Are you looking for the best Cappadocia tours to explore this mesmerizing region but have no idea from where to start? I have been there too! With so many tour options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one (that’s why I’ve created those helpful summary tables). That’s why I created this helpful guide to help you sort out on which tours in Cappadocia you should invest on. From bucket list experiences, to cultural tours be ready to make the most out of your visit!
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Table of Contents
- The Best Cappadocia Tours
- 🎈Bucket list experience: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour
- 🛣️Sunset ATV tour in Red, Rose, and Love Valley
- 🐪Camel Safari in Red and Rose Valley
- 🐎Sunset Horse Riding Tour
- 💆♀️Traditional Turkish Bath Experience
- 🔴Red Tour – the Best of Cappadocia cultural heritage in a day
- 🔵Blue Tour – Hiking in the iconic Red and Rose Valley, the Underground City, Ortahisar Castle
- 🟢Green Tour – Underground City, Selime Monastery, Uchisar Castle.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Cappadocia tours will you choose?
The Best Cappadocia Tours
As a good comparative table is worth more than 1000 words, here is a short recap of the best Cappadocia Tours divided in experiences/activities and cultural tours, which last about a day. For a more in dept analysis keep reading.
Both Viator and GetYourGuide have the same tours. But GetYourGuide is slightly less expensive, for this reason those are the links I’ve included.
Experiences and activities
| Duration | Rating on TA and GYG* | Average Price | |
| Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride 🎈 | 3 h | 5⭐/5000+ reviews | 200 – 300€/pers. |
| Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride 🎈 luxurious | 3 h | 5⭐/600+ reviews | 300 – 400€/pers. |
| Sunset ATV tour in Red, Rose, and Love Valley 🛣️ | 2 h | 4.8⭐/450+ reviews | 50€/person |
| Camel Safari in Red and Rose Valley 🐪 | 1.5 h | 4.7⭐/100+ reviews | 50€/person |
| Sunset Horse Riding Tour 🐎 | 2 h | 4.8⭐/60+ reviews | 50€/person |
| Traditional Turkish Bath Experience 💆♀️ | 2 h | 5⭐/50+ reviews | 55€/person |
Cultural Tours
| Duration | Rating on TA and GYG* | Average Price | |
| Red Tour: Devrent Valley, Uchisar Castle, Zelve OA Museum | 7 h | 4.5⭐/200+ reviews | 55€/person |
| Red Tour: Avanos, Cavusin, Goreme OA Museum, Uchisar Castle | 7 h | 4.5⭐/90+ reviews | 60€/person |
| Blue Tour: Red and Rose Valley, Underground City, Ortahisar Castle | 1 day | 4.5⭐/50+ reviews | 120€/person |
| Green Tour: Underground City, Selime Monastery, Uchisar Castle | 8.5 h | 4.5⭐/90+ reviews | 75€/person |
Note: lunch is included in the 7-hours-and-more tours.
*TA = TripAdvisor
GYG = GetYourGuide
🎈Bucket list experience: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour
This is the most expensive and yet must-buy item of this list! Floating in the sky while admiring the incredible Goreme valley was the one thing I know I wanted to do while planning my trip. And even though it’s a pricey experience, I’m pretty sure you will find it was worth it. Tours take place at dawn, so you can witness the stunning colors of the sunrise over the fairy chimneys.
Choosing the right company is an art (there are so many things to take into account), that’s why I wrote a very detailed guide on how to pick the best company. However if you want the fast answer, there are two options that are a 100% worth the money: budget-friendly Cappadocia Discovery Balloons. While for a luxurious treat you should go with Royal Balloon – King flight.
Wanna see how a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride looks like? I know I’m not the best filmmaker but the video down below will give you an idea of what it’s like.
🛣️Sunset ATV tour in Red, Rose, and Love Valley
A sunset ATV tour through the Red, Rose, and Love Valleys of Cappadocia is a thrilling way to explore the region’s natural wonders while taking in the stunning sunset views. The tour typically starts in the late afternoon and takes visitors on a guided ride through the rocky terrain and valleys of Cappadocia, passing by unique rock formations and picturesque landscapes.
As the sun begins to set, the valleys come alive with a warm glow, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the tour. The tour typically ends with a stop at a scenic viewpoint where visitors can watch the sunset while sipping on traditional Turkish tea or coffee.
The only drawback? ATV tours are in large groups (up to 20 people) meaning you may feel a bit neglected and “lost in the crowd”.
Check out prices and book the Sunset ATV tour.
🐪Camel Safari in Red and Rose Valley
Camel riding is another unique way to experience the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia. Comparing to horses, camels are slightly less comfortable. The ride is a relaxing and peaceful way to explore the area, allowing visitors to take in the natural beauty of the region while enjoying the gentle sway of the camels.
The guides are also very kind and they will take plenty of photos and videos for you, in additions to explaining you abit more about the sites you are visiting.
Check out prices and book the Camel Safari in Red and Rose Valley.
🐎Sunset Horse Riding Tour
The horse riding tour will take you on a guided ride through the valleys and rock formations of the Rose Valley. The best part of this experience is that it’s open also to beginners and kids who are at least 6 years old. The guides will follow you and make sure you are comfortable.
The horse ride includes a visit to the rock-cut Church of the Cross, inside the Red Valley. The ride takes place at sunset letting you admire the beautiful landscapes in soft pastel colors.
Check out prices and book the Sunset Horse Riding Tour.
💆♀️Traditional Turkish Bath Experience
A traditional Turkish bath, or hamam, is one of the most relaxing experiences to try in Cappadocia. This centuries-old practice involves a deep cleansing of the body in a heated marble room, where visitors are exfoliated and massaged with traditional soap and a loofah.
