/C. And the Grand has its own official Dinner and a Movie deal with nearby Red Star Taco Bar, which happens to include two of their excellent margarita slushies. (The Grand Cinema: 606 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253-593-4474,  grandcinema.com ; Dinner and a Movie deal at grandcinema.com/dinner-movie )

The Edmonds Theater and  Daphnes in Edmonds: For a quicker field trip, head to Edmonds’ lovely classic moviehouse (now a century old) and duck into the tiny, terrifically charming bar Daphnes next door for drinks and a snack (or if it’s packed, take your pick of other places all around the sweet little downtown). (Edmonds Theater: 415 Main St., Edmonds, 425-778-4554, theedmondstheater.com ; Daphnes: 415 ½ Main St., Edmonds, drinkatdaphnesbar.com )

The Anderson School Theater in Bothell: It’s fun to explore the campus of this McMenamins compound in Bothell — gardens, a classic brick school converted into a hotel, seven eating-and-drinking venues with seating both indoors and out — and the movie theater’s all decked out with vintage circus posters and chandeliers. For being not too far-flung, a visit here feels like a legitimate getaway. (18607 Bothell Way N.E., Bothell;  mcmenamins.com )

Guide to a great Seattle summer in 2024

• Dinner at a Movie takes the best-ever Seattle summertime day trip 
• Seattle Shakespeare in the park and more outdoor performances in summer 2024
• 8 essential things to do during summer in Seattle 

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• Gold Creek Pond may close for years for environmental restoration project
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Understanding the refugee experience, through a time-traveling British colonizer

B.A. Parker

Christina Cala

Courtney Stein

Xavier Lopez

Lori Lizarraga

Veralyn Williams

Dalia Mortada

Author Kailene Bradley poses next to the cover of her recent book, The Ministry of Time Author headshot via publisher hide caption

Author Kailene Bradley poses next to the cover of her recent book, The Ministry of Time

This week Code Switch digs into The Ministry of Time , a new book that author Kailene Bradley describes as a romance about imperialism. It focuses on real-life colonizer Graham Gore, who was a Victorian polar explorer that died on a doomed Arctic expedition in 1847. But in this novel, Gore doesn't die. Instead, the British government has developed the ability to time travel and brings him from the Arctic into the 21st century. It's here that Gore is confronted with the fact that everyone he's ever known and loved is dead, that the British Empire has collapsed, and that he was perhaps he was not as good a person as he thought himself to be.

Bradley hopes that through this love story readers walk away understanding that anyone is capable of change, "for the better, [but] also for the worse. You can even take a colonist...who can look critically at his role and reconsider it."

This episode was engineered by Josephine Nyounai.

• romance novels
• colonialism
• time travel
• Immigration

Brake For It

The Best Travel Vans Make Life On The Road Fun And Easy

Posted: July 4, 2023 | Last updated: July 4, 2023

Embarking on a road trip in a travel van is a magical experience. Since those who choose to go on such a journey will spend hours in their travel van, it's crucial to pick the right vehicle tailored to their needs.

Travel vans come in all shapes and sizes. These are some of the best picks, ranging from timeless classics made by some of the world's most legendary automakers to high-tech motorhomes built by niche companies you may have never heard of before.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter

There's a great reason why nomads flock to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter when picking a van to convert into a camper. This van is both versatile and more luxurious than any of its competitors, also allowing plenty of room for customization.

The possible configurations of the Sprinter are virtually endless, with spacious interiors to accommodate a kitchenette, bathroom, sleeping quarters, and ample storage for all passengers. Its advanced suspension and responsive steering ensure a smooth ride, even for the longest journeys.

Fiat Ducato

Many petrolheads in the US may not be aware of the Fiat Ducato. This European commercial van is known for its reliability and durability, with a robust build quality that withstands the demands of travel. It also offers a range of safety features, such as stability control, traction control, and advanced braking systems to ensure a safe driving experience.

Driving the Fiat Ducato is comfortable and easy, with a well-designed cabin that provides good visibility and ergonomic controls. It offers a smooth and stable ride, making it suitable for various road conditions. Plenty of space makes the Ducato perfect for travel van conversions.

