Petra has been a dream of mine for a very long time. In fact, I remember, as a little kid, going through my grandma’s travel guides and being astonished by the beauty of the Treasury photos. But I had to wait for almost my 30s to do my first Jordan trip. No need to say I wasn’t disappointed! On the contrary, I was pleased to see Petra is much more than the Treasury. With no further ado come to discover with us what to see in Petra.
From the extra-terrestrial landscapes of the Wadi Rum desert to the mesmerizing waters of the Red Sea. Jordan is full of surprises and rich in experiences. Come join us on an amazing adventure. Our travel guide to your Jordan road trip is based on a 7-day itinerary. It’s a see-it-all journey alternating trekking, cultural discoveries, and relaxing sunbath days.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
Surprisingly in Jordan during Winter, the temperatures go very low, and it also snows! But most important the main cultural sites close their doors (Petra, Wadi Rum, etc…).
The high season to visit Jordan goes from April to May and from September to October. But since Jordan is a very touristy destination, you may consider traveling during summer. The temperatures are high but it’s windy and if you stay hydrated and covered with hats, scarves, and umbrellas you won’t have problems.
Documents and currency
If you have a European or North American passport, there aren’t particular restrictions for entering Jordan. In fact, you can buy the visa upon your arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, or if you’re staying 3 nights or more you can reserve the Jordan Pass online. In this case, It will be valid as a visa, and it also grants free access to over 40 tourist attractions.
The Jordan dinar is the local currency since 1950. Currently, it’s stronger than the euro. 10 JD converts in 15 € approximately, 50 JD in 70 € and 100 JD in 140 €. Keep that in mind when shopping. You can exchange money directly at the airport but it’s cheaper to do it in Amman.
Also, you can use credit cards almost everywhere, and the commission rates are very low. But remember to check the commissions rates with your bank.
My advice is to don’t take a large amount of money. Use the card for restaurants instead and keep the cash only for souvenirs and tips. That’s also very important because the guides and drivers will expect extra tips.
Day 1: Jerash and Ajloun castle
Situated in the North of Jordan and one hour from the capital Amman, Jerash is one of the most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture outside Italy. Wander among the ruins of ancient buildings such as the two theatres, the many markets, and temples.
One of the main surprises the site reserves for its visitors is the Christian church which has a beautiful mosaic floor. Book a guided tour for a few dinars it’s absolutely worth to enjoy all the hidden details of this magnificent archaeological site.
Before heading back to Amman stop by the beautiful Ajloun castle. The castle was an ancient byzantine monastery until its renovation in the 12th century. Dominating three different valleys the castle’s strategic position made it impregnable for centuries. Inside the fortress walls two rooms host a small permanent exhibition of objects coming from the area.
Day 2: Mount Nebo, the King’s Road, and Kerak castle
Mount Nebo is the Biblical place where God showed Moses the Promised Land. On a very clear day, the landscape is impressive, you can see Jericho and Jerusalem. The church has also a small yet very interesting museum.
You can also admire a beautiful modern statue of the Brazen Serpent that towers in front of the entrance showing the Promised Land. Beautiful and colored mosaics that are very well preserved, decorate the interior of the church.
Once you’ve left Nebo you can continue the road to Petra on the modern and faster highway. Or (If you’re a #magicallandscapes lover) take one of the world’s most scenic routes: the King’s Road.
This ancient road was once the passage for the Nabateans moving through the region. Today it’s mostly crossed by tourists and the inhabitants of the area. You can stop at two panoramic points each on one side of the valley. We also stopped for tea at Sami’s house. Situated on a cliff, his terrace has a breathtaking view of the wadi.
The last stop before reaching the Rose City is Kerak castle. This large complex is one of the largest in the Middle East. It was strategically built on the crossroad between Egypt, Damascus, and Mecca. With narrow hallways and steep stairs, Kerak castle is a paradise for explorers. We climbed in some passages that were enlightened only by our phone’s torches. But don’t forget to be careful as protections like barriers and panels are almost absent.
