2 Days Red and Green tour

Discover Cappadocia in Two Days with the Red and Green Tour

This 2-day tour from Göreme offers a comprehensive exploration of Cappadocia’s most iconic sights. Priced at $195.66 per person, it combines visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, natural wonders, and historic monuments, making it an excellent choice for those who want a detailed overview without the hassle of planning. The tour includes hotel pickup, comfortable air-conditioned minivan transportation, and a professional guide, ensuring a smooth and informative experience.

The tour is designed to cover diverse attractions across two days, with a mix of outdoor exploration, cultural visits, and local crafts. While the pace is generally well-balanced, some stops involve walking or climbing, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and stunning views, though some mention the need for more detailed explanation at certain sites.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $195.66 for approximately 15 hours over two days.
• Included Services: Hotel pickup, transportation, lunch, and a professional English-speaking guide.
• Major Highlights: UNESCO Göreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Derinkuyu Underground City, and Ihlara Valley.
• Stops Range From: Fairy chimneys at Pasabag and Urgup to historic Cavusin village and Selime Monastery.
• Cultural Experiences: Visit to Kapadokya Seramik for local pottery and Sentez Avanos Hali for traditional carpets.
• Suitable for: Those interested in history, natural landscapes, and cultural crafts, with moderate walking involved.
• Limitations: No hot air balloon option included; some stops may require walking or climbing; guide’s explanations may vary.

Starting the Adventure: Hotel Pickup and First Stops in Cappadocia

The tour begins at 9:30 am with pickup from your Göreme hotel. The first stop is Uçhisar Castle, which is constructed on the highest point in the region. Known for its distinctive castle shape, graves, tunnels, and churches, Uçhisar provides an impressive panoramic view of Cappadocia. The admission is free, and the 30-minute visit offers a great introduction to the area’s unique landscape.

Next, the group heads to the Zelve Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its pointed fairy chimneys. Spread across three valleys, Zelve showcases the natural rock formations that have made Cappadocia famous. Visitors spend around 45 minutes exploring this outdoor museum, with admission included, making it one of the highlights for stunning scenery and geological interest.

Exploring the Old Greek Village of Cavusin and Pasabag’s Fairy Chimneys

Following Zelve, the tour proceeds to Çavusin village, approximately 4 kilometers from Göreme. This site features an old Greek village, largely deserted due to rock falls, but still home to the Church of John the Baptist, dating back to the 5th century. The church contains paintings from the 6th to 8th centuries, and the village offers excellent views of Rose Valley. The stop lasts about 30 minutes with free admission.

The next stop is Pasabag, famed for its three-headed fairy chimneys. Surrounded by spectacular natural rock formations, this site allows close-up views of the iconic conical formations topped with harder stones, often called “hats.” Visitors spend 30 minutes here, and admission is included. It’s a prime spot to photograph the distinctive fairy chimneys that symbolize Cappadocia.

Lunch Break at Avanos and Traditional Craft Stops

Traveling to Avanos, the tour pauses for a 1-hour lunch at a well-regarded local restaurant. Guests can enjoy self-service dishes, starting with soup and followed by main courses, all in a lively setting. After refueling, visitors can explore the Kapadokya Seramik, a pottery workshop where Hittites used local clay since 2000 BC to craft ceramics. The stop lasts 30 minutes with free admission, offering insight into the region’s long-standing pottery traditions.

Later, the group visits Sentez Avanos Hali, a rug workshop and store. Here, the intricate patterns woven into carpets reflect messages, beliefs, and symbols. This 45-minute visit highlights the patience and craftsmanship of local women, who have passed down weaving techniques through generations. Visitors can observe the process and appreciate the artistry behind these vibrant textiles.

Devrent Valley and the Symbolic Fairy Chimneys of Ürgüp

Next, the tour explores Devrent Valley, spread over three valleys with pointed fairy chimneys and large stems. The surreal landscape offers 30 minutes for sightseeing and photography, with free admission. The unusual formations lend themselves to imaginative interpretations, making it a favorite for unique photo opportunities.

Later, the group visits Ürgüp, known for its “holly spirit chimneys”—fairy chimneys with caps of harder volcanic rock. These conical formations often appear in groups like mother, father, and son. The 30-minute stop provides a chance to admire these symbols of Cappadocia’s volcanic history, with free admission.

Day Two: Panoramas, Underground Cities, and the Ihlara Valley

The second morning begins with a stop at the Goreme Panorama, where visitors get a breathtaking view of the fairy chimneys while learning about Cappadocia’s formation and history. The 30-minute visit includes free time for photographs and taking in the scenery.

