red and green tour

Red Tour Vs Green Tour Cappadocia: Which Is Better?

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

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No Turkey itinerary is complete without visiting Cappadocia, a valley in Central Anatolia known for its surreal desert landscapes, rich history, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park , and of course, epic hot air balloon rides. 

If you’re short on time, you may be deciding between the Cappadocia Red Tour vs Green Tour. While there are many ways to explore the vast landscape of Cappadocia, the Green Tour and the Red Tour are two of the most popular ways for short-term visitors.

While the Green Tour and the Red Tour both feature some of the best attractions in Cappadocia, they each offer something completely different. Not a single attraction overlaps with what the other tour has to offer.

And for travelers that can only afford to pick one of the two tours, which one should they pick?

After exploring every attraction on both the green and red tour, we are here to tell you why one is better than the other…

Planning a trip to Cappadocia last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Cappadocia:

• Airport Shuttle From Nevşehir Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Airport (ASR) (Super affordable!)

Here are our recommended tours in Cappadocia:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride In Cappadocia At Sunrise (A must-do In Cappadocia)
• ATV Tours At Sunset
• Green Tour In Cappadocia (Perfect for those not renting a car!)

Here are our recommended places to stay in Cappadocia:

• Koza Cave Hotel (Amazing views and great photo opportunities)
• Museum Hotel (Most luxurious hotel in Cappadocia)
• Kamelya Cave Hostel (Budget hostel with cave rooms!)

Quick Glance: Which Tour is Better? Red or Green?

Both tours are excellent, but if you have to pick just one tour out of the two, we recommend going for the green tour .

On the green tour, visitors can see some of the most well-known sights in Cappadocia, such as Derinkuyu Underground City , Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery.

These attractions are situated very far from Goreme, where most tourists stay in Cappadocia. This means that tourists usually either have to spend a lot of money or time to get to them.

Though the red tour has some iconic landmarks as well, such as the Göreme Open-Air Museum, it is an attraction that’s easily accessible by foot. Visitors can explore most of the sights on the red tour independently without much hassle.

But of course, there are circumstances where the green tour isn’t the best, so read on and find out if you should pick the red or green tour in Cappadocia!

Don’t Miss Out on the BEST Experience in Cappadocia!

No trip to Cappadocia is complete without taking an epic hot air balloon flight at sunrise!

Make sure you reserve your tour well in advance to avoid missing out or paying any additional fees last minute!

What Are the Stops on The Red Tour in Cappadocia?

The red tour is sometimes known as the North Cappadocia tour, and the following are the stops:

• Uchisar Castle
• Goreme Open Air Museum
• Avanos Town (Pottery Workshops)
• Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley)
• Devrent Imagination Valley

This is the general itinerary for the red tour in Cappadocia. Depending on the tour company, the order of these stops might change. It is a protocol to stop overcrowding. Just imagine every tour bus going to the same spot at the same time. Not so pretty, eh?

For example, Uchisar Castle is sometimes visited at the end of the tour instead of at the beginning of the tour. 

The red tour starts at 9 AM and ends at about 5 PM.

What Are the Stops on The Green Tour in Cappadocia?

The green tour is sometimes known as the South Cappadocia tour, and these are the stops:

• Esentepe Viewpoint (Pigeon Valley Viewpoint)
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Ihlara Valley
• Belisirma Village (next to Melendiz River)
• Selime Monastery
• Onyx Jewelry Factory (Mostly for souvenirs and shopping)

This is the general itinerary for the green tour. Similar to the red tour, the order of these stops might change. The Esentepe Viewpoint stop can either be at the beginning of the tour, or at the end of the tour.

It’s only a quick stop though, so if you want to see more of Pigeon Valley, consider the Cappadocia Blue Tour .

The green tour starts at about 9 AM, and ends around 6:30 PM. 

Red Tour VS Green Tour: Which Is Best Value-for-Money?

Value-for-money is determined by how much it would cost (in time and money) if we were to visit the same attractions on each tour independently. We use Goreme as our base here, simply because most people end up staying in Goreme when they visit Cappadocia.

It is worth noting that both tours cover the entrance fees and tour guide fees, so we are not going to take that into account when considering which tour is worth more money.

For the red tour , all of the attractions are situated at most a 15-minute drive from Goreme. Many of these attractions, such as Avanos, Uchisar Castle, and Cavusin, are accessible via a beautiful hike through Cappadocia or public transportation.

For the green tour , the attractions are situated much farther away. Ihlara Valley is a 75-minute drive away and Derinkuyu Underground City is about 40 minutes away from Goreme. 

While Derinkuyu is accessible by public transportation, it takes more than half a day to get there with the transfers. Ihlara Valley is inaccessible via public transportation, meaning you must take a pricey taxi or rent a car to get there. 

When it comes to value-for-money, the green tour in Cappadocia is the clear winner.

Winner: Green Tour

Red Tour VS Green Tour: Level of Physical Activity

For physical activity, we’ll determine which tour requires more physical effort. While some people like physical effort, the majority don’t, especially not on vacation. So for this category, the lower the level of physical activity, the better.

The red tour is pretty laid back with a minimal amount of walking. You’re driven to every stop of the tour, the only walking you’ll be doing is inside the attractions.

