cappadocia ruins travel agency

No products in the cart.

Cappadocia Through the Ages: A Timeless Journey from Past to Present

Discover the enchanting blend of history and modernity in turkey’s geological wonderland.

Welcome to Cappadocia, a land where history whispers from ancient stones and modern adventures await in its surreal landscapes. Let’s embark on a journey through time, exploring how this mystical region seamlessly weaves its rich past into the vibrant tapestry of the present.

The Echoes of History: Unearthing Cappadocia’s Past

The story of Cappadocia is as old as time. Once a cradle of civilizations, it has seen the rise and fall of empires. The Hittites, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all left their indelible marks here. As we stroll through the open-air museums and underground cities, we are walking in the footsteps of ancient kings, early Christians, and legendary warriors.

Landscapes Carved by Time: Fairy Chimneys and Rock-Hewn Churches

Cappadocia’s most striking features are its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. These peculiar rock formations, sculpted by volcanic eruptions and erosion, have been home to humans for millennia. The rock-hewn churches, adorned with frescoes, narrate tales of religious refuge and artistic expression. A visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum offers a spectacular glimpse into this blend of nature and human ingenuity.

Living Traditions: The Cultural Heartbeat of Cappadocia

Despite the march of time, Cappadocia has preserved its cultural heritage. In Avanos, potters still shape the red clay with techniques passed down through generations. The evening echoes with the mystical sounds of traditional Turkish music, inviting you to indulge in folk dances that have been celebrated here for centuries.

Cappadocia Today: A Modern Escape in an Ancient Setting

Today, Cappadocia has embraced modernity while honoring its past. Boutique cave hotels offer luxurious stays, letting you experience the ancient dwellings with a contemporary twist. The hot air balloon rides at dawn have become a symbol of modern Cappadocia, offering a bird’s-eye view of this timeless landscape.

A Feast for the Senses: Savoring Cappadocian Cuisine

Cappadocia’s cuisine is a delectable journey through its history. Dishes like Testi Kebab (pottery kebab) and local wines tell stories of the region’s culinary evolution. Dining in a cave restaurant isn’t just about the food; it’s an immersive experience in history and culture.

Stories Etched in Time: The Voices of Cappadocia

Meet the guardians of Cappadocia’s legacy – the artisans, storytellers, and local families. Their personal tales add a rich layer to the understanding of this land, bridging the past with the present.

Journeying Smart: Tips for the Time-Traveling Tourist

To fully appreciate Cappadocia’s historical layers, consider visiting during the quieter seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Engage with local tour guides who specialize in historical narratives to enrich your experience.

Embracing the Past, Celebrating the Present

As our journey through Cappadocia comes to an end, we’re left with a profound sense of connection to its history and an appreciation for its adaptation to modern times. This magical region is more than just a destination; it’s a living museum, a storyteller, and a guardian of times gone by.

For those planning a trip, connect with local experts like One Nation Travel for a tailored historical adventure in Cappadocia.

Similar Posts

What is Turkish culture like?

Explore the vibrant Turkish culture, delving into its enticing cuisine, welcoming hospitality, fascinating arts, and enduring customs in this comprehensive guide.

10 Top Reasons to Explore Cappadocia: Discover Its Magic

Discover the enchantment of Cappadocia with our guide on ‘Cappadocia tours from Istanbul’. Unveil 10 compelling reasons to embark on this magical journey, from fairy chimneys to hot air balloon rides.

Exploring Turkey Safely as a Solo Woman Traveler

Discover essential tips for solo woman travelers in Turkey. Stay safe and enjoy the rich culture, from Istanbul to Cappadocia, with this comprehensive guide.

What is the Most Popular 4-Day Turkey Tour?

Explore the top 4-Day Turkey tour: Dive into rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Discover what makes this journey Turkey’s most sought-after adventure.

Visiting and Traveling in Istanbul: A Blend of East and West

Join us to explore Istanbul’s enchanting streets, historic landmarks, and cultural treasures. Dive into the heart of Turkey’s most vibrant city with our expert guides.

Best Time to Visit Turkey

Embark on a captivating journey to Turkey with our month-by-month guide, covering weather, events, and insights for the perfect travel experience.

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

Cappadocia Ruins Travel Agency

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cappadocia Ruins Travel Agency - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Cappadocia Ruins Travel Agency

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

CAPPADOCIA RUINS TRAVEL AGENCY (Ortahisar) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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..

• Copy Link copied

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 Ruins Travel Agency

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

CAPPADOCIA RUINS TRAVEL AGENCY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Phone: +90 505 930 82 39

Mail: [email protected]

TURKEY TOURS & TRAVELS

Take a tour from the experts who know turkey.

At sinasos Travel Cappadocia, we have been bringing together the Turkey’s most fascinating destinations, finest hotels and imaginative itineraries. With first-hand knowledge of the tours we organize, our experienced team of travel experts are specialists in the Cappadocia tours & travels, Istanbul tours & travels, West Turkey tours & travels, local and private guided tours and travels in Cappadocia, guided tours in Ephesus, package tours in Turkey and more.  From family friendly cultural holidays to adventurous city breaks in Turkey, we provide you not just the very best service but the best holidays at the best value we can. Let us organize your next vacation to Turkey with most relaxing itinerary at a best price.

CAPPADOCIA RED TOUR

CAPPADOCIA GREEN TOUR

HOT AIR BALOON TOUR

6 DAYS MESOPOTAMIA TOUR

EPHESUS DAILY TOUR

PAMUKKALE DAILY TOUR

SINASOS TRAVEL VACATION PACKAGES

The Sinasos travel is all about making your visit to the Turkey a memorable one. It's no secret that our country is overflowing with history dating back thousads of years but there's even more to explore, right outside our door. Enjoy world-class customer service, a vibrant carefuly designed Turkish package tour itineraries, and personalized vacation packages, all ripe for the picking. Regardless of what you crave, we've got you covered. These special Turkey tours, Turkish travel packages and tours in Cappadocia are designed to welcome you to Cappadocia to express our way of life.

