cappadocia walking tour

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Program of our cappadocia multi active tour will take you to one of the most surreal and beautiful sceneries in the world and also one of the best destinations for trekking and hiking lovers..

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Join local guided  tours  for explore  Cappadocia ! Fantastic destinations and history waiting. Fantastic experience in  Cappadocia ! Join the our daily  tour  and feel  Cappadocia !

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Walking in Cappadocia

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Explore the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia on this week-long walking tour. Hike ancient pathways through spectacular scenery, past the famous 'fairy chimneys', orchards and vineyards. Along the way, visit iconic sites such as the underground Christian city of Kaymalik, learn how to make traditional pottery, try your hand at cooking a local dish and enjoy a local wine tasting.

• Volcanic scenery - Uncover the fairytale scenery that the central region of Turkey is famous for.
• Goreme - Wake up to views of air balloons filling the sky from our base in the charming town of Goreme.
• Uchisar - Climb the rock-cut 'castle' and take in the breathtaking views over Cappadocia.

Included meals

Breakfast: 7

Explore Tour Leader

Accommodation

7 nights premium hotel

Walking grade:

Group size:.

Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Our trip starts today in Goreme, a remarkable honey-hued village and our base for a week of exploring the impressive landscapes of Cappadocia. This area is famous for its unique geological formations as well as a history that stretches back to before the Hittites (2000 BC).

Our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there'll be the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Goreme at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Kayseri Airport (ASR), which is around a one-hour and fifteen minute drive away. Should you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Our comfortable base for the week is the Sobek Stone House - a characterful, stone-built, hotel located on the outskirts of Goreme. The hotel is set in beautiful gardens and offers wonderful views of Cappadocia. Each of the 40 rooms is tastefully decorated in an individual fashion with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. Facilities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sauna, restaurant and a terrace bar. If you're up early in the mornings, you'll be able to see hot air balloons filling the sky from the terrace.

Accommodation:

Sobek Stone House (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available, meals provided: none.

If you're interested in the optional sunrise balloon trip, we recommend booking it for your first morning in Cappadocia. This gives you plenty of time to rebook in the case of cancellation. Please see the optional excursions details for more information.

This morning, we'll drive a short distance to Kizilcukur (Red) Valley, the start of our first hike. Sometimes known as the 'red hole', Kizilcukur is possibly the hottest valley in the region. Hidden in its array of fairy chimneys is The Church with Grapes where there are frescoes depicting viticulture and fruit growing. Eventually, we'll reach the small village of Cavusin which lies on top of a collapsed section of an early Christian cave city. This was caused by a huge rockslide which, together with earthquakes and natural erosion, caused a split in the plateau. The atrium of the church at Cavusin has cascaded down, exposing some of the frescoes.

We'll then ascend Bozdag Table Mountain for views of the surrounding area from Cappadocia's highest point at 1,300 metres/4,265 feet above sea level. After the walk, we'll drive to the local town of Avanos, famous for millennia for its pottery. Here, we'll have a pottery demonstration followed by the opportunity to explore this riverside town.

Today's 12 kilometre/7.5 mile walk is expected to take around five to six hours with a total ascent of 250 metres/820 feet.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Today's walk is slightly further afield in the Ihlara Valley, located a 90-minute drive from Goreme. We plan to make a stop en-route to visit Kaymakli Underground City either at the start or end of the day depending on timings. Built by Christians escaping Arab oppression and once home to 3,500 people, this troglodyte cave-city is one of the largest of 34 similar excavations in Cappadocia. Built under the Citadel of Kaymakli, it contains nearly 100 tunnels on eight subterranean floors. We'll explore the four that are open to the public, containing stables, a church and storage places.

We'll start our walk in the Ihlara Valley, along a trail that follows the river downstream passing the villages of Belisirma and Selime. The narrow, steep-sided Ihlara Valley, dotted with rock-cut churches, was once the favourite retreat of Byzantine monks. This valley was formed by primeval earthquakes and the once rushing river is now a quiet stream. As we walk along the winding valley, with cliffs reaching up to 170 metres in some places, we'll see small garden cultures that originally would have provided for the colonies making them self-sufficient. There are many rock-cut churches in this valley with well-preserved frescoes dating from the 9th century.

Today's 13 kilometre/8.1 mile walk is expected to take around five hours with a total descent of around 100 metres/328 feet.

As it's the mid-week point of our tour, we've planned a shorter walk for today. Today's bus transfers are included but you might prefer to take it easy and relax in Goreme instead.

We'll start the day with a short drive to Cat town where we'll begin our walk. The route follows a path with yet more great scenes for photography enthusiasts, passes by huge dovecotes that hosted thousands of pigeons, and continues on the valley floor. The route is filled with hawthorn, oleaster, and rosehip bushes and the walk ends at Aciksaray ruins - a 10-11th century Byzantine site of cave houses, churches and a monastery. After our walk, we'll drive to Urgup, another of Cappadocia's towns, where we'll learn more about the local wine-making industry and get to try some wine. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure back in Goreme.

In the evening, we'll have a Turkish cookery lesson in a local restaurant, most likely our hotel restaurant, and dinner is included.

Today's optional 7 kilometre/4.4 mile walk is expected to take around two to three hours with a total descent of around 350 metres/1,148 feet.

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning, we'll walk in Akvadi (White) Valley where we can further appreciate the geology of the region. Three volcanoes erupted 10 million years ago, spreading ash all over the region. This hardened into a soft, porous stone called tufa. Wind, water and sand have eroded portions of the tufa to form the almost alien landscape which we see today.

The walk leads us to Uchisar, an area renowned for its number of 'fairy chimneys'. These remarkable structures are formed as a result of a hard boulder being caught in the tufa so that as the erosion process occurs, it leaves the boulder delicately perched on top of the slender pillar. We'll also visit Uchisar 'Castle' which, situated high on a rocky outcrop, gives commanding views of the entire region.

This afternoon will be spent walking along Pigeon Valley to Goreme, where we'll visit a traditional Turkish tea shop and learn how to make Turkish tea or coffee. Finally, we'll visit Goreme Open Air Museum to explore the splendid cluster of monastic Byzantine artistry with rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries - a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today's 15 kilometre/9.3 mile walk is expected to take around five hours with a total ascent and descent of around 350 metres/1,148 feet.

After breakfast this morning, we'll drive to the Gomeda Valley where today's walk begins. As well as the landscape, this region is also renowned for its wine as the fine volcanic soil is very fertile. Viticulture has been here since the Hittites, but it was the exiled Christians who really developed the vineyards, and, for a while, wine was exported under the label of mineral water. Alcohol is prohibited in Islam, and so much of the wine is now grown for export and for the non-Muslims in Turkey.

Our trail takes us through the fascinating old Greek village of Mustafapasa whose ruins we can explore. After lunch here we'll continue on our hike leading to Ortahisar village.

Today's 14 kilometre/8.7 mile walk is expected to take around five to six hours with a total ascent and descent of around 400 metres/1,312 feet.

The final walk of our tour is from the hotel on a circular route that takes us through the Zemi Valley to Kiliclar (swords) Valley and finally the Meskindir Valley back to Goreme. The Zemi Valley is around 7 kilometres/4.4 miles long and the path makes its way gradually downhill passing apple and grape orchards.

Today's 12 kilometre/7.5 mile walk is expected to take around five hours with a total ascent and descent of around 250 metres/820 feet.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Goreme at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Kayseri Airport (ASR) which is around a one-hour drive from the hotel.

Is this the tour for you?

• We've graded the walks on our tour of Cappadocia as moderate - you should have a good level of fitness and ideally have prior hiking experience to take part.
• Some routes have occasional, short sections of steep ascent or descent. All of the treks follow undulating trails and the terrain can be rocky and loose in places, particularly on the ascents and descents.
• During the summer months, it can be incredibly hot in Turkey, although as Cappadocia sits at around 1000 metres/3,280 feet it avoids the excessive heat experienced in lower areas on the coast. If you're travelling on a summer departure, be prepared for hot weather with light layers, sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle to carry at all times. Early mornings and evenings in spring and autumn can be cooler.
• Expect much cooler temperatures from November to March, when day time temperatures can fall below 10 degrees, particularly over Christmas. If snow falls in these months, it normally only lasts a few days and we will still hike and you will be provided with snow shoes. You may choose to bring walking poles at this time of year in case of wet or snow conditions.
• Typical Turkish breakfasts will have a selection of cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, salad, eggs, fruit, jam, honey, pastries and bread with tea and coffee. Often there will also be a simple cereal provided to cater for foreign guests.
• Vegetarians will generally be well catered for as many dishes are based on vegetables and dairy products.
• Please note that availability of ingredients for restricted diets such as gluten - free or dairy-free is very limited in Turkey and we strongly recommend you bring specialised dietary items with you.
• Walking Information

Daily distances

Total distance : 73 kilometres

Travel Expert Diaries

A moment in cappadocia turkey.

Trip information

April, May, late-September and October are generally pleasantly warm, with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees centigrade. Summers, June through to mid-September can be very hot with temperatures reaching mid-thirties or above. On especially hot days we try to avoid the heat as best we can with earlier starts. In late-October, November and March shoulder seasons, temperatures are cooler with an increased chance of rain. Despite these cooler temperatures it can be a perfect time to visit Turkey's amazing ancient sites and Istanbul as visitor numbers are lower. In winter you can expect cold weather and more rainfall. Temperatures inland on the Anatolian Plateau, in places such as Cappadocia, are always cooler than the coast thanks to the altitude up to 1000masl; and as a result temperatures are slightly cooler in the heart of summer and it isn't unusual to get snow in winter and cold days in shoulder seasons.

Time difference to GMT

2 Pin Round

Islam, Christian

Optional activities The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon - approx 220-230 € (April - June), 250-270 € (September - November). Please note that the price is set by the balloon operators and can vary in accordance with supply and demand, and at times of high demand the price could reach 300 € or above. We advise you book this for the first morning in Cappadocia in case of cancellation to maximise chance to rebook on subsequent days. Trips normally return to hotel before 8am and in time for breakfast. This balloon excursion does not form part of your included Explore holiday package. We recommend you call the provider in advance to book your space Kaya Kapadokya Balloons -+90 384 341 46 48 or Istanbul Balloons - +90 384 271 30 62 - or alternatively ask your leader to request a representative of these companies come to the hotel so you can book and pay directly with them. September and October tend to be the busiest months, sometimes filling up a few weeks in advance, so it is advisable to pre-book before travel to avoid disappointment.

The long Turkish summer can be hot, although Cappadocia is situated at around 1000 metres above sea level which helps to avoid the hottest temperatures of summer. In the spring and autumn, a warmer sweater and jacket is recommended for the evenings, as is lightweight rainwear. In the winter, good quality rainwear is more suitable as there is a good chance of encountering rain or snow. Temperatures may drop below freezing at night so wrap warmly - layers are best. When visiting mosques, women should cover their head, shoulders and knees, so it's handy to pack a scarf. Men should also ensure their knees are covered.

We always recommend waterproof walking boots with ankle support and good grip for walking holidays. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable. Comfortable trainersandals are recommended for the town/relaxing in the evenings.

Bring a water bottle, sunblock, sunhat, sunglasses and insect repellent. We also recommend bringing your swimwear for the hotel pool. Walking poles may be useful for some people, especially for the steeper sections where it is loose and sandy underfoot and can be slippery. Snow shoes will be provided for you if needed on tour.

Food and drink The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign exchange, transport information, accommodation notes.

Our comfortable base for the week is the Sobek Stone House - a characterful, stone-built, hotel located on the outskirts of Goreme. The hotel is set in beautiful gardens and offers wonderful views of Cappadocia. Each of the 40 rooms is tastefully decorated in an individual fashion with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. Facilities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sauna, restaurant and a terrace bar. If you're up early in the morning, you'll be able to see hot air balloons filling the sky from the terrace. Please note that there are some resident cats in the communal areas so please enquire if concerned about allergies.

Food and drink

Can you drink the water?  It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Government Travel Safety Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance.

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information. Booking Conditions  

Visa and Passport Information

Turkey: Citizens from the UK, USA, Canada New Zealand and the EU travelling to Turkey for tourism purposes do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Citizens of Australia require a visa that will last for up to 90 days. You can apply via - https://www.evisa.gov.tr Visa rules change, sometimes suddenly and without notice, so we always advise you to check this information is still valid through the local embassy or consular office before travel. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846 . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.  

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions, your safety and enjoyment on tour, your tour leader, find out more about trip transfer terms and conditions before you book. booking a land only package with explore.

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.  You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.   For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight information.

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

Vaccinations.

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Dates, prices and booking

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How does this work? Well, if you feel that something about your trip didn’t’ meet your expectations, let us know. We will then work to gather the details and figure out where things went wrong. If something indeed wasn’t as described, or went wrong with your trip, and the problem was within the control of either oursleves, the guide or the tour company, we will then work out a refund with you that’s proportional to the scale of the problem.

Obviously the best way to make a great trip is to tell your local guide or tour operator and give them the chance to fix the solution while you are on your trip. Most things can be solved by telling your guide when the issue develops. If that doesn’t solve it, then email us right away. Please don’t wait to voice your concerns until the trip is over, as it’s much harder to solve issues after the fact.

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Connect with members of your club or social circle over shared interests like food, culture, and the outdoors.

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• Private: Just you and your group making memories that will last your lifetime.
• Quality Time: There’s no better way to travel than alongside family and or friends. Enjoy quality time exploring the world with those you love most.

Cappadocia and Lycian Way Walking Tour

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Spend 7-days exploring some of Turkey’s most beautiful landscapes on this guided tour

Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.

About this tour:

What travellers are saying about 10Adventures

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Why travellers choose this tour

At 10Adventures, we take care of the details so that our guests can focus on making memories. Enjoy these key features on this tour.

We're Canadian

Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included.

Don't worry about meals. 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.

Check out the 'What's Included' tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.

Local Support

Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.

Payments Made Easy

Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.

Route Resources

Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.

Park Entrance Fees

Included where possible! Check the 'What's Included' tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.

Luggage transfers

Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.

Accommodation for Cappadocia and Lycian Way Walking Tour

This tour is based in hotels, as well as one night in a cave hotel while in Cappadocia. Hotels on this trip offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible (please enquire about the pricing). Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Hotel in Soğanlı

A comfortable hotel with modern amenities.

Hotel in Goreme

Enjoy this pleasant stay in Goreme where you’ll be immersed in local culture and enjoy great amenities.

Hotel in Selime

Enjoy the ancient wonders of Selime with this comfortable hotel as your base for exploring.

Hotel in Antalya

Enjoy this ideal base for exploring Antalya at this comfortable hotel.

Pension in Çıralı

A cozy pension in Çıralı.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Planning a group trip?

Learn how we help group of friends, outdoor clubs and families get the tour they’ve been dreaming about.

Cappadocia and Lycian Way Walking Tour Details

Cappadocia and lycian way walking tour overview.

This one-week tour is designed for those who would like to enjoy both the beauty of the Lycian Way and the mysticism of Cappadocia. Cappadocia is a volcanic land and the erosion of the “tuff” (volcanic ash) that is abundant in the area has shaped the region. It has since become a refuge for the early Christians escaping Roman persecution. Rich and varied cultural traditions continue to exist in the area, kept alive by the villagers even today. Walking possibilities are endless in the valleys full of cave dwellings and surreal rock formations. Turkey's first long-distance route, the Lycian Way links ancient Roman roads and Ottoman caravan routes with mule trails and forestry tracks in a 509km walk along the spectacular Turquoise Coast. This route passes through the ruins of many ancient Lycian cities and visits the most worthwhile spots on the coast.

Cappadocia and Lycian Way Walking Tour Itinerary

Meet at Kayseri Airport Airport and drive to a beautiful corner of Cappadocia; Soğanlı valley. Soğanlı valley is not a much-visited area and will give you an idea about the typical Turkish village life. Christian monasteries located on the skirts of hills are unique for their wall paintings among all Cappadocian churches. Driving along the table-top volcanic mountains you’ll arrive at the town of Mustafapaşa (old Sinasos), an ancient Greek town with spectacular houses: very fine examples of late ethnic settlements and architecture. Lunch is in a restored village house with traditional Turkish hospitality.

On Top of Cappadocia

This tour is an opportunity to break away from the classical trekking routes in the area; it’s for people who like heights. This is one of our favourite day tours as it provides many great views and interesting learning opportunities about the churches carved within the caves. There are only two ways to get a whole view of Cappadocia, either to fly with a hot-air balloon or to do the trekking up to Bozdağ Moutain (1300m).

This morning you’ll depart for Cavusin Village. After a short wander in the village, ascend through the deserted houses to reach the little-known church of John the Baptist, with its unique paintings. Your path continues to the summit of Bozdağ Mountain where a panoramic view of the region awaits, including Uçhisar, Göreme, Cavusin, Avanos, Ortahisar and the Zelve open-air museum. With the spectacular views of Mount Erciyes, follow a smooth path over the plateau and descend for lunch in a small family-run restaurant in the Red valley. You’ll visit the winery and the Grape church and start our afternoon walk in Rose Valley. Afterwards, visit the pigeon houses and the Cross Church en route to the end of your walk-in Göreme.

Explore Ihlara Valley and the Underground City

You’ll have a long day today, full of adventure! Your first stop is at one of the underground cities, one of the true wonders of Cappadocia. The settlement was dug as deep as 5 layers below ground level and was used for hiding for many centuries. You will experience being underground, feel what it was like to live in a city on the earth; saving people from dangers, starvation, cold and enemies.

Then you’ll have a 1-hour drive to get to Ihlara Valley, a 13km long gorge cut into the volcanic rock. After a short tea break, walk about 3.5 hours on a route to visit some rock-cut churches. The walls in the valley are carved with churches and some have unique paintings inside. It is generally an easy walk, following the river. Willow and poplar trees will decorate your way with the beautiful birds gliding around. After a late lunch, visit a rock-cut mosque and a church next to each other. Continue walking by the river down to Selime town, and the walk ends nearby Selime Monastery. After visiting the monastery, drive to a volcanic crater lake and stop for a quick swim (seasonal opportunity).

Regional Cappadocia & Fly to Antalya – Lycian Way

Today is spent exploring the well-known sites of the Cappadocia region. The Open-Air Museum of Göreme was a very important monastic settlement in the early Christian ages and has several churches hollowed out of the rocks and painted with wall paintings. Paşabağ is one of the most beautiful corners of the region with hermitages hollowed out of the volcanic tufa.

Looking at the rock formations in Devrent Valley is like looking at the clouds. They seem to take the shape of whatever you imagine about them. Lunch is in a local restaurant in the town of Avanos which has been a pottery-producing center since ancient times.

In the afternoon you’ll have an optional visit to a Turkish bath for a relaxing massage. Transfer to Kayseri airport for a flight to Antalya.

The hotel is located in the historical center of Kaleiçi in Antalya. Dinner this evening is in a local restaurant.