For example, at Goreme Open Air Museum, you’ll need to walk around (just a little bit) to check out all the rock-cut churches, cave dwellings, and pigeon homes. But the physical activity is generally very low, so even families visiting Turkey with kids or elders can experience it all.

On the contrary, the green tour is much more strenuous . At Derinkuyu Underground City, there are tunnels where visitors may find tight spaces, but it’s not as narrow as its neighbor city, Kaymakli Underground City .

At Ihlara Valley, visitors have to descend about 400 steps to get into the valley, and then hike another 3 to 4 kilometers. The hike ends at Belisirma Village, where tourists will have lunch on the Melendiz River. This hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.

It is not the most challenging hike as the terrain is quite flat, but visitors should be mentally prepared before coming in. The steps down into the valley are the most challenging part of the hike.

When it comes to physical activity, the red tour is the clear winner.

Winner: Red Tour

Red Tour VS Green Tour: Which Is Better For Attractions?

Which tour has better attractions? Red or green? While this category certainly depends on the type of traveler and what they are looking for, we’ll determine the answer through a general consensus among all tourists.

On the red tour , visitors can have a guided tour of the Goreme Open-Air Museum, arguably the BEST attraction in Cappadocia. Here, you can see some of the features that made Cappadocia so famous, such as cave dwellings, rock-cut churches, and stunning frescoes.

Another notable attraction on the red tour is Uchisar Castle , the highest point in Cappadocia. Unfortunately, you cannot enter the castle while you are on the tour, but you can go back another day if you wanted to.

Lastly, you have the Devrent Valley , which is a valley with fairy chimneys and rock formations that look like animals and other shapes. The most iconic one is the camel-looking rock formation.

On the green tour , visitors can explore the Derinkuyu Underground City, an 18-story underground city that is also the biggest underground city in Turkey. Though only eight stories are open to visitors. 

Tourists then head to the Ihlara Valley, a 15-kilometer long valley with lush greenery, cave churches, cave dwellings, and beautiful wildlife. Once upon a time, 80,000 people called this place home. The tour ends with a visit to Selime Monastery, a massive 13th-century monastery carved into a mountain.

Attractions-wise, both tours offer an amazing experience, but the green tour slightly edges out the red tour by offering a few more of the best attractions in Cappadocia .

Cappadocia Green Tour VS Red Tour: Which Has Better Photo Opportunities?

One of the biggest reasons to visit Cappadocia is to capture stunning photos. While both the red and green tours visit some of the most epic places in Cappadocia, which one is better for taking photos?

On the red tour , there are many places where you can take great photos. At Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, visitors have sweeping panoramic views of the Cappadocian Valley below. 

At Goreme Open-Air Museum and Cavusin, visitors can take photos of cool caves, churches, dwellings and frescoes. And finally, at Paşabağ Valley and Devrent Valley, you can get photos of some of the most unique fairy chimneys in the region.

📚 Read More: Love Valley in Cappadocia: Phallic Fairy Chimneys

There are plenty of photo opportunities on the red tour.

On the green tour , you have as many photo-taking opportunities as the red tour, but there is a lot more variety. You can get sweeping views of the desert landscape of Cappadocia at Esentepe Viewpoint. At Derinkuyu Underground City, you have the unique opportunity to capture the complex tunnel system that was built in the 8th century BCE.

At Ihlara Valley, the lush green landscape and the Belisirma Village next to the Melendiz River offer the perfect Instagram opportunity. Lastly, Selime Monastery is an epic rock-cut church with plenty of frescos.

Every stop on the green tour offers a very different scenery than the previous stop, which is not something the red tour can do. 

For that reason, the green tour offers better photo-taking opportunities than the red tour.

Green Tour Vs Red Tour Cappadocia: The Winner

For its excellent value-for-money, incredible attractions, and stunning photo-taking opportunities, the Cappadocia green tour is overall better than the red tour. 

However, there is one thing you might want to consider when booking your green tour, and that is how much walking and hiking you’ll need to do.

For visitors with mobility problems, this might be your dealbreaker. But worry not, the red tour still has plenty to offer and will wow you in every way.

If you have two full days in Cappadocia, then you have plenty of time to do both day tours and visit all the top destinations in the region.

If you are interested in the green tour or the red tour, make sure you check out our recommended tours down below. These tours are with GetYourGuide, a reputable international travel company that offers you FREE cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour!

I hope our red tour vs green tour Cappadocia guide has helped you decide which one is more suitable for you!

Any questions? Leave them in the comments!

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

27 thoughts on “Red Tour Vs Green Tour Cappadocia: Which Is Better?”

Thank you for your comprehensive descriptions of each tour. Can you describe the time and type of walking of walking in the valley please. Is it very rough terrain. And how far is the walk, is it there and back to the vehicle, and at what point is lunch served?

Hey Marianne, thanks for leaving a comment.

If you are referring to the Ihlara Valley on the green tour, then the hike is about 3 to 4 km and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. The terrain is actually quite flat and the scenery is beautiful. However, to get down to Ihlara Valley from the village, you have to climb down about 400 steps. The hike stops at Belisirma Village, where you’ll have lunch on one of its iconic floating restaurants at around 1 PM. The transport picks you up here, so you don’t need to worry about hiking back to where you started.