Devrent, Pasabag, Goreme Open Air Museum, Goreme Panaroma, Uchisar Castle

Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley

CAPPADOCIA BLUE TOUR

Soganlı Valley, Sobessos Roman Ruins, Taskınpasa Madrasa, Keslik Monastery, Mustafapasa Greek Village

CAPPADOCIA HIKING TOUR

Red and Rose Valley, Cavusin Village, Underground City, The Three Beauties Fairy Chimneys

ATV/QUAD TOUR

• [email protected]

Discover the beauty and mystery of this

Hottest Deals

Cappadocia tours from istanbul private or group tours 1, 2, 3 or 4 day tours.

Visit Ephesus Ancient City & The Virgin Mary House

Istanbul Tours & Activities

Trending this month.

Cappadocia Red Tour

Daily Ephesus Tour

Byzantine & Ottoman Classics Tour

Private Van & Guide

Fener & Balat Tour

• Daily Tours
• Private Tours
• Balloon Flights
• Airport Transfers
• Jeep Safaris
• Quad-Bike Tours
• Places to Visit

Best Seller in Cappadocia

Highlights of cappadocia tour € 120 per person.

Cappadocia Photo Tour with lunch

Private Hattusha Tour from Cappadocia

Standard Hot Air Balloon Flight

2-Hour Horse-Back Riding Tour

• Bosporus Cruises
• Dinner Cruise
• Places To Visit

Best Seller in Istanbul

Byzantine & ottoman highlights tour € 140 per person.

Two Continents (Asia-Europe) Tour

Full Day Bosporus Cruise with lunch

Istanbul & Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers

Istanbul Dinner Cruise By Night

Highlights of Turkey Tour

Istanbul, cappadocia & ephesus 7 days & 6 nights.

Mount Nemrut Tour

Gobeklitepe, nemrut & harran 3 days & 2 nights.

• Group Package Tours
• Private Turkey Tours
• Short Turkey Tours
• Blue Cruises

Budget Cruises Up To 20% Off

2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul

Eastern Turkey Tour (14 Days - 13 Nights)

Nemrut-Gobeklitepe-Diyarbakir-Mardin Tour

Ephesus - Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul

Aegean cost.

Best Seller

Group ephesus tour 10% off.

Private Pergamon & Asclepion Tour

Standard Balloon Flight in Pamukkale

4 Days - 3 Nights Fethiye to Marmaris Blue Cruise

Private Laodicea & Aphrodisias Tour

Free consultation.

No payment until you are happy

Quick Answer

We reply in less than 24 hours

Not Only a Travel Agency

Information database about Turkey

24/7 online customer service

--About Cappadocia & Turkey--

Cappadocia is a region located in central Anatolia, in modern-day Turkey. It is known for its unique geological features , including the "fairy chimneys" and underground cities, which have made it a popular tourist destination. The region is divided into five provinces: Nevşehir, Aksaray, Kırşehir, Kayseri, and Niğde. Cappadocia covers an area of approximately 450 square kilometers and is home to a variety of natural and cultural attractions.

Throughout its history, Cappadocia has been contested by various ethnic groups such as the Assyrians, Hittites, Persians, Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans. The Hittites , who were the first to inhabit the region, are credited with being the first rock sculptors in Cappadocia. Instead of building structures out of stone, they carved dwellings and other structures into the rocks. The name Cappadocia is derived from a Persian term for "horse," as the Persians tamed the wild horses in the area and used them for transportation. The region was later referred to as Katpatuka , which means "land of beautiful horses."

During the Roman period , the Christian population in Cappadocia began to grow . However, the Romans, who were in power at the time, persecuted the Christians in the region . In order to defend themselves from Roman troops, the Christians of Cappadocia constructed secret chapels in the valleys and built underground cities. These underground cities, which have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list , are now a popular attraction in the region. In the 4th century , when Christians were legalized in the Roman Empire , visible churches began to be constructed in Cappadocia, and three distinct Christian centers emerged: Goreme, Soganli, and Ihlara. These three locations contain the majority of the region's churches, each with its own unique appeal to visitors.

In the 11th century, the Seljuks , a Middle-Asian Turkish group who were Muslims, took control of Cappadocia. Despite their religious differences, the Seljuks and the Christian population of the region lived peacefully together. The region was ruled by the Ottomans from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923 , a population exchange took place between Greece and Turkey , resulting in Muslims making up 99% of Cappadocia's population.

Today, Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination in Turkey due to its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural and historical heritage, and affordable prices. Turkey, with its history of religious diversity, has much to offer visitors, including a wide range of religious and archaeological sites , as well as modern amenities and hospitality.

At our travel agency , located in the heart of Cappadocia, we specialize in customizing trips to meet the individual preferences, tastes, and needs of our clients. Our travel consultants are available to help you plan a memorable vacation , and we can create a draft itinerary for you within 24 hours of receiving your arrival and departure dates.

In addition to offering personalized private tours in Cappadocia and throughout Turkey, we also provide standard tour packages with professional and experienced guides. Our services include sightseeing tours, hotel reservations, transportation bookings (including flights, trains, and buses), private guided tours, and car rental. We are a member of TURSAB (Turkish Travel Agencies Association) and hold a license number A-8607.

Our goal is to make your trip to Turkey as enjoyable and stress-free as possible , and we are committed to helping you experience the best that the country has to offer. With our expertise and local knowledge , we can help you discover the rich cultural history and beautiful landscapes of Turkey in the most convenient and secure way possible. We welcome you to Turkey and look forward to helping you plan your perfect vacation.

Cappadocia Turkey: Travel Guide, Map, & Tours

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!

Contents hide 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!

More Turkey Travel Guides

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

Don’t forget to check out my other Turkey travel guides for more tips, info, and photos!

