Beyond Cappadocia – Discover Turkey’s Treasures
You’ve seen the Fairy Chimneys. Now, explore the rest of the legends.
Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) Sunset Tour
“Walk on Water”
Located just 1.5 hours from Cappadocia, Lake Tuz is one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world. In summer, the water evaporates, leaving a thick layer of salt that reflects the sky like a giant mirror.
The Experience: This is a photographer’s dream. At sunset, the horizon disappears, and the pink hues of the sky blend with the white salt. It looks like you are walking on clouds.
Best For: Photography, sunset lovers, and a relaxing evening trip.
Duration: Half Day (Afternoon departure, return after sunset).
1 pax price : 320 €
Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) Sunset Tour
What’s Included:
Hotel Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off from your Cappadocia hotel.
Transport: Private or small-group travel in an A/C luxury vehicle.
Guide/Driver: An experienced driver who knows the best photo spots..
What’s Excluded:
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs or extra salt products sold at the entrance.
Gratuities: Tips for the driver/guide (discretionary).
Hattuşa (The Hittite Capital) Daily Tour
“The Empire of Iron & Stone”
Travel back 3,500 years to the capital of the Hittites, the superpower that rivaled Ancient Egypt. Hattuşa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an open-air museum of massive proportions.
Highlights:
The Lion Gate: The iconic entrance to the city.
Yazılıkaya Sanctuary: An open-air rock temple featuring reliefs of 63 Hittite gods.
The Green Stone: A mysterious cube of green nephrite stone, said to be a gift from Ramses II.
Why Go? If you love history and archaeology, this is a non-negotiable stop.
Duration: Full Day (Approx. 09:00 – 18:00).
2 pax price : 540 €
What’s Included:
Professional Guiding: Licensed tour guide specialized in Hittite history (essential for this site).
Admission Fees: Entrance tickets to Hattuşa, Yazılıkaya, and the Boğazköy Museum.
Lunch: A traditional local lunch in the village (drinks excluded).
Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation for the full day.
What’s Excluded:
Drinks: Beverages during lunch.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs.
Gratuities: Tips for the guide and driver.
1. Hattuşa (The Hittite Capital)
Distance: Approx. 210 km (130 miles)
Drive Time: 2.5 – 3 Hours (One way)
The Guide’s Take:
“This is a very manageable day trip. The road passes through the rural heartland of Central Anatolia. It’s an easy drive, leaving plenty of time to explore the ruins and return to Cappadocia for dinner.”
Mt. Nemrut & Gobeklitepe (2-Day Expedition)
“Journey to the Zero Point of History”
This is not just a tour; it’s a journey into Mesopotamia. We leave Cappadocia for a 2-day adventure to Southeastern Turkey to see the 8th Wonder of the World and the oldest temple ever discovered.
Day 1: The Mountain of Gods (Nemrut)
Drive East through Kahramanmaraş (famous for its ice cream).
Arrive at Mount Nemrut for sunset.
See the colossal stone heads of King Antiochus and the gods at the summit (2,134m high). The sunset here is legendary.
Overnight in Adıyaman or Kahta.
Day 2: The First Temple (Göbeklitepe)
Visit Göbeklitepe, the site that rewrote human history. Dating back 12,000 years, it is older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge combined.
Explore Sanliurfa (The City of Prophets) and the sacred Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham).
Visit the Beehive Houses of Harran.
Late night return to Cappadocia.
2 pax price : 1350 €
What’s Included:
Accommodation: 1-night stay in Adıyaman or Kahta (3/4-star hotel).
Meals: 1 Breakfast (at the hotel), 2 Lunches, and 1 Dinner.
Transport: VIP Minivan or Bus depending on group size.
Entrance Fees: Tickets for Mt. Nemrut National Park, Göbeklitepe, and Sanliurfa Museum.
Professional Guide: Expert guidance throughout the 2-day journey.
What’s Excluded:
Drinks: All beverages during meals.
Shuttle Fee (Nemrut): Small shuttle fee to reach the summit from the parking lot (if applicable).
