Exploring Cappadocia on a Budget: Travel Guide, Expenses, and Itinerary
Cappadocia has always been part of my Turkey travel bucket list. For many travelers including us Filipinos, it’s one of the dream destinations you think of when you say “Turkey.” With its unique landscapes, stunning rock formations, historic underground cities, and of course, the iconic hot air balloons, it’s easy to see why Cappadocia is so popular.
But let’s be honest, Cappadocia can get pretty expensive, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. Good thing I did a lot of research and planned ahead. I stayed for 4 nights and was able to experience Cappadocia on a budget without missing out on some of the best things this destination has to offer.
My Cappadocia Itinerary
I started planning my Cappadocia trip by searching for budget accommodations. Since hotels were a bit pricey for me, I looked for a nice and decent hostel instead. I also researched activities and day tours I could join, and pinned several spots I could easily visit on foot.
With limited time, I decided to fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia. I took a late-evening flight and arrived at Kayseri Erkilet Airport around midnight. From there, I hopped on a shuttle bus and reached Göreme in about an hour.
During my four days in Göreme, I explored different destinations and joined fun activities that made my stay in Cappadocia truly enjoyable. Here’s how I spent my four days in Cappadocia.
Day 1
- Arrival in Göreme
- Check in at Göreme Hostel
- Explore the town of Göreme
Day 2
- DIY Tour
- Asiklar Tepesi
- Sunset Viewing Point
Day 3
Day 4
- Hot air balloon sunrise watching
- Guided ATV Quad Tour
- Airport transfer from Göreme to Kayseri
- Flight from Kayseri to Istanbul
Where to say in Cappadocia?
For my stay in Cappadocia, I chose to stay in a hostel in Göreme for four nights. It was a budget-friendly option and a great base for exploring the area. The hostel was pretty okay and conveniently located, making it easy to join tours, book activities, and walk to nearby spots around town.
You can also search for other accommodations through the Agoda search box below, and make sure to use my promo code MARXAGODA to get an extra discount!
Cappadocia Travel Expenses
I planned a short, budget-friendly trip to Cappadocia, spending just four days exploring the area. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how much I spent on my stay in Cappadocia. If you’re interested in seeing the overall expenses for traveling around Turkey, you can check out this post for the full breakdown of costs.
- Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri via Pegasus Airlines with 15kg – ₱2,258
- Flight from Kayseri to Istanbul via AJet with 15kg – ₱1,596
- Roundtrip Airport transfer from Kayseri Airport to Göreme Hostel – TRY700 (₱975)
- Göreme Hostel – 6-Bed Dormitory (4 nights) – ₱4,855.24
- Guided ATV Quad Tour – ₱1,039.80
- Full-day Cappadocia Tour (Red Tour + Underground City) – $27 (₱1,700)
- Food and drinks for 4 days – ₱7,000
TOTAL: ₱19,424.04
My four days in Cappadocia on a budget gave me a perfect glimpse of this incredible destination. I had so much fun exploring the unique landscapes, charming towns, and joining different activities without breaking the bank. Next time, I’ll make sure to try the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Floating above the surreal landscapes at sunrise is definitely going to be on my must-do list for my next visit!
Where to book hotels and activities?
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Agoda – MARXAGODA (up to 10% off on hotels) | MARXACTIVITY (up to 5% off on activities)
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