This is one Turkish delight that actually deserves the hype

What began as a series of volcanic ash explosions hundreds of years ago have now transformed Cappadocia into a magical landscape full of fairy chimneys and rock formations that you simply have to see to believe – and we can’t forget about the hot air balloons. Rising into the sky effortlessly, these giant, floating wonders give the region a dreamy atmosphere no Instagram post or highlight reel will ever do justice. From tasting traditional Turkish flavours with a local family to walking through an underground city and taking in the breathtaking sight of the Goreme mountains, this is one adventure you’ll never want to wake up from. 

Our Cappadocia tours & holidays 

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This 15-day Premium tour takes you into the ancient heart of Turkey. Begin and end in...

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Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

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Experience the best of Turkey and Greece on this two-week adventure. Visit world-famous...

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Travel through Turkey and Northern Cyprus, beginning in eclectic Istanbul and visiting...

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Enjoy a thrilling tour of Eastern Europe from Romania to Turkey through Bulgaria.

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Enjoy a thrilling tour of Eastern Europe from Romania to Turkey through Bulgaria.

Things to do in Cappadocia 

Woman looking off into the distance on a hot air balloon among other hot air balloons in Cappadocia

See Cappadocia from up high on a hot air balloon ride

Loved the world over by influencers hoping to get that perfect ‘instagrammable’ pic, taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia has arguably become what this mystical region is most known for. After all, there’s nothing quite like watching hundreds of balloons take to the skies around you as the sun’s rays illuminate a new day. Unforgettable doesn’t even begin to describe this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

A group of laughing women sitting around a table in a local home

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal with a local family

One of the perks of travelling to Turkey is the mouth-watering food waiting for you at every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From a steaming plate of menemen to wake you up in the morning to the sweet and sticky flavours of baklava for dessert, Turkish cuisine is among the best in the world, especially when made by the hands of a local from recipes that have been preserved and treasured over generations. 

Man bending over to walk through an underground tunnel in Cappadocia

Walk the region’s underground cities

Just as captivating as its aboveground counterpart, the underground cities of Cappadocia (there are about 200 of them) promise to have you utterly transfixed and eternally fascinated. Whether you’re exploring Ozkonak, a city hollowed out of tufa rock thousands of years ago or wandering the tunnels of Kaymakli four levels below ground, knowing people used to live within these dirt walls will blow your mind. 

A deep valley in the surrounding Goreme mountains in Cappadocia

Hike through the Goreme mountains

While Cappadocia might be the main event, the surrounding landscape of Goreme is well worth your time and energy thanks to the myriad of walking trails snaking their way through the nearby mountain ranges. Your local leader will know all of the best trails (with the best views) so leave the fairy chimneys and underground cities behind and pull on your hiking boots for a morning spent in the hills. 

Cappadocia tour reviews 

Cappadocia FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Cappadocia is one of the most travelled to regions in Turkey so thankfully it's easy to get there with flights and public transportation options available in the form of bus and train services. The best way to get to the mythical destination depends on your budget and travel timeline with flying being the quickest option. There are multiple flights that operate daily from Istanbul to the two closest airports in Cappadocia, Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). However, it takes a further 37 minutes and 1 hour from each airport respectively to get into the heart of Cappadocia. Bus and train services will obviously take you a bit longer but are great budget-conscious and comfortable options. 

Cappadocia is perfectly safe to travel to as there are no obvious political or security threats in the main tourist areas. This is largely due to the Turkish government's focus on the region as being a major drawcard for international travellers. However, the same general safety rules apply when travelling; go out in groups or as a pair after dark, stick to well-lit and populated streets/areas, and be aware of your belongings at all times. 

Cappadocia experiences a continental climate of hot, dry, and sunny summers and cold winters (even with the occasional snowfall) making the summer months of June, July, and August the most popular time to travel to the breathtaking region. Average summer temperatures reach into the 30°Cs, while the average winter temperatures can lower to a chilly 5°C so keep this in mind when planning out your trip itinerary and pack accordingly. Even in summer, the temperatures can drop significantly so make sure you pack clothes for all seasons. 

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel

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