Hope that answers your questions!

Hey, is it possible to do green tour with 1 year old Kid?

Yes, but you’ll have to carry the kid around.

Would the baby stroller works in green tour?

No, a baby stroller would not work for the green tour. You’ll need a baby carrying bag.

This was incredibly helpful! Green tour it is.

This is incredibly useful! Is it possible to book any of these tours after landing in Cappadocia? I was thinking about booking a tour a day prior (traveling in December!).

Hi Nandita, yes you can book a day before for most tours. Because you are traveling in December, you might find some tour companies have closed for the winter so make sure you arrive in Cappadocia with enough time to walk around the town and scout out options. There will be some tours still operating but not as many. Worst come to worst, you can book online the day before as well.

Super helpful! Thank you. What kind of public transportation is available in Cappadocia? I have come across only renting self drive cars or hiring a cab as options to go around in the city.

There are public buses that go between the big cities/towns, and you can get off anywhere along the road. They are mostly reserved for locals because the bus drivers hardly speak any English. The schedule is also quite sporadic, so you might have a difficult time getting to somewhere you want on time. Tourists typically don’t take public transportation when they are in Cappadocia.

I am planning to do the green tour on one of the days of my travel. But the other day I want to explore 1-2 places by myself. Maybe, the Love valley or the Uchisar castle. But I do not want to do the entire red tour and cramp both the days of my stay there. Do I have any other option to explore a place or two by myself? I have read we can rent a cab but I’m assuming it’s not worth the cost.

Yes, you can easily explore Uchisar Castle or Love Valley by yourself without a tour. Love Valley is within walking distance of Goreme and there are public buses that go to Uchisar Castle every 30 minutes from Goreme bus station. You can get around on public transport easily without renting a cab, but buses tend to run on “Turkish Time” meaning they are not always on schedule. If you’re not staying in Goreme, you can get a bus to Goreme and then go from there. We actually hiked to Uchisar Castle through Love Valley and White Valley, and back through Pigeon Valley. It was a great full-day activity for us. It’s a long walk (about 5km each way) but it’s mostly flat, so wasn’t too streneous. I hope this helps!

Hey thank you for this very useful post! We are going to Cappadocia next week and we are planning to do the Green Tour on one day. We’d like to explore the Red Tour spots on our own and this hike to Uchisar Castle you’ve mentioned sounds perfect. We want to see the castle and also Love Valley and Pigeon Valley? Is the path signposted clearly? Would you recommend using Google maps or is there another app?

Hi Roopa, thanks for reaching out! Love Valley and Pigeon Valley are not well signposted, but I recommend you download an app called MapsMe, which is an offline GPS app that has the trails marked very clearly. It’s free to download and use. I hope this helps!

Hi, Is it possible to do Green and Red Tour in one day? If I want to include visiting Mount Erciyes (around 1-2 hours for experience), is it possible to include this within Green or Red Tour day? TQ

Hi Shazia, unfortunately, you cannot do both tours in one day if you book using one of the travel agents. The tours are both full day tours.

Your best option would be to hire a car or a taxi driver for a day and ask them to take you from A to B. This is the most feasible way to see as many attractions as possible in one day. I am not sure which area you plan to stay in, but maybe ask your hotel for a driver as they are likely to have someone they use often and know is reliable.

You may need to pick and choose which attractions on the two tours you would like to see the most. Some of the valleys you could visit for 20 minutes or so, but you will need to allow at least an hour or two to see the Goreme Open Air Museum. We also spent about 1 hour at Uchisar Castle and the underground cities.

Also bare in mind the Ihlara Valley is in the opposite direction to the mountain and is a 2.5-hour drive, so you might want to skip this.

I hope this helps!

Hi I’ll be visiting Cappadocia and staying in Goreme on 20 until 22 Jan 2023. Is it possible to book a green tour and visit uchisar castle and the open air museum?

Hi Jane, Yes it’s possible to do both in two days. You could do the Green Tour on one day and visit the Open Air Museum and Uchisar Castle on the other day. The Goreme Open Air Museum is within walking distance of the town of Goreme, and you could see it in the morning and take a bus to Uchisar Castle in the afternoon. You can walk to Uchisar Castle from Goreme through Love Valley and White Valley, but it might be a lot of walking if you do this! The bus leaves every 20 minutes from the town center.

Is it possible to combine balloon flight with green/red tour on the same day?

Yes, it’s possible, since the balloon flights are at sunrise and only take around an hour, you usually fly and are usually back at your hotel and have time for some breakfast before the tour starts. But do tell your tour company so they know. In fact, a lot of companies offer the hot air balloon as an add on.

Are either of these tours better (cost-wise and time-wise) than touring these places on your own by renting a car? We are traveling with a 7 yr old and I’m not sure how much she’ll enjoy the tour. Also, how long are you at the shopping spots and are they waste of time? Thank you very much for this post and this website. They’ve been super helpful.

