Göreme , Turkey

North Cappadocia Tour (Red Tour)

Active

6h - 7h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

If you want a special day where you can really feel the magical nature of cappadocia, this is a tour you should do. A trip where you can see the most atrractive valleys and the formations we call fairy chimneys of cappadocia. You ll go on a geological journey while walking among volcanic formations. This is an activity you should join if you want to understand how these rock formations and landforms came into being. A tour where you ll understand why cappadocia is a unique place.

Available options

North Cappadocia Tour (Red Tour)

Pickup included

What's included

Museum entrance fees

Hotel pick-up & drop-off service

Lunch

All Fees and Taxes

Professional and licensed tourist guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Uchisar castle : that s a rock-cut castle which is dated back to early roman period. It is the biggest fairy chimney formation and converted into a citadel to support the flow commerce during the roman, byzantine, seljuk and ottoman periods. The castle is surrounded by conical fairy chimneys which used to be roadside shelters for traders. We stop somewhere nearby the castle to take photos of the area.

Stop 2

Paşabağı bağ(monks valley) : this is the best site to see the whole geological journey of fairy chimneys. It s a valley full of fairy chimneys that look more like mushrooms with or without caps. It is the place where you ll see all the stages of the formation of fairy chimneys from very beginning most clearly.

Stop 3

Zelve openair museum: it s the settlement with the most dense caves in cappadocia. It actually resembles a cave town. It s one of the places where the first monastic lives started in cappadocia region. Over time it turned into a place where greeks and turks lived together for many years. this is the lost city of cappadocia that comes out of the fairy tales. People lived in caves until 1952. You can go for a walk aroud these cave living spaces.

Stop 4

Dervent valley : this place is where you can activate your imagination and push the boundaries of your imagination. It s a place where there are natural rock formations that usually resembles animals but at the same time you can imagine many different things by looking at rocks.

Pottery demonstration : ıt ıs the oldest handicraft specific to cappadocia. there are still families in cappadocia who make their living with this work . We visit the town avanos to get to know this art . These families produce their own art pieces with the free hand and minds, without copying anything.

Love valley: some of the most striking rock formations of cappadocia are here. You can take the most beautiful photos of the different colored landforms surrounding the town göreme from here.

What's not included

Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Göreme centrum bus station

About Göreme

Göreme is a small town in the heart of Cappadocia, renowned for its unique rock formations, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides. This enchanting region offers a blend of natural wonders, ancient history, and cultural experiences that make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Göreme Open-Air Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches and monasteries with stunning frescoes dating back to the Byzantine era.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours Approximately 50 TRY

Love Valley

A scenic valley known for its phallic-shaped rock formations and hiking trails offering panoramic views of the region.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Uçhisar Castle

A towering rock castle offering the highest panoramic view of the Cappadocia region.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Approximately 20 TRY

Derinkuyu Underground City

An ancient multi-level underground city carved into volcanic rock, used as a refuge during times of invasion.

Historical 2-3 hours Approximately 30 TRY

Hot Air Balloon Ride

A must-do experience in Cappadocia, offering breathtaking aerial views of the unique landscape.

Adventure 1-2 hours Approximately 150-250 EUR

Must-Try Local Dishes

Testi Kebab

A traditional dish cooked in a sealed clay pot, containing meat, vegetables, and spices.

Dinner Non-vegetarian

Pide

Turkish flatbread with various toppings, similar to pizza.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Göreme Salad

A fresh salad made with local vegetables, cheese, and herbs.

Lunch Vegetarian

Manti

Small dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce.

Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon ride Hiking ATV tours Horseback riding Spa and wellness treatments Wine tasting Picnicking in the valleys Visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

The weather is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Turkish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Göreme is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on prices before starting your journey in taxis or shared vehicles

Getting there

By air

Kayseri Erkilet Airport • 75 km (47 miles)
Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport • 35 km (22 miles)

By bus

Göreme Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are infrequent and not very reliable. They are best suited for short distances.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Göreme Town Center Uçhisar Çavuşin

Day trips

Derinkuyu Underground City

30 km (18.6 miles) • Half day

Explore the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu, a multi-level subterranean refuge dating back to ancient times.

Ihlara Valley

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A scenic valley with lush greenery, ancient churches, and hiking trails along the Melendiz River.

Avanos

20 km (12.4 miles) • Half day

A traditional town known for its pottery workshops and pottery-making demonstrations.

Festivals

Cappadocia International Music Festival • September Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival • April Çavuşin Culture and Art Festival • July

Pro tips

Book your hot air balloon ride well in advance, as they often sell out during peak season
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the rocky terrain
Bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day
Learn a few basic phrases in Turkish to enhance your interaction with locals
Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat