3 Days Cappadocia from/to Istanbul w/cave hotel+optional balloon

There were two days of excursions to different inns, the subway city, the interesting thing was also that the hotels were included, flights to and from Istanbul, transfers to and from the airport .

The “door to door” package was excellent. Picked up from our hotel in Istanbul and brought us back to our next hotel in Istanbul after the entire Tour. It was very helpful since it i figured it wouldn’t be easy to move around in Cappadocia on our own, plus we are given enough free time to do what we want. Tour guides were very helpful as well! I totally recommend this Tour.

Overall we really enjoyed our tour of Cappadocia. Our trip started with transfers to the Istanbul airport and airline tickets to Kayseri. We were well informed of what would be happening and where to go and the operator was responsive when we had questions. If I could make one change is I wish there was more time to explore and walk around some of the sites. I think some of the photo stops could be cut down to allow more quality time at fewer locations.

Tour Altinkum was excellent in organizing even the smallest details for us! All the pickuo services were on time and tbe tour guide and driver in Cappadocia were super!

The overall experience was excellent. The tour included transfers from our hotel in Istanbul to the airport, the flights to and from Cappadocia (Kayseri Airport), pickup and transfers there, two nights in a hotel, and a great look at the highlights of Cappadocia. (It did not include admission to the sites that we visited, which could be paid directly in Turkish lira, or paid to the guide in lira, US dollars, or Euros.) This was a small group tour with two full days of touring in Cappadocia (requiring a very early departure from Istanbul the first day), that allowed people to join or leave on the day of their choice - some of the people that we met the first day had done "Day 1" of the tour the day before and were leaving at the end of the day; we got to do "Day 2" with them, and finished up with "Day 1" the following day - a clever bit of coordination that maximized flexibility. Our guide (Erdi) and driver (Okan) were helpful and informative, and it was a pleasure to meet them. The organization by the tour company (Tour Altinkum Travel) was among the best that I've seen. They provided very detailed information ahead of the trip - itinerary, hotel, pickup times, meeting places, airline flights, and contact information - that left us feeling very confident that we knew where we were going and what to expect. This level of detail also allowed us to identify a problem with one of the flights, which was corrected within hours when we brought it to their attention. Everyone charged with transporting us, in Istanbul and Cappadocia, was exactly where we were told they would be, ready with our names on a sign or a list. The tour itself covered the high points of Cappadocia, getting us to several fabulous sites that overlooked or walked through cliffside dwellings and rock formations, a major underground city, and the cave churches of Göreme. The Fresco Hotel, in the town of Ürgüp, was beautiful, with its own excellent restaurant, a spa located in a cliffside cave, and a rooftop bar and terrace. Several stops to learn about local crafts (leather goods, pottery, and jewelry) were interesting, if mostly geared to selling us things (at worst, an excuse to drink tea and rest our feet, and a good look at some of the local industries.) One place that I would have liked more shopping time was Göreme, where I skipped lunch with the group to go browse a couple of excellent carpet shops, with vintage as well as modern selections. (The shop called Village Dowry stands out.) My only other recommendation to Tour Altinkum Travel would be to add half an hour or so to the airport transfer times, both in Istanbul and Kayseri. Istanbul airport is enormous, and a little extra time is always welcome, and Kayseri airport, while it doesn't involve much walking, is trying to do check-in and security for 200 or so passengers (a full flight back to Istanbul) who are all arriving at the same time - we were the last ones on the check-in line, and the flight was already boarding by the time we got through security. Overall, though, every aspect of the trip went very smoothly (I realize that this is a matter of luck, but good organization helps), and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to add a quick visit to Cappadocia to a visit to Istanbul.

Great tour and tour guide

While we enjoyed our trip and our guide Ali was terrific we had many organizational and communication problems with the company itself. Although the company was always responsive our booking was full of errors. The names and nationalities of participants were incorrect and required several emails to correct. We paid for 3 single rooms and but a 3 bed room was assigned to us. Although this was identified months before departure assurances were given that it would be handled but it was only at the very last minute that it was. Communication regarding pick up times was often sent to us in error - the information meant for another party.

It was magical. The historic places visited, museums, under ground city, charming restaurants in town and of course tour guides. Especially on day 1. I do not remember his name but i made a mental note with his name as "the gentle giant". I booked for a single room in the option and was given the most amazing room in a cave hotel. Even had sauna/turkish bath ensuite. Loved the whole experience! Thank you

Excellent arrangements made. Very well organized. Loved the hotel and the breakfast that was provided, that was really a highlight. The tour guides were informative and the sights we visited were great too!

Great tour .Everything went fine including the pick ups , tours themselves,great guides, Turkish Airlines , and the cave hotel was great..The company does need to provide a trip itinerary stating the details.