4-Day Konya, Cappadocia & Ankara Tour from Istanbul

Small-group tour English-speaking guide Daily departures Hotel pickup included Best-price guarantee
5.00/5 (1 reviews)

Overview

Explore central Turkey on this 4-Day Konya, Cappadocia and Ankara Tour from Istanbul, combining spiritual history, valley landscapes, and ancient sites in one trip. The route starts with a morning flight from Istanbul to Konya, where a local guide leads you through the Mevlana Museum, Selimiye Mosque, and the 1000-year-old Alaaddin Mosque on Alaettin Hill.

From there you travel by intercity coach to Cappadocia for two full days exploring Devrent Valley, Paşabağ, the Zelve Open Air Museum, Red Valley, and Çavuşin Village. The tour then heads to Ankara, with stops at well-known landmarks along the way and lunch included on the touring days.

Highlights

  • Visit the Mevlana Museum and Rumi’s tomb in Konya
  • Tour Selimiye Mosque and the historic Alaaddin Mosque
  • Explore Devrent Valley and Paşabağ fairy chimneys
  • See the Zelve Open Air Museum near Avanos
  • Hike through Red Valley and visit Çavuşin Village
  • Travel by intercity coach between Konya and Cappadocia

Itinerary

Day 1Fly to Konya from Istanbul - Konya Tour - From Konya to Cappadocia by Intercity Bus (235 km)

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 am and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight from Istanbul to Konya between 6:00 – 8:00 am. Upon arrival at Konya airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Konya.

In Konya, you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your half-day tour of Konya. First, visit the Tomb of Rumi in the glittering Mevlana Museum, an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims and all lovers of Rumi. Next door, visit the Ottoman-era Selimiye Mosque in Konya before having lunch in a traditional Turkish restaurant.

Drive along Mevlana Caddesi, Konya’s main avenue, to reach the age-old Alaettin Hill (a prehistoric tumulus) to visit the 1000-year-old Alaaddin Mosque, where Rumi often prayed. In its courtyard are the tombs of many of the Seljuk Turkish sultans who ruled during Rumi’s lifetime and consulted him for spiritual guidance.

Walking down the north side of Alaettin Hill, pass the remains of the Seljuk sultan’s palace, then cross the street for a view of the elaborate portal of the medieval Karatay Madrasa, after which you will walk to the Mosque and Tomb of Sems-i Tabrizi, Rumi’s closest companion, spiritual mentor, and inspiration for many of his poetic works.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the Konya bus station. From here, you will board the intercity day coach to Cappadocia (duration 3 hours). Upon your arrival at the Goreme bus station in Cappadocia, you will be met at the bus station and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

  • Overnight in Cappadocia
  • Included Meal(s): Lunch

Day 2North Cappadocia Tour

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost. After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of North Cappadocia.

Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Afterward, you will drive to the town of Avanos, known for its pottery and ceramics, where you will stop for lunch.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This museum offers an insightful look into the region’s monastic history, featuring carved caves and ancient churches. Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have about 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of Uchisar Castle from the outside, as entry to the interior of the castle is not permitted.

After the tour ends at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city at your own pace, or participate in optional activities. For additional activities, you can choose a Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show, where you can witness the enchanting Sufi tradition.

All these activities are available at an extra cost.

  • Overnight in Cappadocia
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3South Cappadocia Tour - From Cappadocia to Ankara by Intercity Bus (331 km)

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel. At approximately 9:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your guide will brief you on the day’s activities. The tour starts with a visit to the Red Valley, where you can explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, renowned for its historic houses and churches once home to Christian clergymen. Afterward, you’ll take a break for lunch around noon. Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), known for its breathtaking landscapes.

In the afternoon, you will explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge. This will be the end of your full-day tour. After the tour, you will be transferred to Goreme main bus station.

From here you will board the intercity day coach to Ankara (duration 5 hours). On your arrival at the Ankara bus station, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel.

  • Overnight in Ankara
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4Ankara City Tour - Flight back to Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the city and some of its most interesting landmarks, such as the Mausoleum of Ataturk, dedicated to the founder of the Turkish Republic, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with exhibitions from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hittite, and Phrygian Urartu past of central Anatolia.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Ankara Esenboga Airport for your flight to Istanbul between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. END OF OUR SERVICE and TOURS. Please note that transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price.

  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Featured Hotels

Hand-picked hotels for your stay — view our featured options for each city.