If you are traveling as a family of 3, renting a car is almost always more economical than taking a tour. And since you are traveling with a young kid, you might want to explore some of the attractions at your own pace instead of the pace set by the tour guide. The disadvantage of renting a car is that you’ll have to drive and do a bit of planning in advance. You are usually at the shopping spots for a max of 30 minutes or so. Some people really like the shopping spots, especially those on a short visit. But since we know quite a bit about Turkey and Cappadocia, those souvenir shops are not as nice (or cheap) as some of the ones we can go to on our own.

How difficult is the hike to Uchisar Castle from Goreme through Love Valley and White Valley? Are there clear signs that are easy to follow ? Do we need hiking boots and poles? We were hoping to pack light and wear our regular sneakers. Thank you.

It’s not too challenging since it’s mostly flat, you just need to hike up the slope at the end to reach Uchisar, but the markers are not very obvious. They have painted stones on the ground, so you need to look out for them. You can download an app called MapsMe which is an offline GPS. It has the route well marked on there. It’s also free to use. We didn’t use poles and wore sneakers. The ground is a little slippery at times where the stone has worn away, but we were fine in trainers. I don’t believe poles are necessary for this hike.

I’ll be travelling with a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Is the green/red tour charged per person event for little kids? Also…how feasible is it to take a preplanned tour with kids this young? Or should we customize to our needs and rent a car ourselves??

Hey Sana, as far as we know, most companies charge a reduced fee for infants and kids. We would NOT recommend you to go on a tour with two young kids (especially the green tour), since there is quite a bit of walking around and you’ll most likely have to carry them all the time in order to keep up with the tour guide. The underground cities are going to be a struggle because they have limited headspace. We recommend you rent a car and a private guide, or go on a private tour that comes with a guide and tour such as this one here .

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Home > Cappadocia Red Tour Vs Green Tour – How To Choose

Cappadocia Red Tour Vs Green Tour – How To Choose

Written by our local expert Mehmet

Mehmet is digital nomad who was born in Istanbul, Türkiye and now calls the Balkans region his home-office.

I first visited here when I was a young boy, and to this day, the enchantment of Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and rich history has never left me. Settled in central Turkiye, Cappadocia is known for its moon-like landscape, picturesque views, fairy chimneys, unique underground cities, hot air balloons, ATV rides, and cave churches.

In this guide, I will help you choose between the Cappadocia Red Tour Vs. the Green Tour, providing you with all the information you need to make the best choice for your adventure in this captivating region.

Are you in a rush and want to know how to choose between the Red Tour or the Green Tour? Here is what we think you should know:

This vast and magical region offers tons to see and do and can only be explored via prearranged day tours. Two of the best day tours in Cappadocia are the red tour (North Cappadocia) and the green tour (South Cappadocia), both of which feature some of the best tourist attractions you’ll ever see.

Where the red tour covers the central Cappadocia, i.e., the Goreme region, the green tour of Cappadocia includes attractions in the Ihlara canyon side. Since these day tours are unique and have significant geographical differences, an entire day needs to be dedicated to each. If you’re a first-timer, you’re in for a treat.

My post will be your local guide and will be as thorough as possible to show you how you should go about choosing a suitable tour.

Keep reading below for our in-depth analysis on weighing up the Red Tour vs. the Green Tour.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Quick Facts About Cappadocia Red And Green Tours

The day tours in this fairytale destination are exceptional in their own way.

Cappadocia green tour’s itinerary would allow you to check out the panoramic views of Goreme, feed pigeons at Pigeon Valley, explore the Derinkuyu underground city , stop at Lake Nar or Crater lake, walk the Ihlara Valley and grab lunch on the river, visit the Selime monastery built onto a cliff, and taste a bunch of Turkish desserts.

Cappadocia’s red tour, on the other hand, would leave you astounded with the stops at Uchisar castle, Open air museum in Goreme, Cavusin, pottery workshops, Pasabag Monks Valley, Devrent Imagination Valley, followed by delicious Turkish delicacies along the way.

Highlights Of The Cappadocia Red Tour

The North Cappadocia tour is a one-day trip that starts early in the morning, between 8-9 am, after picking up everyone in the group. Most tours will pick you up from and drop you off at your accommodation or the city center.

Here’s a breakdown of your day trip.

Uchisar Rock Castle

A 10-minute bus ride will take you to the castle from the town. Though, you’ll have to hike your way up to reach the top of the castle.

Goreme Open Air Museum

Walking through the rocky settlement area will transport you to another world. The well-preserved cave houses, churches, chapels, dining halls, and sitting rooms will take you back to the Byzantine era. The wall paintings and frescoes aptly reflect the lives lived by monks and nuns.

Love Valley

Pottery Workshops In Avanos Town

The red clay used in the craft is obtained from the same river. You can easily find art districts and pottery shops in the region where you can get your hands dirty and learn from the best. The shops usually have demonstration areas that teach you the intricacies of pottery making.

Pasabag Valley & Devrent Valley

Devrent Valley, on the other hand, will spark your imagination. The unique rock formations in this valley resemble animal structures such as camels, dolphins, snails , and snakes. This one-of-a-kind valley will make you feel like you’re in a customized sculpture zoo.

• Things To Do In Cappadocia

Brands We Use And Trust

Highlights of the cappadocia green tour.

