1. From Istanbul: 2-Day Trip to Cappadocia w/Balloon+Cave Hotel
Day 1:The adventure starts with pickup from your hotel in Istanbul. Travel to the airport where you'll take an early flight to Cappadocia. Stop by the hotel to drop-off your luggage before starting the Red Tour at 10:00 AM. The first stop is Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley due to the countless Fairy Chimney formations, some dating back 30 million years. Next, head to the Göreme Open Air Museum, one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia and a UNESCO site. See the cave town's dwellings built into the rocks and learn about the site where Christians and Muslims in harmony. Stop by a local shop to admire artistic techniques dating back to the Hittite period. Finally, set down for a buffet lunch in a local restaurant. The second half of the tour includes a visit to Pasabag, where you'll admire Fairy Chimneys that resemble those seen in the Hobbit and Smurfs. At the end of the day, return to the hotel for an unforgettable night sleeping in a cave. Day 2: Start with a sunrise balloon ride at Soğanlı Valley. Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. The driver will then pick you up for a stop at Göreme Panorama. Next, drive to Kaymaklı Underground City to learn how early Christians protected themselves from centuries of persecutions and invasions. Hike through Turkey's largest canyon, which features over 2,670 different plants that thrive in the valley's microclimate. Afterward, drive 1.5 hours to Ihlara Canyon for a 3.8-km hike along the river. After working up an appetite, enjoy lunch in Belisırma. Next, visit Selime Monastery, the biggest religious building in Cappadocia with a cathedral-size church. Before returning you to your hotel, your guide will stop at Pigeon Valley, the best photo spot in all of Cappadocia. The day ends with transport to the airport in Cappadocia. Once in Istanbul, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel.