Cappadocia itinerary
7 days, hour by hour · Nevşehir, TürkiyeJune–September
- Days
- 7
- Stops
- 35
- Per day
- ≈ 3,550 TL
- First stop
- 05:00
Short answer
The TripWalkers Cappadocia itinerary runs 7 days and lays out 35 stops, hour by hour, for June–September. The first three days:
- Day 1 Göreme's signature: fairy chimneys from the sky
- Day 2 Uçhisar and Ortahisar: castles and a quiet valley
- Day 3 Avanos and the northern valleys: pottery, river and Devrent
Staying less? Start with the first days — TripWalkers uses the opening days of this plan for shorter trips too. Days 6 and 7 are day trips out of the city. Food, entry fees and local transport come to about 3,550 TL a day (excluding accommodation and flights).
Day 1 · 05:00–21:30
Göreme's signature: fairy chimneys from the sky
Nature
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour
Göreme's signature experience, with hotel transfer included. Flights can be cancelled because of wind. After landing you get a celebratory glass of sparkling wine or fruit juice and a certificate. Book at least 1 day ahead.
≈ 6,800 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuide- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Culture
Göreme Open Air Museum
Entry to the Dark Church costs extra. Its frescoes are the best preserved, so don't skip it. Go early and finish before the tour buses arrive.
≈ 300 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Love Valley
A free walk along a natural corridor of fairy chimneys between Göreme and Uçhisar. Bring water and a hat, as shade thins out towards noon.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Dibek Restaurant (Göreme)
Order the pottery kebab with the breaking service, where the clay jug is cracked open at your table. It gets busy in summer, so arriving before 13:00 makes finding a table easier.
≈ 550 TL per person- 4 h · travel, break, free time
Nature
Kızılçukur (Red Valley) Sunset Point
Grab a spot 45 minutes before sunset, when the rocks turn red-gold. You can buy dried apricots and walnuts from the stalls nearby, and parking is free.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Topdeck Cave Restaurant (Göreme)
A cave-carved venue with a menu of local meze and grilled dishes. It fills up after 20:00, so book a table.
≈ 750 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Nostalji Restaurant (Göreme)A calm spot in central Göreme mixing local and international cuisine. Pick from the meze before choosing a main course.
- Göreme Panorama (Sunset Point)A free viewing terrace overlooking the whole of Göreme town. A quieter, less crowded alternative to Kızılçukur.
Day 2 · 09:30–21:00
Uçhisar and Ortahisar: castles and a quiet valley
Food
Wish Terrace (Uçhisar)
Walk through the narrow lanes of the Tekelli neighbourhood to a terrace facing Pigeon Valley. Homemade jam and village clotted cream are the highlights. There are few tables, so go early.
≈ 650 TL per personLandmark
Uçhisar Castle
The highest point in Cappadocia, reached by narrow carved stairways. Allow some time at the top for the 360-degree views.
≈ 200 TL per personLandmark
Ortahisar Castle
Known as the most authentic town in the region. You can stop for tea in the small square around the 86-metre fortress.
≈ 50 TL per personFood
Köy Sofrası Kapadokya (Ortahisar)
A friendly local table with regional cheeses, olives and fresh bread. The breakfast plate is big enough for two to share.
≈ 550 TL per person- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Pancarlık Valley and Church
A quiet valley on the Ürgüp-Mustafapaşa road that even hotels don't know about. Visit Sarıca Church on the same trip and look closely at its fresco details.
Free- 3 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Elai Restaurant (Uçhisar)
Cappadocia's first gourmet restaurant, serving French-Turkish fusion cuisine with views of Pigeon Valley and Red Valley. Book ahead for a table at sunset.
≈ 3,200 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Ürgüp Garden CafeA airy garden setting and a good stop for tea after breakfast.
- Pigeon Valley ViewpointA free viewpoint over the valley running from Uçhisar to Göreme. The pigeon holes in the rock are still visible.
Day 3 · 09:30–21:30
Avanos and the northern valleys: pottery, river and Devrent
Culture
Chez Galip Pottery Workshop (Avanos)
At this Guinness-record workshop you can watch masters shape pots from Kızılırmak clay. The Hair Museum is in the same building. After the workshop, take a short walk along the Kızılırmak riverbank.
Free- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Cevizli Bahçe (Avanos)
One of the strongest names in the region for pottery kebab. The breaking service is done at your table, so ask for a seat in the garden overlooking the Kızılırmak.