Ford 4x4 Earth Roamer

This may just be the ultimate travel van for anyone who wants to explore the world beyond paved roads. Built on the platform of a Ford F-550 truck, the Earth Roamer combines luxury with exceptional off-roading capabilities.

The EarthRoamer features a spacious interior with sleeping quarters, a fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom, and ample storage for gear and supplies. Solar power and freshwater tanks makes living off the grid an absolute breeze. The travel van's 4x4 drivetrain, a lifted suspension, and massive tires ensure that the Earth Roamer is able to go anywhere.

Volkswagen Transporter T4

The Volkswagen Transporter series is truly legendary among van and camping enthusiasts alike, and the T4 is no exception. Built throughout the 1990s and the early 2000s, the T4 quickly became known for its durability and versatility.

This generation of the Transporter is also a favorite among self-campervan conversions. A spacious interior allows for endless customization, while the compact size ensures maximum maneuverability. If planned out well, travelers can easily fit a well-equipped kitchenette into this van.

GMC Savana Explorer

The Explorer is one of the most popular camper van conversions on the market today. Built on the chassis of a regular GMC Savana, this upscale travel van features a wide array of features and amenities to provide the most comfortable experience for all occupants.

The interior is designed with comfort in mind, thanks to plush seating, the use of high-quality materials, and ample space for passengers. It often includes captain's chairs, power-reclining seats, and customizable seating configurations. Some of the onboard amenities include a kitchenette area with a refrigerator, microwave, and sink, as well as a bathroom compartment with a toilet and sink.

Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi

The VW Type 2 is another classic automotive icon. This van became an instant hit ever since its debut back in the 1950s. Today, it can serve as a retro alternative that's much more unique than most modern campervans.

The Type 2 Kombi is an excellent pick for a camper van conversion. Similar to the previously mentioned T4, the Kombi provides a perfect mix of a spacious interior and a compact size. What's more, the Type 2 Kombi is powered by a classic air-cooled motor, the same one found in old Beetles and even Porsche 911s.

Toyota ProAce

When it comes to reliability, you simply cannot go wrong with a Toyota. The automaker's renowned quality and durability are some of the main reasons why buyers choose this small van as their base for a self-made travel van conversion.

Inside the Proace, you'll find a spacious interior that can easily be turned into a comfy living space, maximizing comfort and functionality. The Proace offers smart storage solutions, ensuring plenty of space for personal belongings. Driving it is an absolute joy, thanks to its responsive handling and smooth ride.

EarthCruiser EXP

The EarthCruiser EXP is a popular overland RV built on the Isuzu NPS truck chassis. It offers impressive off-road capabilities and a comfortable living space for extended adventures.

One of the standout features of the EarthCruiser EXP is its off-grid capabilities. Equipped with solar panels, ample battery storage, and freshwater tanks, it allows for self-sufficient living in remote locations. It also offers additional features like a diesel-powered heater, air conditioning, and various optional upgrades to tailor the vehicle to individual needs. It really is the ideal pick for buyers looking for an overland travel van that can go anywhere.

Ford Transit Nugget Westfalia

The Transit Nugget Westfalia was developed as a joint venture between Ford and Westfalia, a renowned camper van manufacturer. This compact travel van is built on a Ford Transit, one of the most reliable and practical utility vans in the world.

Some of the key features of the Transit Nugget Westfalia include a pop-top roof for added headroom, a kitchenette, and a dining area that can quickly be converted into a sleeping space.

Volkswagen Crafter

The Volkswagen Crafter is yet another commercial vehicle that is perfect for travel van conversions. It offers a selection of efficient diesel engines to choose from, providing a balance of power and fuel economy.

The Crafter also comes equipped with many modern safety features, including stability control, traction control, and a range of driver assistance systems. The driving experience is comfortable and enjoyable, with a well-designed cabin and ergonomic controls. It offers a smooth ride and good handling, making it suitable for long journeys and various road conditions.

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes Benz is famous for its luxurious, high-quality products. The same goes even for the automaker's commercial vans, making the Vito a solid pick for travelers looking for an upscale travel van.

The Vito's stylish design and sophisticated features make it stand out against most competitors. After all, who wouldn't want a refined travel experience? This van is also equipped with advanced safety features and innovative technologies to make every journey safe and enjoyable.