You may also like

Dhigurah island travel guide for maldives, how to visit tanjung puting national park in indonesia, banggai islands travel guide & itinerary for sulawesi indonesia, paisu pok lake in banggai: bluest lake in indonesia, samet nangshe viewpoint: best sunrise spot in thailand, 7 days in bhutan travel itinerary: best things to do & see.

I like the whole article about Cappadocia, Thanks

Excellent information about Cappadocia Hopefully will visit soon

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Things to know before traveling to Cappadocia

Mar 13, 2024 • 6 min read

There are plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities to try in Cappadocia, but research safety and insurance first © Zzvet / Getty Images

I’ve been visiting Cappadocia regularly for 16 years, and have explored every corner of this endlessly fascinating region of Türkiye . 

On my first trip here I nearly made a big mistake: Faruk (the owner of the guesthouse I was staying in) had bought some fresh fish and he suggested we barbecue them for dinner. I had planned to go to a restaurant that evening and was on the verge of saying “no” before I realised, I could go to the restaurant anytime. This opportunity, to enjoy a relaxed evening with Faruk, would come along only once so I accepted his kind invitation. I learned two things that day: that Turkish hospitality is not to be missed, and... barbecued fish from a Cappadocian river is absolutely delicious. 

Here are some more insider tips I’ve learned to help you get the most from your visit to Cappadocia. 

Allow up to a week for your trip to Cappadocia

Although you can cover the highlights of Cappadocia in a day or two, you’ll get far more out of your visit if you take things slower. There are so many valleys of bizarre rock formations to hike in, and such a wealth of ancient cave churches containing beautiful frescoes, that you can easily occupy yourself for a week – or even more.

Book your hot-air balloon flight for your second day in Cappadocia

One of Cappadocia’s most iconic experiences is taking a hot-air balloon flight over the fairy chimneys and admiring the surreal landscape from the air. It’s easy to arrange a balloon trip once you’re in Cappadocia. It’s best to book one to take place on your second day: flights are subject to cancellation if weather conditions aren’t right, and although all companies will reschedule your trip for the following day, that’s no good if it is your last day in the region. 

You can even book your balloon flight in advance before you arrive in Cappadocia, a good idea in the high season to ensure you manage to get a place in the basket. Once booked, be ready for a 4am wakeup call. If heading skywards is not for you, you can still enjoy the beautiful scene at sunrise as a huge swathe of balloons rise above the valley.

Choose the before-sunrise balloon flight option

There are two rounds of balloon take-offs in Cappadocia – one before sunrise, and one after. While those extra minutes in bed might seem appealing, the flights that take off after sunrise have a higher chance of cancellation due to changes in the weather as the day goes on. You’d also miss out on the chance to see one of the most memorable sunrises of a lifetime!  

Stay in a cave hotel

There are few places in the world where staying in a cave is so luxurious. People have lived in caves in the Cappadocia region for centuries, and while visiting the beautifully decorated cave churches of the Byzantines gives you some insight, there’s nothing quite like turning out your light in a room carved deep into the local rock. Most cave hotels are gorgeous, with elegant carved rock and attractive or antique furniture, meaning that bedding down underground is an unexpected treat. Do your research though: some of the cheaper cave hotels can be dark and dank – which doesn’t make for a luxurious getaway.

Pick your season to suit your itinerary

There are advantages to visiting Cappadocia at virtually any time of year: it’s warm and not too crowded in spring and autumn, while summer is generally the best season for balloon trips, and the region can be beautiful in the snowy winter. That being said, it’s worth considering exactly what you want from your trip: hiking in the winter can be difficult if there’s been a heavy snowfall, while it can get rather hot and sticky in summer. Remember that Cappadocia is a very popular domestic tourist destination, so if you’re visiting on public holidays (such as New Year), you’ll find that the hotspots like Göreme can get very busy.

Always be courteous

Turks place high value on courtesy: you’ll probably be greeted with big smiles and genuine welcomes wherever you go. Handshakes are the norm between people of all genders when first meeting. It’s important – even if disagreeing with somebody – to keep interactions light and friendly. If you think you’ve been overcharged in a restaurant, for example, don’t get angry. Instead, calmly point out where you think the error is, and this will most likely result in a quick discussion allowing everyone to resolve the situation without losing face.

Be cautious talking politics in Türkiye

Politics in Türkiye can be divisive. Although feeling doesn’t tend to run as high in Cappadocia as it does elsewhere, you should still be careful when discussing current affairs. Remember that insulting Türkiye, or the Turkish president, is illegal and can result in jail sentences.

Don’t drink too much in public

Although Türkiye is a predominantly Islamic country, there’s no prohibition on alcohol, and you’ll find it’s freely available in Cappadocia, with local wine on the menu in most restaurants and plenty of welcoming bars in which you can while the night away. Even so, it’s not the done thing to be publicly inebriated, so although there’s no issue with being merry, make sure you moderate your drinking.

Is Cappadocia in an earthquake risk area?

Especially after 2023’s devastating earthquake in southern Türkiye, tourists often want to know if they are at risk of quakes in Cappadocia. The answer is that most of Türkiye is subject to earthquakes, and it’s clear just from looking at its bizarre landscape that Cappadocia has experienced some exciting geological upheaval in its time, but currently it does not tend to suffer major seismic events. There’s a remote chance you might feel a small tremor, but you’d be very unlucky to get caught up in a major earthquake.

It’s best to avoid the tap water

The tap water in Cappadocia is technically safe to drink, but it doesn’t taste great, and most locals only use it for cooking or making çay (tea). Consider bringing a portable water filter, so you can purify the tap water and drink it, and avoid contributing to the disposable plastics issue. If you do buy bottled water, you can recycle the empty bottles: recycling bins aren’t common, but there are a few around Göreme, and at airports.

Tips for keeping safe

Cappadocia doesn’t have many major safety concerns to worry about: pickpocketing isn’t common and you aren’t likely to be mugged, although there are a few scams to look out for. If out in a bar, it’s worth being on your guard against potential drink spiking, but this isn’t a frequent problem in Cappadocia. The worst thing that is likely to happen on a night out is a spot of overcharging.

