Cappadocia & Early Christian Anatolia: 8-Day Journey
Overview
Cappadocia is where early Christians carved an entire civilisation into soft volcanic rock - hundreds of churches, monasteries and cities hidden eight storeys underground. This eight-day journey pairs three unhurried nights among the fairy chimneys with Istanbul at either end, and adds Konya, where Rumi taught tolerance a thousand years later. It is our best-value introduction to Turkey and the easiest to fit into a working year.
At a glance
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
|---|---|
| Start / End | Istanbul → Istanbul |
| Group size | Maximum 18 travellers |
| Activity level | Easy to moderate - valley walks are optional and always have a level alternative |
| Meals | 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners |
| Guiding | Licensed local guide, English (other languages on request) |
| Departures | Weekly, March–November |
Tour highlights
- Three nights in a genuine cave hotel in Goreme or Uchisar
- The rock-cut churches and frescoes of the Goreme Open-Air Museum
- Derinkuyu underground city, carved eight levels down
- An optional sunrise balloon flight over the valleys
- The Ihlara Valley walk beside the Melendiz river
- Selime monastery and the Cappadocian Fathers' monastic heritage
- Konya's Mevlana Museum and the Whirling Dervish tradition
- Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar
Day-by-day itinerary
-
Day 1 - Arrive Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel in the old city. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul -
Day 2 - Istanbul Highlights. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace, then the Grand Bazaar.
Overnight: Istanbul -
Day 3 - Fly to Cappadocia. Morning flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Afternoon at Uchisar castle for the sunset over the valleys.
Overnight: Cappadocia -
Day 4 - Goreme & the Valleys. Optional sunrise balloon flight. Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabag, Devrent and an Avanos pottery workshop.
Overnight: Cappadocia -
Day 5 - Underground Cities & Ihlara. Derinkuyu underground city, a gentle 3 km walk in the Ihlara Valley, and Selime monastery.
Overnight: Cappadocia -
Day 6 - Cappadocia → Konya. Drive across the plateau with a stop at the Sultanhani caravanserai. Mevlana Museum and an evening Sema ceremony.
Overnight: Konya -
Day 7 - Konya → Istanbul. Morning flight to Istanbul. Afternoon Bosphorus cruise and farewell dinner.
Overnight: Istanbul -
Day 8 - Depart Istanbul. Transfer to the airport.
Overnight: -
What's included
- All airport and intercity transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- Accommodation as listed, on a twin-share basis, with daily breakfast
- Professional English-speaking licensed guide throughout
- All entrance fees to the sites named in the itinerary
- Local taxes, service charges and portage at hotels
- 24/7 on-tour support line and a Look Vacations tour manager
- Internal flights Istanbul–Cappadocia and Konya–Istanbul
What's not included
- International flights to and from the start and end cities
- Travel insurance (required - we can recommend providers)
- Visas, passport fees and any border charges
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature
- Optional excursions and gratuities for guide and driver
Accommodation
Three nights in a cave hotel with vaulted stone rooms and valley-view terraces, and four-star accommodation in Istanbul and Konya.
Who this tour is for
First-time visitors, travellers short on annual leave, and anyone drawn to early Christian and monastic history. The walking is genuinely optional throughout, which makes it a good fit for mixed-ability groups and families with teenagers.
Good to know
Is a cave hotel actually comfortable?
Yes - the ones we use are heated, en-suite and quiet, with the rock keeping rooms cool in summer. They are the reason people remember Cappadocia.
When is the best time for ballooning?
April to June and September to October have the most reliable flying weather. Flights are cancelled for wind and you are refunded in full if that happens.
Can this be extended to the coast?
Easily. Add four nights in Kusadasi for Ephesus, or fly to Antalya for the Mediterranean.
Book or ask a question
Prices are per person in twin-share accommodation, land only, and vary by departure date and group size. Tell us your preferred dates and we will confirm availability and a firm quote within one business day.
Call +1 202 770 5061 · email usa@lookvacations.com · or send an enquiry through the tour page.