The green tour in southwest Cappadocia on the Ihlara Canyon side is a one-day sightseeing trip that covers attractions such as Derinkuyu Underground City, Pigeon Valley, Ihlara Valley, Nar Crater Lake, and Selime Monastery. The tour starts early in the morning and continues till 6 in the evening, and you can expect most tours to pick you up from and drop you off at your accommodation or the city center .

Here are the highlights of the green tour.

Underground City

Visiting the underground city of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli underground city (10 minutes away from each other) is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia. The hundreds of subterranean settlements containing multi-tiered cities will blow your mind.

The underground cities have proper sections for cellars, dining halls, churches, and stump shops. These 150-200 underground settlements of various sizes are one of the most interesting cultural assets of the Cappadocia region.

The cities are approximately 60 meters deep. You will travel down into each city, level by level, which is wonderful for those who may be claustrophobic, as you can gauge how you feel at each level and exit if needed. For some tunnels, you will need to crouch to get through, but never for long periods of time.

Ihlara Valley

The Ihlara Valley’s stunning landscape in central Anatolia is a sight for sore eyes. With the Melendez River flowing through the valley and trees lined up on both sides, the views are to die for.

A hike of 4 km from one end to the other with visually pleasing sights, a serene atmosphere, and cool air will have a soothing effect on you. The hike is quite flat after the initial descent down a fair number of stairs. As you travel the valley, you will see cutouts in the rocks where early Christians established homes and churches while hiding from the Romans.

Halfway through the hike, you will pass an outdoor vending area with fresh juices and fruits to replenish your energy, and the hike usually ends with an over-the-river dining experience at lunchtime.

Pigeon Valley

You can start this hike from the Town Center of Goreme and finish at Uchisar Castle. This route will allow you to take in the amazing valley views with pigeons flying around, caves, and rock formations, and then finish with stellar panoramic views from Uchisar. On your way, you’ll find authentic tea houses to enjoy some Turkish tea .

• Things To Do In Pigeon Valley

Selime Monastery

The monastery looks very similar to the Open Air Museum but is much less busy due to the effort it takes to hike to the site. It’s the perfect place for a photo op if you are willing to take on the challenge of getting there!

• Cappadocia Cave Hotels

Cappadocia Red And Green Tours: Is a Professional Guide Worth It

You can do the Cappadocia red tour by yourself, without a tour guide, but not the green one. The activities in the red tour Cappadocia are within Goreme’s vicinity, but for the green tour, you have to travel a lot, which can dig a hole in your pocket. Day-tour packages are relatively cheaper.

Check here for Red & Green Tour ideas.

How to get to the cappadocia green and red tours.

If you’re traveling from Istanbul to Cappadocia , you have various options for commuting, including a direct flight, train, bus, and rental car. After landing at Kayseri Airport by whichever means, you can book a car or use a shuttle service to go to Goreme in just 50 liras (or more). We recommend booking a hotel beforehand so you know where you will stay.

Photo Opportunities On A Green Vs. Red Tour Of Cappadocia

• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Guide

Cappadocia Red Or Green Tour Accessibility

The green tour, however, is for wanderers and hikers. You can expect to walk a few kilometers in the Ihlara Valley, travel up and down a few flights of stairs, and hike up to see the monastery. You don’t have to be in top physical condition, but definitely wear comfortable clothing and be ready to move.

What does the Green Tour in Cappadocia offer?

The Green Tour in Cappadocia offers a full-day tour that covers attractions like an underground city, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and more. It allows you to explore the region’s best sights in a short time.

Which attractions are included in the Green Tour itinerary?

The Green Tour itinerary typically includes a visit to Goreme Panorama, Onyx Factory or Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, Ihlara Valley hike, Yaprakhisar, Selime Monastery, and Mt. Hasan view. However, please note that the exact itinerary may vary depending on the travel agency.

Is the Green Tour a full-day tour?

Yes, the Green Tour in Cappadocia is a full-day tour. It allows you to cover multiple attractions in a single day.

Is the Green Tour considered good value for money?

Yes, the Green Tour is generally considered good value for money. The attractions included in the tour are not easily accessible by public transport, and the tour offers convenience and guided exploration.

What is included in the Green Tour package?

The Green Tour package usually includes entrance fees to attractions, a guided tour, transportation, and lunch. However, it is advisable to check with the specific travel agency for the details of what is included in their package.

Who is the Green Tour recommended for?

The Green Tour is recommended for those who have limited time in Cappadocia but still want to see the region’s top attractions. It is ideal for individuals or groups who prefer a guided tour and wish to visit places that might be challenging to access by public transport .

What is the first stop on the Green Tour?

The first stop on the Green Tour may vary, but it often includes a visit to the stunning Goreme Panorama, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the region.

Do I have free time during the Green Tour?

Yes, some Green Tours provide free time at specific locations, allowing you to explore, take photos, or soak in the beauty of the surroundings at your own pace. Certainly! Here’s the FAQ section about the Red and Green Tours in Cappadocia without the “Q” and “A” labels or numbers:

What are the Red and Green Tours in Cappadocia?

The Red and Green Tours are popular guided tours in Cappadocia that take you through the region’s incredible natural beauty and historical sites. They offer unique opportunities to explore the remarkable landscapes and cultural heritage of the area.

What is the first destination on the Red Tour?