Nissan NV300

The Nissan NV300 is a versatile commercial van that offers a solid foundation for customization, particularly for travel van conversions. The NV300 provides a spacious interior that can be transformed into a comfortable living space with endless personalized layouts.

The NV300 is equipped with efficient diesel engines, providing reliable performance and good fuel economy for longer trips. The model is the perfect choice for buyers looking for a smaller van that can easily be maneuvered around busy cities.

Opel Movano

The Opel Movano is a popular commercial van that offers versatility and practicality ideal for campervan conversions. The Movano, also sold as the Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano in different markets, provides a spacious and customizable platform for creating a comfortable living space on the road.

As a campervan conversion, the Opel Movano can feature a range of amenities depending on the customization. This can include a sleeping area, a kitchenette with cooking facilities, storage cabinets, and a seating/dining area. The Movano's generous cargo space allows for flexibility in interior layout design tailored to individual needs.

Chevrolet G30

The Chevrolet G30 is another old-school American van that doubles as a fantastic platform for campervan conversions. Its spacious interior, robust build, engine options, customization potential, availability of parts, and affordability all make the G30 a solid pick for a travel van.

The van easily handles the conversion components' weight with ease, thanks to one of the optional V8 motors under the hood. The G30's flexibility allows for a personalized interior design tailored to specific needs. The wide availability of parts and service centers simplifies maintenance. Furthermore, its affordability makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a cost-effective campervan.

Piaggio Ape Micro Campervan

This may not be the ideal pick for travelers looking for the most spacious travel van on the market. If having plenty of space is not your main concern, this cute Piaggio may be the perfect choice.

The Ape Micro Campervan is a stylish retro travel van built on a little three-wheeler. Its compact size makes it ideal for roaming around cities and narrow roads. However, it's important to note that its limited interior space is certainly not for everyone.

Volkswagen T1

Here is a real blast from the past. The Volkswagen T1 exudes timeless charm, unmatched nostalgia, and a sense of adventure. This iconic van is a symbol of freedom on the open road. Buyers in the market for a classic travel van should look no further.

With its spacious interior, the T1 offers endless possibilities for creative campervan layouts, providing cozy sleeping areas, compact kitchens, and clever storage solutions. Famous for its robust engineering, the T1 delivers reliable performance and enduring reliability, making it an ideal travel companion for epic journeys. Whether embarking on a weekend getaway or a globe-trotting expedition, the Volkswagen T1 captures the hearts of campervan fans, offering a vintage-inspired platform to create unforgettable memories on the road.

Renault Traffic Spacenomad

Even the name of this travel van is cool. The Renault Traffic Spacenomad is a sought-after camper built on the Renault Traffic line, a reliable, compact commercial van. Its modern style, ingenious design, and practicality cause travelers to flock to this model.

This Spacenomad travel van conversion boasts a cleverly utilized interior, making the most of its compact size. The camper offers comfortable sleeping areas, well-equipped kitchenettes, and plenty of spacious storage compartments. The Renault Traffic Spacenomad combines functionality with contemporary aesthetics, showcasing sleek lines and sleek finishes. Thanks to its small size, the Traffic is ideal for navigating busy cities.

Volkswagen Transporter California 6.1

The Volkswagen Transporter California 6.1 offers a harmonious blend of functionality, comfort, and iconic style. With its thoughtfully designed interior, the California 6.1 presents endless possibilities for creative campervan layouts.

This travel van comes with a cozy sleeping area, a well-equipped kitchenette, and smart storage solutions throughout the vehicle. Volkswagen is renowned for its build quality, and this camper van is no exception. The California 6.1 delivers reliable performance and exceptional durability on the road.

Mercedes-Benz Bimobil

This intimidating travel van is ideal for travelers who want to explore the world beyond paved roads. Although it's built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter commercial van, the Bimobil is anything but your ordinary city van.

The Bimobil combines Mercedes' elegance, versatility, impressive off-roading capabilities, and meticulous craftsmanship. Step inside its thoughtfully designed interior, where comfort and practicality come together seamlessly. High clearance and off-road tires make the Bimobil the perfect pick for road trips off the beaten path.

Winnebago Travato

The Winnebago Travato is the perfect choice for travelers who don't want to spend time carefully designing the layout of their travel van. This exceptional travel van combines compact size with impressive functionality.