Walk on Mount Olympos

Transfer to Yayla Kuzdere where you’ll start with a steady climb up a stream bed to the pastures of Çukur Yayla, just below Mount Olympos (Tahtalı Dağı). You’ll climb the pass from here (1850m).

Then descend via a mule path to the village of Beycik ( 900m) where you’ll meet the transfer vehicle that takes you to our pension in Çıralı. Dinner and overnight in a pension in Çıralı.

Visit Ancient Olympos and Walk to Chimaera (Yanartaş)

After breakfast, take an optional exploration of the ruins of ancient Olympos (total appr. 6km along the beach). After lunch, enjoy free time until dinner. You can swim and lie on the beach or do other activities as desired, such s sea kayaking. After dinner take a short night walk to admire the eternal burning flames of Chimaera (natural gas coming from the bowels of the earth in the location called Yanartaş) in the dark.

Dinner and overnight in a pension in Çıralı.

Walk Çıralı to Adrasan

Start directly from the pension in Çıralı and walk through the ancient city of Olympos and up Musa Dağ (650m). After having a picnic lunch near an old hut you’ll descend through the forest, past deserted farmhouses to reach the beautiful bay of Adrasan.

The trek ends on day 7 with a transfer to Antalya airport.

Tour Highlights

Highlights for cappadocia and lycian way walking tour.

Find yourself immersed in the rich history and natural beauty of Turkey’s volcanic region of Cappadocia.

Explore small Turkish villages and stay in a restored village house where you’ll be introduced to true Turkish hospitality.

Uncover Turkey’s rich history as you visit cave dwellings, open-air museums, and a winery.

Enjoy some of the best walking in Turkey as you venture the Turquoise Coast on Turkey’s Lycian Way.

What's Included

6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes airport pick up and drop-off as well as luggage transfers. This tour doesn’t include any local or international flights and you will be hiking between your overnight locations yourself.

Also Included

• English-speaking guide

Not included

• Any domestic or international flights
• Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
• Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
• Entrance fees to museums and monuments

Optional Extras

• Single supplements
• Many optional activities mentioned, are they included? Check with operator

Dates & Prices

This guided tour in Cappadocia is run as a private tour with a guide for your group only and the pricing depends on the size of your group, as well as the availability. Please contact us for more information.

Prices below are per person:

• Guided Groups of 2-5: from $1,125 USD per person

Accommodation

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Frequently asked questions for Cappadocia and Lycian Way Walking Tour

How hard is the Cappadocia and Lycian Way Walking Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The trails are not technical, but you should be able to hike up to 16km daily with a significant elevation gain.

Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website , though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Cappadocia and Lycian Way Walking Tour?

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance .

How do I get to Cappadocia to start this tour?

Fly into Kayseri Airport, from where you will be picked up.

Is the Cappadocia and Lycian Way Walking Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.

Where does the Cappadocia and Lycian Way Walking Tour end?

The tour ends in Antalya, where you will be transferred to an airport for your flight.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Turkey?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Turkey?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Turkey for this tour?

The best time to travel to Turkey for this hike is between April and November, however, the late summer months tend to get very hot.

Tour Difficulty

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Exploring Cappadocia’s Villages and Towns: Walking Tours

Cappadocia is known for its fairy chimneys, cave hotels, and hot air balloons, but the region is also home to charming villages and towns that offer a glimpse into the local way of life. One of the best ways to explore these villages and towns is on foot, and there are plenty of walking tours available to help you do just that. In this blog post, we’ll highlight some of the best walking tours in Cappadocia’s villages and towns.

Goreme Walking Tour Goreme is the heart of Cappadocia and a great starting point for exploring the region. The Goreme Walking Tour takes you through the winding streets of the village, where you’ll see cave houses, rock-cut churches, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The tour includes a visit to the Open Air Museum, where you’ll see some of the best-preserved frescoes in Cappadocia.

Avanos Walking Tour Avanos is a town famous for its pottery, and the Avanos Walking Tour takes you through the streets of the town to see the potters at work. You’ll also visit the local mosque and see the old caravanserai, where traders used to rest on their journeys along the Silk Road.

Mustafapasa Walking Tour Mustafapasa is a village with a rich history and stunning architecture. The Mustafapasa Walking Tour takes you through the narrow streets of the village to see the old Greek mansions and churches, many of which have been restored and converted into boutique hotels.

Uchisar Walking Tour Uchisar is a village known for its towering rock formation, which has been carved into a fortress. The Uchisar Walking Tour takes you through the village to see the old Greek houses and the pigeon houses, which were built to collect the droppings of the birds to use as fertilizer.

Ortahisar Walking Tour Ortahisar is a town with a unique rock castle, which offers great views of the surrounding landscape. The Ortahisar Walking Tour takes you through the narrow streets of the town to see the old Ottoman houses and the traditional bazaar.

When planning your trip to Cappadocia, be sure to include a walking tour of the villages and towns in your itinerary. These tours offer a unique perspective on the region and are a great way to experience the local culture and history.

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The miracles of Cappadocia

It is impossible to imagine a more wondrous sight than this evocative lunar landscape with its bizarre rock formations, enigmatic fairy chimneys and extensive cave dwellings. At Cappadocia, geology and civilization are inextricably linked as erosion and construction perennially interact with each other. Created through this unique collaboration, the region is the world’s greatest sculpture – shaped by nature, carved by man. After all, it took some 30 million years for the elements to shape the layers of volcanic basalt and tuff into their present form and even the impact of man on the landscape goes back several thousand years to the Hittite people, who were probably the first to dig caves suitable for habitation out of the soft tuft. The trek will take you to the most famous and beautiful regions of Cappadocia Goreme valley, Love valley, Zemi valley and the historic towns of Uchisar, Ortahisar, Goreme and others.

The daily walks are neither long nor demanding, allowing you enough time to concentrate on the area you are hiking through, and where each rock hides its own secrets waiting to be explored.

Walking Grade/ Difficulty

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• Destination Turkey
• Duration 8 Days I Level: 1/2 (of 5)
• What is included Accommodation in hotels and pensions in en-suite rooms, incl. breakfast and 4x dinners; pick up/drop off at Kayseri Airport; luggage transfers between the inns; people transfers as per itinerary; route notes with maps in English; GPS tracks; phone assistance;
• What is not included Drinks and other meals; entrance fees; tips;
• Best period April, May, June, July, August, September, October

FROM OUR GALLERY

Self-guided walking tours in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Day 1. Arrive at Kayseri Airport and transfer to Ortahisar

Day 2. ortahisar - mustafapaşa - pancarlik valley - ortahisar (11km; 3-4hrs; + 325m/- 305m), day 3. ortahisar - ibrahimpasa (round walk) - ortahisar (8km; 3-4hrs; + 315m/- 225m), day 4. ortahisar – meskendir valley – red & rose valleys – cavusin (11km; 4-5hrs; + 280m/- 430m), day 5. cavusin – bozdag & balkan route - cavusin (10km; 3-4hrs; + 365m/- 365m), day 6. cavusin – akvadi (white valley) – uchisar – pigeon valley – goreme (12km; 4-5hrs; + 420m/- 410m), day 7. goreme – zemi valley & goreme open air museum - goreme (12km; 4hrs; + 300m/- 300m), day 8. cappadocia – kayseri airport, tour location.

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Walking Tour (evening)

Pick up: Time vary depending on day light and your hotels location. Winter starting time could vary 14.30 to 15:30. Summer starting time could vary 17.00 to 19.00. Tour lenght: 2 hours + Tour Include - Walking guide - Transfers from / to accommodation

With our walking tours, you would be able to have off-beaten track Cappadocia Experience. The walk takes approximately 2 hours and usually with small groups. It is mostly easy to walk but shoes are highly recommended. Walking tour Visiting: Sword valley, Girls castle, Red valley and Rose Valley.

Sights Visited

Swords valley.

Swords Valley is one of the smallest valleys in Cappadocia. There are several fairy chimneys and ruins that you can find here. The valley consists of a 300-meter long tunnel which looks like a narrow ravine. Hiking the Swords Valley would take up to 1-2 hours.

Girls castle

It is located at the end of Swords Valley.

Red Valley & Rose Valley

The Red Valley and Rose Valley are isolated behind Urgup. Its beautiful rock formations along with some great hidden rock carved churches are the main atractions. Countless tracks connecting small villages and towns through vineyards and gardens are compared to a spider net, which makes these valleys interesting.

Notice: Red valley and Rose valley are also included in the south Cappadocia tour. However, they do not visit same sites. These two valleys are very large including multiple valleys, offer completely different scenes.

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Cappadocia Itinerary: 2, 3, 4 or 5 Day Options

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Cappadocia is one of the most unique places on the planet. Its vast desert landscape has been made famous by its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, as well as scenic hot air balloon flights, numerous hiking trails, and fascinating open-air museums.

There’s so much to see and do, that putting together your Cappadocia itinerary is not easy.

If you’re thinking of visiting Cappadocia but you’re not sure what to see and when, in what order, and how to get around, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ve listed our itinerary for 2, 3, 4, and 5 days in Cappadocia, so you can plan your visit and have a smooth trip. 

But first… 

Planning a trip to Cappadocia last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Cappadocia:

• Airport Shuttle From Nevsehir Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Airport (ASR) (Super affordable!)

Here are our recommended tours in Cappadocia:

• Hot Air Balloon Flight In Cappadocia At Sunrise (A must-do In Cappadocia)
• ATV Tours At Sunset
• Green Tour In Cappadocia (Perfect for those not renting a car!)