Safety concerns are more likely to crop up around some of the activities you may want to do in Cappadocia. If hiking in less-frequented areas, it’s a good idea to let somebody know where you’re going before you go. And if you’re taking a hot-air balloon flight, ATV buggy ride, or going horse riding, choose the operator carefully and make sure you're covered by insurance. For more hair-raising activities, it’s not worth cutting corners to save a few pennies.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Mar 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Cappadocia is incredibly popular with visitors to Turkey but where to start with so many attractions? These are 8 of our favorite places to visit.

Mar 10, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 3, 2024 • 4 min read

Jan 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Dec 14, 2023 • 6 min read

Oct 25, 2023 • 7 min read

Sep 28, 2023 • 6 min read

Jul 3, 2023 • 3 min read

Jun 8, 2023 • 4 min read

May 26, 2022 • 18 min read

Cappadocia Ruins Travel Agency

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

CAPPADOCIA RUINS TRAVEL AGENCY (Ortahisar) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

• ABOUT MATIANA
• DESTINATIONS
• EXPERIENCES
• WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Explore the lunar like landscape of Cappadocia which is a unique area like nothing else in the world. Fairy chimneys, underground cities, churches, valleys, villages make Cappadocia ‘the wonder of nature’ which provides an uncompromising base of cultural heritage and humanity.

Cappadocia ’hot balloon tour experience’ reflects the rich heritage of natural beauty on the fairy chimneys and amazing rock formation that have been created over many centuries. Enjoy floating over the valleys and formations in a hot air balloon for a once in a lifetime experience. With no spoken language, all regions are perfect for people who enjoy exploring the natural beauty, the churches, foods, wine making facilities all hidden in the caves and it turns a great adventure by combining adventure activities, charming mountains, reputed stores in a historical atmosphere.

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical…

Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw

Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

Where to eat in Siem Reap? — 9+ good, best local…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

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?
• When is the best time to visit Turkey? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to travel to Turkey
• Top beaches in Turkey — 17+ most beautiful & best beaches in 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 .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

What to do in alishan — 5 top attractions & best things to do in alishan, taiwan, hong kong food culture — hong kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land.

Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go & top things to do

Tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in tokyo

Yamanashi blog — The Yamanashi travel guide & top things to do in Yamanashi

Guide to Suzhou nightlife — 5+ what & best things to do in Suzhou at night

Kunming travel blog — The fullest Kunming travel guide for first-timers

Editor picks.

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best...

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first...

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1451
• Trip Inspiration 469
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 205
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Cappadocia Ruins Travel Agency

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cappadocia Ruins Travel Agency - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Since 2009, we’ve helped more than 47,000 people of all ages enjoy the best travel experience of their lives. Whether it’s for one day or a two-week vacation, we provide custom travel solutions all around Turkey.

Choose Your Style

Balloon tours, culture tours, most popular tours.

70+ Different Tours

We provide different tours with lots of options. You ask, we do!

Local Experts

Cappadocia is our Hometown. That's all we've got to say!

Trusted Travel Agency

Well, more than 47,000 people can't be wrong! Just saying 😉

Trending Activities

Customer Feedback

Follow us on Instagram

Tag your photos #hometowntravelturkey

+ 90 535 648 5167

[email protected]

Göreme / Cappadocia

• Service Aggreement
• Refund & Returns Policy
• Privacy Policy
• 2024 by Hometown Travel
• Comana Labs // Creative Digital Agency
• Hosted by Hostdocia

22 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Cappadocia

What is that magical city in Turkey? Cappadocia.

It’s been more than 10 years since I was last in Cappadocia . My first trip was with two small children. This trip was with a group of women desperate for adventure, and romance, and to explore all the hidden treasures of Cappadocia.

After taking my family, and leading a group of girls around, there are a few travel tips I learned about Cappadocia that you should know before you go.

Planning a trip to Cappadocia? Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability! Our recommended airport transfers in Cappadocia: 1. We used Penna Travel for our group of 8. But you can check prices here for: 2. Shared Airport Transfer 3. Private Airport Transfer Our recommended tours in Cappadocia: 1. Hot Air Balloon Flight In Cappadocia At Sunrise (We flew with Royal Balloons and highly recommend it!) 2. ATV Tours At Sunset 3. Green Tour In Cappadocia 4. Red Tour In Cappadocia 5. Quick Cappadocia (The best for an overview in a short period – we used Penna Travel ) Our recommended places to stay in Cappadocia: 1. Kayakapi Premium Caves (Ultimate luxury) 2. Taskonaklar (Affordable privacy) 3. Travellers Cave Hotel (Affordable, in town) For more travel Turkey Tips, visit our Facebook Group .

Are you thinking about visiting one of Turkey’s most memorable spots? Want to know how to make the best of your trip? Keep reading to discover 22 things you need to know before visiting Cappadocia. The first-timer’s ultimate Cappadocia travel guide.

1. Cappadocia is not a city in Turkiye

Kapadokya (Turkish spelling) is not somewhere you can fly to. Cappadocia is a historic region in central Anatolia and use to be an independent empire.

While most people have a desire to visit Cappadocia, what they are referring is to a stay at Cappadocia’s regional tourism hub, Goreme.

2. You Must visit Cappadocia

Should You Visit Cappadocia?  Yes! There is no doubt in my mind that you should visit Cappadocia. It is one of the most unusual and beautiful parts of Turkiye .

What is unusual about Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is famous for its unique rock formations and amazing hot air ballooning opportunities, the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia are one of Turkey’s most popular natural wonders.

Now a designated World Heritage Site, the rock sites of Kapadokya and Göreme National Park are described by Unesco   as “one of the world’s most striking and largest cave-dwelling complexes.”

Which is better Antalya or Cappadocia?