The first stop on the Red Tour often includes a visit to the stunning Melendiz River and its riverside restaurant. You can enjoy picturesque views and a Turkish kebab-style lunch.

What is the final stop on the Green Tour?

The Green Tour usually concludes with a visit to the Ihlara Valley, known for its astonishing rock-cut construction and ancient churches carved into volcanic rock.

Are there entrance fees for the tours?

Yes, there might be entrance fees to some of the sites and attractions visited during the tours. Your tour provider will provide clear explanations of any entrance fees beforehand.

Can I book a private tour for a more personalized experience?

Absolutely! Private tours are available for those who prefer a more tailored experience. You can explore at your own pace and focus on specific interests.

Are there options for small group tours?

Yes, you can join a small group tour for a more intimate and interactive experience. It’s a great way to connect with fellow travelers.

Will there be free time during the tours?

Yes, some tours provide free time at certain locations, allowing you to explore, take photos, or enjoy the natural beauty at your own pace.

The Green Tour is recommended for those who have limited time in Cappadocia but still want to see the region’s top attractions. It is ideal for individuals or groups who prefer a guided tour and wish to visit places that might be challenging to access by public transport.

What’s the best way to capture panoramic views of Cappadocia?

The tours often include stops at panoramic viewpoints like the Goreme Panorama, offering breathtaking vistas of the entire valley.

Is Cappadocia known for any famous movie locations?

No, Cappadocia’s distinctive landscapes have not been featured in films. While there were rumors that Cappadocia might have been considered as a filming location for Star Wars, it never materialized. George Lucas expressed interest in using the area, but the Turkish government declined the request.

Are there opportunities to see the local way of life?

Yes, you’ll have a chance to interact with local people, visit a local onyx factory, and gain insights into the semi-precious stone craftsmanship.

Can you explore underground dwellings on these tours?

Absolutely! You’ll have the chance to explore underground dwellings and marvel at the ingenious construction techniques.

Is lunch provided during the tours?

Yes, most tours include a Turkish kebab-style lunch at a local restaurant, offering a taste of the region’s cuisine.

What is the significance of Selime Cathedral on the tours?

Selime Cathedral is the largest religious structure in Cappadocia and is known for its astonishing architecture. It’s a must-visit on the tours.

Are the narrow passageways safe to explore in the valley?

Yes, the tours ensure your safety while navigating narrow passageways and stone-carved stairways in the valley.

What’s the significance of the local stone-carved stairways?

The stone-carved stairways are part of Cappadocia’s cultural heritage and were used by Cappadocian people in ancient times.

What is the significance of the pigeon houses on the tours?

Pigeon houses were used for various purposes in ancient times, including collecting guano for fertilizer and communicating with other villages. Final Words On Cappadocia Red And Green Tour

We only covered some of the possible itinerary options, but you’d be amazed at how much you can do with little time and money. If you don’t have two days, though, we’d (reluctantly) recommend you do the green tour for its incredible attractions and value for money.

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Hi, I check out your review. Could you recommend if I rent the car with driver from IST airport to Cappadocia and I prefer to book the green tour with air balloon too? How much is it per item? I plan to go next month beginning of April and we have 4 people. Thank you

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Green Tour Cappadocia – Itinerary + Price + All You Need To Know

Last Updated on April 17, 2023 by Soumya

Thinking of a Green Tour in Cappadocia, Turkey ? Keen to find out what is part of a Green Tour itinerary, what are the prices, and how long the tour takes? Is it good value for money?

I just came back from my month-long trip to Turkey and honestly, the Green Tour was one of the best things I did in Cappadocia . Well, the hot air balloon also! And the hundreds of rock-cut churches and the amazing fairy chimneys too! Cappadocia is one amazing place that you should definitely have on your Turkey bucket list.

But, a Cappadocia Green Tour is a great way to see some of the best attractions in the region in a short time. The tour includes one of Turkey’s mysterious underground cities, the picturesque Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, a panoramic viewpoint, and a couple of other smaller stops.

In my opinion, the Green Tour is good value for money especially because you get to cover a lot during the tour. These attractions are not particularly close to each other and not easy to get to by public transport which is not the case with a Cappadocia Red Tour (I delve into details in my Green Tour vs Red Tour section here) .

That’s why it makes all the more sense to sign up for a Green Tour in Cappadocia. One of the highest rated tours in the market is this small-group tour with a knowledgeable tour guide.

However, I highly recommend that you red through this entire post and then decide if the Green Tour is a good fit for your Cappadocia itinerary .

Table of Contents

Quick link to the best Cappadocia Green Tour

Which green tour did I join?

Small-group Cappadocia Green Tour

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

What is a Green Tour in Cappadocia?

A Green Tour in Cappadocia is a popular, full-day tour that covers some of the best attractions in southwestern Cappadocia including an underground city, the Ihara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley.

When I arrived in Cappadocia, I was surprised to find all shops and stores displaying signs of Red, Blue, and Green Tours. Apart from the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides , of course.

After some asking around, I found that red tours covered the northern part of Cappadocia including the more popular spots such as Goreme Open Air Museum and Uchisar Viewpoint. Green tours covered the southwestern part of Cappadocia and included an underground city, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery. Blue tours were somewhere between the two and the least popular.