Here are our recommended places to stay in Cappadocia:

• Koza Cave Hotel (Amazing views and great photo opportunities)
• Museum Hotel (Most luxurious hotel in Cappadocia)
• Kamelya Cave Hostel (Budget hostel with cave rooms!)

How many days is Enough in Cappadocia?

The amount of time you spend in Cappadocia will vastly differ depending on how you travel and what you want to see. 

If you are desperate to fly in a hot air balloon at sunrise, which is the most iconic thing to do in Cappadocia , then you should allow 3-4 days.

Why? Because they don’t fly every day. You should allow yourself some time to avoid disappointment because if the conditions are too windy, they won’t fly and you’ll miss your opportunity.

You should also allow more time if you intend on traveling by public transport. We used only public transport when we visited and it slowed us down a lot. Buses run sporadically and we had to change a couple of times. It took us an hour and a half to get somewhere you can drive in 30 minutes.

If you hire a car and you do it yourself, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Cappadocia to see the highlights. However, you can easily find enough to fill your time for 4 or 5 days.

We stayed for 10 days the first time we went because we loved it so much (and no, we didn’t see it all).

📚 Read More: The Best Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale Itinerary!

Don’t Miss Out on the BEST Experience in Cappadocia!

No trip to Cappadocia is complete without taking an epic hot air balloon flight at sunrise!

Make sure you reserve your tour well in advance to avoid missing out or paying any additional fees last minute!

Where to Stay in Cappadocia?

What many people don’t realize about Cappadocia is that it’s a region and not a city. It’s made up of several small towns and villages and expands over an area of 150 square km.

If it’s your first time and you’re not sure where to stay in Cappadocia , we recommend you stay in the heart of the region in the town of Goreme.

This is where the night bus from Istanbul drops you off, it’s where you can get buses to other towns in the region, and you can easily book the best Cappadocia tours and hire cars there.

It’s well set up as a base to explore Cappadocia.

The Best 2- Day Cappadocia Itinerary

If you only have two days in Cappadocia then you are going to need to strap on your comfiest shoes and set your alarm early, because we have a lot to pack in!

For those wanting to see the highlights of Cappadocia, we recommend you follow the Red and Green Tour itineraries for these two days. 

These tours, whether you do them yourself or with a tour group, take you to the unmissable places in Cappadocia. 

Day 1: Red Tour

We recommend you start with the Red Tour since it has the least amount of hiking (save your energy for the last day). But first, no trip to Cappadocia would be complete without…

Stop 1: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

…a sunrise hot air balloon flight. This is what makes Cappadocia famous . 

Taking a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia is something that’s definitely worth doing when you’re visiting the area. 

Due to the best wind conditions, they ride at sunrise, which means it doesn’t interrupt your plans for the rest of the day since you have landed and been bought back to your hotel in time for breakfast. 

A sunrise flight is truly spectacular, and the soft warm orange light really enhanced the incredible natural scenes of Cappadocia, with its interesting rock formations, deep valleys, and ancient cave dwellings framed against a glowing orange backdrop. 

The experience of being up in the sky, drifting around all these historic sites, and taking in the majestic panoramic views is truly unforgettable. 

Just make sure to have your tour booked in advance so you don’t miss out. If the balloons are unable to fly on the day you booked, don’t worry, you can reschedule for the next day.

Stop 2: Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cappadocia since it sits at the highest point in the region. It is believed to have been built somewhere between the 6th and 7th century BC as a defense against oncoming Byzantine armies.

The castle was once a fortress housing over a thousand soldiers, but today it’s an open-air museum that is best known for its views from the top.

As you walk around the museum you need to use your imagination to see how caverns and crevices were used as rooms, but there is no doubt the rock formations are fascinating.

Make sure you wear sturdy shoes as the rocky ground here can be slippery in places.

Stop 3: Goreme Open Air Museum

Without a doubt, the Goreme Open Air Museum is the best museum in Cappadocia. Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park, this ancient village was one of the first settlements in Cappadocia.

While the exact time in which the settlement was created is unknown, it is considered one of the oldest monastic settlements in the region.

As you wander around the museum, you are surrounded by numerous cave dwellings, fairy chimneys, and rock-cut churches, many of which contain original frescoes from the 10th to 12th centuries during the Byzantine and Roman eras.

One of the most well-preserved churches in the Goreme Open-Air Museum is the Dark Church. It was named because of the little light that enters this dark cave. Despite its darkness, you can still see vibrant frescoes depicting biblical scenes on the vaulted ceilings carved into the cave.

The best part about visiting Goreme Open-Air Museum is that it is within walking distance from the town center of Goreme!

Read More: 7 Best Hot Air Balloon Tours In Cappadocia

Stop 4: Cavusin

Cavusin is a small village located between Goreme and Avanos and is most famous for its castle and chapel. Cavusin Castle is an epic rock formation that rises above the village of Cavusin, and it’s also the home of St. John the Baptist Chapel, one of the largest cave churches in Cappadocia.

Unfortunately, most of the Cavusin Castle has been heavily eroded due to the passing of time, so it’s not safe to go climbing over the rock and into its rooms, but there is a bridge that allows visitors to get to the chapel to see it.

Fortunately, you can still get a pretty good view of it from the road.

Stop 5: Avanos Town (Pottery Workshops)

Avanos is well known for its pottery scene. The pottery here has a long history, dating all the way back to the Hittite period, around 2,000 BCE. The clay used to make the pottery comes from the Red River (Kızılırmak), which runs through Avanos.

The pottery-making tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, and today, there are many pottery shops in Avanos where you can watch the potters at work. When you walk down the street of Avanos, you might see some of the master craftsmen still practicing their pottery skills in their family-owned businesses.

Some of the pottery shops also offer free pottery-making sessions, perfect for travelers that like an interactive experience when traveling in Cappadocia. Without a doubt, pottery from Avanos is the perfect souvenir to remember your Cappadocia trip.

But beware of the tourist traps in Avanos. Much of the pottery is now mass-produced in factories that mimic the work of skilled potters. If you are not sure how to look for a good properly handcrafted piece of work, then make sure you find someone that can help you with it!

Stop 6: Pasabag Monks Valley

Just outside of Avanos is  Pasabag Valley , or Monks Valley in English. This valley is known for its unique fairy chimneys with double to triple mushroom heads.

The most interesting part of the valley is that some of the fairy chimneys have been turned into dwellings by monks and hermits, which is how the valley has gotten its name.

The caves were first inhabited by St. Simeon from Aleppo in the 5th century. Eventually, more and more monks followed in this footsteps and came to Monks Valley to escape from the world and live a simple life in nature.

Nowadays, the caves are no longer inhabited but you can still explore them! Just be careful with going in and out as some of the rooms are very high and might require a bit of climbing!

Stop 7: Devrent Imagination Valley

Devrent Valley , also known as Imagination Valley, is a place in Cappadocia filled with unique fairy chimneys. These rock formations have been carved out over time by erosion, and they look like different animals or objects.

The most notable one is the camel-shaped rock at the entrance of the valley. But as you walk around, you might find a dolphin-shaped rock, a snail-shaped rock, and more! It is one of the best places to get a photo to remember your visit to Cappadocia!

Getting to Devrent Valley can be quite challenging since it is hard to get there via public transport. The best offer is to either get a taxi or take the red tour, which has Devrent Valley as one of the stops.

Stop 8: Sunset at Lover’s Hill

Lover’s Hill is one of the best sunset viewpoints in Cappadocia and possibly the most famous. Located in the town of Goreme, it’s also called the Goreme Sunset Viewpoint, and sits about 30 meters above the city, offering visitors nearly a 360-degree view of the region.

There is a platform built on top of the rock formations where visitors can take photos with the Goreme historic town as the backdrop. There is also usually a horse at the top where you can take photos with it, for a fee of course. 

You can have a light snack or a drink at one of the restaurants on the hill, but it is quite windy so it makes eating and drinking quite difficult.

During sunset, the sun sets behind Uchisar Castle and creates a really cool silhouette of this  Turkey landmark . On the other side of the Goreme Sunset Viewpoint, you can see Zemi Valley.

Because it is situated only a 15-minute walk from Goreme, this viewpoint is one of the most crowded places to visit in Cappadocia, especially during sunset. There is a small fee to enter if you are coming from Goreme, but you can go through Zemi Valley and avoid the fee. 

Day 2: Green Tour

For the second day, you’re going to want to wear your comfiest hiking shoes as it’s time to explore the valleys.

Stop 1: Esentepe Viewpoint (Pigeon Valley Viewpoint)

The Esentepe Viewpoint isn’t a huge attraction in Cappadocia but it’s worth stopping by to check out the incredible scenery. Cappadocia is huge and its size is often largely forgotten about unless you were able to see it from above in a hot air balloon!

One of the best places to appreciate how big the region is, is at Esentepe Viewpoint, which sits between Uchisar and Goreme and overlooks Pigeon Valley .

Pigeon Valley is a special valley in Cappadocia as it is home to several pigeon dwellings. Many years ago, pigeon poop was used as a fertilizer and was incredibly expensive, so the locals cut these pigeon holes into the rock here as a way to collect the poop.

You can wander down into Pigeon Valley from here to check them out, or you can see them from above. It’s up to you!

Stop 2: Derinkuyu Underground City

One of the most fascinating pieces of Cappadocia’s history is the use of underground cities. They weren’t discovered until the early 60s when a local villager was remodeling his house and knocked a wall into the city.

From there, archeologists discovered a huge metropolis of tunnels, caverns, chambers, and vents that make up a massive underground city.