≈ 600 TL per person- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Paşabağ (Monks Valley)
Famous for its three-headed fairy chimneys. Entry and parking are free. Morning light is better for photos, and late afternoon is also less crowded.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Zelve Open Air Museum
An abandoned rock settlement spread across three valleys. Some tunnels require stooping, so anyone who dislikes tight spaces should take care.
≈ 150 TL per person- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
The camel-shaped rock is the most famous figure. Entry is free. At sunset the rocks turn golden, which is the best time for photos.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Kirkit Pension Restaurant (Avanos)
A classic stop for backpackers, with a home-style menu that changes daily. No reservation is needed, but go early in the evening.
≈ 500 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Seyyahhan (Avanos)An alternative with stone architecture, a wide terrace and views of the Kızılırmak. Regional meat dishes and meze are strong.
- Kızılırmak Riverside Park (Avanos)A free walking path along the river. It works as a short break around your pottery workshop visit.
Day 4 · 09:30–21:00
Ürgüp market and Mustafapaşa: wine, bazaar and Greek architecture
Shopping
Ürgüp Market/Bazaar
Producers from surrounding villages sell fresh cheese, butter, molasses and pestil (dried fruit leather). Go early, as the freshest products sell out in the first hours.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Turasan Winery Cellar
The region's most established winery, producing since 1943. Try a tasting set of Kalecik Karası and Emir grape wines. The cellar tour is free.
≈ 400 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Ziggy's Cafe & Restaurant (Ürgüp)
Known for its garden setting and a menu blending local and international cuisine. At lunchtime, choose a shaded table.
≈ 700 TL per person- 2 h · travel, break, free time
Culture
Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) Walk
Wander for free through the stone mansion facades and churches of a Greek village emptied by the 1924 population exchange. It's easy to walk without a guide, so don't hesitate to turn into the side streets.
Free- 2 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Hanımeli Restaurant (Mustafapaşa)
A family-run place known for pottery kebab and home cooking. The bread and meze are made in-house.
≈ 600 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Areni Cappadocia Restaurant (Ürgüp)An authentic setting in classic Cappadocian mansion architecture, and a strong alternative for pottery kebab.
- Temenni Hill (Ürgüp)Ürgüp's "wishing hill", a free viewpoint with a commanding view of the town. Go close to sunset.
Day 5 · 09:00–21:30
Çavuşin and abandoned valleys: quiet trails and sunset ATV
Nature
Kılıçlar Valley - Meskendir Valley Hike
Starts 600 m beyond the entrance to Göreme Open Air Museum and follows a quiet trail all the way to Çavuşin. The markings are unclear in places, so bring water and comfortable shoes.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Çavuşin Village (Old Çavuşin Rock Settlement)
Abandoned houses are carved into a huge rock mass. The climb up is tiring, but the view from the top is worth it. Entry is free.
FreeFood
Cavusin Han Restaurant (Çavuşin)
Mantı (Turkish dumplings) with buttered yoghurt sauce and yağlama (layered flatbread) are the highlights. A family-run place with a simple village-style table.
≈ 550 TL per person- 4 h · travel, break, free time
Nature
ATV Sunset Tour through Güllüdere (Rose Valley)
Helmet and goggles are provided, and two people can ride one ATV. Booking is recommended. The last 30 minutes, when the sun paints the valley red, are the best for photos.
≈ 1,600 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuide- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Local Restaurant (Göreme)
A simple but tasty menu in central Göreme, and a good choice for a relaxed sit-down after the ATV tour.
≈ 650 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Sedef Restaurant (Göreme)A quiet, grill-focused spot close to central Göreme.
- Haçlı Church (Çavuşin)A small free rock church on the Çavuşin-Güllüdere-Kızılçukur trail. Easy to add to the main hiking route.
Day 6 · 09:30–17:00Day trip
Green Tour: Ihlara canyon and underground city
Nature
Ihlara Valley Hike
Choose a 3.5-6 km route from the Ihlara village entrance to Belisırma. The canyon is deep, so there's plenty of natural shade. The guided Green Tour usually includes transport and entry. Water and walking shoes are essential.
≈ 1,800 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuide- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Belisırma Seyir Restaurant
Tables are set up beside the Melendiz Stream, and fish baked on a tile is the most popular dish. Some tables let you dangle your feet in the water.
≈ 700 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Selime Monastery
A huge monastery complex carved into the rock. Narrow stairways lead to the upper levels. Entry is free.