Inside the Travato, you'll find a thoughtfully designed interior that maximizes space and comfort. It features clever storage solutions, allowing you to stow all your belongings. The Travato is equipped with modern amenities, including a functional kitchenette, a compact bathroom, and advanced entertainment systems to enhance your journey. Built on a reliable Ram ProMaster chassis, the Travato provides a smooth and responsive driving experience.

Iveco Daily

The Iveco Daily is an exceptional choice when it comes to travel vans, offering a myriad of features that make it a great companion for any adventure. First and foremost, its spacious and well-designed interior provides ample room for both passengers and cargo, allowing you to travel comfortably while still having enough space to store your belongings.

Whether you're embarking on a road trip or a long-term journey, the Daily offers versatility and practicality with its flexible seating configurations and numerous storage compartments. One of the standout features of the Iveco Daily is its powerful and efficient engine options, which provide a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Whether you're traversing challenging terrains or cruising along the open highway, the Daily's reliable engine ensures reliable performance, allowing you to confidently tackle any journey.

Volkswagen ID Buzz

This futuristic travel van is the polar opposite of the previously mentioned T1. The ID Buzz is a highly anticipated electric vehicle that draws inspiration from the iconic Volkswagen Type 2. It's essentially an homage to the classic VW van in the 21st century!

The ID Buzz represents Volkswagen's vision for the future of mobility. It combines the classic design elements of the Type 2 with modern technologies and sustainable electric power. The ID Buzz promises an emission-free driving experience with a spacious interior, versatile seating arrangements, and advanced connectivity features. With its retro-modern aesthetic and eco-friendly approach, the Volkswagen ID Buzz is easily one of the coolest campervans on the market.

Chevrolet Express

The Chevrolet Express is a versatile and reliable full-size commercial van that is often used as a base for campervan conversions. Its compact size makes it easier to maneuver than full-size RVs without sacrificing comfort.

The Express prioritizes safety, with features such as stability control, traction control, and available rearview cameras. It also offers optional advanced safety technologies to enhance driver awareness and security.

Peugeot Partner

The Partner is a compact van that has been sold by the French automaker ever since the mid-1990s. The tiny size of this van makes it ideal for navigating around busy cities and has enough space for a comfortable travel van conversion.

The latest third generation of the Partner is offered with a selection of petrol and diesel motors. Buyers can also choose between a 6-speed automatic and a 5-speed stick shift for that classic driving experience.

Ford Transit Mark 1

Originally introduced in 1965, the MK1 Ford Transit became a popular choice for campervan conversions due to its solid build quality, practicality, and relatively spacious interior. Its boxy shape and large cargo area provide plenty of room for creative customization.

Travelers are able to include well-equipped kitchenettes in their travel van conversions, as well as plenty of storage compartments. The Mark 1 Ford Transit's reliability and ease of maintenance made it a favorite among DIY campervan builders.

Volkswagen Devon

The Volkswagen Devon holds a special place in the world of campervan enthusiasts, all because of its iconic design. The Devon conversion is typically based on the Volkswagen T2 or T25 models.

The compact size of the Devon makes it easy to maneuver and park, ideal for both urban and countryside explorations. With Volkswagen's reputation for quality and craftsmanship, the Devon conversion ensures a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. It captures the spirit of adventure and freedom, allowing travelers to embark on memorable journeys in a unique German style.

Opel Vivaro

Built on the same platform as the Renault Trafic and Nissan NV300, the Opel Vivaro provides a solid foundation for campervan conversions. Its spacious interior offers plenty of room for comfortable sleeping areas, kitchenettes, and loads of creative storage solutions.

The Opel Vivaro boasts reliable performance thanks to its range of efficient diesel engines. It is suitable for both urban and long-distance adventures thanks to its compact size. The Vivaro's sturdy construction and advanced safety features ensure a secure and enjoyable travel experience.

Citroen Jumpy

The Citroën Jumpy is a compelling option for those seeking a travel van that excels in practicality and efficiency. With its compact size and nimble handling, the Jumpy offers exceptional maneuverability, making it well-suited for urban explorations and narrow roads. Its fuel-efficient engine options help to minimize costs and extend your adventures on a single tank.