If you have enough time like 3 days in Cappadocia or more, I would recommend that you do both the Green Tour and the Red Tour. However, if you are spending fewer nights here and have time for only one tour, I recommend doing the Green Tour. I have reasoned it out my section on Green vs Red here .

Note that all these tours are full-day tours but start around 9:00am in the morning. So, you can easily do them even if you are doing a hot air balloon ride in the morning.

Sample Green Tour itinerary

Depending on which agency you pick, your Green Tour itinerary may differ a little bit. But overall, this is what a sample itinerary for a Cappadocia Green Tour looks like.

Goreme Panorama

The first stop on our itinerary was the Goreme Panorama. This place, as the name suggests, offers a stunning panoramic view of Goreme. The viewpoint gives a 180-degree view of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys with the Uchisar Castle at a distance.

There are several benches in the area where you can just sit and absorb the beauty of the landscape that surrounds you. I urge you to venture a little away and find a quieter spot for yourself, without the crowds.

Small shops have cropped up in the area. They sell everything ranging from dondurmas (Turkish ice cream), gozlemes, and small trinkets in case you wish to purchase some. But feel free to venture away and capture some of your best photographs in Cappadocia, here.

Your tour guide will allow you 20-30 minutes to enjoy the views at Goreme Panorama.

If you decide not to do the Green Tour in Cappadocia, you can visit the Panorama on your own. It is a 30 minutes walk from Goreme City Center in the direction of Uchisar. A good bit of the walk is uphill, though.

Onyx factory or Pigeon Valley

Next up on our list was a tour of the Onyx Factory and a view of Pigeon Valley. Since both are located right opposite each other, we could pick what we liked. There was no pressure to go to the Onyx factory.

I am always a little wary of factories that process precious stones (or claim to do so). Plus, I have heard of some stone scams in Turkey. Therefore, we decided to do Pigeon Valley, instead. And boy! What a view that was! This was even better than the one at Goreme Panorama.

Pigeon Valley gets its name from the hundreds of dovecotes that have been carved into the soft tufa rock in this region. Our guide told us that pigeons have always played important roles (as messengers and their poop as fertilizer) in the lives of Cappadocian people. This place was, once, home to thousands of pigeons. Now, only a few hundred remain.

Pigeon Valley is one of the best places to watch a sunset in Cappadocia, if you decide to come back later. Or you can do a Cappadocia Blue Tour which almost always ends with the sunset at Pigeon Valley.

Kaymakli Underground City

One of the best things that is included in the Green Tour itinerary is a visit to an underground city in Cappadocia. You’ll probably have Derinkuyu or Kaymakli on the list. Both are located in southern Cappadocia and just 10mins from each other.

Cappadocia is famous for its strange martian landscape and out-of-the-world fairy chimneys. However, not many people know of the hundreds of subterranean settlements that remain hidden within the surface of Cappadocia.

Huge, multi-tiered cities complete with living rooms, community kitchens, wine cellars, stables, and sanctuaries dot the insides of this region in Turkey. Many of them date back to the 1st century when Christians fled from Roman persecutors and chose to hide in these underground colonies. The cities were repeatedly used during the Arab raids and Ottoman attacks later in history.

We visited Kaymakli on our green trip. It was surreal to enter into this hypogeal world and wonder how life would have been for people who spent months hiding. Be sure to notice the tall ventilation shafts that were used to provide citizens with fresh air.

Here are a few points to prepare you for the underground trip.

• You’ll need to walk through narrow tunnels and enclosed spaces while exploring. If you are extremely claustrophobic, it is best to avoid the underground city tour. However, if you’d like to test the waters, I highly recommend going down the first level and then gauging if you can do it. You can always come back from the first level.
• Wear a hat to avoid bumping your head especially if you are taller than 70 inches.
• There isn’t much light inside, so be prepared for low light photography.

Ihlara Valley hike

After being done with Kaymakli Underground City, we headed to our next destination – Ihlara Valley. The valley was a good 1-hour drive from Kaymakli and many in the van enjoyed a quick nap.

Ihlara is a stunning green valley located in a canyon between the villages of Ihlara and Belisarma. A glittering, gurgling Melendiz river flows through it and you can enjoy some tea or lunch by the river in a traditional Turkish setting.

Perhaps, the most interesting part about Ihlara Valley is the presence of numerous rock-cut churches here. Dating back to the 7th century, these Byzantine churches are adorned with gorgeous murals and religious frescoes.

We visited the first church on our way down the stairs of Ihlara Valley. It was the Agacalti Church with frescoes dating back to the pre-Iconoclast period of 9-11th centuries. Some of the remarkable scenes that you can still see here are the Annunciation, the Nativity, and the coming of three Magi.

There are several other churches that you’ll notice during your hike through the valley. You can always come back and visit them on your own.

During the easy hike by the river, you’ll come across a sort of a restaurant area where you can enjoy a cup of tea by the river or dig into some gozlemes (Turkish stuffed bread). You’ll have for these on your own.

At the end of the hike, you’ll have lunch (included in the cost of the tour). Our meal consisted of soup, salad, bread, and a veg/non-veg casserole. The food was okay, nothing out of the world.