It’s believed that there are more than 200 underground cities in Cappadocia but they have not all been excavated. The largest underground city is the Derinkuyu Underground City , which goes down 8 levels to around 65 meters deep. The full scale is unknown as it’s still being fully excavated, but they think it connects all the way to Kaymakli Underground City.

The cities were believed to have been used as hiding places from Byzantine invaders, and are estimated to have housed more than 20,000 people including all their livestock and belongings.

Stop 3: Ihlara Valley

There are many valleys in Cappadocia but none as unique as Ihlara Valley – for the sole reason that it’s incredibly green . Yes, there is lush nature in the desert!

Ihlara Valley is a gorge filled with lush green vegetation and the Melendiz River passes through the center. There is a hike that passes down through the valley, into the gorge, and past several ancient monuments along the way.

You will come across many Byzantine cave churches and dwellings that were carved into the canyon walls. It’s truly a spectacular place.

This hike can be as long or short as you want it to be since many different trails branch off the main path. However, we recommend starting at Ihlara Village and finishing at Selime so you can see the Selime Monastery.

But if you don’t want to hike for that long, you can start at Ihlara Village and finish at Belisirma Village, where you can have a meal at one of its iconic floating restaurants.

Stop 4: Belisirma Village

Belisirma Village is nestled in the heart of Ihlara Valley. Like most villages in Cappadocia, the houses in Belisirma were cut into the rock face.

But today, small wooden huts have been built on the water’s edge and are used as restaurants for hikers. Some of these huts have platforms reaching out into the middle of the Melendiz River, so you can sit and have your lunch whilst listening to the waters rushing past you on all sides.

After hiking in the warm sun, it’s the perfect place to stop and rest for a while.

Stop 5: Selime Monastery

The Selime Monastery is the last monument on the Ihlara Valley hike and is an epic rock-cut church with plenty of frescos. This cathedral-sized church has been largely damaged by the weather and passing of time, but it’s still impressive to see and with clever imagination, you can see how settlers lived here in the 8th and 9th centuries BC.

It was said that the monastery was also a fortress, as the upper section has what looks like trenches and steep staircases leading to passageways. This evidence puts the creation of the monastery back to the time of the Hittites, before the 8th century – or so it is believed.

The church in the monastery has been separated into 3 sections by two well-preserved rock columns. You can also see where the monks slept and where they cooked meals in the kitchens. It’s truly a fascinating structure.

Stop 6: Onyx Jewelry Factory

Cappadocia is home to some precious gemstones used for jewelry making. The most precious stone in Cappadocia is the Black Onyx, a hard gemstone that can easily be used in the art of jewelry making.

The Onyx Jewelry Factory is a bit touristy and is obviously designed to encourage tourists to spend money, but it is still interesting to learn about the mining and craft work of this gem.

Stop 7: Watch a Whirling Dervishes Show

At nighttime, there’s no better evening entertainment than a Whirling Dervishes show. The Whirling Dervishes are part of the Sufi tradition and they are known to induce a trance-like state that leads to divine inspiration, or “ecstatic trances” for the performers.

The ceremony starts with the recitation of devotional Islamic prayer and then the dervishes start to spin. There are three sections to the dance, so they whirl around for about 10 to 15 minutes each time.

For many of them, this is a way to connect with God and achieve a state of inner peace. The experience can be quite powerful, even if you’re not religious.

There are plenty of places where you can watch the Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia. However, if you want to see it in an atmospheric setting, then I suggest watching it at the 13th-century Saruhan Caravanserai near Avanos.

The Best Cappadocia Itinerary for 3 Days

Not tired of hiking? Good! Because today we are going to the BEST valleys in Cappadocia and our absolute favorites to hike.

Day 3: Hiking Red and Rose Valley

Depending on your fitness level, you may want to skip some of these hikes and just do the Rose Valley and Red Valley hikes. 

We recommend you get up early to see Love Valley and then rest until early afternoon before hitting the rest. This means you can avoid the strong midday sun.

Stop 1: Love Valley

Love Valley is one of the closest valleys to Goreme so if you haven’t wandered through it yet, you should make sure to check it out first thing in the morning.

It gets its name from the phallic shapes of the rock formations, which experts believe were formed by ancient  volcanic eruptions that occurred 9 to 3 million years ago .

The region was covered in thick ash, which eventually solidified into soft rock formations that eroded easily. The cap of the fairy chimneys is usually much more resilient to erosion, hence why the cap of the fairy chimney is usually bigger than the neck.

The valley is small and won’t take long to wander around. Once you’ve grabbed a few selfies, it’s time to go on some real hiking.

Stop 2: Meskendir Valley

Meskendir Valley is often overlooked as a valley because it doesn’t have those huge rock formations that everyone knows and loves. However, if you have allowed a full day to hike Rose and Red Valley, then it’s easy to add this on to your hike and there is a good reason why you would want to do this.

The Meskendir Valley starts from Kaya Camping Ground, just across from Aynali Church. From here, you will immediately see a signpost in graffiti saying ‘Rose’ and ‘Red’ indicating the route to take.

Meskendir Valley only adds another 2.7km to the hike and it’s pretty flat most of the way. You’ll pass by gorgeous rock tunnels and formations, and it’s also pretty green as well with a few trees for shading.

Stop 3: Rose Valley

Rose Valley is one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia because of the pink hue of the rock that lies here. Its landscape is stunning, with gorges and ridge lines that are covered in dry grass, and from the top of the ridge, you have pretty epic views into Red Valley as well.

It’s also home to some ancient cave dwellings and churches. The most famous is The Crusader Church, which still has some well-preserved frescoes inside.

Inside the valley, you walk past pigeon homes (dovecotes) and more cave dwellings. The highlight is seeing the Columned Church, which is famous for its intact columns inside the church.

Stop 4: Red Valley

Rose Valley leads into Red Valley , and the exact spot in which the two valleys connect isn’t exactly clear, but you will know when you enter Red Valley and the sun goes down as the rock is illuminated in a gorgeous red color.

Red Valley also has some fairy chimneys and churches, but unlike Rose Valley, you cannot go inside them. The landscape of Red Valley is reason enough to visit, and if you plan your hike too late afternoon, you should reach Red Valley around sunset.

The Red Valley sunset viewpoint is one of the most special places. You can sit on swing benches, unroll a picnic blanket, or sit on the picnic benches next to the refreshment stands and replenish yourself as you watch the sunset.

Don’t dwindle too long as you still need to hike back. Fortunately, the hike is pretty flat all the way once you make it down from the ridge, and the sun takes a while to set, so you can reach Goreme before the sun passes behind the valleys.

Stop 5: Red Valley ATV Adventure

If you finished your hike earlier than sunset, don’t rush off back to town, stick around and do an ATV sunset tour of Red Valley. This is an activity for the adrenaline junkie, as you get to zip through the desert on a four-wheel drive ATV quad bike.

You’ll be led by an expert guide who will take you off-the-beaten-path, to the most beautiful spots where you can watch the sunset, and give you time to see how fast you can go on the flat stretch of sand used as a hot air balloon landing site.

Ever wanted to zoom around the desert on an ATV? Now is your chance.

The Best Cappadocia Itinerary for 4 Days

On the fourth day, we are going to travel a long way to Lake Tuz, which is around 126km West of Goreme.

Day 4: Avanos and Lake Tuz

The route to Lake Tuz first goes to the town of Avanos, so if you haven’t explored it yet, we recommend you stop at two very iconic landmarks in the area first. 

Then you pass through two cities in Cappadocia, Nevsehir, and Aksaray. 

You will need to hire a car or take a tour to see Lake Tuz , it’s just too complicated on public transport.

Stop 1: Zelve Open Air Museum

If you enjoyed the Goreme Open Air Museum, or maybe you skipped it, you might also like to see the Zelve Open Air Museum which is much of the same thing.

Zelve was a former settlement, and while there isn’t much hard evidence that tells its history, we can learn from the architecture and excavations that the cave dwellings were used by a small troglodyte community since the Byzantine Era.

It was only until the 9th and 13th centuries did this small village come into religious importance, with the first seminaries for priests established here. In between those times, Zelve was used as a haven against the Persian and Arab attacks. After the Byzantine era, this small village was turned into a Muslim village under the Ottoman Empire.

Nonetheless, Zelve was a place where Christians and Muslims co-existed harmoniously, as detailed by the ruins of churches and a rock-cut mosque with a dome.

What’s always fascinated me about Zelve was that people were living here right up until 1952! It was then that the Turkish government moved the settlers to nearby Yeni Zelve (Aktepe), just 2 kilometers to the northeast because the rock dwellings were deemed too unsafe to live in.

In 1967, the Zelve Valleys were turned into the museum, and you can see large portions of the village have been closed off due to erosion, but what’s left to see is pretty cool.

Stop 2: Avanos Chez Galip Hair Museum

Perhaps there is no attraction in Cappadocia more unusual than the Chez Galip Hair Museum in Avanos. This museum is exactly what it sounds like, a museum dedicated to hair, women’s hair. It is estimated that there are over 16,000 locks of hair in the museum.

The museum all started when the owner of a pottery shop, Galip Körükçü, was given a lock of his friend’s hair as a memento when she moved out. This story moved a lot of women that stopped in the area, and many of them started to give some of their hair to Galip Körükçü.

Eventually, he opened up a museum dedicating the hair of women. Nowadays, women still come to donate their hair, but that is because they have a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to Cappadocia.

When visiting the Chez Galip Hair Museum, make sure you check out the pottery shop that accompanies it.

