Known as a geological fantasy of fairy chimneys and honeycombed hills, a trip to Turkey — Türkiye if you will, may not reach a fulfilling ending until Cappadocia is realized. Softened by rivers and cushioned by winds, the rock formations, paired with the artificial touch of hot air balloons — our desperate grasp on the closest thing to becoming a bird itself, have created a panorama of what can only be imagined as a lunar desert.
Visitors do not come here to be soothed by the sight of rock valleys and sculpted pillars. They come to be in awe of the marriage between nature and human manipulation, to witness a slice of mystical sunrise and dreamy sunset, but not to forget the history that leads to what the region is today.
Cappadocia. Ka-puh-dow-shuh. Ka-pa-dok-kia. There are myriad ways to pronounce the name of the land seemingly woven into existence by elves and fairies, yet there is but one way to describe this spectacular work of nature: It is a vessel that takes you to outer space, making you finally understand what it’s like to be “over the Moon.”
Enjoy a flexible vacation in Cappadocia by renting your own vehicle. You can find car rental services online or get them from your hotel. Car rental rates depend on the type of car and rental time. If you rent a car during the holiday season, you can be charged a higher price. For a smooth and comfortable experience, you can rent your car before your arrival, which will also get you a lower price. Generally, you should prepare around 350 – 950 TL per day to rent a car.
The temperature will start dropping significantly in November and winter will last throughout March. With little rain, you can pretty much schedule your visit any time between April and October, even during the hotter months of July and August.
The cheapest way to travel is by an overnight bus whose journey could take up to 12 hours. You will depart from Istanbul's main Esenler Otogar (Esenler Coach Terminal) and arrive at Nevşehir Otogar. From there, depending on which part of Cappadocia you want to visit, you will need to choose your preferred transport accordingly.
The least expensive option is to travel by bus, but it requires extensive knowledge of where you're heading next as well as your time since buses run on an hourly basis. Though substantially more expensive, renting a car or a scooter is the most ideal way to get from one valley to another underground city. Joining a tour is the most vital alternative if you are also looking for a fixed itinerary.
Hot air balloon booking service is ubiquitous in Cappadocia. You are highly recommended to book directly with local agencies or at your hotel as they will show you a variety of options as well as flight duration, time, price, and availability.
There are a lot of activities you can do while in Cappadocia. From hiking through the valleys, horseback and camel riding, joining a pottery-making class, to simply driving from one site to another, enjoying a picnic, or watching sunrise and sunset. The experience varies significantly throughout the day depending on what you want to do.
Travel Tips for Cappadocia
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