Kerak Castle
Day 3: Exploring Petra
There is a reason if on the Jordan Pass you can book up to three days in Petra: the place is HUUUUGE. In fact, Petra archaeological site isn’t only the famous treasury palace. The monastery, the Necropolis, the Byzantine Church, and Temple are all part of the finds of this ancient city only to name a few.
One day isn’t enough to explore it all, and in my complete Petra travel guide you can see why. But if you really have no choice you should go for two main attractions: the treasury and the monastery.
Before going, just note that the trek to reach the monastery is hard and it will take you about three hours to go on top and come down again. But once on top, the view is absolutely worth it and maybe even more impressive than the treasury.
When you first arrive, you have the feeling that the monastery was built from the ground instead of being carved into the mountain. That’s because contrarily to the other buildings it comes out from the mountain instead of being set in it. Also, while going to the monastery stop by the royal tombs and enjoy the view of the city and the temple.
Would you like to know more about the highlights in Petra? Check out my 5 MUST-see when in Petra.
The Monastery
Day 4: Wadi Rum desert
The red desert of Wadi Rum is a reserve you can access only after buying a ticket or the above-mentioned Jordan Pass. Even if It’s very touristy and you’ll spot many Bedouin camps the place has preserved the incredible charm of past times.
Book a jeep tour among the dunes. You can either book it before your arrival or contact the camp you are staying in to see if they have them. It’s an exciting experience to enjoy the dunes exploration, do sand board or observe the ancient petroglyphs that witness 10.000 years of life in the desert.
You may choose between 3 different formulas: 8 hours (this tour includes also the night stay), 5 hours (check out this tour with a night in the camp), or 2 hours. Regardless of the duration you choose, you’ll end the tour at sunset from one of the panoramic points. Note that the tour is very funny but also tiring. It’s like a rodeo in the back of the pickup!
The traditional dinner is cooked by the sun’s heat in holes in the sand. Once the lunch is over you can stargaze the sky. If you’re interested in this don’t forget to check the lunar calendar before booking your stay. The moonlight may be a source of pollution especially if you want to take pictures or observe the milky way.
What to wear in Wadi Rum?
The nights in the desert may be cold, especially in April/October. When packing, don’t forget to bring at least a warm garment for the evening.
Are you interested in exploring the Wadi Rum desert? In this travel guide you will learn everything you need to know before going.
Day 5: Aqaba and the Red Sea
On the 5th day leave the desert’s heat to go sunbath in the Red Sea. Aqaba is the only coastal city of Jordan and one of the largest ports in the Red Sea. It serves the 4 different states you can spot from the gulf: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
To enjoy the beautiful barrier reef and sunny beaches, you can go south a few minutes from Aqaba and next to the Saudi Arabian borders, that’s were the best hotels are. You can also book a daily cruise to do snorkeling or scuba diving, explore Aqaba’s fort and city center, or go dune exploring on a quad.
We had the chance to be the first tourists to try the Sea Trek. Equipped with a diving helmet you go trek under the sea at the private coral reef of Luxotel Aquaba. It’s a great way to discover the underwater world and you don’t need to know how to swim to enjoy it!
The dead sea is like no other. It’s surprising to see a large sea with absolutely no life or human sign. The salinity of its waters makes it impossible to navigate for boats. The salt will also make you float when you’re bathing and that’s a very funny experience. I’ve personally read a few pages of a book while I was floating.
Just be careful while bathing in these waters, if you splash water into your eyes the salt will burn them (it’s a very painful experience!). It’s also preferable to avoid baths if you have cuts because the salt may cause pain.
The Dead Sea mud and waters are well known for spa treatments. The resorts on the Dead Sea usually have private access to the beach and they place buckets full of mud on the shore so that you can alternate salt baths and mud treatments.
Amman is Jordan’s capital and the largest city in the Levant region with over 4 million inhabitants. Nowadays a megalopolis Amman has been colonized by some of the greatest civilizations during time. That stratification is clearly visible in the Citadel.
Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad remain of buildings can be visited while wandering in the open-air museum. Since 1951 the Citadel hosts the Jordan Archaeological Museum, which collects finds collected all over Jordan coming mainly from Jerash and Petra.
Before ending our road trip indulge in the colorful Rainbow Street. Where you can sip tea or have lunch before heading back to the airport. And fill your luggage with souvenirs from Downtown. This area is full of Bazars and beautiful murals.
But what is surprising, is the way areas are arranged. Shops are divided following their type in specific areas. Do you need spices? Go to the apothecary district. Are you looking for jewelry? There is a full street sparkling with gold and silver shops. And how not to mention the clothing area? Both for men and women. Must be difficult to have a monopoly!
The CitadelRainbow Street
Are you ready for the ULTIMATE Jordan Road Trip Itinerary?
Follow the ultimate Jordan road trip itinerary to live an extraordinary adventure filled with rich history, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences! From the ancient ruins of Petra to the vibrant markets of Amman, this captivating journey will leave you with everlasting memories of this colorful country.
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With a surface of almost 800.000 km², Turkey road trip options are countless. This large country is the answer to every kind of adventure you’re looking for. From exploring Istanbul’s wonders to the idyllic Aegean coast. From Cappadocia’s extraordinary valleys to Pamukkale’s hot springs. For our road trip, we chose a one-week itinerary from Cappadocia to Pamukkale. Come join us!
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
Turkey Road Trip: The ideal itinerary from Cappadocia to Pamukkale
With no further ado, let’s dive into preparing for the perfect road trip!
First stop : Cappadocia
The land of the fairy chimneys seems like the perfect spot to start your Turkey Road Trip. This region is perfect for trekking, sightseeing, and learning more about the cultural heritage. For an in-depth guide check out our guide on Cappadocia.
So having to pick my very favorite from Cappadocia, I’d say:
Go trekking in one of the fairy chimneys valleys
You have the choice among Red and Rose valley, Imagination valley, and Pigeon’s valley. All of them are worth it and have amazing viewpoints along the track. So how can I help you choose? Keep in mind these things:
For romantic landscapes go for the Red and Rose valley and admire the sunset from the scenic sunset point. Otherwise, for a fun trek, go and unleash your mind in the Imagination valley. Every rock formation is different and it’s fun to guess the shapes rising.
Are you looking for a “cultural” trekking? In Cappadocia It’s possible. While visiting Pigeon valley, you can spot the ancient caves that were once inhabited. Fun fact the name Pigeon Valley comes from the tiny pigeon houses that have been carved into the tuff over the years.
You can easily explore Cappadocia by yourself, but to learn more about the culture and history of the region there are also several guided tours you can choose from. To have a more thorough idea about the different tours and activities you can book check out our Cappadocia Tours Guide.
Live the Experience of a lifetime on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
I may sound like a broken record, but you HAVE TO go on a hot air balloon ride! Seriously no excuse. To keep it short (I wrote a lot about this already), it’s a lifetime experience you won’t regret. Just don’t forget to save between 150 and 250 $/€ for the experience.
Go on the ancient silk road at Saruhan Caravanserai
Turkey was anciently crossed by the Silk Road. The caravans traveled for many months, in all types of weather and temperatures. For this reason, Caravanserai were built along the road, a sort of ancient inns. Saruhan is a magnificent caravanserai that rises in the middle of the Turkish desert. You can visit without an extra fee.
Saruhan also hosts Dervish sacred ceremonies, It’s an interesting experience to see. If you have the chance, buy a ticket!
Explore Derikuyu, the underground city
Along with the hot air balloon ride, this is a MUST activity in Cappadocia. There are many underground cities around the region. Surprisingly the biggest underground cities could host up to 50.000 inhabitants and run for many kilometers. The network was very complex and linked many cities between them.
My advice is to visit the largest underground city nearby Goreme, Derinkuyu. Deryunkuyu reaches depths of over 280 feet/85 meters and extends over 8 identified floors. The entrance fee is about 3 $/€.