What's included

  • Pick-up from your Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport (available for hotels on the European side only).
  • Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Konya and from Ankara to Istanbul.
  • Intercity coach tickets from Konya to Cappadocia and from Cappadocia to Ankara.
  • 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
  • 1 night in Ankara at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
  • English-speaking guide during the tours.
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Local taxes and service charges.

What's not included

  • Drop off transportation service from Istanbul New Airport OR Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul Hotel upon returning to Istanbul.
  • Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
  • Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
  • Drinks with meals.
  • Services not mentioned in the program.
  • Travel insurance (recommended).

Good to know

  • The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
  • This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
  • The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
  • Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
  • The normal arrival time in Istanbul is between 6:00 – 8:00 PM. If you are planning on reserving your plane back home that same day, we recommend you book a plane ticket from 12:30 am onwards, to avoid missing your flight.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make an online reservation?

You can easily book this 4-Day Konya, Cappadocia and Ankara Tour through our secure online booking form on our website. Simply select your preferred departure date, enter your details, and submit your request. You'll receive instant confirmation by email once your booking is processed.

How can we make payment?

We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express through our secure payment gateway. You may choose to pay the full amount at the time of booking or take advantage of our deposit option to reserve your place. All transactions are encrypted to ensure your information stays protected.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

You will receive an instant confirmation email immediately after completing your reservation. Your final travel voucher, including detailed pick-up information for your Istanbul hotel, will be sent to you 24-48 hours before the tour start date.

Is the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride included in the tour?

The hot air balloon ride is not included in the tour price; it is an optional early morning activity available at an extra cost on Day 2. If you'd like to enjoy the breathtaking aerial views over Cappadocia's valleys, we recommend booking in advance as availability is weather-dependent and limited. Our team will be happy to arrange this for you.

What should I wear when visiting the mosques in Konya?

As this tour includes visits to important religious sites such as the Mevlana Museum, Selimiye Mosque, and the 1000-year-old Alaaddin Mosque, modest dress is required. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf to cover their heads. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering the prayer areas.

How long are the intercity bus journeys on this tour?

This tour involves two intercity coach journeys. On Day 1 you travel from Konya to Cappadocia (235 km, approximately 3 hours), and on Day 3 you travel from Cappadocia to Ankara (331 km, approximately 5 hours). Both journeys are on comfortable day coaches, and you'll be met at each bus station and transferred to your hotel.

What is the luggage allowance for the domestic flight?

Domestic flights in Turkey generally allow around 15 kg of checked baggage and one piece of cabin luggage, though allowances can vary by airline. Since this tour starts with an early morning flight from Istanbul to Konya, we recommend packing light and keeping essentials in your cabin bag. If you have specific baggage questions, please contact us before departure.

Which hotels will I stay in during the tour?

In Cappadocia you'll stay two nights in atmospheric cave accommodation such as Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, or Holiday Cave Hotel (or similar, standard quality). In Ankara you'll stay one night at the Best Western Plus Center Hotel, Holiday Inn Ankara, or The Wings Hotels Neva Palas (or similar, standard quality). The final hotel selection depends on availability at the time of your travel.

What is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

The best times to visit Cappadocia are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and ideal for hiking through the Red and Rose Valleys. These seasons also offer the most favorable conditions for hot air balloon flights. Summers can be hot and winters cold but beautifully scenic with occasional snow over the fairy chimneys.

Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?

Many nationalities can enter Turkey visa-free or with a simple e-Visa, which can be obtained quickly online before your trip. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so we recommend checking the official Turkish e-Visa website well in advance. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

Is Turkey safe for tourists?

Yes, Turkey is a popular and welcoming destination that millions of tourists visit safely each year. As a licensed travel agency operating since 2007, we work with professional guides and reliable transport throughout this tour to ensure your comfort and safety. As with any travel, we recommend taking standard precautions and keeping your belongings secure.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

If you need to cancel your tour or change your travel dates, please notify us at least 5 days before the tour start date. As this tour includes domestic flights and bus tickets, which are non-refundable, the cost of these tickets will be deducted from your payment and the remaining balance refunded to you. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the start date, no refund will be issued and the booking will be treated under our no-show policy.

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  1. Letitia E.

    I had an amazing time on this 4 days Konya, Cappadocia and Ankara tour from Istanbul! The hotels were great, the local guides were so knowledgeable and the food was incredible. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore Turkey.

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