The Jumpy's interior boasts clever storage solutions, allowing you to efficiently organize your gear and essentials for the journey. Its comfortable seating arrangements and ergonomic design contribute to a pleasant travel experience, whether you're embarking on short trips or long-haul expeditions. Plenty of modern safety features make driving the Jumpy a breeze, especially on longer trips.

Renault Kangoo e-Tech

This little van is ideal for travelers looking to build an electric-powered camper van. The Kangoo e-Tech is an electric variant of the French utility vehicle, which is offered either in a commercial or passenger configuration right out of the factory.

Some of the unique features of this electric van include a regenerative braking system that helps to maximize energy efficiency and extend the driving range. Although the van is quite small, there is certainly enough room for a clever campervan conversion that can cozily accommodate two travelers.

Peugeot Expert

The Peugeot Expert is another compact commercial van that is the ideal base for travel van conversions. With its stylish and contemporary design, the Expert stands out on the road while providing excellent maneuverability and easy handling.

Inside the Expert, you'll find a spacious and well-thought-out interior that can be tailored to your needs. The versatile seating configurations allow for easy conversion between seating and cargo space. The Expert comes powered by a fuel-efficient diesel motor, ensuring the highest fuel economy to help cut down the costs of each trip.

Ford Tourneo

The Ford Tourneo is a compact van that makes a great base for campervan conversions for travelers who don't require loads of space. The cozy interior can be customized to comfortably accommodate two people, as well as plenty of cargo space.

One of the engine options available for the Tourneo is the EcoBlue diesel engine. This advanced engine combines high efficiency with impressive torque delivery, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The EcoBlue engine is extremely fuel-efficient, too.

Winnebago Outlook

This list certainly could not be complete without at least one proper class C motorhome. The Winnebago Outlook is a giant RV that's big enough for a lengthy road trip with the entire family. Inside, you'll find a spacious interior with a living area that offers comfortable seating. The fully equipped kitchen allows for convenient meal preparation, and the sleeping arrangements cater to various needs, ensuring a restful night's sleep for everyone.

The Outlook is built on a reliable Ford E-Series chassis, providing a smooth and stable ride. With powerful engine options and advanced safety features, you can embark on your journeys with confidence and peace of mind.

Fiat Talento

The Fiat Talento is a reliable option for travel van enthusiasts. Sharing a platform with the Renault Trafic and the previously mentioned Opel Vivaro, the Talento provides a strong foundation for campervan conversions. Its compact interior is big enough to design creative layouts, including sleeping areas and kitchenettes.

Equipped with efficient diesel engines, the Talento delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Fiat's commitment to quality ensures that the Talento provides a dependable and enjoyable campervan experience.

Citroen e-Berlingo

The e-Berlingo is a compact utility vehicle that can easily be turned into a cozy camper van. This little van is offered either in a commercial or passenger configuration; travelers who wish to convert one into a travel van should opt for the commercial variant.

The e-Berlingo is equipped with an electric motor and a large battery, providing a solid driving range. With convenient charging options, you can recharge the battery at home or at public charging stations.

Renault Master

The Renault Master is a practical commercial van that combines functionality with comfort. With its generous cargo space and clever storage solutions, the Master offers plenty of room for equipment and supplies. Many buyers in Europe choose the Master for a self-made camper van conversion as the van is practical, spacious, and relatively affordable.

Driving the Renault Master is as comfortable as a van can get. The vehicle features a range of efficient engines to pick from, as well as advanced safety features.

Mercedes Benz Marco Polo

If you don't want to go through the hassle of buying a Mercedes Benz Sprinter and having to convert it into a travel van yourself, the German automaker has another solution. The Marco Polo is a travel van that comes in a travel van configuration right out of the factory. It's based on a Mercedes-Benz Vito.

The Marco Polo offers a premium camping experience. Its elegant exterior and high-quality interior materials create a refined and upscale atmosphere. Inside, you'll find a well-designed living area with a fully equipped kitchenette, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and smart storage solutions. Key features include a pop-up roof and a modern entertainment system.

Mercedes Benz Viano

The Mercedes-Benz Viano is a luxurious passenger van that can easily be converted into a motorhome. Like the rest of the Mercedes Benz lineup, this vehicle offers a refined experience complete with maximum comfort and advanced features.

