Divya Gagan
Hey there, are you on the lookout for a holiday experience that's out of the ordinary and far from the madding crowd? Look no further than Cappadocia, Turkey - it's got some of the most breathtaking places you'll ever lay your eyes on! From the open-air museum to the carpet museum, from the love valley to imagination valley, you'll find so many sights to see that your trip will be unforgettable.
But, if you're wondering how to explore these places while also learning about their history and culture, I've got just the solution - take a guided tour! There are several great options to choose from, like the red tour, green tour, and blue tour, which will help you discover even more.
Image: View from Love valley
So, what exactly is the Red Tour in Cappadocia?
It's a popular sightseeing tour that covers all the must-visit attractions and sights in the northern part of the region. You'll get to see Uchisar castle, Monks valley, Göreme Open Air museum, Love valley, Imagination valley, The Avanos Pottery demonstration, and the Avanos carpet industry. Most tours come with a professional tour guide and a driver, as well as transportation facilities.
Why should you sign up for these tours?
Well, not only will you get to discover some unreal places, but you'll also get to meet different people from around the world. And let me tell you, the view of Cappadoccia with the fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and natural rock formations through Göreme town is simply amazing! Plus, you'll even have a chance to try your hand at pottery making in Avanos.
Image: View of Uchisar Castle
I recently went on the Red Tours in Cappadocia, and let me tell you - it was an incredible experience! The tour guide was super knowledgeable and shared all sorts of fascinating information with us. He made sure we got to see all the major stops on the red tour, and it was so interesting and exciting. Highly recommend it!
What are the differences between the Red and Green tours in Cappadocia?Red tours are perfect for those who want to delve into the historical and cultural aspects of Cappadocia. These tours typically cover the Northern part of Göreme, where you'll visit ancient cave dwellings, rock-cut churches, and traditional villages. You'll also get a chance to see local artisans at work.
On the other hand, if you want to experience the natural beauty of the region which covers the Southern part of Göreme, Green tours are for you. These tours may include hiking and trekking through valleys and mountains, and some even offer visits to natural hot springs. Some tours can last up to two days!
Both types of tours offer a unique experience, and which one you choose ultimately depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you're really keen to experience everything Cappadocia has to offer, you might even consider doing both!
Image: Monks Valley
Here are some details about the Red Tours:➸ Cost: 30-50 Euros( it costed me 32 Euros/person)
➸ Transportation: pickup and drop-off facilities provided.
➸ Entrance fees to the sites: included in the fee.
➸ Language: professional English-speaking tour guide.
➸ Lunch: provided.
➸ Time required: 10am-5.30pm
➸ Cancellation policy: You can cancel the tour before 48 hours without any penalty (depends on the company).
It was a whole day tour and our guide was very friendly. I prebooked the tour from
https://www.instagram.com/roadtripstourcappadocia/
He was one of the best tour guides we have got. I have also mentioned his contact here for your reference. You can contact him directly for bookings.
Name: Oguz, Contact No: +905060699639
Image: With our Tour guide at Monk´s valley
We started our tour at 10 am from our hotel, and our guide welcomed us with a small introduction about the tour and himself.
1. Uchisar Castle:
The first stop on our Red tour was Uchisar Castle. It is the highest point in the region and provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. The castle is famous for being one of the largest and most well-preserved rock-cut castles in the region. The castle is made up of several rooms and chambers that were carved out of the rock, some of which were used as living quarters, and others are storage areas. There is also a large, open courtyard in the center of the castle, which is also used as a venue for cultural events and weddings.
2. Monks Valley:
Monks Valley, also known as Pasabag, is a popular stop on the Red tour in Cappadocia. It features fairy chimneys with carved-out dwelling spaces. It is believed that hermit monks once lived in these dwelling spaces in the 4th and 5th centuries. Visitors can explore the valley and hike through the surrounding area. It is a popular spot for photography and a must-see destination on any Cappadocia tour.
3. Love Valley:
Love Valley is one of the most beautiful attractions to visit, especially for couples. It is known for its towering rock formations that resemble phallic symbols. The valley is a popular spot for couples and honeymooners who come to admire the natural beauty of the area and take photos of the iconic rock formations. There are props like benches, a love-swing, a vintage car, and horses with which you can click Instagram-friendly pictures. The valley was formed by the process of natural wind erosion over centuries. It features hundreds of petrified trees and bushes that have been turned into stone by minerals from groundwater flowing through them over thousands of years. Here you can see tiny to large rock formations, and a few of them are at the edge of depletion.
