14 Best Tours in Cappadocia: The Ultimate Guide
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Cappadocia is packed with magic — from sunrise hot air balloons to hidden underground cities and unforgettable sunsets. One of the best ways to experience it all is by booking a few tours to help you dig deeper into this incredible region.
When Tim and I visited in November 2024, one thing that stood out to us is what a huge impact having guided experiences made on our trip!
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best tours in Cappadocia, including the ones we personally loved and would recommend.
1. Cappadocia Blue Tour
The first thing to understand about guided tours in Cappadocia is that there are a few general routes that all tours follow, regardless of the company you book with. These tours are named by colors: Blue Tour, Red Tour, Green Tour and Yellow Tour.
The Blue Tour is a fantastic introduction to some of Cappadocia’s lesser-known treasures. It usually includes stops at the underground cities (like Derinkuyu), the picturesque Soganli Valley, and ancient Greek villages like Mustafapaşa. It’s a slower-paced, less crowded alternative to the more popular Red and Green Tours — perfect if you want a mix of culture, history, and landscapes without the big tour bus crowds.
Note that not all Blue Tours are identical, so read the itineraries thoroughly if there are specific places you want to visit!
Tip: Some Blue Tours include a traditional lunch in a village house — it’s 100% worth it for a more authentic experience.
2. Cappadocia Red Tour
The Red Tour covers many of Cappadocia’s greatest hits in one day. If it’s your first time visiting, this is the one to prioritize. Most Red Tours include:
- Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO site)
- Uchisar Castle
- Love Valley or Pigeon Valley
- Avanos pottery town
- Pasabag (Monk’s Valley)
This tour is very accessible with relatively short drives between sites, making it ideal if you don’t want to spend all day in the car.
Tip: The Red Tour usually finishes mid-afternoon — leaving you plenty of time for a sunset hike or dinner in Göreme.
3. Cappadocia Green Tour
The Green Tour is for the adventurers. It covers some of the most dramatic scenery in Cappadocia, including:
- Derinkuyu Underground City
- Selime Monastery
- Ihlara Valley (with a hike along the river)
- Pigeon Valley viewpoints
Be prepared for a little more walking and longer drives, but it’s absolutely worth it if you want to see Cappadocia’s wilder, less developed side.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes! There’s a lot of uneven terrain on the Green Tour, especially in the Ihlara Valley.
4. Cappadocia Yellow Tour
The Yellow Tour is a great middle ground if you’re looking for a little less hiking than the Green Tour but still want to get off the beaten path.
Typical stops on the Yellow Tour include:
- Pigeon Valley
- Avanos Pottery Town
- Goreme
- Ozkonak Underground City
It’s a nice blend of nature, local history, and smaller, quieter sites that don’t see as many big tour groups. If you’ve already done the Red Tour and want something a little different (but not quite as intense as the Green Tour), this is a great choice.
5. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour
You can’t go to Cappadocia without doing a hot air balloon ride — it’s just one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
We flew with Istanbul Balloons and had an incredible experience: professional pilots, smooth takeoff and landing, and stunning sunrise views over the valleys. Safety was a big priority for us, and we highly recommend reading reviews before booking. Not every company has the same reputation.
Tip: Book early, ideally months ahead — and plan a backup date because balloon rides are weather-dependent.
6. Cappadocia Horseback Riding Tour
Cappadocia’s nickname is “The Land of Beautiful Horses,” and after doing a sunset horseback ride through the valleys, we totally understood why.
You’ll ride past fairy chimneys, vineyards, and rock formations that look otherworldly in the early morning light. Sunset tours are also gorgeous, especially if you want that golden glow for your photos.
Tip: You don’t need to be an experienced rider. Most tours are beginner-friendly and adjust the pace to the group.
7. Turkish Pottery Class
Pottery has been a tradition in Avanos for centuries, thanks to the red clay from the Kızılırmak River. Taking a pottery class here is a fun (and messy) way to connect with local culture.
Many workshops offer the chance to try your hand at the wheel — and you can even ship your finished piece home if you want.
Tip: Look for a class that includes a tour of the pottery studio to see how the masters work. It’s seriously impressive.
8. Turkish Cooking Class
We are huge fans of local cooking classes when traveling — and Cappadocia didn’t disappoint.
In a Cappadocia Cooking Class, you’ll learn to make traditional dishes like gözleme (stuffed flatbread), Turkish casseroles, and maybe even try your hand at a few meze (small appetizers). It’s a great way to experience Turkish hospitality up close.
Tip: Some classes include a visit to a local market beforehand, which adds a fun layer to the experience!
9. Whirling Dervish Experience
The Whirling Dervish ceremony is a beautiful and moving cultural experience rooted in Sufism. In Cappadocia, you can attend a traditional ceremony in an ancient caravanserai (historic inn along the Silk Road), which makes the atmosphere even more powerful.
Tip: This isn’t a tourist show — it’s a religious ceremony — so be respectful by dressing modestly and refraining from taking photos during the performance.
10. Cappadocia Hiking Tours
While Cappadocia is very hikeable on your own, booking a guided hiking tour can be a game changer. Local guides know the best hidden trails and can point out details you’d easily miss, like ancient cave churches and unusual rock formations.
Popular hiking tours often include:
- Red Valley and Rose Valley
- Love Valley
- Pigeon Valley
Tip: Morning hikes are cooler and less crowded, plus the light is magical.
11. Turkish Food Tour
For a true taste of Cappadocia, consider a local food tour. You’ll get to sample regional specialties like manti (Turkish dumplings), testi kebab (cooked in a clay pot), and local wines.
Many food tours also include cultural stops, like old village centers or wine cellars, making it a nice blend of sightseeing and eating.
12. Turkish Coffee Tour
If you’re a coffee lover, a Turkish Coffee Tour is an absolute must in Cappadocia. These tours dive deep into the art and history behind one of Turkey’s most famous traditions.
You’ll usually visit a local coffee house or workshop where you can watch how Turkish coffee is prepared — traditionally brewed over sand — and learn about the importance of coffee culture in Turkish daily life. Of course, there’s plenty of tasting involved too!
Tip: Turkish coffee is strong and unfiltered. Don’t stir it once it’s poured! And if you want to try a fun extra, ask if they offer fortune readings from the coffee grounds.
13. Cappadocia Underground City Tour
Exploring one of Cappadocia’s underground cities is a must-do. Whether you visit Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, these ancient, multi-level labyrinths are mind-blowing. We toured Kaymakli and definitely recommend it!
You can book a dedicated Underground City Tour or visit as part of a larger day tour (like the Green Tour).
Tip: If you’re claustrophobic, opt for a private guide so you can take it at your own pace.
14. Love Valley Sunrise Breakfast Tour
Imagine sipping Turkish tea and nibbling on pastries while hundreds of colorful balloons float across the sky. A Sunrise Breakfast Tour sets up a cozy breakfast picnic at one of Cappadocia’s best viewpoints.
It’s a more relaxing way to enjoy the sunrise if you don’t want to do a balloon ride — or a beautiful add-on even if you are.
Tip: Bring a jacket, even in summer. Early mornings in Cappadocia can be chilly.
Final Thoughts on the BEST Tours in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of those rare places where booking a few key tours can completely level up your experience. Whether you’re flying above fairy chimneys, riding horseback through valleys, or wandering ancient underground cities, there’s no wrong way to explore this incredible landscape.
If you have any questions about which tours are worth it or how to plan them around your trip, feel free to drop a comment — I’m always happy to share more tips!