Enjoy shopping in Goreme
Turkish pottery and tapestry are absolutely delightful! The patterns and colors are very rich and intricate, creating a unique work of art. You would be surprised by the number of people that come to Turkey just for shopping some pieces.
Although it may be quite difficult to pack a Turkish carpet in your plane luggage, you can always pick a piece or two of pottery. The package is always well done. If you’re careful, you’ll bring it back home in one piece. In the center of Goreme, there are many different shops you can get lost in.
Head over Konia
Have a stop at the abandoned red church of Guzeliyurt
The Kizil Kilise (Red Church) is an abandoned church nearby Guzelyurt, a small village in the Aksaray province. It is one of the oldest shrines in Cappadocia and was probably built in the sixth century. Recently, it has been restored and you can now visit it.
The Red Church has a cross plan which was typical of the 5th – 6th century in Cappadocia. The place is fascinating, showcasing centuries of passage on the ancient Pilgrims Road to Jerusalem.
Visit the most ancient village in human history
Çatalhöyük is the most ancient village in human history!
The archaeological site run on a hill a few kilometers outside Konia. Unquestionably the visit is very interesting, the guide explains in a very detailed way how people used to live.
Fun fact, the houses didn’t have doors.
In fact, to enter their houses the villagers climbed on the roofs and slipped in a window. When the villagers wanted to “renew” their houses they demolished their old ones and used them as the foundation for the new ones. That’s why the city is stratified.
It may sound creepy, but most cemeteries have a fascinating atmosphere. If I have the chance when visiting a city I like to get lost among the graveyards. Think about all the stories and people that are peacefully resting.
Konya’s cemetery is nearby the city center. The gravestones are decorated with a stone cockade on top. Also, the dates are surprising. Some take into account the Islamic year (1443) some the Gregorian calendar (2022). And there are a few that mix both. In addition to this, the cemetery is full of lovely cats that are waiting for you to cuddle them.
If you want to spend a furry moment, that’s your go-to place!
End your journey in Pamukkale
I wrote an extensive guide to the best things to do in Pamukkale, but here you will find a selection of a few favorites to choose from. Let’s see!
Enjoy the thermal springs
Pamukkale literally means cotton castle in Turkish. This beautiful place got its name from the snow-white limestone, that shaped the basins over millennia through calcite-rich springs. Today the site hosts a thousand tourists every year that comes to enjoy the thermal waters.
Previously open to tourists, the famous travertine terraces are nowadays closed to preserve them from the ravages of mass tourism. Even so, you can still bathe in the basins that are on the way to reach the top. Or you can quietly enjoy the thermal waters if you booked one of the hotels that have access to the springs as well, we did it and it was absolutely worth it!
Only be careful to your body temperature and blood pressure while bathing. Speaking from experience, it isn’t safe to stay for too long, you could risk fainting from low blood pressure. Explication panels are everywhere indicating the optimal duration of your thermal experience.
Visit Hierapolis
The ancient site of Hierapolis is adjacent to Pamukkale. In fact, it was built nearby the thermal spring for people to enjoy the spa.
The ruins are very well preserved. On the main street, the front gates, you can still observe the city plant. Although the most impressive construction is the ancient theatre. Its capacity is esteemed to 15.000 people and the front facade was 91 meters long. The visit to the city ends with a panoramic view of the travertine terrace. And to a recently built series of thermal pools you can relax in for a small fee.
Treat yourself during your Turkey Road Trip with a sweet ice cream
In Pamukkale, some vendors walk into the streets while rotating a stick with some kind of rubber on it. That’s Turkish ice cream. Treat yourself with a cone or cup, you will thank me later. Indeed, the flavor is surprising and really unique. Like many Turkish cakes and desserts, it has a fair amount of sugar but that’s ok. Hey, you are on vacation! 😉
When It’s the best time to plan your Turkey Road Trip?