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs or extra snacks.
Leg 1: Cappadocia ➔ Mt. Nemrut (Day 1)
The Journey East.
Distance: Approx. 540 km (335 miles)
Drive Time: 7 – 8 Hours (including lunch & ice cream stop in Kahramanmaraş).
The Guide’s Take:
“We leave early (around 08:30 AM). The drive is scenic, passing through Kayseri and the famous ice-cream city, Kahramanmaraş. It’s a long road, but the goal is to reach the summit of Mt. Nemrut (2,150m) just in time for the legendary sunset. Prepare for a bit of winding mountain roads towards the end.”
Leg 2: Mt. Nemrut ➔ Göbeklitepe (Day 2 Morning)
Descending to History.
Distance: Approx. 180 km (110 miles)
Drive Time: 2.5 – 3 Hours
The Guide’s Take:
“After a night in Adıyaman or Kahta, we drive south towards Şanlıurfa. The road takes us from the mountains down to the flat, arid plains of Mesopotamia. We usually arrive at Göbeklitepe before noon to explore the ‘Zero Point in History’.”
Leg 3: Göbeklitepe ➔ Cappadocia (Day 2 Afternoon/Evening)
The Return Trip.
Distance: Approx. 560 km (350 miles)
Drive Time: 7 – 8 Hours
The Guide’s Take:
“This is the return leg. After exploring Göbeklitepe and tasting the local cuisine in Urfa, we hit the road back to Cappadocia. It is a highway drive for the most part. Expect a late arrival back at your hotel (around 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM). It’s a tiring day, but seeing 12,000 years of history makes every kilometer worth it.”
Summary of the Loop
Total Distance Covered: ~1,280 km (Round Trip)
Total Active Driving: ~18 Hours (Spread over 2 days)
Recommendation: “This tour is perfect for travelers who love history and road trips. Since we provide a private driver/guide, you can rest in the van while we navigate the roads.”
Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour
“The Cotton Castle & The Ancient Pool”
Visit Turkey’s most famous natural wonder. Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) is famous for its white travertine terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters.
Highlights:
Travertines: Walk barefoot on the white terraces and take stunning photos.
Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore the massive Roman theater and the necropolis.
Cleopatra’s Pool: Swim in the ancient thermal pool among submerged Roman columns (entrance fee usually extra).
Note: This is a long day trip (approx. 7-8 hours drive one way). It is also available as a “One-Way Transfer Tour” if you plan to continue your travel to the Aegean coast (Kuşadası/Antalya).
What’s Included:
Transport: Long-distance travel in a comfortable, A/C luxury vehicle.
Guiding: Professional licensed tour guide.
Lunch: Buffet or set-menu lunch on the way.
Entrance Fees: Admission to the Pamukkale Travertines and Hierapolis Ancient City.
What’s Excluded:
Cleopatra’s Pool: Swimming fee for the ancient antique pool (tickets sold separately inside).
Drinks: Beverages during lunch.
Breakfast: We recommend asking your hotel for a breakfast box as departure is early.
2 pax price : 1150 €
Distance: Approx. 620 km (385 miles)
Drive Time: 9 – 10 Hours
The Guide’s Take:
“This is a cross-country journey. It connects Central Anatolia to the Aegean region. Since it is a long haul, we usually recommend visiting the Mevlana Museum in Konya as a midway break. Many of our guests use this tour as a ‘one-way transfer’ to move on to the coastal cities.”
Istanbul Daily Tour
“The City of Sultans”
Already in Cappadocia but missed Istanbul? Or do you need a seamless return to the capital? We organize daily excursions or end-of-trip packages to the city where East meets West.
The Plan: Early morning flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul.
The Tour:
Hagia Sophia: The architectural marvel.
Blue Mosque: Famous for its Iznik tiles.
Topkapi Palace: The home of Ottoman Sultans.
Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest covered markets in the world.
Flexibility: We can arrange this as a day trip (fly back at night) or as a transfer package ending in Istanbul.
Ready for More?
