© Where are the wheelers 2026
There are few places that have completely captivated us like Cappadocia. With its whimsical fairy chimneys, cave hotels carved into ancient rock, and surreal sunrises filled with colorful balloons, this region of Turkey feels like it belongs in a dream.
As full-time travel content creators, we’re always chasing unique destinations—and Cappadocia delivered in every possible way. If it’s on your bucket list (and it should be!), this guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan your own adventure.
Location Overview: Central Turkey’s Surreal Landscape
Cappadocia isn’t a single city but a region in Central Anatolia, made up of small towns like Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp, and Avanos. Each offers something special, but Göreme is the perfect base for most travelers.
Airports to Fly Into
We flew into Kayseri and picked up a rental car—it gave us full freedom to explore remote viewpoints and fit more into our days.
Why We Chose Göreme as Our Base
Göreme is charming, central, and walkable—plus, it’s surrounded by fairy chimneys and balloon-filled skies every morning. It’s the place to stay if it’s your first time visiting.
Our Favorite Hotels in Göreme
After hopping around during our stay, here are the three places we loved and recommend:
Each of these gave us a totally different vibe, and if you’re staying for 4–5 days, we highly recommend mixing it up.
Nothing compares to seeing hundreds of balloons float above the valleys at sunrise. We booked with Royal Balloon—professional, safe, and the views were unforgettable.
These mushroom-like rock formations are iconic. You can see them up close in Pasabag (Monks Valley) and Love Valley.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient rock-hewn churches and frescoes. It’s like walking through a real-life history book.
This was pure adrenaline and beauty combined. Racing through the valleys with golden light all around us? Easily a top memory.
This ancient castle offers panoramic views of the entire region. Great for a mid-morning adventure (and photo op).
Strolling Göreme’s cobbled streets was a joy in itself. There’s great shopping for Turkish ceramics, textiles, and souvenirs. Make sure to stop by Galerie Ikman—a visually stunning shop known for its vibrant carpets (and yes, it’s Insta-famous too!).
We saw a few travelers doing this, and it looked incredible. You can rent vintage cars and wear flowy dresses while the balloons lift off in the background. Some photographers offer full packages (some hotels even help arrange it).
We did this at Henna Hotel and can’t recommend it enough. For around €100 per person, we had an entire rooftop with a full Turkish breakfast spread and the balloons as our backdrop. Worth every cent.
We joined a Red Tour, which was a full-day guided trip that hit all the major highlights:
It’s a great way to cover lots of ground without planning every stop yourself.
Where We Ate and Loved
Turkish breakfast is served everywhere, and it’s a ritual we quickly fell in love with. Bread, cheeses, jams, eggs, olives, fresh fruit—don’t skip it.
Here’s a breakdown based on our actual experience:
You can easily tailor your trip to fit your budget—from backpacker to luxury!
Yes! We walked around Göreme day and night and always felt comfortable. Locals are warm and helpful. As always, use common sense and secure your valuables, but we had zero issues during our stay.
Cappadocia is one of those rare places that really feels magical. Whether you’re watching the sunrise from a balloon or sipping tea in a rooftop café, it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left.
We’ll definitely be back—and we hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure here. If you have any questions or want itinerary help, feel free to DM us on Instagram @WhereAreTheWheelers or send a message using the contact page. We love connecting with fellow travelers!
Nevşehir (NAV) is closest, but Kayseri (ASR) often has more flight options.
We recommend 3–5 days to really experience everything without rushing.
Yes! Hostels and budget guesthouses are available, and many hikes are free.
100% YES. It’s the highlight of the trip and unlike anything else in the world.
Yes, especially for first-timers. It’s central, beautiful, and has great food, shops, and transport links.
Not always. Many trails are DIY-friendly, but guided tours like the Red Tour are a great value.