When deciding where to visit on a visit to Turkey, many people pick Antalya for its beaches and all-inclusive hotels. Big mistake in my opinion. Cappadcia’s out-of-this-world landscape makes it something you don’t want to miss.

On top of that Cappadocia can be visited all year round, while hotels in Antalya only operate really from late April to early October. And even we noticed most resorts weren’t open in April in Antalya.

3. Cappadocia is nowhere near the rest of your Turkey trip

Many people visit Istanbul in Turkiye or the Turkish Rivera . Many love the coastal Izmir or the Roman ruins of Ephesus, but Cappadocia is not near any of that.

Cappadocia is in the center of Turkey.

South Turkey

What is the closest big city to Cappadocia?

Kayseri is an hour’s drive east of Cappadocia, and the region’s largest city, with its busiest airport.

4. There is more than one way to get to Cappadocia

How Do I Get to Cappadocia? 

Drive, take the bus, ride the train, or fly in a plane. There are many ways to get to Cappadocia.

How long is the train ride from Istanbul to Cappadocia?

The trip from Istanbul to the Cappadocia area is approximately 735 kilometers long and will take you about 13 hours to travel.

How long is the drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia?

You could drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia in just over 8 hours.

What is the closest airport to Cappadocia?

My preference is to fly to Cappadocia. From Istanbul to Nevşehir is a direct 1 hour and 30 minutes. Nevşehir is closer to Goreme, however, there is an alternative airport at Kayseri. It’s a little further away but is a larger airport so you can find flights to more destinations in Turkey.

We flew from Istanbul to Nevşehir and then found a direct flight from Kayseri to Antalya.

What airport do you fly into for Cappadocia?

Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV).

5. You Can Not Do Cappadocia In A Day Trip

This is not a day trip destination. Other than the fact that it is so far from most other destinations. The majority of activities in Cappadocia are all based around sunrise, so if you are flying in and out on the day, you will miss some of the best things to do in Cappadocia.

If you want to try, click here to see how!

6. Spend At Least 3 Days In Cappadocia

I have the perfect 3-day Cappadocia itinerary ready for you right here. And given the question how much time should I spend in Cappadocia? How many days do we need in Cappadocia? 3 days is my answer.

Are 3 days in Cappadocia enough?

3 days in Cappadocia is the perfect amount of time. It gives you 2 mornings to take a hot air balloon ride and/or witness the balloons rising from the ground. It gives you time to see the big sites, do some hiking, explore underground cities, and enjoy the food.

Are 5 days in Cappadocia too much?

In my opinion, 5 days are too much. However, there is so much more to Cappadocia than the hot air balloons and you could spend much longer.

Are 2 nights in Cappadocia enough?

At a bare minimum, you need at least 2 nights in Cappadocia and one day. This will enable you to witness the hot air balloon rising, ride one, and enjoy a tour around the region.

Get a price on Istanbul to Cappadocia 2-night tour here.

7. Cappadocia Can Be Hotter & Colder Than You Think

Which month is best in Cappadocia? The best time to visit Cappadocia is late Spring and early Autumn. The months of April, May, early June, late September, and October. The weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists than in the summer months.

The weather is much better in June, July, and August, however high season is more expensive and incredibly busy.

Which month does it snow in Cappadocia?

The winter lasts from November through March. The snow can fall as early as November but generally will not stick until late December. From there it can continue intermittently through April but will be rare after March 1.

Bring a lightweight, warm jacket! 

8. Cappadocia Can Get Busy

According to statistics issued by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) on September 22, Cappadocia has hosted a record-breaking 2.5 million tourists in the first eight months in the year of 2022. So recommend visiting in Spring or Autumn.

9. When it’s busy you can’t eat

If you have a place you want to eat, book it beforehand. Cappadocia thrives on dinner reservations. We were lucky enough to visit at the beginning of May and walked into a small kebab place for dinner one evening. The other night we ate at our hotel. Our lunch reservations were booked through our tour. And breakfast, of course, was included without a hotel stay.

10. There Are 4 Cities to Stay In Cappadocia

Which place is better to stay in Cappadocia?

Göreme , Uçhisar , Urgup and Orthaisar are the best towns to stay in Cappadocia . However, Göreme is the preferred option for most travelers as it has excellent value-for-money hotel options and it is close to many attractions in the region.

What is the most beautiful city in Cappadocia?

Göreme. Goreme is situated at the center of the valleys, on the contrary, Avanos and Urgup. Goreme is undoubtedly the star attraction and point of interest of any visit to Cappadocia.

Goreme is the liveliest area of Cappadocia with restaurants, bars, and shops. But it’s also the area closest to the fairy chimneys in Göreme National Park , which is why you are visiting this unique region!

11. You must stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia

You read that right. The are only a few destinations in the world that offer stays in cave hotels. Mexico, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt, and some places in the US. But the majority of these unique accommodations can be found in Turkey.

Cappadocia has a range of luxury cave lodges, Sultan cave suites, and Ottoman cave houses that figuring out where to stay can be rather daunting.

I have personally stayed in 3 different Cappadocia cave hotels and here are my thoughts:

Travellers Cave Hotel

Check the price here

This is your Cappadocia hotel if you love to be in the thick of it.

A more budget-friendly built into the cliffside on top of Goreme Hill. If you get a room at the bottom, it’s a breakfast trek, but you’ll never regret the views.

There are multiple terraces to sit on, an outdoor hot tub, plenty of Instagram-worthy spots, and a delicious buffet breakfast. It’s in an excellent location to walk into Goreme town for food, drinks, and nightlife.

Kayakapi Premium Caves

This is your Cappadocia hotel if you want luxury and romance.

This is one of the most beautiful and unique Urgup hotels. In 2018 it was named the best luxury hotel in Turkey and anyone and everyone has stayed here from celebrities to royalty to me.

From its terrace, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Goreme National Park. All the rooms have underfloor heating and I highly recommend it as a honeymoon destination or for something extra special.

Taskolanker

This is your Cappadocia hotel if you want privacy and affordable luxury.