Cappadocia is just the beginning. Let us handle the logistics—flights, drivers, and guides—so you can focus on the adventure.
What’s Included:
Flights: Round-trip domestic flight tickets (Cappadocia <-> Istanbul).
All Transfers: Airport transfers in both Cappadocia and Istanbul.
Guiding: Private or small-group professional guide in Istanbul.
Museum Tickets: Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia (if applicable/skip-the-line service).
Transport: Private vehicle for the tour duration in Istanbul.
What’s Excluded:
Lunch: We leave this flexible so you can choose street food or a restaurant (guide can recommend).
Shopping: Personal purchases in the Grand Bazaar.
Dinner: Evening meal before the return flight.
Pro Tip from Your Guide: “If you plan to visit multiple museums across Turkey (like Hattuşa, Göbeklitepe, and Pamukkale), we highly recommend purchasing the ‘Museum Pass Turkey’. It is valid for 15 days and can save you both time and money. Ask us, and we can help you get it!”
1 pax price : 820 €
Istanbul (The Meeting Point of Continents)
For most travelers, Istanbul is either the starting point or the grand finale. Unlike the long road trips to Ephesus or Pamukkale, the connection here is by air. However, navigating a megacity of 16 million people requires smart planning.
Leg 1: Cappadocia ➔ Istanbul (Flight)
The Aerial Hop.
Air Distance: Approx. 560 km (350 miles)
Flight Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
The Guide’s Take:
“It’s a quick and easy flight. You’ll barely have time to finish your coffee. Flights depart from both Kayseri (ASR) and Nevşehir (NAV) airports and land at either Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. We recommend morning flights to make the most of your day.”
Leg 2: Airport ➔ Old City (Sultanahmet)
The Urban Transfer.
Drive Distance: Approx. 45 km (28 miles) from IST / 48 km (30 miles) from SAW.
Drive Time: 60 – 90 Minutes (Heavily dependent on traffic).
The Guide’s Take:
“Welcome to Istanbul traffic! While the flight is short, the transfer to the city center can take time. Don’t worry, our VIP vans use the smartest routes. We always suggest factoring in a ‘buffer hour’ before any dinner reservations.”
Leg 3: Walking the History (The Tour Itself)
Steps, Not Miles.
Walking Distance: Approx. 3 – 4 km (2.5 miles) total for the main sites.
Tour Duration: 5 – 6 Hours
The Guide’s Take:
“The Historical Peninsula is best explored on foot. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace are all neighbors. You won’t be stuck in a car; instead, you’ll be walking through history on ancient cobblestones. Wear your most comfortable shoes!”
Pro Tip: Which Airport Should I Choose?
“If your hotel is in Sultanahmet or Taksim, try to fly into Istanbul Airport (IST). It is generally closer and has easier highway access to the European side tourist centers compared to Sabiha Gökçen.”
If It’s on the Map, We Can Take You There.
No crowded buses, no rigid schedules. Just you, a VIP vehicle, and the open road.”
“The destinations listed above are just our most popular requests. But Turkey is vast, and our expertise covers all 81 provinces.
Dreaming of the tea plantations in the Black Sea (Karadeniz)? Want to swim in the turquoise waters of Antalya or explore the ancient ruins of Troy and Assos?
Don’t see your dream spot on the list? Just ask. With 20 years of guiding experience across the entire country, we have the network and the know-how to organize a seamless tour to any destination in Turkey. You name the city, we handle the rest.”
- Have Questions? Ask a Local Expert. “Don’t rely on outdated blogs or confusing forums. Whether you need advice on the best season to fly or help choosing a hotel, we are here to help. Reach out to us, and let’s start planning your Cappadocia adventure together.”
- WhatsApp & Quick Chat “Need a quick answer? You don’t have to wait for emails. Message us directly on WhatsApp for real-time availability checks, weather updates for balloon flights, or just a quick tip. We are just one tap away.”
- Tailor-Made Itineraries “Looking for a complex itinerary or a special group arrangement? Drop us an email with your dates and wishes. We will use our 20 years of experience to craft a detailed, day-by-day plan that fits your budget and style perfectly.”