The best time to plan a road trip and mostly in general to visit Turkey is from May to September. July and August are the most touristy months. My advice is to visit in May or June. The days are longer and the temperature isn’t too warm yet. We visited in September and It was great as well. Although air starts to get crispier in the evening and days are slightly shorter.
Where do I rent a car?
There are two airports serving Cappadocia: Kayseri, which is the largest airport, or Nevsehir, a smaller airport that is slightly closer to Cappadocia’s valleys. Both are close to Goreme National Park and about 1 hour drive from the city.
On discover cars you will be able to reserve a car from both airports. They also have the best fares around and the largest choice of cars to answer all your needs. And of course you have the option to pay an extra to leave your car at another airport.
Turkish currency and how much money should I bring?
It depends. Have you already booked all your stays in advance? If yes, you won’t need a lot. Eating in Turkey isn’t really expensive also comparing to other countries. You can easily eat a VERY good meal for less than 10 euros. The entry fees to the main landmarks and museums are around 5 € and often even less. Many are also free, especially if I think of Cappadocia’s valleys. Also, the cost of gasoline is lower than in Europe.
When it comes to planning your budget, you can consider having 50€ a day per person without accommodations. That’s the high average you’ll spend. Of course, there are some expensive activities like Hot Air Balloon riding in Cappadocia, that will explode your daily budget. But if you know them in advance you can easily prepare your daily budget.
Prepare your Turkey road trip: culture
While packing and once arrived, don’t forget the history and culture of the country you’re visiting. Even though the Turkish constitution provides freedom of religion choice, more than 80% of the population are Muslims. For this reason, women who want to visit, should prefer longer skirts and pants over short ones, especially when visiting non-touristy places (outside Cappadocia and Pamukkale) or religious buildings.
Also, don’t forget a scarf to cover your head while visiting Mosques. If you’re only visiting touristy places, you probably won’t be bothered. But on a road trip and if you are following our itinerary, you may end up in rural places which are less used to tourists and are more conservative.
Please don’t get me wrong: the locals are very nice and willing to help even when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Just be respectful of their costumes and traditions. It’s their country you’re visiting after all!
In conclusion, why you should plan a road trip to Turkey
With a large variety of different landscapes, Turkey is absolutely worth visiting. However, given the many options, it may be difficult to choose the ideal itinerary. That’s why I selected for you the very best Turkey road trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale, in an ideal 7 days itinerary (4 days in Cappadocia, 1 day from Cappadocia to Konya, 2 days in Pamukkale).
Are you planning a trip in the Middle East? You may be interested in our Jordan Road Trip. Otherwise, you can find inspiration from all around the world among our destinations.
Floating in the sky among a multitude of balloons, admiring the sunrise on the fairy chimneys, and watching the incredible rock formations and colors from above. As a passionate traveler I had the chance to take part in some jaw dropping activities, well let me tell you that my Cappadocia hot air balloon ride is in my top 5 experiences! And it should absolutely be on your bucket list. Are you on board? Say yes and continue your reading to plan your perfect ride!
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
There are so many different companies that fly in Cappadocia and more than a hundred balloons every day during high season! So, when it comes to choosing the company you’re flying with you’ll be spoilt for choice.
I clearly remember feeling a little overwhelmed by the number of companies on GetYourGuide and Viator. For this reason I have created the final guide to help you choose the best company for your flight. Also I’d recommend to book the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride as soon as you book your hotel since they get fully booked pretty easily.
Note: Normally tours on Getyourguide have the lowest rates once you enter the dates.
How to choose the right company?
I’ve already mentioned it above but you should read my very detailed guide that compares all the best companies and how to select the perfect one for you.
If you want the short version, below you’ll find the post important things to consider when booking your flight (according to my experience) :
Take-off site. Be sure it is in Goreme Valley as you will not want to fly in the middle of nowhere with just a few fields to see. I mean you are going to Cappadocia for the beautiful views and fairy chimneys, right? Of course, it will be more expensive, but nonetheless 100% worth it!