4. Imagination Valley:
Imagination Valley is another stop on this tour that is worth seeing, which is home to a variety of caves, tunnels, and rock formations that are sure to capture your imagination. The unique rock formations have been shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years. Visitors can explore the valley on foot, taking in the stunning views and learning about the history from the guide.
5. Göreme Open Air Museum:
The Göreme Open Air Museum is one of the most popular stops on the Red tour. It is an impressive collection of monasteries, churches, and chapels that date back to the Middle Ages. It served as an important Christian center of learning, and its religious buildings still exhibit elaborate and beautifully preserved frescoes. Movies are screened in the Open Air Museum when the weather conditions are good.
6. Avanos Carpet Making Museum:
After the museum visit, we were taken to a local workshop where we could see the process of carpet making firsthand. We had the opportunity to watch artisans weave carpets using traditional techniques and learn about different types of materials and patterns used in the process. It was an educational experience, and we also had a chance to weave a few threads into the carpet. We could also purchase these carpets as souvenirs. The process of making a single carpet takes from days to several months. Since these carpets are handwoven, it adds a personal touch. There are several weavers who have been working in the carpet industry for years, and the next generation continues to do the same. It supports the local artisans.
7. Avanos Pottery Museum: Our final destination was the charming town of Avanos, known for its rich history in terracotta production dating back to 3000BC. We had the pleasure of learning the traditional pottery-making techniques used in the region for centuries, with the skilled potters demonstrating their craft and even allowing us to try our own hand at creating a unique souvenir to take home. This activity is perfect for art enthusiasts!
We also had an amazing Buffet Lunch which was also included in the price. The restaurant was amazing with a lot of varieties from starters to desserts. I would highly suggest you to go for a buffet, if your guide gives you an option.
1. Wear comfy shoes: As the Red Tour involves a lot of walking, it's best to wear comfortable shoes.
2. Dress in layers: If you're visiting during winter, the mornings can be chilly, so dress in layers. During our visit in July, the weather was perfect.
3. Apply sunscreen and bring a hat: In the afternoons, the sun can be intense, so be sure to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
4. Carry water and snacks: The tour is scheduled for the whole day, so stay hydrated and pack some snacks to keep your energy levels up.
5. Bring your camera: Cappadocia is a visually stunning place, and you'll want to capture all its natural beauty with your camera or a good phone would do its Job.
6. Be prepared for dust: Cappadocia is located in a desert area, and dust can be a problem. Consider bringing a scarf to cover your face if the dust levels are high.
7. Respect local customs: In some places, photography may be restricted, so be mindful of the local culture and customs.
Enjoy your trip!
Image: Open air museum
If you want to know what are the other activities you can do in Cappadocia, do check out my other blog on 3-Day Travel itiery to Cappadocia https://divgan.com/post/3-day-itinerary-cappadocia-turkey
Check also my other blog on magical phoshoot in Cappadocia. https://divgan.com/post/a-magical-photoshoot-cappadocia-turkey
1. Is it advisable to take tours like red tours and green tours or explore places on our own?
Ans: It depends on your personal preference and travel style. Taking a tour in Cappadocia can be a great way to see the highlights of the region and learn more about the history and culture from a knowledgeable guide. However, if you prefer to travel independently and have more flexibility in your itinerary, exploring places on your own may be a better option for you. Ultimately, it is important to consider your own travel goals and preferences when deciding whether to take a tour or explore independently.
2. Is the price of 35 euros expensive for the tour?
After being on one of the tours, my answer to this question would be no. This price actually includes the entry fee for most of the tourist places, afternoon brunch, and transportation. I would absolutely say that you can travel stress-free the whole day without worrying about the next bus or location to visit.
For any further queries, feel free to contact me on Instagram or via Email.
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Until the next blog:
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"I am a passionate traveler and artist. Through my writing and art, I aim to inspire others to embrace a life of exploration and discovery, fueled by their own passions."
We, Divya & Gagan, currently located in Germany👫🇩🇪 are zealous with a zest for travel 🌍 and capture our experiences through photography 📷 and blogging. On our blog, you will find a lots of tips to plan your next holiday❤️💕🌟, as well as some itineraries that we have personally taken. Our mission is to inspire others to live a healthy life 🌸and travel to the fullest, and also share some technological insights.
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