- Visit Our Office “We are not just a website; we are real people living in the heart of Cappadocia. If you are already in town, stop by our office. Let’s drink a cup of Turkish tea or coffee together while we finalize your tours face-to-face.”
- 24/7 Guest Support “Our job doesn’t end when you book. During your stay in Cappadocia, we remain your point of contact. From last-minute changes to emergency assistance, you can travel with peace of mind knowing we are always by your side.”
Welcome to Cappadocia Mart. By browsing this website and booking any tours, activities, transfers, or packages with us, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a reservation.
- Booking & Confirmation Process
To ensure a seamless experience, our booking process is structured as follows:
Reservations: All bookings must be made through our official website channels, email, or verified WhatsApp lines.
Deposit & Payment: To secure your spot (especially for Hot Air Balloon flights which have limited capacity), a deposit or full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) via secure payment links or bank transfers.
Confirmation: Your booking is considered confirmed only when you receive an official “Booking Confirmation” email or voucher from Cappadocia Mart. Please check all details (dates, names, hotel) carefully upon receipt.
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We understand that travel plans can change. We aim to be as flexible as possible while respecting the operational costs of our partners. Our cancellation policy is divided by service type:
A. Hot Air Balloon Flights (Important) Ballooning is strictly weather-dependent. Here is how we handle cancellations:
Cancellation by Civil Aviation (Weather): If your flight is cancelled by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority due to unsafe weather conditions (wind, fog, storm), you are entitled to a 100% FULL REFUND. No hidden fees, no deductions. Alternatively, we can reschedule you for the next day, subject to availability.
Cancellation by the Guest:
More than 48 Hours Notice: If you cancel more than 48 hours before the scheduled flight time, you will receive a full refund.
Less than 48 Hours: Cancellations made within 48 hours of the flight are non-refundable due to seat allocation costs and limited capacity.
No-Show: If you are not present at the designated pickup time/location, no refund will be issued.
B. Daily Tours (Red/Green/Blue Tours) & Activities (ATV, Horse, Camel)
Free Cancellation: You may cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.
Late Cancellation: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are subject to a 100% cancellation fee (no refund).
C. Private Tours & Large Group Bookings For private VIP tours or groups larger than 10 people, stricter planning is required:
7 Days Notice: Full refund if cancelled 7 days prior to arrival.
3-6 Days Notice: 50% refund.
Less than 72 Hours: Non-refundable.
- Pricing & Inclusions
Currency: All prices on our website are in Euros (€) or USD ($) unless stated otherwise.
Price Protection: Once your booking is confirmed and the deposit is paid, the price is locked. We will not charge you extra even if market prices increase later.
Exclusions: Unless specifically stated in the tour description, personal expenses, beverages during lunch, and gratuities (tips) for guides/drivers are not included in the price.
- Insurance & Liability
Balloon Safety: All hot air balloon operators we partner with hold valid insurance policies covering all passengers in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
Travel Insurance: While our tours cover basic transportation and activity insurance required by Turkish Law, we strongly recommend that all travelers purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance to cover personal health issues, lost luggage, or international flight delays.
Liability: Cappadocia Mart acts as a booking agent. We are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage sustained during the tour, except where such loss is caused by our direct negligence.
- Child Policy
Hot Air Balloons: For safety and legal reasons, children under 6 years old are strictly not allowed to fly in hot air balloons. Children aged 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Land Tours:
0-2 Years: Free of Charge.
3-8 Years: Discounted rates usually apply (varies by specific tour).
- Pick-up & Drop-off Times
Pick-up times provided during the booking process are estimates. The exact time depends on the location of your hotel (Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, Avanos) and seasonal sunrise times. We will confirm the exact pick-up time with you via WhatsApp or Email one day before the tour. - Privacy Policy
Your personal data (Full Name, Passport Number, Contact Info) is collected solely for the purpose of operational bookings and mandatory insurance requirements. We do not sell your data to third-party marketing companies. - Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Turkey. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nevşehir, Turkey.