The Turkish bath experience is known for its therapeutic benefits, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind and body. After the bath, you can relax in the serene surroundings of the hamam and sip on traditional Turkish tea while taking in the ambiance of this ancient tradition.
Pro tip: Bring an underwear change as the one you’ll be wearing may get oily or sweaty.
Check out prices and book the Traditional Turkish Bath Experience.
🔴Red Tour – the Best of Cappadocia cultural heritage in a day
The Red Tour focuses on the region’s historical and cultural highlights. This type of tour is a great way to learn about the rich history and heritage of Cappadocia while exploring its most notable landmarks and attractions. Of course, if you want to save some money you can do this tours by yourself, knowing that for example in Goreme Open Air Museum, this website has a free mini guide.
One of the most interesting stops of the Red Tours is Cavusin. This village is famous for its cave dwellings and rock-cut churches, which provide a glimpse into the daily lives as it once was, and people still live here.
The village, that climbs on a large rock formation also boasts stunning views of the surrounding valleys and fairy chimneys, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts. A guided tour of Cavusin will let you learn more about the traditions and costumes of people who lived there in antiquity and the changes following the Romans arrival.
Other iconic stops on the Red Tour may include the Uchisar Castle, the Pigeon Valley, and the Love Valley, each offering unique perspectives on Cappadocia’s stunning landscape. Check out prices and book the Red Tours here:
- Tour 1 Avanos, Cavusin, Goreme Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Castle.
- Tour 2 Devrent Valley, Uchisar Castle, and Zelve Open Air Museum.
🔵Blue Tour – Hiking in the iconic Red and Rose Valley, the Underground City, Ortahisar Castle
The Blue Tour is another popular tour option in Cappadocia that takes visitors on a journey through the region’s natural wonders. Hiking among the beautiful Rose and Red Valley, or visiting the Ortahisar Castle, a rock formation that was entirely carved in the past creating a city.
Visitors can also expect to see the unique rock formations of the Pigeon Valley and Cavusin. The Blue Tour is a great way to explore the breathtaking landscape of Cappadocia and appreciate the incredible natural beauty that makes this region so unique.
Check out prices and book the Blue Tour here: Blue Tour Red and Rose Valley, Underground City, Ortahisar Castle.
🟢Green Tour – Underground City, Selime Monastery, Uchisar Castle.
The Green Tour is very interesting to discover the hidden treasures in Cappadocia’s South. And notably one of the most incredible things to see in Cappadocia, the Underground City of Derinkuyu. In the antiquity underground cities in Cappadocia could host up to 20.000 inhabitants, who wouldn’t see sunlight sometimes for months. If you are not claustrophobic this is indeed a must-do in your Cappadocia itinerary.
Situated a few kilometers away from Derinkuyu, Guzelyurt is home to an incredible archaeological site: Selime Monastery. The monastery is a remarkable historic site located in the Ihlara Valley of Cappadocia. This stunning complex features a series of rock-cut churches, monasteries, and dwellings, all carved into the towering cliffs that surround the valley. The monastery dates back to the 8th century and was once an important center of learning and worship.
Last stop of the Green Tour is Uchisar Castle. Sitting on top of a towering rock formation that once served as a defensive stronghold, you can now climb to the top of the castle for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Including the stunning fairy chimneys that dot the region.
Uchisar also boasts a charming town center with traditional Turkish architecture, quaint cafes, and local shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Check out prices and book the Green Tour here: Green Tour: Underground City, Selime Monastery, Uchisar Castle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the experiences/activities worth the prices?
There are no doubts that the hot air balloon ride among the fairy chimneys is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But if the budget is on your side, I’d also consider booking one of the sunset tours between the ATV, camel or horse.
The Turkish Bath experience is also an unique experience you could consider if you are spending 3 or more days in the region. If you are staying less time, instead you should spend your time exploring the incredible surroundings.
Are Cappadocia cultural tours worth the money?
It depends on your budget. But yes, cultural tours in Cappadocia are worth the money. Cappadocia is a region steeped in history and culture, with a wealth of ancient sites and landmarks to explore.
A cultural tour allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage, from the stunning rock-cut churches and monasteries to the traditional Turkish villages and local handicrafts. The tours are led by knowledgeable (and super friendly) guides who can provide valuable insights and historical context, bringing the region’s fascinating history to life.
And you have many choice depending on which are your interests. Whether it’s exploring the ancient underground cities, visiting traditional Turkish pottery workshops, or learning about the region’s famous cuisine.
What’s the difference between the Red, Blue and Green Tours in Cappadocia?
The Red, Blue, and Green Tours in Cappadocia are different tour packages that offer visitors the opportunity to explore different parts of the region. Here is a brief overview of each tour and what sets them apart:
- The Red Tour is the most popular tour package in Cappadocia, and it covers some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, with a particular emphasis on the stunning rock-cut churches and monasteries.
- The Blue Tour is a lesser-known tour package that takes visitors off the beaten path to explore some of the region’s hidden gems. From Ortahisar Castle to the amazing underground cities, without forgetting the stunning viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- The Green Tour offers a different perspective on Cappadocia, focusing on the natural beauty of the region. This tour will take you to the stunning Ihlara Valley, where you can explore the region’s dramatic canyons and stunning rock formations. The tour also includes a visit to the Selime Monastery, one of the region’s most impressive historic sites.
Which Cappadocia tours will you choose?
Whether you are looking for an adventurous experience or a cultural immersion, Cappadocia has something for everyone. No matter which one among our selection of the best Cappadocia tours you will choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this magical region. Are you planning a trip to Turkey? Check out our itineraries and guides.
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