Cappadocia: Green & Red Tour Combo with Underground City

Summary

Fairy chimneys, ancient caves, and a day of Cappadocia’s contrasts

You’ll wander among Cappadocia’s surreal fairy chimneys, squeeze through ancient tunnels at Kaymakli Underground City, share lunch in Avanos after trying pottery yourself, and climb up Uchisar Castle for wild valley views—all with a local guide handling every detail so you just get lost in it.

What’s the experience like?

“That one looks like a camel, right?” our guide grinned, pointing at a rock in Devrent Valley. I squinted and nodded—sort of? Shapes everywhere, some obvious, some just weird shadows. The morning air was cool but dry, and there was this faint earthy smell from the dust as we walked. I’d read about Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys before, but seeing them up close—especially in Monks Valley where they bunch together like mushrooms—felt stranger than any photo could show. Our group kept stopping to guess new shapes; someone swore one looked like Napoleon’s hat. Not sure about that.

I didn’t expect to feel so small inside Kaymakli Underground City. Our local guide explained how people hid here for months—whole families underground with their animals and food stores. The tunnels were tighter than I thought (if you’re claustrophobic, maybe skip this part), and my hand brushed the cold stone wall as we ducked through another passage. It was quiet except for our footsteps echoing ahead. After that, sunlight felt sharp when we climbed out—almost too bright.

Lunch in Avanos was way better than I’d guessed—meze plates everywhere and this eggplant thing I still think about. We watched a potter shape clay from the Kızılırmak River; he made it look easy until I tried the wheel myself (let’s just say my bowl is... unique). Li laughed when I tried to say “teşekkürler” properly—probably butchered it. Later at Zelve Open-Air Museum, the frescoes in those cave churches were faded but still colorful under your fingers if you looked close. And Uchisar Castle—the view over Pigeon Valley is something else, pigeons swooping between all those carved houses.

The day went fast. There’s so much squeezed into this tour—a real mix of history and odd landscapes—and by the end my shoes were full of dust but I didn’t mind. If you only have one day in Cappadocia and want to see the big stuff (with someone who actually knows what they’re talking about), this Green & Red Tour combo covers more than you’d expect—even if you can’t pronounce half the names.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cappadocia's key sights

• Start tour at meeting point
• See old Greek houses in Çavuşin village
• Visit family-run pottery workshop in Avanos
• Watch pottery making demonstration
• Try making your own pot
• Explore Uçhisar Castle rock formation
• Visit Zelve Open Air Museum cave churches
• Walk through Devrent Valley rock formations
• Tour Kaymaklı Underground City tunnels
• Stop at Uçhisar viewpoint over Pigeon Valley
• Visit onyx stone factory
• Wander in Paşabağı Monks Valley fairy chimneys

Top questions

How long does the Cappadocia Mix Tour last?

The tour lasts a full day and covers both Green and Red Tour highlights.

Is lunch included on the Cappadocia Mix Tour?

Yes, a Turkish lunch with various options is included during the tour.

What are the main stops on this Cappadocia day trip?

Main stops include Monks Valley (Pasabag), Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, Devrent Valley, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Avanos pottery workshop, and Çavuşin village.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from your accommodation.

Can people with claustrophobia join the underground city visit?

No, visiting Kaymakli Underground City is not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, all entrance tickets to attractions are included.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but involves walking and stairs.

Can you try making pottery on this tour?

Yes, at the Avanos pottery workshop you can try using the potter’s wheel yourself if you want.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel or nearby point, entry fees for all major sights like Kaymakli Underground City and Zelve Open-Air Museum, a Turkish lunch with plenty of choices (meat or vegetarian), plus time at an Avanos family pottery studio—all led by a knowledgeable local guide before returning in the evening.