Pilot experience. This is something you have to ask directly to the company. Contact them via email or WhatsApp and ask them if you can fly with their most experienced pilot. Pilots’ experience is important as they will be able to do more altitude changes and go low in the middle of the valleys. It’s a highlight of every flight.
Slot. For safety reasons, Civil Aviation controls the traffic and limits the number of air balloons flying at the same time to 100. So they take off in two separate shifts. With that in mind, if you want an empty sky you should fly with the first shift. While the second is slightly after. Both slots are great. But if you have a preference ask your company.
Still not decided? Steal our choices
If you are looking for a great experience without breaking the bank go with Cappadocia Discovery Balloons. They have one of the best quality/price ratios. And almost all their pilots are experienced and speak fluent English.
Want to treat yourself to a truly unforgettable experience? The King flight formula by Royal Balloon is the perfect solution for you! Their 75 minutes ride is in an 8-place basket that allows you to have the best views! And you get a royal breakfast before the take-off.
How much will it cost?
The cost of a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride varies depending on the duration, the take-off site, and the number of passengers. For updated prices check directly on Getyourguide and Viator. Also, keep in mind that if you find a very cheap ride it is probably because they are not flying in Goreme but in Soganli or Cat Valley instead.
Whichever option you will choose, remember that the weather conditions may come in the way, preventing the balloons take off. In this situation, you will get a complete refund of your expenses.
What to wear on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia?
There are no doubts that on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, you should WEAR WARM CLOTHES and dress in layers. It’s not a requirement but it could save you from getting sick. Even in Summer, you will be freezing, especially since you are getting out very early in the morning.
On the contrary, once the sun is up, the temperatures will change quickly. You may want to consider to bring sunglasses and sunscreen especially if you are flying on the second slot.
Passengers must also dress comfortably. I have a series of funny shoots (that I won’t share!) of me getting off the basket. And I was wearing long jeans! Anyways, a diplomatic accident was avoided, but seriously, remember to dress comfortably. Forget the beautiful flowing dresses, and keep these for a photo shooting on the ground instead.
Pants and sneakers are required anyways.
Bring your Insta 360 or GoPro on a Selfie Stick, you will want to get some souvenirs of your unforgettable Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride, and not all companies have photographs onboard.
What to expect from your Cappadocia hot air balloon ride?
Wake up call early, very early!
Shuttle pickup is included if you are staying in Goreme or nearby.
Basic breakfast or open buffet, following your formula. This may be also at the hotel you are staying depending on the company.
Arrival at the take-off spot and fast security explanation.
Enjoy your flight! Admire the incredible landscapes.
Landing + champagne and celebration time. That’s also when you get your flight certification.
Hotel drop-off between 8 and 9 AM.
Bring your sense of adventure and enjoy!
Check your camera’s battery, set your adventurous mood on, and enjoy! You’re going to live one of the most exciting travel experiences. As one video is worth a million words enjoy the video from our Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride experience.
Frequently asked questions
Who can’t fly on a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?
People with reduced mobility cannot fly as the only way to get inside the baskets is by climbing.
Pregnant women are strongly discouraged to fly even in their first stages as a bumpy landing may put the baby in danger.
Children under 7 years old can’t fly and when booking keep in mind the basket edge is around 1,35 meters.
Can the rides be canceled?
Unfortunately yes. For safety reasons, Civil Aviation monitors and authorizes balloons to fly. Winds, rain, or snow may prevent the balloons from taking off. The companies keep their customers informed thanks to Whatsapp or emails.
What if you haven’t found a spot for flying?
Or if the weather conditions didn’t let the balloons take off during your stay? I get it, that would be very frustrating. But Cappadocia is great even on the ground level. And eventually, there is still a way to enjoy the balloons flying. If you didn’t get your spot, you can take amazing photos from the ground or even rent a flying dress.
Is a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride worth the budget?
Absolutely! And I know that it can be an investment, especially if you are flying as a family. But the best-invested money is those that can give you great memories and bucket list-worthy moments. You won’t regret investing in this experience, believe me!
How much do you tip a balloon pilot?