This property we stayed in Uchisar is also ranked as one of the finest boutique cave hotels in Cappadocia and consists of meticulously restored ancient houses. If you love peace this is your spot, and you can sit on the balcony and catch a glimpse of the balloons as they rise.

12. A Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia Is Worth It

Yes, it was expensive. Yes, it’s high. But yes, it’s worth doing once in your lifetime. I’ve done it twice and would do it again!

Is the Cappadocia balloon ride worth it?

Seeing the unique scenery of Cappadocia from the vantage point of a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience.

13. Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia is Expensive

Yes, it’s worth the price tag, but it is some price tag.

What is the average price of a balloon ride in Cappadocia?

On average, a standard 1-hour Cappadocia balloon ride costs around €300 per person during the high season. Low season, you will find them up to 100 euros cheaper.

For our flight in May we paid, which is a month before high season, and we paid €250 per person for a   ROYAL QUEEN FLIGHT (60 Minutes – max. 20 passengers) with Royal Balloon. I highly recommend Royal Balloon having flown safely with them several times. Check the price here.

14. Book In Advance To Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia

You can find flights on the day sometimes, but this is one adventure you don’t want to lead to chance. Book in advance.

15. Sometimes Balloons Don’t Fly in Cappadocia

While hot air balloons in Cappadocia fly all year round there are some days the flights will be canceled, because of adverse wind conditions. It’s just not safe. For this reason, having a spare morning is a great way to ensure you can still fly the next day, hopefully. Most cancellations happen between December and April.

Do balloons fly every day in Cappadocia?

Hot air balloons fly every day, all year round, in Cappadocia. The wind conditions for flying in Cappadocia are the best for sunrise, so all the balloons will take off early in the morning before or shortly after sunrise.

We started our hot air balloon flight in May with a 4:15 am pickup and a 5 am departure time.

16. If you don’t have the money for a Cappadocia hot air balloon

It’s ok. It’s a rather large expense, or maybe you’re just terrified of heights and want to keep your feet on the ground. Instead, choose to wake up early and just watch. There are many viewing places around Cappadocia, but if you’re lucky enough your hotel will be just perfect. If you are staying in a fairy chimney even better!

What is a Fairy Chimney?

Nature built them, but humans made them their own.

The chimneys are a result of a geologic process that began millions of years ago when volcanic eruptions rained ash across what would eventually become Turkey. That ash hardened into tuff, a porous rock covered by a layer of basalt.

Then erosion. As millennia passed, the softer tuff wore down, giving way to pillars that stand as tall as 130 feet. The harder basalt erodes more slowly, forming a protective, mushroom-shaped cap over each one. Just like that, a fairy chimney is born.

And then humans. That’s when these cave dwellings really became a fairy tale.

During the Roman period, persecuted Christians fled in droves to Göreme. There, they learned that the soft tuff could easily be excavated and built homes and churches in the chimneys. They expanded ancient caves into underground cities, which means you have a lot to explore underground, as much as above ground.

17. You don’t have to bring your own dress

If you’ve decided on a Cappadocia photo shoot with all those beautiful dresses. You can buy them online. Here are a few on Amazon . However, be aware photoshoot flying dresses are heavy and bulky, which is going to take up valuable suitcase space.

Instead, opt to hire one in Cappadocia. Our hotel had them for 50 euros. Most places have them for 70 euros.

18. Cappadocia is expensive

Is Cappadocia cheaper than Istanbul?

In terms of costs, Cappadocia is more expensive than Istanbul simply because the hotels are pricey. But there are ways to manage your expenses to enjoy this beautiful part of Turkiye. You’ll also find Turkish food and drink more expensive, as it is a major tourist destination with not many locals.

Do I need cash in Cappadocia?

You can use your Credit and debit (bank) cards in Cappadocia. We used ours in most places. Payment is made in Turkish lira.

19. There is so more to do in Cappadocia on top of hot air ballooning

Don’t just limit yourself to a balloon experience while in Cappadocia. If you plan a 2-night trip, a tour optimizes your time to fit all the major sites. I highly recommend Penna Travel’s Quick Cappadocia Tour . They had outstanding service, a great lunch stop, and were flexible in getting us through the things we wanted to see at the right times to avoid the crowds.

There is a lot to choose from so check out our recommended itinerary to make the most of it.

What are some things to do on a Cappadocia trip?

• Open-Air Museums
• Horseback Ride
• Sunset ATV Tour
• Hike Love Valley & Lovers Hill
• Hunt for Turkish Rugs
• Watch the Sunrise/Sunset From a Viewpoint
• Check out Rose Valley, Red Valley, Pigeon Valley, Devrent Valley, Pasabag Valley, Ilhara Valley, Sword Valley, and all the Valleys.

20. The most popular two tours are the Red & Green Tour

Most agencies will offer you two tours to do in Cappadocia. I have done both, but highly recommend using Penna Travel Agency’s guided tour if you want to mix and match.

On the green tour , also known as the South Cappadocia tour, you will visit:

• Esentepe Viewpoint (Pigeon Valley Viewpoint)
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Ihlara Valley
• Belisirma Village (next to Melendiz River)
• Selime Monastery
• Onyx Jewelry Factory (Mostly for souvenirs and shopping)

On the red tour , also known as the North Cappadocia tour, you will visit:

• Uchisar Castle
• Goreme Open Air Museum
• Avanos Town (Pottery Workshops)
• Pasabag Monks Valley
• Devrent Imagination Valley

Most tours include lunch and entrance fees. I recommend you tip your guide.

As far as value for money, generally, the green tour is a better buy since most of these attractions are far from Goreme, the red tour can be mostly done on foot if staying in Goreme. If you have 2 full days then I recommend doing both.

21. You can do a Hot air balloon tour & a Cappadocia Region Tour In One Day

Yes, you can fit in the hot air balloon ride and a Cappaodica tour on the same day. Cappadocia hot air balloon ride generally goes from 4 am to 8 am. Most day tours start at 9 am and finish around 6 pm.