With its elegant design and high-quality craftsmanship, the Viano provides a sophisticated travel experience for those seeking both style and functionality on the road. There's also enough room for endless interior layouts, suited ideally to the buyers' individual needs.

Volkswagen Caddy

The Volkswagen Caddy is a compact van that offers versatility and functionality in a compact package, making it the perfect choice for a travel van conversion. With its stylish design and smart features, the Caddy is a great pick for urban explorations and everyday adventures.

Its spacious interior provides ample room for passengers and cargo, while the configurable seating options allow for easy customization. The Caddy offers a comfortable and smooth ride thanks to its efficient engines and responsive handling. Whether you're running errands or embarking on a road trip, the Volkswagen Caddy is a reliable and compact travel companion that combines practicality and style.

Ford Transit Connect

Much like the previously mentioned Renault Kangoo or the Citroen e-Berlingo, the Ford Transit Connect is ideal for buyers in the market for a small van to convert into a camper. This little utility truck is perfect to drive around busy cities while also being practical enough for longer journeys.

Once the original interior is stripped and ready for the self-made conversion, you'll realize how spacious the Transit Connect really is. There's enough space for two people to sleep and dine in relatively comfortably.

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Frontier, Spirit Airlines change fee policies as potentially record-breaking summer travel season begins

Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines both made changes you should know about.

On Friday, Frontier Airlines introduced four new fare classes: basic, economy, premium and business.

The highest three fare classes now offer no change or cancellation fees when making travel modifications, other than the fare difference. Passengers will get a future flight credit with the airline when canceling a trip.

For the basic fare option, there will still be a $99 cancellation fee and a $49-$99 change-flight fee.

Shortly after Frontier’s announcement, Spirit Airlines announced the airline had gotten rid of change and cancellation fees.

Previously, travel modifications cost passengers as much as $119.

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Rival airlines — like United Airlines and Delta Airlines — got rid of these types of fees during the COVID-19 pandemic for most fare types.

So what caused these budget airlines to change their policies? Profitability may be one factor.

In April, the Department of Transportation ruled that U.S. airlines must disclose “junk fees”. Under the rule, airlines must tell customers about bag fees, cancellation fees, and change fees upfront.

“DOT’s new rule will save passengers over half a billion dollars a year in unnecessary or unexpected fees by holding airlines accountable for being transparent with their customers,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a press release .

However, that ruling has been challenged by major airlines who are suing the Department of Transportation.

This all comes as travel is ramping up for summer.

The Transportation Security Administration wrote in a press release that it’s preparing for “the highest passenger volumes the agency has seen at airport security checkpoints nationwide during this summer’s travel season”.

The agency expects to screen more than 18 million people from May 23 to 29 this year, a 6.4% increase from the same period last year.

@scrippsnews ✈️ Are you traveling anywhere this summer? These two #airlines have new policies that you may want to consider when booking your next #flight . #travel #frontierairlines #spiritairlines #news ♬ original sound - Scripps News

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Memorial Day Sales 2024

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AAA: 2024 Memorial Day weekend could break travel records

NORTH ALABAMA (WHNT) — The unofficial start to summer is just a few days away, and the American Automobile Association, or AAA, expects a major weekend for air travel and road trips this Memorial Day.

“We think it’ll be very close to the busiest Memorial Day weekend of all time (which was in 2005) when we had 44 million,” AAA Alabama Spokesperson Clay Ingram said.

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According to the association, most people will start their holiday weekend on Thursday.

“It’s going to be busy on the roads,” Ingram said. “It’s going to be really busy in the airports.”

For those planning to hit the road or board a plane this weekend, here’s what you need to know.

Airports across the country are bracing for another spike in travelers.

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AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8 percent over last year and a 9 percent jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005 when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post-9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, the association says air ticket prices are comparable to last year.

“You might want to get there 3-31/2 hours early…maybe rather than the standard two hours early just to be sure you don’t miss out,” Ingram said.

AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9 percent higher than in 2019.

If you’re traveling on the roads, prepare to hit traffic. Ingram recommends avoiding speeding and weaving in and out of traffic.

“We did a study a couple of years ago that showed you could save as much as 33% of your fuel expense by switching from a very aggressive driver to being a very conservative driver,” Ingram stated.

AAA says this year’s Memorial Day weekend travel exceeds pre-pandemic levels. The association says this signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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