Alanya & city of Side: Cappadocia 2-Day Guided Excursion

Traveling from the sunny coast of Alanya or Side inland to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia promises an adventure packed with breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and memorable experiences. While we’ve not personally taken this specific tour, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it offers a well-paced, value-rich journey for those eager to see Turkey’s fairy-tale land with expert guidance.

What we love about this tour is the chance to explore iconic sites like the underground city and fairy chimneys, the opportunity to soar above the landscapes in a hot air balloon, and the comfort of staying in a cave hotel, which adds authentic charm. The guided aspect ensures you won’t miss hidden gems and learn stories behind the formations.

A potential drawback is the long travel times involved—this is a serious road trip from the coast to Central Anatolia—so it’s best suited for travelers eager for an all-in-one experience rather than those looking to relax or explore at their own pace.

This tour suits travelers who crave a mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty, especially if you’re keen to tick off Cappadocia’s highlights without planning every detail yourself. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the region in just two days.

Contents show

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covering underground cities, valleys, and castles
Expert guides providing engaging insights and smooth logistics
Affordable value with hotel accommodation, dinners, and breakfasts included
Optional experiences like hot air balloon rides and Turkish Night shows
Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned buses
Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Alanya

Day 1: Journey into the Heart of Cappadocia

Starting from hotels in Alanya or Side, you’ll board an air-conditioned bus that kicks off what many reviewers describe as a long but worthwhile journey. The travel time is significant, but with comfortable seats and scenic views, many find it manageable, especially with a knowledgeable guide like Murat, who is praised for keeping the ride lively and informative.

The first major stop is the Saratli Underground City, a vast Byzantine-era site carved into soft rock. This subterranean town, with its tunnels, dwellings, and churches, really captures the imagination. One reviewer, Abhinav, appreciated how smoothly everything was managed, praising the tour guide for managing the lengthy ride and ensuring everyone stayed engaged.

After exploring underground tunnels, the group heads to Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, where the whimsical rock formations seem like sculptures from another planet. Here, the landscape is dotted with fairy chimneys that resemble animals, castles, or abstract shapes—perfect for snapping photos and marveling at nature’s creativity.

Lunch follows in a local restaurant, giving you a chance to try regional flavors. Post-lunch, the tour visits Cavusin Village, an abandoned settlement with ancient rock houses carved directly into the cliffs. Walking through these ruins feels like stepping back in time, and guides often share stories about their once-bustling communities.

In the late afternoon, you’ll see the Church of St. John the Baptist, carved into the rock and filled with ancient frescoes that offer a glimpse into early Christian life. The day wraps up with a visit to Pasabag Valley—also called Monk’s Valley—famous for its towering fairy chimneys with mushroom-shaped caps. The views here are often described as stunning, and many guests note that it’s a highlight.

Evening options include an optional Turkish Night, featuring traditional music and folk dance performances, or you can relax at your cave-themed hotel, which many reviewers find adds a layer of authenticity and fun to the stay.

Day 2: Panoramas and Heights

The next morning begins with a hot air balloon ride (if booked), which is a common highlight according to reviews. One guest, Mainy, described the journey as “long but worth it,” emphasizing the unbeatable views of the balloons drifting over the valleys at sunrise. For those who skip it, watching the balloons take flight or opting for the next best thing—amazing panoramic views—still offers plenty of awe.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll take in the panoramic vistas of Pigeon Valley, known for its dovecotes carved into the cliffs. Then, a visit to Uchisar Castle—the highest point in Cappadocia—provides sweeping views across the entire region. Travelers often say this is the best place to appreciate the vast, surreal landscape.

The tour concludes with transport back to your hotel, often with plenty of time to relax or explore locally before departure. Some guests also mention that the guides, like Murat and Mahmet, are friendly, informative, and attentive, making the experience more enjoyable.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The package includes transportation, accommodation, meals, guide services, and insurance, which many reviews praise as excellent value for the price. The hotel, set in a cave-like environment, enhances the authentic Cappadocian experience, giving you a memorable overnight stay without extra hassle.

While extras like hot air balloon rides or Turkish Night shows aren’t included in the base price, they can be booked and paid locally, giving flexibility depending on your budget and interest. Reviewers suggest coordinating balloon bookings directly with the guide on the bus, which simplifies planning.

More Great Tours Nearby

Overall Impressions from Guest Experiences

Guests consistently highlight well-organized logistics and knowledgeable guides like Murat and Mahmet. One reviewer appreciated how the guides provided detailed information and managed a large group smoothly, making the long journey feel shorter and more engaging.

The stunning views of fairy chimneys, valleys, and castles are often described as unforgettable, with many feeling that the experience exceeded expectations given the reasonable cost. The hotel accommodations, often in cave-themed hotels, offer a unique touch and comfortable rest after busy days.

Some guests note that the trip involves a lot of time on the bus, but most agree the scenic stops and guided insights make it worthwhile. The optional activities, especially the hot air balloon flight, are often cited as the highlight—if you can include it, it’s worth the extra expense.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Alanya might interest you

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, guided introduction to Cappadocia that covers key sights in just two days, this tour is ideal. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer not to plan every detail, value knowledgeable guides, and want a hassle-free journey with comfortable transportation.

It’s perfect if you’re happy with a group experience rather than a private tour, and if you’re interested in adding optional extras like ballooning or Turkish Night entertainment. The overnight in a cave hotel is a bonus for those wanting to enjoy the region’s unique ambiance.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day guided excursion from Alanya and Side offers a compelling blend of scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural experiences. It’s a great way to see Cappadocia’s iconic landscapes without the stress of planning, especially given the included hotel stay and meals.

The tour’s strength lies in its well-organized structure and guided insights that bring the sites to life. While the long travel hours might be a challenge for some, the spectacular views, authentic overnight stay, and optional balloon ride make it a memorable adventure.

If you’re seeking a value-packed, curated experience that covers the highlights in a short time, this tour delivers. Perfect for first-time visitors and those pressed for time but eager to see Turkey’s fairy-tale landscapes.

FAQs

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned buses, with many guests praising the smooth and comfortable ride, especially during the lengthy journey.

Can I book the hot air balloon ride separately?
You can reserve the balloon flight directly with the tour guide on the bus; it’s an optional extra paid locally.

What should I bring?
Pack passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, a jacket, rain gear, and comfortable clothes for varying weather.

Does the tour include meals?
It includes dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second day. Lunch and drinks are not included but can be purchased locally.

Is there any flexibility with cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to adjust your plans if needed.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments due to walking on uneven terrain and steps at sites like caves and castles.

This two-day Cappadocia adventure from Alanya and Side offers a memorable, well-rounded experience for travelers eager to see Turkey’s famed rock formations, underground cities, and panoramic vistas, all with the ease of guided logistics and authentic touches.