Göreme and the Open-Air Museum
The centre of Cappadocia. The Göreme Open-Air Museum, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, holds rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes.
Cappadocia Travel Guide
Cappadocia travel guide: tours, balloon flights and cave hotels
Fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, underground cities and hundreds of balloons at sunrise. WayOfTurkey is a TÜRSAB-licensed travel agency based in Ürgüp, in the heart of Cappadocia, and plans Cappadocia tours, balloon flights and cave hotel stays for travellers from around the world.
- Where
- Nevşehir province, Central Anatolia, Turkey
- Nearest airports
- Kayseri (ASR) and Nevşehir Kapadokya (NAV)
- From Istanbul
- About 1 hour 20 minutes by plane
- Best time to visit
- April–June and September–November
- Where to stay
- Cave hotels in Göreme, Uçhisar and Ürgüp
Top places to see in Cappadocia
Paşabağ and Devrent valleys
Paşabağ (Monks Valley) has the region’s most famous multi-capped fairy chimneys; nearby Devrent (Imagination Valley) is known for rock shapes that look like animals.
Uçhisar Castle and Esentepe
Uçhisar Castle is the highest point in the area, with views across the valleys; Esentepe viewpoint above Göreme is a favourite spot for sunset.
Love, Rose and Red valleys
Walking trails between Göreme, Çavuşin and Ortahisar lead through Love Valley, Rose Valley and Red Valley, with hidden chapels and sunset views.
Ihlara Valley and Selime
A deep river canyon with rock churches along the Melendiz stream, ending at the rock-cut Selime Monastery.
Avanos, Ürgüp and the underground cities
Avanos is famous for pottery made from Kızılırmak river clay; Ürgüp and Mustafapaşa keep old stone mansions; Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are multi-level underground cities carved into the rock.
Hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia
Balloon flights take off at sunrise, when the air is calmest, and float over the valleys around Göreme. Guests are usually collected from their hotel before dawn.
Flights depend on the weather and are approved each morning by the aviation authority, so we recommend planning at least two mornings in Cappadocia. Our Cappadocia programmes include or can add a balloon flight.
Staying in a cave hotel
Cave hotels are carved into the soft volcanic rock and keep a pleasant temperature year-round. Göreme and Uçhisar put you close to the valleys and balloon views; Ürgüp offers a quieter town with restaurants and wineries.
We select cave and boutique hotels to match your budget and travel style and arrange them together with your tour, transfers and guide.
Our Cappadocia tours
- 2-day Cappadocia tour from IstanbulFlights, a cave hotel night, Göreme, Uçhisar and Derinkuyu.
- 4-day relaxed Cappadocia tourSunrise balloon flight, Göreme, Ürgüp, Avanos and Kaymaklı.
- 5-day Istanbul and CappadociaIstanbul old city plus Cappadocia’s valleys.
- 9-day highlights of TurkeyIstanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Ihlara and Safranbolu.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Cappadocia?
Two full days covers the main sights; three or four days lets you add a balloon flight with a spare weather day, valley hikes and the Ihlara Valley.
When is the best time for a balloon flight?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) usually have the most stable weather. Flights run all year but are more often cancelled in winter.
How do I get from Istanbul to Cappadocia?
The fastest way is a short flight to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV), followed by a transfer. Our tours from Istanbul include flights and airport transfers.
Do you offer private Cappadocia tours?
Yes. We arrange private tours with a dedicated vehicle, driver and licensed guide, and can tailor the itinerary, hotels and pace to you.
Can you book cave hotels for us?
Yes. We arrange cave and boutique hotel stays in Göreme, Uçhisar and Ürgüp together with your tour.
Plan your Cappadocia trip with a local team
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel, and we will prepare a programme for you.