Stop 3: Nevşehir

At the heart of Cappadocia lies the beautiful city of Nevşehir, the capital of Cappadocia. Partly surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped mountain ridge, the city is packed full of amazing historical sites and attractions.

As you head towards Lake Tuz, be sure to stop at the Nevsehir Museum which contains ancient relics and artifacts found in the area. You can also pass by Nevşehir Castle, which has amazing views of the city.

Stop 4: Aksaray

The city of Aksaray is full of beauty and history, making it a great pit stop on the way to explore Lake Tuz. With ruins from the Seljuk Empire and various historical mosques, including Somuncu Baba Tomb, Aksaray has many places to explore if you’re still interested in Cappadocia’s history.

The Zinciriye Madrasa church, Sultanhani Caravanserai, and Aksaray Museum are three of the top attractions in the city.

But the reason to visit Aksaray is that it is one of the largest cities in the region, meaning it has plenty of great places to enjoy the delicious local cuisine as well as unique shopping experiences. 

Fuel up, both your car and your belly, and when you’re ready keep driving to Lake Tuz.

Stop 5: Lake Tuz

Lake Tuz was the second-largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world. It’s famous for its pink hue, which is caused by salt-tolerant algae.

The lake is not always pink though, it’s only pink when the weather is hot and there’s no rain – so it’s best to visit in the summer if you want to catch the pinkness.

The lake may be a natural phenomenon, but it is also used for mining salt. It is believed that it supplies the country with 70% of its salt production.

Over the years, the lake has been slowly drying up due to climate change , and in October 2021, it dried up completely. Because there is no outlet, when the water is used up, it’s used up.

It was also home to 5,000 flamingoes, but since there is no longer a home for them, they have all disappeared.

While you might want to visit to see the iconic pink hues that made it famous, today you should visit for another reason – to see the catastrophic effects of climate change with your own eyes.

The Best Cappadocia Itinerary for 5 Days

If you’re planning to spend 5 days in Cappadocia, I wouldn’t add any more attractions than the ones I’ve already given you. You could do some more hikes and see more valleys , but after 5 days you are probably feeling like you’ve seen a lot of the same landscape.

Instead, I would just do the four day Cappadocia itinerary above much slower. You may want to do the Red and Green tour itinerary yourself by hiring a car and spending more time at the Ihlara Valley for example.

You may also find the Derinkuyu Underground City fascinating and want to see the nearby Kaymakli Underground City as well.

I suggest hiring a car for five days and being flexible. Use the itinerary above as a guide for which attractions to visit and in which order, but don’t feel like you need to rush through them. Use your last day as a buffer.

Or simply relax in a Turkish hamam or have an extended lunch looking over the valleys. What’s a vacation without a little relaxation as well?

Getting Around Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a bit of a pain to get around if you don’t have a car. I highly recommend renting a car and driving yourself if you are spending more than 2 days in Cappadocia.

If you’re short on time, it would be beneficial for you to book the Red and Green tours, as they take you to all the highlights.

You can get around Cappadocia by public transport (we did) but it was not an efficient use of time. The buses run every 20-30 minutes and they run on Turkish time, which means they show up when they feel like it.

The bus drivers also speak very little English and you may have to change buses (especially if you plan to go from Goreme to the underground cities ). It can take you up to an hour to reach each attraction on the bus, so you will need to allow at least 4-5 days in Cappadocia if you don’t drive.

We found we hiked to most places. You can easily hike to Uchisar from Goreme by passing through Love Valley and White Valley, and you can also hike to Cauvusin from Goreme through Red and Rose Valley. 

Tips for Visiting Cappadocia

To help you have the best trip to Cappadocia, here are a few words of advice:

• Go slow and don’t try to pack it all in. I know these itineraries are jam-packed, but you’re going to exhaust yourself trying to see every valley and do every hike . Take time to just wander the towns and soak in the atmosphere as well.
• Hire a car. It will honestly save you so much time and stress by doing everything yourself and driving.
• Download the MapsMe App. This is an offline satellite GPS and is perfect for those who are hiking as you can follow the trails offline. 
• Prepare for cold weather. Even in the summer, nights can be cold in Cappadocia. Pack warm clothing such as a jumper to wear in the evenings.
• Prepare for hot weather. Contrary to above, the daytime can be super hot because the landscape is all white and reflects the sun. Wear suncream and a sunhat. You’ll thank me later.
• Take out cash, as many places don’t accept credit cards.

Final Thoughts on Cappadocia Itinerary

So there you have it, this is how you can spend your days in Cappadocia, and as you can see, there is a LOT to see and do.

No matter how many days you plan to spend in Cappadocia, we know you will have a great trip.

Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

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Green Tour Cappadocia – Itinerary + Price + All You Need To Know

Last Updated on April 17, 2023 by Soumya

Thinking of a Green Tour in Cappadocia, Turkey ? Keen to find out what is part of a Green Tour itinerary, what are the prices, and how long the tour takes? Is it good value for money?

I just came back from my month-long trip to Turkey and honestly, the Green Tour was one of the best things I did in Cappadocia . Well, the hot air balloon also! And the hundreds of rock-cut churches and the amazing fairy chimneys too! Cappadocia is one amazing place that you should definitely have on your Turkey bucket list.

But, a Cappadocia Green Tour is a great way to see some of the best attractions in the region in a short time. The tour includes one of Turkey’s mysterious underground cities, the picturesque Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, a panoramic viewpoint, and a couple of other smaller stops.

In my opinion, the Green Tour is good value for money especially because you get to cover a lot during the tour. These attractions are not particularly close to each other and not easy to get to by public transport which is not the case with a Cappadocia Red Tour (I delve into details in my Green Tour vs Red Tour section here) .

That’s why it makes all the more sense to sign up for a Green Tour in Cappadocia. One of the highest rated tours in the market is this small-group tour with a knowledgeable tour guide.

However, I highly recommend that you red through this entire post and then decide if the Green Tour is a good fit for your Cappadocia itinerary .

Table of Contents

Quick link to the best Cappadocia Green Tour

Which green tour did I join?

Small-group Cappadocia Green Tour

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

What is a Green Tour in Cappadocia?

A Green Tour in Cappadocia is a popular, full-day tour that covers some of the best attractions in southwestern Cappadocia including an underground city, the Ihara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley.

When I arrived in Cappadocia, I was surprised to find all shops and stores displaying signs of Red, Blue, and Green Tours. Apart from the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides , of course.

After some asking around, I found that red tours covered the northern part of Cappadocia including the more popular spots such as Goreme Open Air Museum and Uchisar Viewpoint. Green tours covered the southwestern part of Cappadocia and included an underground city, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery. Blue tours were somewhere between the two and the least popular.

If you have enough time like 3 days in Cappadocia or more, I would recommend that you do both the Green Tour and the Red Tour. However, if you are spending fewer nights here and have time for only one tour, I recommend doing the Green Tour. I have reasoned it out my section on Green vs Red here .

Note that all these tours are full-day tours but start around 9:00am in the morning. So, you can easily do them even if you are doing a hot air balloon ride in the morning.

Sample Green Tour itinerary

Depending on which agency you pick, your Green Tour itinerary may differ a little bit. But overall, this is what a sample itinerary for a Cappadocia Green Tour looks like.

Goreme Panorama

The first stop on our itinerary was the Goreme Panorama. This place, as the name suggests, offers a stunning panoramic view of Goreme. The viewpoint gives a 180-degree view of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys with the Uchisar Castle at a distance.

There are several benches in the area where you can just sit and absorb the beauty of the landscape that surrounds you. I urge you to venture a little away and find a quieter spot for yourself, without the crowds.

Small shops have cropped up in the area. They sell everything ranging from dondurmas (Turkish ice cream), gozlemes, and small trinkets in case you wish to purchase some. But feel free to venture away and capture some of your best photographs in Cappadocia, here.

Your tour guide will allow you 20-30 minutes to enjoy the views at Goreme Panorama.

If you decide not to do the Green Tour in Cappadocia, you can visit the Panorama on your own. It is a 30 minutes walk from Goreme City Center in the direction of Uchisar. A good bit of the walk is uphill, though.

Onyx factory or Pigeon Valley

Next up on our list was a tour of the Onyx Factory and a view of Pigeon Valley. Since both are located right opposite each other, we could pick what we liked. There was no pressure to go to the Onyx factory.

I am always a little wary of factories that process precious stones (or claim to do so). Plus, I have heard of some stone scams in Turkey. Therefore, we decided to do Pigeon Valley, instead. And boy! What a view that was! This was even better than the one at Goreme Panorama.

Pigeon Valley gets its name from the hundreds of dovecotes that have been carved into the soft tufa rock in this region. Our guide told us that pigeons have always played important roles (as messengers and their poop as fertilizer) in the lives of Cappadocian people. This place was, once, home to thousands of pigeons. Now, only a few hundred remain.

Pigeon Valley is one of the best places to watch a sunset in Cappadocia, if you decide to come back later. Or you can do a Cappadocia Blue Tour which almost always ends with the sunset at Pigeon Valley.

Kaymakli Underground City

One of the best things that is included in the Green Tour itinerary is a visit to an underground city in Cappadocia. You’ll probably have Derinkuyu or Kaymakli on the list. Both are located in southern Cappadocia and just 10mins from each other.

Cappadocia is famous for its strange martian landscape and out-of-the-world fairy chimneys. However, not many people know of the hundreds of subterranean settlements that remain hidden within the surface of Cappadocia.

Huge, multi-tiered cities complete with living rooms, community kitchens, wine cellars, stables, and sanctuaries dot the insides of this region in Turkey. Many of them date back to the 1st century when Christians fled from Roman persecutors and chose to hide in these underground colonies. The cities were repeatedly used during the Arab raids and Ottoman attacks later in history.

