Cappadocia: ATV Sunset Tour with Valleys & Photo Stops

Summary

Chasing sunset colors by ATV through Cappadocia’s wild valleys

You’ll ride an ATV through Cappadocia’s valleys as sunset turns the rocks pink and gold. Expect four photo stops (Rose Valley, Red Valley, Sword Valley, Love Valley), stories from your local guide, and a surprising mix of laughter and silence as you watch dusk settle over the landscape.

What’s the experience like?

I still smell the dry earth from that first turn out of Göreme — it got everywhere, honestly, in my hair and under my fingernails. Our guide (I think his name was Murat?) handed me a helmet and grinned like he’d seen a thousand nervous faces before. I kept glancing at the sky; those weirdly-shaped rocks already looked pinkish, but he said we had time before the real show started. The engine rumbled under me — not exactly smooth — but once we got moving, it felt like riding straight into some Martian movie set.

We made our first stop at Rose Valley. Murat pointed out these old cave churches carved into the cliffs — I’d read about them but seeing them up close was different. The walls felt cool when I leaned against one (probably not allowed, but no one yelled). There was this faint smell of sage or something herbal in the air, mixing with dust and exhaust. A couple from Izmir asked for a photo and then insisted I join — so now there’s a picture of me squinting awkwardly with strangers and weird rocks behind us.

The sun started dropping fast after that. At Red Valley, everything glowed this deep orange-red that didn’t look real on my phone camera. You know how sometimes you see something and your brain just stops for a second? That happened to me here. We all went quiet except for someone’s ringtone echoing off the cliffs (kind of ruined the mood but also made it feel more real). The last stop was Love Valley — those giant stone shapes are hilarious in person, way bigger than I expected. Murat told us stories about why they’re called that; I won’t spoil it but let’s just say everyone laughed.

By the time we headed back, my face hurt from grinning and there was dust in my teeth. The light faded quick and everything turned this soft purple-gray. Hotel drop-off felt almost too soon — I could’ve kept driving until dark, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour exploring Cappadocia valleys

• Hotel pickup 30 minutes before tour
• Receive helmet and safety instructions
• Sign consent and agreement form
• Start 2-hour ATV tour before sunset
• Stop for photos at Rose Valley
• Stop for photos at Red Valley
• Stop for photos at Cavusin Village
• Stop for photos at Love Valley
• Return to hotels after tour

Top questions

How long is the Cappadocia ATV sunset tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours, plus hotel pickup 30 minutes before start.

Which valleys do you visit during the ATV sunset tour?

The route includes Rose Valley, Red Valley, Sword Valley, Çavuşin Old Village, and Love Valley.

Is hotel pickup included for this ATV tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included before the tour begins.

Is drifting allowed on Cappadocia ATV tours?

No, drifting is prohibited due to hills and rocks in the valleys for safety reasons.

What equipment is provided on the Cappadocia ATV sunset tour?

You’ll be given a helmet and receive safety instructions before starting.

Are children allowed on this Cappadocia ATV sunset tour?

No, children under 11 years old are not permitted on this tour.

Is lunch or food included in this ATV sunset tour?

No meals are included; only hotel pickup and equipment are provided.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup about half an hour before start time, a helmet for safety (and probably some dusty hair), all necessary instructions from your local guide before setting off into Cappadocia’s valleys by ATV—with four scenic stops for photos—before being dropped back at your hotel after sunset.