Cappadocia: Goreme to North Tour with Zelve & Avanos Lunch

Summary

Surreal valleys, fairy chimneys, pottery in Avanos and lunch in Goreme

You’ll wander surreal valleys near Göreme, climb up Uçhisar Castle for sweeping views, watch pottery made by hand in Avanos, and taste local flavors over lunch. With hotel pickup and an easy pace led by a local guide, you’ll find little moments of wonder tucked between ancient stones and fairy chimneys.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a warm simit as we’re waiting for the van outside the hotel in Göreme — I’m still half asleep, but there’s this dry chill in the air that wakes you up fast. Our guide, Emre, is already chatting with a couple from Izmir about the best spot for gözleme (he’s got opinions). The drive out to Uçhisar Castle isn’t long, but the way the morning sun hits those pale rocks makes everything look kind of unreal — like someone painted shadows on purpose. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing on that hilltop, looking down at all those strange shapes below.

We wind through Love Valley and then into Pasabag (Monks Valley), where the fairy chimneys get taller and somehow more ridiculous. Emre points out one that looks like a camel — he says everyone sees something different here. There’s this earthy smell everywhere, almost dusty but not unpleasant. At Zelve Open-Air Museum, I run my hand along the carved stone walls; it’s cool and rough under my fingers. You can still see black soot marks from old kitchens. Someone behind me tries to whisper but their voice bounces around inside those old cave rooms.

I’ll admit I zoned out a bit during the drive to Devrent Valley — too many weird rock shapes for my brain to process at once — but Avanos snapped me back awake. We watched a potter spin clay on his wheel; he grinned when I tried to say “çömlek” (Li laughed at my accent). Lunch was simple but good: lentil soup and grilled chicken with rice in Göreme. Sitting there with dusty shoes and that weird Cappadocia light filtering through the window… it felt like we’d been gone longer than just a day trip from Göreme.

There’s something about these valleys — maybe how quiet they get if you stop talking for a second — that sticks with you after. I keep thinking about that view from Uçhisar Castle, honestly. The whole North Cappadocia tour felt both busy and strangely peaceful at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore North Cappadocia highlights

• Pick-up from hotel
• Visit Uchisar Castle
• Explore Love Valley
• Tour Pasabaglar (Monks Valley)
• Visit Zelve Open-Air Museum
• See Fairy Chimneys
• Explore Devrent Valley
• Pass by Avanos town
• Visit Cavusin village
• Lunch time in Goreme
• Attend Pottery Workshop
• Pass by Göreme National Park

Top questions

How long does the North Cappadocia tour take?

The tour is a full-day trip including all main stops listed in the itinerary.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What attractions are covered on this Goreme to North Cappadocia tour?

The tour covers Uçhisar Castle, Love Valley, Pasabag (Monks Valley), Zelve Open-Air Museum, Fairy Chimneys, Devrent Valley, Avanos, Çavuşin village, and includes lunch in Göreme.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Are entrance fees included?

If selected as an option during booking, entrance fees are included.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during transportation.

Do I need special fitness for this tour?

No special fitness level is required; it's suitable for most travelers.

Is public transportation nearby if I want to leave early?

Public transportation options are available near some stops if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Göreme or nearby towns, guidance from a local expert throughout North Cappadocia’s highlights like Zelve Open-Air Museum and Pasabag Valley, entrance fees if you select that option when booking, plus a traditional Turkish lunch before returning in the afternoon.