One of the best ways to explore the region is by taking a sightseeing tour. There are three main sightseeing tours available in Cappadocia: the Red Tour, the Green Tour, and the Blue Tour. Each tour covers different areas and attractions of the region, and choosing the right tour can make a big difference in your experience. Here’s everything you need to know about these tours.
At a Glance: Our Tips for Cappadocia Sightseeing Tours
Each tour offers a different perspective of this magical region, so consider your interests and physical activity level before deciding.
Want the most famous landmarks? → Choose the Red Tour.
Love history and hiking? → Go for the Green Tour.
Prefer hidden gems and scenic trails? → The Blue Tour is your best bet.
What Are the Red, Green, and Blue Tours in Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is too big to explore in a single day, which is why guided sightseeing tours are the best way to experience its stunning landscapes, underground cities, and ancient cave dwellings.
No Regrets Booking Advice
The three most popular options—Red, Green, and Blue Tours—each cover different regions and attractions, making it easier for visitors to choose based on their interests.
Whether you’re here for iconic fairy chimneys, hidden valleys, or mysterious underground cities, these tours ensure you see the best of Cappadocia without the stress of planning transportation and entry tickets.
✔ The Cappadocia Red Tour: Fairy Chimneys & Cave Settlements
The Red Tour focuses on northern Cappadocia, where you’ll find fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and historic cave dwellings. If you’re visiting Cappadocia for the first time and want to see the most famous landmarks, this is the best choice.
Key Stops on the Red Tour:
- Uchisar Castle – A towering rock fortress with panoramic views of Cappadocia.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Home to mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and ancient monastic dwellings.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum – A historic cave settlement that was inhabited until the 1960s.
- Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – Famous for rock formations that resemble animals and objects.
- Avanos Pottery Workshop – Watch local artisans create handmade pottery using ancient techniques.
- Love Valley – One of Cappadocia’s most photogenic fairy chimney formations.
Who Should Choose the Red Tour?
✔ First-time visitors who want to see Cappadocia’s most famous fairy chimneys.
✔ Travelers who prefer sightseeing over hiking—this tour has shorter walks.
✔ History lovers who want to explore ancient cave settlements and rock-cut churches.
✔ Families or those looking for an easier tour with minimal hiking.
Physical Activity Level: Easy to moderate. Some walking at open-air museums, but no long hikes.
We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.
✔ Looking for a premium experience? → Choose the VIP Pro Guide Tour
✔ Want to combine Red and Green Tours? → Get the Combo Tour
✔ Prefer a small-group tour? → Book the North Cappadocia Ancient Route
✔ The Cappadocia Green Tour: Underground Cities & Scenic Valley Hikes
The Green Tour takes you to southern Cappadocia, where you’ll explore hidden underground cities, scenic canyons, and rock monasteries.
This tour is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers who enjoy hiking and discovering Cappadocia’s rich history.
Key Stops on the Green Tour:
- Goreme Panorama – A stunning viewpoint with sweeping views of the fairy chimneys.
- Narlıgöl Crater Lake – A volcanic lake that changes color depending on the season.
- Selime Monastery – The largest rock monastery in Cappadocia, carved into towering cliffs.
- Ihlara Valley – A lush canyon with a scenic hiking trail along a flowing river.
- Belisırma Village – A traditional riverside village where you’ll enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch.
- Derinkuyu Underground City – One of Cappadocia’s largest and deepest underground cities, once used as a refuge.
- Pigeon Valley – Famous for its carved pigeon houses and breathtaking viewpoints.
Who Should Choose the Green Tour?
✔ Travelers who want a mix of history, adventure, and nature.
✔ Those interested in exploring underground cities and ancient monasteries.
✔ Visitors who enjoy hiking—Ihlara Valley offers a beautiful nature walk.
✔ People looking for a more immersive experience away from the crowded fairy chimney sites.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate. The Ihlara Valley hike is easy but longer than other tours. The underground city requires walking through narrow tunnels.
We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.
✔ Want the best value? → Book the All-Inclusive Green Tour✔ Prefer a smaller group? → Go for the VIP Green Tour
✔ Love hiking? → Choose the Trekking Green Tour
✔ On a budget? → The Green Tour with Lunch, Guide is a great pick.
More Info about the Green Tour
✔ The Cappadocia Blue Tour: Hidden Valleys & Underground Cities
The Blue Tour is perfect for those looking to explore less touristy but equally stunning landscapes in southern Cappadocia.
It offers a mix of light hiking, underground cities, and ancient cave villages, making it a great choice for those wanting a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Key Stops on the Blue Tour:
- Rose Valley – A hiking trail through pink-hued rock formations and hidden cave churches.
- Red Valley – One of the most beautiful hiking areas in Cappadocia, perfect for photography.
- Çavuşin Village – A fascinating rock-cut village with ancient homes and churches.
- Özkonak Underground City – A lesser-known but equally impressive underground settlement.
- Pigeon Valley – A stunning viewpoint filled with carved pigeon houses and abandoned cave homes.
Who Should Choose the Blue Tour?
✔ Travelers who enjoy hiking and want less touristy, more secluded landscapes.
✔ Adventure seekers looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
✔ Those who have already done the Red Tour and want something different.
✔ Photography lovers—Red and Rose Valleys are stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate. This tour includes light hikes in Red and Rose Valley, as well as exploring an underground city.
We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.
✔ On a budget? → Choose the Budget Blue Tour
✔ Want a private experience? → Go for the Private Blue Tour
More Info about the Blue Tour
Quick Comparison: Red vs. Green vs. Blue Tour
Tour | Best For | Main Attractions | Hiking Level |
---|---|---|---|
Red Tour | First-time visitors, history lovers | Fairy chimneys, open-air museums, pottery workshops | Easy |
Green Tour | Nature lovers, adventure seekers | Underground cities, Ihlara Valley, rock monasteries | Moderate |
Blue Tour | Hikers, off-the-beaten-path travelers | Scenic valleys, underground city, hidden cave churches | Moderate |
Our Recommendation:
- If you have one day in Cappadocia, choose the Red or Green Tour, depending on whether you prefer fairy chimneys (Red) or underground cities and hiking (Green).
- If you have two days, combine Red and Green Tours for a complete Cappadocia experience.
- If you have three days, do all three—Red, Green, and Blue Tours—to see the most famous, scenic, and hidden spots in the region.
Whichever tour you pick, Cappadocia will be an unforgettable experience!
Have questions about which tour is best for you? Drop a comment below—we’d love to help! ️