The ideal tipping for a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride is between 50 and 100 TL, 3-6 euros per person. After landing when the team pop champagne they will place a tipping box on the table where the glasses are.
Cappadocia is one of the dream destinations for so many. The hot air balloons flying in the sky, the fairy chimneys, the epic landscapes, the underground cities, it looks like the set of a fantasy movie! Without more hesitation, are you ready to fall in love with one of the most beautiful places on Earth? Take notes to plan the perfect vacation thanks to our compact Cappadocia travel guide.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
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Getting to Cappadocia
The Goreme National Park is close to two airports: Kayseri’s International Airport (1h10) and Nevşehir Cappadocia Havalimanı (50 min). Both are very close to Goreme.
My advice is to look for the cheapest/best schedule flight connection or the closeness to your hotel. Turkish Airlines operates the flights connection between Istanbul and both airports, prices are around 300-400$ (280-380 €).
Cappadocia is one of those destinations you should visit during spring or fall. Winter may be very cold and it’s often snowy. While during summer the temperatures are very hot. The best period goes from late, mid-April to May, and from September to late October.
I visited Cappadocia during the second half of September, and It was just perfect. The weather was sunny, and the temperatures were neither too hot to trek during the day nor too cold at night.
How to move around
The best way to move around in Cappadocia is by renting a car, especially if you are on a tight schedule. There are so many interesting spots to stop by or valleys to explore. You simply will want more autonomy and if you rent a car (or a private driver), you will be the master of your schedule. We booked our on as always on discovercars.com, they have the perfect car for every need.
Depending on how long you are staying and how much you want to see you could also rent a bike in Goreme. That’s and amazing experience as well and will give you autonomy on your routes. The only thing you should consider is being fit, because Cappadocia is very hilly, and you may be tired soon.
Cappadocia Travel Guide: Where should you stay?
When visiting Cappadocia, the best solution is to stay in Goreme. In fact, the city is in the center of the park which gives its name to the region, Goreme National Park. Furthermore, the city itself is an ancient city that was built among fairy chimneys.
Best Luxury Hotel
One of the most incredible experiences to try while exploring this beautiful region is staying in one of the cave hotels. They are literally carved in tuff stone. Among the best options, I recommend you Cappadocia Cave Suites Hotel. This unique hotel has suites inside the fairy chimneys, just check at the pictures to see how incredible they are. Perfect for a magical and unique stay!
The Stone House Cave Hotel is an excellent compromise between quality and price. The hotel is very beautiful, and along with the deluxe room (that I absolutely recommend you check!) it has more budget friendly options. What I love the most about this hotel, is the internal court, reminding the interiors of a Caravanserai, perfect for taking some beautiful pictures.
Are you looking for a nice stay budget-friendly? The Balloon View Hotel is in the center of Goreme and has simple yet comfortable rooms. In addition, it has a panoramic terrace, where you can observe the balloons flying in the morning.
Probably Cappadocia’s most famous activity and for sure a MUST If you are visiting. Admiring the sunrise on top of the fairy chimneys’ rock formation among a hundred hot air balloons is magical!
This is one of the travel experiences that I loved and cherish the most! If you want to know how to prepare for your ride, you should read my Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride. There is also an immersive video of the experience. And if you are ready to book your ride, check out our detailed guide to choose the best company to fly over Cappadocia.
Visit an Underground City. Cost 3 to 5 $/€
Even if this is a less-known activity (and less instagrammable), I still recommend you visit at least one of the many underground cities. I know the pictures for your feed won’t be great but believe me when I say that this is an incredible experience! Also, you must have good shoes and don’t suffer from claustrophobia.
Surprisingly, there are many underground cities in Cappadocia. The biggest could host up to 50.000 inhabitants and run for many kilometers. The network was very complex and linked many cities between them.
I visited two underground cities: Ozkonak and Derinkuyu. Both were incredible experiences. Deryunkuyu is one of the biggest underground cities in Cappadocia. It reaches depths of over 85 meters and spans over 8 identified floors. The entrance fee is 3 €.
Trek in the Red and Rose Valleys and enjoy the view from Sunset Point
For over a thousand years, the ridges have formed to create a unique landscape. The Red and Rose Valleys are one of the most incredible treks you can do! When you’re planning your visit, consider 2 hours for the walk. My advice is to start around 4 – 5 PM. It’s not too hot and you’ll end your walk just in time to admire the beautiful sunset on the panoramic spot. Don’t forget to bring water to stay hydrated.
The Goreme Open Air Museum. Cost: 7 $/€
The Goreme Open Air Museum is a large rocky settlement that hosts many monasteries. It is the most important Byzantine cave church site in the world. Particularly, the variety of paintings and frescoes on this site is impressive, not to mention that the volcanic tuff preserved the colors and details almost perfectly.
The visit takes about 2 hours and covers 15 churches and 11 refectories.
Trek in Pasabag and Zelve Open Air Museum. Cost for Zelve: 3 $/€
Chimneys, chimneys, and more fairy chimneys. I recommend combining the two excursions of Pasabag and Zelve Open Air Museum as they are very close to one another.
Let’s start with Zelve.
Once this area had a very large population. Still today you can spot many holes, which served as doors. The whole territory also hosted many churches and monasteries that you can safely visit on your walk.
During your trek in Pasabag, you will see many unique rock formations that look like mushrooms. Some of them are 30 meters high. But there are also, lower conic formations you can walk into.
The most surprising thing about Pasabag is the variety of colors. Going from white to 50 shades of grey and rose. And depending on the sunlight the edges of the mushroom rocks may look almost bluish.
Uchisar and Ortahisar Castles
If you are thinking of a medieval-looking castle forget about it!
Uchisar and Ortahisar are two incredible cities carved in two massive tuff formations that are still inhabited today. Although the external constructions are modern, both cities preserved the atmosphere of ancient villages.
If you are visiting, you definitely have to climb to the top of both castles. The view of the surrounding region is breathtaking! If you have enough time visit both. Together with the hot air balloon ride, It’s the best way to have an aerial view of Goreme and its surroundings.
ATV Tour 50$/45€
I absolutely loved to explore Cappadocia Valleys on an ATV! Depending on the tour and duration you book you will get to see different things. Although traditionally, ATV tours will bring you through the Love Valley and the cross the Red and Rose Valley to admire the sunset from the Rose Valley. Even if you already made this trek by yourself, exploring on the ATV with the guides could be fun and exciting to do. That’s indeed an experience I recommend.
Note: if you don’t feel sure about booking this activity yet, you can easily make the reservation once you are in Cappadocia. This way you will have more options to choose from, and you will also be able to adjust the itinerary if it’s possible.
Basic needs like food and souvenirs can be cheap in Cappadocia. Although most people end up splurging on tours and accommodations. The season has a huge impact on your budget, with the prices levitating up to 50% more during the high season.
How many days do you need in Cappadocia?
You will need at least 4 days to fully enjoy this beautiful region and if you have the chance book a full week. Cappadocia is very interesting both for history passionate and nature lovers. With its many hikes and cultural sites you won’t see the time pass by.
In addition to that consider also that the more days you will spend there the more chances you will have to do a hot air balloon ride, considering that the weather conditions may not be ideal for 2-3 days in a row.
Is it a safe region?
Cappadocia is very safe as a region. Even petty crimes are rare. But always use common sense, especially if you are a solo traveler.
As shown above, it is a land of incredible landscapes and experiences.
But besides that, there is so much more to see in Turkey! If you are planning to go, make sure to read the guide to plan the perfect Road Trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale. It’s the exact itinerary from our road trip across Turkey, one of my most cherished memories!
If you are flying to Cappadocia from Istanbul consider adding at least 3 – 4 days to explore the city. In this blog post you will find the 11 most amazing places to see when visiting Istanbul. And for those who want to go off the beaten path, check out our top 15 Unusual and Fun things to do in Istanbul.
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