We visited Kaymakli on our green trip. It was surreal to enter into this hypogeal world and wonder how life would have been for people who spent months hiding. Be sure to notice the tall ventilation shafts that were used to provide citizens with fresh air.

Here are a few points to prepare you for the underground trip.

• You’ll need to walk through narrow tunnels and enclosed spaces while exploring. If you are extremely claustrophobic, it is best to avoid the underground city tour. However, if you’d like to test the waters, I highly recommend going down the first level and then gauging if you can do it. You can always come back from the first level.
• Wear a hat to avoid bumping your head especially if you are taller than 70 inches.
• There isn’t much light inside, so be prepared for low light photography.

Ihlara Valley hike

After being done with Kaymakli Underground City, we headed to our next destination – Ihlara Valley. The valley was a good 1-hour drive from Kaymakli and many in the van enjoyed a quick nap.

Ihlara is a stunning green valley located in a canyon between the villages of Ihlara and Belisarma. A glittering, gurgling Melendiz river flows through it and you can enjoy some tea or lunch by the river in a traditional Turkish setting.

Perhaps, the most interesting part about Ihlara Valley is the presence of numerous rock-cut churches here. Dating back to the 7th century, these Byzantine churches are adorned with gorgeous murals and religious frescoes.

We visited the first church on our way down the stairs of Ihlara Valley. It was the Agacalti Church with frescoes dating back to the pre-Iconoclast period of 9-11th centuries. Some of the remarkable scenes that you can still see here are the Annunciation, the Nativity, and the coming of three Magi.

There are several other churches that you’ll notice during your hike through the valley. You can always come back and visit them on your own.

During the easy hike by the river, you’ll come across a sort of a restaurant area where you can enjoy a cup of tea by the river or dig into some gozlemes (Turkish stuffed bread). You’ll have for these on your own.

At the end of the hike, you’ll have lunch (included in the cost of the tour). Our meal consisted of soup, salad, bread, and a veg/non-veg casserole. The food was okay, nothing out of the world.

A few points to note before the Ihlara Valley hike.

• You’ll need to climb down about 350 stairs to get to the bottom of the canyon from where you’ll begin the hike.
• It is an easy hike by the Melendiz River, not much climbing involved. Honestly, it is not really a hike, more of a walk with a few ups and downs. A long walk for sure! Get a good pair of walking shoes.
• There are several Instagram spots by the river where you can click great pictures.
• Note that your tour will usually have one rock-cut church in the itinerary. If you want to see more, you’ll have to come back later on your own.
• Toilets are available at the end of the hike at the restaurant where you are going to have lunch.

Yaprakhisar

Yaprakhisar is a massive rocky outcrop with rock-cut churches and monastic dwellings. It provides a stunning view against the clear blue skies and is apparently the place that inspired several scenes in Star Wars!

We just passed by this attraction but I guess, you can ask your guide to stop for a few minutes if you need some pictures.

Selime Monastery

Our next stop was Selime Monastery which was probably the most tricky climb of the day but totally worth it.

Selime is one of the most elaborate cave complexes in the region and an absolute must-have on your Cappadocia bucket list . The entire complex is cut into a cliff that is 50m above the valley and is home to a cathedral, monastery, kitchen, and even a stable. The walls were once covered with colorful frescoes but not much remains today.

It is believed that the Selime Monastery was built sometime between the 8th – 9th centuries. As a result, it has seen the Byzantines, the Romans, the Persians, the Ottomans, and nearly everyone that has influenced Turkey’s history.

At one point of time, Selime was used as a caranvanserai for merchants and travelers on the Silk Road. No doubt, there’s a ton of history hidden here.

Climbing to the top of Selime Monastery can be a little hard (because of the undulating structure of the tufa rock) but not undoable. Good shoes are key.

There are toilets and Turkish gifts stores after you are done with the complex tour.

Mt. Hasan view

On our way back to Goreme, we stopped for a few minutes to get some pictures of Mt. Hasan glistening in the sun. This was definitely the best end to our Cappadocia Green Tour.

Quick note: The eruption of Mt. Hasan is what created the canyon that Ihlara Valley rests in.

Itinerary map for Green Tour

Green Tour or Red Tour?

Honestly, both. But if you need to prioritize, I would recommend you pick the Green Tour over the Red Tour in Cappadocia. And there is a reason for that.

Green Tour takes you to places that are hard to reach by foot or public transport. For seeing Ihlara Valley or Selime Monastery, you’ll need to hire a taxi which costs about 100 EUR per day in Cappadocia.

However, the Red Tour covers attractions that can be accessed by public transport. And sometimes by walking. For example, the Red Tour includes Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag, and Avanos which can be easily reached by a dolmus (shared mini-buses that are the best public transport in Turkey) from Goreme City Center.

These mini-vans run every hour, from 7:00am – 8:00pm, from Urgup – Avanos and vice versa. The dolmus ride will cost between 7 – 15 TL depending on where you are going.

To get to Uchisar, you can use the Avanos – Nevshehir bus.

Price of Green Tour in Cappadocia

Depending on the travel agency you choose, the price of a Green Tour in Cappadocia can vary between $40 – $50. The tour price includes entrance fees to all the historical sites and lunch. If you decide to buy anything else, then you will have to pay on your own.

This price is for a small group tour (14-16 people) and you’ll be traveling in an air-conditioned van. There will be a tour guide who will lead the group, an aide who makes sure everyone is coming along, and a driver.

Important point to remember.

If you have a Turkey Museum Pass, note that entrance to Kaymakli, Ihlara, and Selime are covered in your museum pass . Be sure to mention that to your Green Tour provider and ask him for a discount that equals the sum of the value of these tickets. We got a $5 off our tour tickets because of our museum passes.

Book your Green Tour

You can always book your Green Tour online and reserve your slot.

My favorite go-to sites are GetYourGuide and Viator because they are easy to use and have flexible cancellation policies. Based on my personal experience, the rates on these platforms are competitive with the ones that you get on site or through your hotels. But you can always ask your hotels and check.

Here are some of the highest-rated green tours in the market.

• This highly-recommended Green Tour in Cappadocia comes at a really attractive price. Guests love the knowledgeable guide and the underground city tour.
• On this small group tour , you’ll not just see the usual Green Tour attractions but also get a chance to visit the beautiful crater Lake of Nar.
• If you are looking for a private tour, here’s a great one . You’ll not just visit the green places of interest but also step into the Sarihan Caravanserai from the 13th century.

Green Tour pick up time

The pick up time is usually around 9:30am in Goreme.

We were staying at Design Cave Suites in Goreme, so we were picked up around 9:45am from our hotel (official pick up time was 9:30am but there was a traffic jam in Goreme).

If you are staying in Urgup or Mustafapasa, you might be picked up a little earlier, say between 8:30 – 9:00am. If you are staying in Uchisar, you may be picked up around 10:00am.

Green Tour travel tips

• Green Tours will pick you up between 8:30-10:00am depending on where you are staying in Cappadocia. Please ensure that you are ready on time to avoid discomfort to your fellow passengers and to make the most out of your own day.
• Carry a good pair of walking shoes because there’s a lot of walking in Ihlara Valley and a bit of climbing at Selime Monastery.
• Underground cities have narrow tunnels that you’ll need to bend and walk through. If you are claustrophobic, I would advise you to avoid this part of the tour. If you wish to give it a try, read my section on Kaymakli .
• You’ll find toilets at the Onyx Factory, Kaymakli Underground City, restaurant in Ihlara valley, and Selime Monastery. Some of these might be paid and require 2-3 TL. The toilets at the restaurant are free to use.

Is the Green Tour worth it?

The Green Tour in Cappadocia is absolutely worth it because it takes you to some of the best attractions in Cappadocia that are not easily reachable by transport. You get to explore an underground city, hike through a stunning river valley, and check out the fascinating rock-cut monastery of Selime, all on the same day at a very affordable price.

Loved our Cappadocia Green Tour guide? Pin it for later!

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• Hot Air Balloon Ride In Cappadocia: What You Need To Know?
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10 thoughts on “ Green Tour Cappadocia – Itinerary + Price + All You Need To Know ”

Hi, thank you for a great guide to Cappadocia! Do you mind providing a link for the green tour you did? I’ve looked at reviews of several green tours but all of them seem to do mandatory jewelry stops which I don’t want. The tour you did sounds perfect!

Hi Roopa, The tour that I did also had a jewelry stop – it was the onyx factory. But there was no pressure to go there. You can also excuse yourself from the factory tour and appreciate the scenery outside, instead. For us, the factory was right next to the Pigeon Valley so I had a good time capturing photos of Pigeon Valley. I have linked to the Green Tour that I took here . I have also linked to the tour in a yellow box on the top of my post.

Thanks a lot for the info! We’re headed to cappadocia in a few days. Just booked the same tour that you did 🙂

That’s great. Hope you have an amazing tour of Cappadocia. Happy travels.

Thank you for the information shared. Very helpful.

Glad you found this Green Tour info useful. Have a good trip to Cappadocia.

