Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by Sarah Wilson
Cappadocia, a stunning region in central Turkey, is famous for its unique rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides.
With so much to see, and for many people limited time, the best way to experience the Cappadocia’s highlight is through a guided tour.
The two most popular options in Cappadocia are the Red Tour and the Green Tour, each offering a different perspective of the area.
But Which Tour Is Best For You?
If you have limited time, the Red Tour is perfect for a quick, yet excellent introduction to Cappadocia’s main sites near Göreme.
If you prefer nature and adventure, go for the Green Tour. It offers more of an off-the-beaten-path experience with hiking (albeit a very short 30-minute hike) and underground city exploration.
For A Complete Cappadocia Experience
If you have the time, consider doing both tours! Each offers something completely different, and together, you will get a well-rounded view of Cappadocia’s natural beauty and history.
I had time to experience both, and I really enjoyed both of them. Some operators offer a combined red and green tour for those on limited time, but that felt a bit rushed for me, and fortunately, I had time on my side.
If I had to choose just one, I preferred the Red Tour more, but I think that was more to the people I met on this tour and the guide.
So, let’s take a closer look at what each tour offers.
The Red Tour
The Red Tour is ideal for those wanting to explore historical sites and Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys without travelling too far from Göreme. It’s still a full day out, though, lasting around seven hours and includes pick up from your hotel.
Highlights of the Red Tour
Goreme or Zelve Open Air Museum
You will stop at either Goreme or Zelve Open Air Museum. My tour visited Zelve, but as I had time to spare before leaving for Istanbul, I also visited the Goreme Open Air Museum.
Both museums were interesting, featuring rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 10th century. It provides a glimpse into Cappadocia’s Christian heritage.
I preferred Zelve as there were fewer tourists, probably because it required more effort to get to and felt more authentic.
The one in Goreme was good, too, but more manicured and seemed to attract the larger tour groups. However, it’s just a short walk from the town centre, so it is easy to visit independently.
Uçhisar Castle Area
Uçhisar Castle, a natural rock citadel is the highest point in Cappadocia. This natural rock fortress was carved into a volcanic hill and has been used as a strategic defence point and a residential area throughout history.
But the Red Tour only points out the castle to you and gives you some free time to explore the area at its base. The reason is it’s 275 steps to the top and would take too much time for everyone.
I ran out of time to visit independently, but apparently, it’s easy to get there by bus from Goreme; it’s not that far and then you can explore at leisure. Walking back to Goreme through Pigeon Valley is meant to be excellent, too. I thought three full days would be enough in Cappadocia, but obviously not.
Love Valley
Famous for its unique rock formations, it is one of Cappadocia’s most photogenic spots, with striking “fairy chimney” rock structures that look rather phallic!
Avanos Pottery Village
Situated by the Kızılırmak River, Avanos is known for its pottery, a craft that dates back thousands of years. Here, you can watch the artisans and even try making pottery yourself.
The pottery is lovely but very much priced for international tour groups. A lady from Istanbul in our group was quoted 40% less than everyone else.
Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley)
Pasabagi, also known as Monk’s Valley, is famous for its fairy chimneys, and unique rock formations. This area once served as a secluded retreat for monks (hence the name), including followers of St. Simeon, who carved homes and chapels into the rocks.
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
Devrent Valley is where natural rock formations take on shapes like animals. It’s a quick, fun stop where you can let your imagination run wild! The rocks all looked like camels to me.
Pros of the Red Tour
Visits the main historical and cultural sites near Göreme.
It is perfect for travellers with limited time.
Easygoing and less strenuous, suitable for all ages.
The included buffet lunch was surprisingly good.
The guide provides information about a place and enough free time to explore and take photos.
Cons of The Red Tour
Most sites on the Red Tour are popular and will get crowded, especially during the peak season. I visited in November, but it wasn’t that bad apart from Goreme Viewpoint.
The tour takes you to the sites close to town, so you won’t see the underground cities.
The Green Tour: Underground Cities and Nature Adventures
The Green tour is perfect for those interested in exploring Cappadocia’s hidden underground cities, hiking (albeit short) through valleys, and seeing landscapes farther from the main town.
The tour lasts around nine hours and includes pick-up from your hotel.
Highlights of the Green Tour
Göreme Panorama
This viewpoint offers fantastic views over Göreme and its surrounding valleys. It’s a great spot to take photos and admire the unique landscape.
This place was the only spot on the tour where there were lots of other tourists, but as there was plenty of space to wander around, it did not feel overcrowded. But bear in mind, I visited out of season in November.
Pigeon Valley
Pigeon Valley gets its name from the numerous man-made pigeon houses carved into the region’s soft volcanic tuff. In ancient times, pigeons played a vital role in Cappadocia, providing food and fertilizer to enrich the area’s barren soil.
Selime Monastery
A large monastery carved into the rocks, Selime offers insight into the life of Cappadocia’s early Christian communities. It’s a bit of a steep climb to reach the top, but worth it.
Ihlara Valley
The visit to the Ihlara Valley, famous for its lush landscapes and canyon views, begins with a quick stop at a historic rock church and a nearby site once used for producing linseed oil.
The trail through the valley begins with a 25-minute downhill walk, leading to a riverside path along the Melendiz River that takes you to the chilled Belisirma restaurant for lunch.
Here, you’ll enjoy a meal by the river, featuring soup, salad, and a choice of chicken, meat, or vegetarian dishes (food is included; drinks are extra). If you prefer, you can skip the walk and take the tour bus instead.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Derinkuyu, one of Cappadocia’s largest and most renowned underground cities, extends several levels below the surface.
Early Christians once used it as a refuge, and exploring its narrow tunnels was an adventure on its own.
It was a fascinating place to visit, but some corridors are very narrow with low ceilings, so it can be a tad claustrophobic.
Sweets and Spices
When we stopped at a sweet and spice shop on the way back, I thought, oh no, here comes the hard sale again, but it was actually quite fun and rather lovely to sample the different varieties of Turkish Delight. Prices seemed reasonable too.
Pros of the Green Tour
Includes the underground cities, which are a unique experience in Cappadocia.
It is more spread out, allowing you to see less-touristy spots.
The guide provides information about a place and enough free time to explore and take photos.
Cons of the Green Tour
It requires more walking and is slightly more physically demanding; however, you can go by minibus to avoid walking down to the valley to the lunch restaurant. But the walk is at most half an hour long and you don’t need to be very fit.
The sites are farther apart, meaning more time on the bus.
The underground cities can be claustrophobic.
You spend 30 minutes in a gem store, but on the positive side, I have never seen zultanite, a gemstone that changes colours in different lights. That kept me amused for at least five minutes.
Tips For Both The Red Tour And The Green Tour
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Both tours involve walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are necessary.
Dress in Layers: Cappadocia’s weather can vary, especially if you’re entering cooler underground cities or shaded valleys.
Don’t Forget Your Phone Or Camera: Both tours offer plenty of photo opportunities.
Whether you choose the Red Tour, the Green Tour, or both, you’ll have a great time. Cappadocia is an incredible place.
Let me know in the comments how you got on.
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