22. Start Your Day Early In Cappadocia

Early risers are where it’s at in Cappadocia. From sunrise hot air balloon rides to watching them, to Instagram-worthy photo shoots. Sleep away the rest of your holiday after Cappadocia, because this is one trip where 4/5 am wakeups are a must!

For more travel Turkey Tips, visit our Facebook Group . Want to go on this trip? Find more details here.

Cappadocia is a mesmerizing destination that captivates visitors with its unique landscape, rich history, and vibrant culture. As you plan your trip to this enchanting region, keep in mind these 22 essential things to enhance your experience.

This place is a true wonder of nature, blending natural beauty with centuries of human ingenuity, and it promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. So, pack your bags, embark on this incredible adventure, and let Cappadocia weave its magic around you.

LOOK HOW  EASY  IT IS TO  PIN  THIS!

DON'T MISS ANYTHING!

FOMO - do you have it?  Well there is no need to Fear On Missing Out here at Explore With Erin. Sign up to receive updates directly to your in box. I won’t spam you, but I do promise a whole lot of awesomeness. What are you waiting for? Join Me!

PS: We hate spam too, read our Privacy Policy here .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

We are keen to partner with you! To discuss ways to advertise, sponsor or partner with us please visit our Work With Us page.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of use

Start typing and press Enter to search

YOU ARE THE BEST!

You're In! Thank you for choosing to let me into your Inbox. You won't be disappointed.

It’s not every day I get to personally say hello to you, but I am so pleased you gave me the opportunity to do so.

Thank you again for all your support and I hope you enjoy Explore With Erin.

• International

Israel-Hamas war

Taiwan earthquake

April 2, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Chris Lau, Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury , Elise Hammond , Aditi Sangal and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

Australian aid worker killed in Gaza leaves "legacy of compassion, bravery and love," family says

From CNN’s Dhruv Tikekar and Manveena Suri

The family of an Australian aid worker killed in Gaza says she leaves a "legacy of compassion, bravery and love for all those in her orbit."

A statement issued by Zomi Frankcom's family said they are "deeply mourning the news that our brave and beloved Zomi has been killed doing the work she loves delivering food to the people of Gaza.

"She was a kind, selfless and outstanding human being that has traveled the world helping others in their time of need. She will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love for all those in her orbit,” the Frankcom family said in a statement to CNN affiliate Channel 9.

It added that the family was “still reeling from the shock” and has asked for “privacy during this difficult time".

Foreign nationals were among the seven aid workers from the non-profit World Central Kitchen killed in an Israeli military strike on Tuesday as they were delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference in Canberra on Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for full accountability for the deaths and said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was working to have her body returned to Australia.

“This is someone who volunteered in Australia to help people during the bushfires... (and) was volunteering overseas to provide aid through this charity for people who are suffering tremendous deprivation in Gaza,” Albanese said of Zomi.

World Central Kitchen worker killings has touched off fury inside the Biden White House, official says

From CNN's MJ Lee

An Israeli strike in Gaza that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers has touched off fury and indignation inside the White House, prompting President Joe Biden on Tuesday to release a public statement using a word he has rarely invoked over the course of the tragedy-ridden conflict: “Outraged.”

The deaths of the workers who were delivering food to starving civilians in the besieged enclave — including one dual US-Canadian citizen – has frustrated Biden and his top officials to a new level, a senior administration official told CNN. 

The strike has been a “standout incident” as far as the White House is concerned, the official said, prompting serious consternation and concern in what had already been a moment of high tensions between the US and Israel. 

The president discussed the deaths of the workers with a small group of Muslim community leaders at the White House Tuesday, according to one of the attendees. Some of the participants were doctors who had spent time in Gaza and had seen first-hand the plight of the Palestinian civilians there. One of them, CNN reported,  walked out of the meeting early in a show of protest.

“The president expressed that this is a very difficult situation and that he would like to see an end to this war,” said Salima Suswell, founder of the Black Muslim Leadership Council. “The conversation was difficult at moments.”

Asked about Biden blaming Israel for failing to protect civilians and aid workers in his statement, a senior adviser to the president told CNN: “It’s what he wanted to say.”

Israel takes responsibility for killing aid workers in strike, prime minister's spokesperson says

From CNN's Hande Atay Alam

A spokesperson for Israel's prime minister said Tuesday that the country takes responsibility for its mistakes, referring to the killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in central Gaza.

Tal Heinrich noted that Israel is still waiting for the findings of an investigation into the killings.

"When Israel makes mistakes, even the most tragic ones to admit, we take responsibility," he told CNN's Erin Burnett. "We admit to the most painful incidents, so we tell the truth, even when it's the most inconvenient thing to stay," Heinrich added.

Israel's military chief apologizes for strikes that killed 7 aid workers. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Israel Defense Force's chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi apologized Tuesday for the airstrikes that killed seven aid workers in Gaza, calling it “a mistake that followed a misidentification.” He said the fatal incident is being investigated.

US President Joe Biden said he was “ outraged and heartbroken ” by the killings of the humanitarian aid workers, adding that Israel has “not done enough to protect civilians.”