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Cappadocia Tours & Trips

• Cappadocia from Istanbul
• Cappadocia 3 day
• Cappadocia 7 day
• Cappadocia Small Group
• Cappadocia Seniors

70 Cappadocia tour packages with 177 reviews

A Tale of Two Marvels: Istanbul & Cappadocia 7 Day Tour

"Istanbul and Cappadocia are amazing cities to visit. The view of Hot Air Balloon full of the sky is one I would never forget!" Sylphy, traveled in May 2023

Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia | 6 Days with 1 flight

"I would highly recommend it." Farrel, traveled in May 2022

7 Days Best of Istanbul and Best of Cappadocia Package

"The tour buses were all Mercedes Benz and very comfortable. Hot air balloon ride was great fun." Mohit, traveled in May 2023

Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia | 7 Days with 1 flight

"Great communication leading up to arrival. The trip itself was excellent - informative, fun, and adventurous." John, traveled in May 2019

4 Days Istanbul&Cappadocia w/cave hotel+optional balloon

"The Cappadoci experience was amazing. Not to be missed!" Jan, traveled in May 2023

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

"We enjoyed our trip, but the company had many organizational and communication problems." Jane, traveled in April 2024

7 Days Istanbul and Best of Cappadocia Tour

"Our trip was perfect! We would book it like this another time!" Corinna, traveled in July 2022

3 Days Best of Cappadocia Tour from/to Istanbul

"We had an enjoyable and well paced tour. Knows the region very well and is very personable." Syed, traveled in May 2022

5 Days - Istanbul Cappadocia Tour

"Everything was very organised. We loved our stay in Istanbul and Cappadocia." Amina, traveled in July 2019

Istanbul to Cappadocia (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

"The views are astonishing! The tour is a bit unbalanced, but all of this is nothing when it comes to the taste of the culture and history you get." Pavel, traveled in May 2023

• $150 deposit on some dates

What people love about Cappadocia Tours

the guıde was excellent.And very professional. I adore the and history. I will come with my friends again.

Tour was great. Two things to note: tour stated that the maximum amount of people was 18. Actual amount of people was 31. The hotel in Istanbul was outdated. It would have been a better experience to stay at an updated hotel

The best part of the tour was the organization, and Cappadocia did not disappoint! Each driver and tour guide was on time, even early in most cases. They were very polite and made me feel safer as a lone traveling woman.

Travel Cappadocia your way

Explore a wide diversity of group tours through Cappadocia. We have 59 adventures that vary from 3 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.

Find the perfect tour for your family, catering to all ages with over 54 family tours lasting from 3 days up to 16 days available in Cappadocia.

• In-depth Cultural

Choose from over 44 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cappadocia. Our cultural tours vary from 3 days to 16 days.

Fully Guided

Select from our extensive range of 41 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Cappadocia with our expert guides leading the way.

More travel styles:

Top operators in Cappadocia

"Fantastic tour of the sites of Istanbul and Cappadocia. Our guide Yasemin was exceptional. She was very knowledgeable and ensured everything went smoothly. Would highly recommend

Dorak Tours is an expert in:

"Visiting historical places should be more than spending a lot of time for introducing souvenir shops in Istanbul even I enjoyed visiting the Turkish carpet display place. The tour guide in Istanbul was good, every knowledgeable. Not enough time spent for the interesting places in Cappadocia. The hotel in Cappadocia (Cave Hotel) was not the one you confirmed to me. It was not ideal hotel for elder people as the transport vehicle could not come in front of the entrance. I had to drag the suitcases on unpaved road to the entrance of the hotel.

City of Sultans is an expert in:

"Shafaq was a great tour guide, informative, organised and personable with a great attitude. The group got on well and the range of activities was amazing from hot air ballooning in Capadocia to boat days and visiting carpet shops. It was a great experience and highly recommend, especially to those like me that had never visited Turkey before, and wanted to uncover a lot of what the country has to offer in two weeks.

Intrepid Travel is an expert in:

Best time to visit Cappadocia

• March 2025 popular 36 tours
• April 2025 34 tours
• May 2025 33 tours
• July 2024 50 tours
• August 2024 popular 57 tours
• September 2024 58 tours
• October 2024 popular 59 tours
• November 2024 55 tours
• December 2024 popular 53 tours
• January 2025 39 tours
• February 2025 35 tours

Contact our Cappadocia travel experts

Expert in Cappadocia at TourRadar

Vivien is one of our seasoned Cappadocia Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Cappadocia tours answered!

• Choose from 70+ Cappadocia tours
• 177 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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Cappadocia Tours starting in:

• Istanbul (46)
• Cappadocia (9)
• Kayseri (6)
• 3 Day Tours (19)
• 7 Day Tours (34)
• 10 Day Tours (6)

Other Regions in Turkey

• Western Turkey (241)
• Aegean (119)
• Anatolia (92)
• Marmara (43)
• Thrace (37)
• Eastern Turkey (29)
• Turquoise Coast (24)

Travel Styles

• Budget (12)
• Solo Travelers (60)
• Couples (12)
• Seniors (17)

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Free Walking Tour Cappadocia

General information.

Starting time

11:00 am / 6:00 pm

Tip only basis

Free walking tour Cappadocia is a unique and breathtaking tour that shows you the region of Cappadocia located in central Turkey, known for its unique geological formations and ancient cultural heritage. The region is home to a range of natural wonders, including fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and underground cities, which have been carved into the volcanic rock. Cappadocia is also a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as hot air ballooning, hiking, and horseback riding. In addition, the region is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a range of ancient churches, monasteries, and fortresses to explore. Whether you’re interested in geology, history, or simply taking in the breathtaking natural beauty, Cappadocia is a destination that truly has it all.

Meet your guide at Metro Turizm Goreme.

Tip only basis. You must tip your guide at the end of the tour. It is recommended to tip from 10 to 20 euros per person.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the timeless wonders of Cappadocia, Turkey, with our captivating free walking tour Cappadocia, starting at the Metro Turizm Goreme. As you lace up your walking shoes and join fellow adventurers, prepare to be transported to a realm where history and natural splendor intertwine seamlessly.

The first stop is the renowned Goreme Open Air Museum and National Park Area. Here, ancient caves whisper tales of bygone eras, showcasing remarkable remnants of a civilization etched into the very fabric of the rocky terrain. Wander among the weathered facades, marveling at the intricate frescoes adorning the interiors, a testament to the artistic prowess of civilizations past.

Next, we meander through the Meskender Valley, where time seems to stand still amidst the rugged beauty of the landscape. As you traverse this picturesque terrain, keep an eye out for the graceful contours of horse farms nestled amidst the verdant surroundings. Embrace the serenity of the moment, enveloped in the tranquility of nature’s embrace.

Read more...

Free Tour Cappadocia continues into the ethereal expanse of Rose Valley, a sanctuary of natural beauty adorned with hues of pink and gold. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine pathways, where each twist and turn reveals a new vista of breathtaking splendor. Amidst the ancient old caves, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Cappadocia’s history, where whispers of the past echo through the hallowed halls of time.

As the sun begins its descent, we ascend to the heights of Cavusin Village Panorama, where panoramic vistas await, offering a sweeping tableau of Cappadocia’s majestic beauty. From this vantage point, gaze upon the undulating landscapes and ancient edifices that have withstood the test of time, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum of participants.

The maximum of participants is 15 people.

Can I book a private walking tour?

Yes, you can book a private walking tour by contacting us straight via email.

Can I bring my children?

Yes, in Free Tour Cappadocia everyone is welcome.

What should I bring?

Check out the weather on the day of the tour to make sure you bring an umbrella in case it’s raining. Bring comfortable shoes, cash and a big smile.

Cappadocia Tours & Holidays

This is one of the Turkish delights that deserves the hype. 

What began as a series of volcanic ash explosions hundreds of years ago have now transformed Cappadocia into a magical landscape full of fairy chimneys and rock formations that you simply have to see to believe – and we can’t forget about the hot air balloons. Rising into the sky effortlessly, these giant, floating wonders give the region a dreamy atmosphere no Instagram post or highlight reel will ever do justice. From tasting traditional Turkish flavours with a local family to walking through an underground city and taking in the breathtaking sight of the Goreme mountains, this is one adventure you’ll never want to wake up from. 

Our Cappadocia trips

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Cappadocia highlights

Cappadocia tour reviews.

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Turkey Highlights

Articles of Cappadocia

Beyond the balloons: 7 other ways to explore Goreme

Turkey in one week: The ultimate guide

7 sky-high views in Cappadocia (that don’t require a hot air balloon)

Have wanderlust? Here’s why you should visit Cappadocia at least once in your lifetime

Why I love Turkey, a country of countless wonders

Cappadocia travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How to get to Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the most travelled to regions in Turkey so thankfully it's easy to get there with flights and public transportation options available in the form of bus and train services.

The best way to get to the mythical destination depends on your budget and travel timeline with flying being the quickest option. There are multiple flights that operate daily from Istanbul to the two closest airports in Cappadocia, Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR).

However, it takes a further 37 minutes and 1 hour from each airport respectively to get into the heart of Cappadocia. Bus and train services will obviously take you a bit longer but are great budget-conscious and comfortable options. 

Is Cappadocia safe?

Cappadocia is perfectly safe to travel to as there are no obvious political or security threats in the main tourist areas. This is largely due to the Turkish government's focus on the region as being a major drawcard for international travellers.

However, the same general safety rules apply when travelling; go out in groups or as a pair after dark, stick to well-lit and populated streets/areas, and be aware of your belongings at all times. 

What is the weather like in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia experiences a continental climate of hot, dry, and sunny summers and cold winters (even with the occasional snowfall).

The summer months of June, July, and August are the most popular time to travel.

Average summer temperatures reach into the 30°Cs.

Average winter temperatures can lower to a chilly 5°C. Keep this in mind when planning your trip and pack accordingly.

Even in summer, the temperatures can drop significantly. Make sure you pack clothes for all seasons.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.