5 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul by Bus
When long weekends aren’t long enough, this 5-day bus tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia makes every hour count. Without the need for flights, you’ll travel comfortably overnight and wake up surrounded by surreal rock formations and hidden valleys. The itinerary balances guided experiences—like underground cities, canyon walks, and ancient cave villages—with free time to soak in local culture or add a sunrise balloon flight.
- Covers all major Cappadocia tours: Red, Yellow & Green
- 2 free days for balloon rides, village visits, or personal exploration
- Round-trip overnight bus travel – no need for domestic flights
- Ideal for budget travelers and slow-paced explorers
- Includes accommodation, tours, transfers, and meals during tours
- Round-trip overnight bus tickets (Istanbul – Cappadocia – Istanbul)
- 4 nights hotel accommodation in Cappadocia with breakfast
- Guided Red, Yellow, and Green Cappadocia tours
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- All museum and site entrance tickets
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off for tours in Cappadocia
- Lunch during tours
- Dinners and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Bus station transfers in Istanbul
5 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul by Overnight Bus
🚌 Departure from Istanbul by Overnight Bus
20:30 – Intercity Bus Departure: Your Cappadocia journey starts from Istanbul Main Bus Terminal. Please note that hotel transfers in Istanbul are not included. You may arrive at the terminal on your own or request a transfer at an additional cost.
Overnight Ride: The bus ride lasts around 11 hours and includes rest stops for personal needs.
Overnight on the bus.
Day 1 – Arrival & Yellow (South) Cappadocia Tour
07:00 – Arrival in Cappadocia: Upon arrival at the bus terminal, you’ll have time for breakfast near the station (not included).
10:15 – Tour Pick-up: Your local guide will meet you, and the full-day Yellow Tour begins.
- Rose & Red Valleys: Hike through pastel-colored trails surrounded by fairy chimneys and ancient churches.
- Çavuşin Village: Visit a quiet village with remarkable rock-carved homes and a historic church overlooking the valley.
- Özkonak Underground City: Discover secret passageways and defensive systems used by early Christian communities.
- Pigeon Valley: Stop at the scenic viewpoint filled with dovecotes carved into volcanic rock.
- Ortahisar Panorama: Admire the imposing rock citadel and the charming town below.
17:00 – Tour Ends: Transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 2 – Free Day in Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon Flight
The price of the hot air balloon flight is not included in this package. You can add it optionally if you want to experience the incredible sunrise view over Cappadocia.
Hot Air Balloon Watching
If you prefer to stay on the ground but still want to capture amazing photos of the balloons floating over the fairy chimneys, join our hot air balloon watching tour.
Explore at Your Own Pace: This day is all yours. Wander around local towns, visit museums, enjoy the view, or book optional tours such as horseback riding, ATV safari, or Turkish night shows.
Optional Experiences:
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight over the valleys (extra cost)
- Local carpet workshops and wine tasting tours
- Relax at a Turkish bath (Hamam)
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 3 – Green Cappadocia Tour
09:30 – Hotel Pick-up: Begin the day with a scenic drive to the southernmost valleys of Cappadocia.
- Pigeon Valley Viewpoint: A tranquil start with panoramic views of the valley dotted with pigeon houses.
- Derinkuyu Underground City: Explore Cappadocia’s deepest underground refuge with multiple levels, tunnels, and air shafts.
- Ihlara Valley: A lush canyon walk along the Melendiz River lined with cave churches and natural beauty.
- Belisırma Village: Enjoy a riverside lunch in this peaceful village nestled in Ihlara Valley.
- Selime Monastery: Visit a rock-carved monastic complex with chapels, a kitchen, and breathtaking views.
17:00 – Return to Hotel: Transfer back for a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 4 – Another Free Day in Cappadocia
Enjoy a Second Day of Freedom: Take your time to discover more of Cappadocia’s wonders or relax at your hotel. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a slower travel pace or book last-minute activities.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5 – Red (North) Cappadocia Tour & Return to Istanbul
09:30 – Hotel Pick-up: Your final day begins with a full-day North Cappadocia tour.
- Devrent Valley: A surreal wonderland of animal-shaped rock formations formed by natural erosion.
- Pasabag Open Air Museum: See the famous multi-headed fairy chimneys and hermitages carved into stone pillars.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Explore an ancient troglodyte village with tunnels, churches, and homes abandoned in the 1950s.
- Avanos Pottery Workshop: Witness local pottery-making traditions dating back to the Hittite period.
- Goreme Panorama: Capture the postcard-perfect view over the unique rock formations of the region.
- Uchisar Castle (Photo Stop): Take in the panoramic views from Cappadocia’s highest point.
17:00 – End of Tour: Transfer to the bus station.
20:00 – Overnight Bus to Istanbul: Return journey begins.
Overnight on the bus.
🚌 Next Morning – Arrival in Istanbul
08:00 – Arrival at Istanbul Bus Terminal: The tour ends upon arrival at Esenler Otogar. Please note that there is no hotel transfer included. Transfer can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.
- You must arrive at Istanbul Main Bus Terminal on your own. Bus station transfers in Istanbul can be added at an extra cost.
- First day breakfast is not included but available near Cappadocia bus terminal.
Hotel Options
If you have a preferred hotel, please let us know during the reservation process. On the checkout page, you will see an "Additional Request" section where you can specify your preference.
However, please note that we will make the reservation at one of the hotels listed below or similar quality hotels based on availability.
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It was nice trip, nice organization, It was an economical trip for me and my friend. Recommend it.
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