The tour then ventures into Derinkuyu Underground City, an extensive subterranean complex that served as a shelter during invasions. The site, used by Romans and earlier civilizations, offers a 1-hour guided exploration of tunnels, rooms, and ancient facilities. The admission is included, and the site remains a fascinating example of underground architecture.

Next, the Ihlara Valley is reached after a 45-minute drive. This 14 km long canyon, formed by volcanic activity and erosion by the Melendiz River, features rock-carved churches and painted chapels. Travelers hike about 3.5 km over 1 hour 15 minutes, enjoying the lush scenery and historic sites. Afterward, lunch is served at Aslan Restaurant, next to the river, with 1-hour allocated for a meal of soup, salad, main dishes, and seasonal fruit.

Visiting Selime Monastery and Pigeon Valley

The tour continues with Selime Monastery, a castle-like complex with churches, chapels, bedrooms, storages, and a large cathedral. The site provides insight into monastic life and features 45 minutes of exploration, with admission included. Its impressive size and unique architecture stand out among Cappadocia’s historic monasteries.

After climbing down from Selime, visitors reach Pigeon Valley, where they are given about 1 hour to rest and enjoy the scenery. The valley is famous for its houses carved into the slopes for pigeons, which played a practical role in farming and communication. The 30-minute stop is free and offers an opportunity to learn about local traditions and admire the landscape.

Final Stop at Onyx and Cultural Crafts in Uchisar

The tour concludes at Uchisar, visiting an Onyx factory where a master craftsman demonstrates how volcanic stone is shaped into jewelry and ornaments. The 30-minute visit offers insights into onyx formation, with a shaping show that highlights local craftsmanship.

Practical Logistics and Pacing of the Tour

This 2-day tour involves bus transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned minivan with a maximum group size of 18 travelers. The itinerary is structured to balance sightseeing, culture, and rest periods, though some stops involve walking or light climbing. The pickup begins at 9:30 am each day, starting from your hotel in Göreme.

The tour does not include hot air balloon rides or drinks, and accommodation costs are not covered. However, lunches are included, and all entry fees for the attractions mentioned are covered within the package. The free cancellation policy offers flexibility, with full refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This Red and Green tour suits travelers who want a rundown of Cappadocia’s highlights in a manageable format. It’s ideal for those interested in history, geology, and craftsmanship, as well as visitors keen to see UNESCO sites, underground cities, and scenic landscapes. The tour’s inclusions and moderate pacing make it accessible, but some walking and climbing are involved, so comfort with light physical activity is recommended.

While the guide’s explanations are generally informative, some reviews note that further elaboration or visual aids could enhance understanding. The tour is best suited for curious travelers who appreciate cultural stories and scenic viewpoints.

Cappadocia’s 2-Day Red and Green Tour: An Honest Summary

This well-rounded two-day experience offers a solid balance of natural beauty, ancient history, and local craftsmanship. The $195.66 price includes transport, entrance fees, guided commentary, and delicious meals, presenting good value for the depth of exploration.

Strong points include the stunning landscapes at Pasabag and Pigeon Valley, the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu, and the cultural insights at pottery and carpet workshops. The guided visits to Selime Monastery and Uçhisar Castle add to the sense of discovery.

Limitations involve the absence of hot air balloon rides, which are often a highlight of Cappadocia but are not part of this package. Plus, the guide’s explanations could sometimes be more detailed, according to some reviews, but overall, the experience remains informative and enjoyable.

This tour is recommended for adventurous, curious visitors who want an organized, rundown of Cappadocia’s most famous sites and cultural landmarks, all in a comfortable and well-paced format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from your Göreme hotel.

How long is each day’s itinerary?
Each day involves about 7 to 8 hours of sightseeing, with stops including lunch, visits, and some walking.

Are entrance fees included?
All mentioned admission tickets to sites like Uçhisar Castle, Zelve, Derinkuyu, and Selime Monastery are included in the price.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes for walking and climbing are recommended, especially for sites like Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult, and some stops may involve walking or climbing.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with full refund.

Does the tour include hot air ballooning?
No, hot air balloon rides are not included in this package.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers, promoting a personalized experience.

Are drinks or additional expenses covered?
No, drinks and personal expenses are not included, but lunch is provided.

How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate physical activity is involved, including walking and some climbing; comfortable shoes are advised.