The charity, World Central Kitchen, on Tuesday shared the identities of those who were killed: John Chapman, 57; James (Jim) Henderson, 33; James Kirby, 47; Jacob Flickinger, 33; Damian Sobol; Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom and Saifeddin Issam.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• More on Israel's strike on aid workers: A friend of one of the aid workers who was killed, Zomi Frankcom, remembered her as someone who met people with a smile when they were experiencing the darkest time of their lives. Also, American Near East Refugee Aid workers inside Gaza fear they will be targeted following the strike on the WCK workers, according to the charity's Palestine Country Director Sandra Rasheed.
• Official reactions: During a phone call with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Britain’s Rishi Sunak “demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation" and said he was appalled by the attack. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had a “reasonably long” phone call with Netanyahu early Wednesday during which he said Netanyahu expressed his condolences for the death of Australian citizen Zomi Frankcom and “committed to full transparency” in the investigation into the strike.
• Damascus aftermath: The US assesses that  Israel carried out the fatal airstrike Monday in Damascus on what Iran has said was a consulate building, deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said. Iran and Syria also accused Israel of authoring the attack, with Tehran warning of a “serious response,” and the powerful Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah saying the strike would be met with “punishment and revenge.” Iran also said it would hold the US “answerable” due to its support of Israel. The Biden administration  reiterated Tuesday  that it was not involved in the airstrike.
• More from the Biden administration: The Biden administration has come under immense scrutiny domestically, and from members of the US government workforce, for its policy on Israel and the Gaza war. Secretary of State Antony Blinken marked the start of National Arab American Heritage Month in a statement Tuesday by noting that it comes “at a time of immense pain.” Underscoring the high tensions, a Palestinian-American doctor on Tuesday walked out of a meeting with Biden before it was over "out of respect" for his community. He told CNN he was disappointed that he was the only Palestinian in attendance.
• Jerusalem protestors: Some anti-government protesters Tuesday breached security barriers near Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence, according to social media videos. Israeli police said most of the demonstrators behaved lawfully, but noted that some were "disorderly" as they tried to approach the leader's home. Israeli media reported several arrests.
• Renewed request: The Palestinian Authority sent the UN secretary-general a letter renewing its request for UN membership, according to a post on social media from the Palestinian permanent observer mission to the UN on Tuesday.

Biden says Israel has "not done enough to protect civilians" in Gaza after airstrikes kill 7 aid workers

From CNN's Nikki Carvajal

US President Joe Biden said he is “outraged and heartbroken” after an Israeli air strike in Gaza killed seven aid workers Monday. He admitted the strike was “not a stand-alone incident” and that Israel has “not done enough to protect civilians.”

“They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war,” Biden wrote in a statement Tuesday. “They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy.”

He wrote that Israel had “pledged to conduct a thorough investigation” into the incident, but that the “investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public.”

“Even more tragically, this is not a stand-alone incident,” Biden wrote. “This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed. This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult – because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians.”

He said that incidents like this “simply should not happen,” and that “Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians.”

World Central Kitchen identifies 7 aid workers killed by Israeli strike

From CNN's Hira Humayun

The World Central Kitchen (WCK) shared the identities of the seven aid workers who were killed by an Israeli strike in central Gaza on Monday.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the aid group revealed the victims to be:

• John Chapman, 57,a United Kingdom citizen on the security team.
• James (Jim) Henderson, 33, a UK citizen on the security team.
• James Kirby, 47, a UK citizen on the security team.
• Jacob Flickinger, 33, a US-Canadian dual citizen on the relief team.
• Damian Sobol, 35, a Polish citizen on the relief team.
• Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43, an Australian citizen and a lead on the relief team.
• Saifeddin Issam, 25, a Palestinian on the relief team.

“These are the heroes of WCK. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories,” WCK quoted CEO Erin Gore.

The IDF said the incident is being investigated and that the strike was a "grave mistake" and that it did not intend to harm the aid workers.

Palestinian-American doctor says he walked out of meeting with Biden and Muslim community

From CNN's Betsy Klein and Alex Marquardt

A Palestinian-American doctor walked out of a meeting with US President Joe Biden before it was over Tuesday evening, underscoring the high tensions, anger and concern from Arab, Palestinian and Muslim-American communities around the Israel-Hamas war. 

Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency physician from Chicago who traveled to Gaza earlier this year, told CNN he abruptly left the meeting that included Vice President Kamala Harris, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, other administration officials and a small group of Muslim community leaders.  

Following the meeting, a White House official said in a statement that the president and vice president "know this is a deeply painful moment for many in the Muslim and Arab communities.”

Biden, the official said, expressed commitment “to continue working to secure an immediate ceasefire as part of a deal to free the hostages and significantly increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

Ahmad traveled to Gaza as part of a delegation of doctors from the NGO MedGlobal, working in the city of Khan Younis as fighting raged around the Al Nasser hospital. He discussed his experience there, citing massive numbers of displaced, injured and dying people, and he spoke out against an expected Israeli offensive in Rafah.

“I said it was disappointing I’m the only Palestinian here, and out of respect for my community, I’m going to leave,” Ahmad said he told the president.  

Before he left, he handed Biden a letter from an 8-year-old orphaned girl, Hadeel, who lives in Rafah.  

“I beg you, President Biden, stop them from entering Rafah,” a translation of the letter shared with CNN says. Hadeel is referring to Israel's declared plan to enter the southern Gaza city, which the US has said Israel should not do without a comprehensive plan to protect civilian lives.

Biden told him he understood that he needed to leave, Ahmad said. 

CNN previously reported that what was supposed to be an iftar dinner to break the Ramadan fast was changed to a meeting because participants didn’t feel comfortable having a celebratory meal while hundreds of thousands in Gaza are on the brink of famine.

The post was updated with comments from a White House official. 

Australian prime minister speaks with Netanyahu after Israel's deadly strike on aid workers

From CNN's Hilary Whiteman and Natalie Barr

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had a “reasonably long” phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu early Wednesday.

It’s the first time the leaders had spoken since seven aid workers, including one Australian national, were killed in an Israel Defense Forces strike on Tuesday.

The IDF said the strike was a "mistake that followed a misidentification," did not intend to harm the aid workers and was a "grave mistake."

Albanese said Netanyahu expressed his condolences for the death of Australian citizen Zomi Frankcom and “committed to full transparency” over Israel’s investigation into the incident.

Separately, he said Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has spoken to her Israeli counterpart and expressed that Australians were “outraged” about the incident.

In a statement Tuesday, Wong said the “death of any aid worker is outrageous and unacceptable.” 

The government calls for a “thorough and expeditious review,” she said.

“We expect full accountability for these deaths,” she added.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.