Free- 45 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Derinkuyu Underground City
It's naturally cool underground, making it the most comfortable stop on a hot day. You'll need to stoop in the narrow tunnels, and anyone who feels claustrophobic should not descend to the lower levels.
≈ 600 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Belisırma RestaurantAn alternative to Seyir Restaurant: a different venue by the river in the same village.
- Yaprakhisar ViewpointAlso known as "Star Wars Valley". A free viewpoint and an alternative to Selime, with interesting rock textures.
Day 7 · 09:30–14:15Day trip
Soğanlı Valley: Cappadocia's unknown eastern edge (easy day)
Nature
Soğanlı Valley Rock Churches Walk
Daily visitor numbers are tiny, perhaps 5-10 people. Visit the Kubbeli, Karabaş and Yılanlı churches. Entry is free, the route takes 2-3 hours, and there's plenty of shade.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Kadın Emeği Zeytin Cafe and Home Cooking (Soğanlı)
A small cooperative run by village women. Gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and home-style dishes are prepared daily. Cash is preferred.
≈ 500 TL per personNature
Yeşilhisar Apricot Orchards
A short stop on the way back. This is Türkiye's apricot country, and you can buy dried apricots from the roadside stalls.
≈ 100 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Soğanlı Valley RestaurantA simple village-style eatery at the valley entrance. Gözleme and ayran (salted yoghurt drink) are the classic choices.
- Karabaş Church (Soğanlı)One of the best-preserved churches for frescoes. It can be included in the main walking route, and entry is free.
Hidden gem: Pancarlık Valley and Church
Beside the Ortahisar-Mustafapaşa road is a small valley with a single-nave church from the 11th century, a place no big tour bus visits. Even most local hotels don't know it exists. It isn't included in Red or Green Tour packages.
- How to get in
- On the Ürgüp-Mustafapaşa road, after the Ortahisar sign, follow the "Pancarlık" signs. About 1 km after passing Sarıca Church there is a small car park, and from there it's a 5-minute walk down into the valley.
- Local tip
- If you also see Sarıca Church on the same road, you can visit both churches in 45 minutes. Go around 9 in the morning, before the midday heat, as there's almost no shade in the valley.
- When
- April to October is the most comfortable period. In winter the road turns muddy and the church stays damp, and there are almost no visitors.
- Contact
- Yok — gişe görevlisi bazı saatlerde yerinde, resmi bir telefon hattı veya rezervasyon sistemi yok, walk-in serbest giriş.
Good to know: 7 things that make a Cappadocia trip easier
- Village restaurants, markets and small workshops mostly prefer cash, and cards may not work everywhere, so carry cash.
- Minibuses between villages run infrequently. A rental car or a daily private driver tour is the most practical way to get around.
- Restaurants don't add an automatic service charge to the bill. Leaving a 5-10% tip is local custom.
- Keep your shoulders and knees covered in rock churches and monasteries. In some churches, photos without flash are allowed, but flash is forbidden.
- In July, midday temperatures exceed 30°C. Plan valley hikes for early morning or late afternoon, and carry plenty of water and a hat.
- Balloon tours can be cancelled at the last minute because of wind. That's why it's on the first day: if it's cancelled, you can still move it to another day.
- Bargaining is normal for handicrafts like pottery and carpets, but not for food or entry fees.
Spending: ≈ 24,800 TL per person for 7 days
- Food10,500 TL
- Entry and tours12,000 TL
- Local transport1,500 TL
- Other800 TL
Excludes accommodation and flights. 2026 price estimate, per person.
On world lists: 1 place in this city
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Cappadocia?
This itinerary is built for 7 days. With 3 days, do the first 3 — TripWalkers uses the opening days of the plan for shorter trips too. The day trip is on day 6 and 7; skip it on a short stay.
How much does a day in Cappadocia cost?
In this plan, food, entry fees and local transport come to about 3,550 TL per person per day. Accommodation and flights are not included. Figures are 2026 estimates.
What time should you start the day in Cappadocia?
The first stop is at 05:00. Most days start early so you arrive before the crowds, and evenings end with dinner.
Which places in Cappadocia should you book in advance?
In this plan, it's worth booking ahead for: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour (day 1), ATV Sunset Tour through Güllüdere (Rose Valley) (day 5), Ihlara Valley Hike (day 6).
Which season is this itinerary for?
This page covers June–September. There is a separate plan for October–May: opening hours, the sea and the weather change the route.