A few points to note before the Ihlara Valley hike.

• You’ll need to climb down about 350 stairs to get to the bottom of the canyon from where you’ll begin the hike.
• It is an easy hike by the Melendiz River, not much climbing involved. Honestly, it is not really a hike, more of a walk with a few ups and downs. A long walk for sure! Get a good pair of walking shoes.
• There are several Instagram spots by the river where you can click great pictures.
• Note that your tour will usually have one rock-cut church in the itinerary. If you want to see more, you’ll have to come back later on your own.
• Toilets are available at the end of the hike at the restaurant where you are going to have lunch.

Yaprakhisar

Yaprakhisar is a massive rocky outcrop with rock-cut churches and monastic dwellings. It provides a stunning view against the clear blue skies and is apparently the place that inspired several scenes in Star Wars!

We just passed by this attraction but I guess, you can ask your guide to stop for a few minutes if you need some pictures.

Selime Monastery

Our next stop was Selime Monastery which was probably the most tricky climb of the day but totally worth it.

Selime is one of the most elaborate cave complexes in the region and an absolute must-have on your Cappadocia bucket list . The entire complex is cut into a cliff that is 50m above the valley and is home to a cathedral, monastery, kitchen, and even a stable. The walls were once covered with colorful frescoes but not much remains today.

It is believed that the Selime Monastery was built sometime between the 8th – 9th centuries. As a result, it has seen the Byzantines, the Romans, the Persians, the Ottomans, and nearly everyone that has influenced Turkey’s history.

At one point of time, Selime was used as a caranvanserai for merchants and travelers on the Silk Road. No doubt, there’s a ton of history hidden here.

Climbing to the top of Selime Monastery can be a little hard (because of the undulating structure of the tufa rock) but not undoable. Good shoes are key.

There are toilets and Turkish gifts stores after you are done with the complex tour.

Mt. Hasan view

On our way back to Goreme, we stopped for a few minutes to get some pictures of Mt. Hasan glistening in the sun. This was definitely the best end to our Cappadocia Green Tour.

Quick note: The eruption of Mt. Hasan is what created the canyon that Ihlara Valley rests in.

Itinerary map for Green Tour

Green Tour or Red Tour?

Honestly, both. But if you need to prioritize, I would recommend you pick the Green Tour over the Red Tour in Cappadocia. And there is a reason for that.

Green Tour takes you to places that are hard to reach by foot or public transport. For seeing Ihlara Valley or Selime Monastery, you’ll need to hire a taxi which costs about 100 EUR per day in Cappadocia.

However, the Red Tour covers attractions that can be accessed by public transport. And sometimes by walking. For example, the Red Tour includes Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag, and Avanos which can be easily reached by a dolmus (shared mini-buses that are the best public transport in Turkey) from Goreme City Center.

These mini-vans run every hour, from 7:00am – 8:00pm, from Urgup – Avanos and vice versa. The dolmus ride will cost between 7 – 15 TL depending on where you are going.

To get to Uchisar, you can use the Avanos – Nevshehir bus.

Price of Green Tour in Cappadocia

Depending on the travel agency you choose, the price of a Green Tour in Cappadocia can vary between $40 – $50. The tour price includes entrance fees to all the historical sites and lunch. If you decide to buy anything else, then you will have to pay on your own.

This price is for a small group tour (14-16 people) and you’ll be traveling in an air-conditioned van. There will be a tour guide who will lead the group, an aide who makes sure everyone is coming along, and a driver.

Important point to remember.

If you have a Turkey Museum Pass, note that entrance to Kaymakli, Ihlara, and Selime are covered in your museum pass . Be sure to mention that to your Green Tour provider and ask him for a discount that equals the sum of the value of these tickets. We got a $5 off our tour tickets because of our museum passes.

Book your Green Tour

You can always book your Green Tour online and reserve your slot.

My favorite go-to sites are GetYourGuide and Viator because they are easy to use and have flexible cancellation policies. Based on my personal experience, the rates on these platforms are competitive with the ones that you get on site or through your hotels. But you can always ask your hotels and check.

Here are some of the highest-rated green tours in the market.

• This highly-recommended Green Tour in Cappadocia comes at a really attractive price. Guests love the knowledgeable guide and the underground city tour.
• On this small group tour , you’ll not just see the usual Green Tour attractions but also get a chance to visit the beautiful crater Lake of Nar.
• If you are looking for a private tour, here’s a great one . You’ll not just visit the green places of interest but also step into the Sarihan Caravanserai from the 13th century.

Green Tour pick up time

The pick up time is usually around 9:30am in Goreme.

We were staying at Design Cave Suites in Goreme, so we were picked up around 9:45am from our hotel (official pick up time was 9:30am but there was a traffic jam in Goreme).

If you are staying in Urgup or Mustafapasa, you might be picked up a little earlier, say between 8:30 – 9:00am. If you are staying in Uchisar, you may be picked up around 10:00am.

Green Tour travel tips

• Green Tours will pick you up between 8:30-10:00am depending on where you are staying in Cappadocia. Please ensure that you are ready on time to avoid discomfort to your fellow passengers and to make the most out of your own day.
• Carry a good pair of walking shoes because there’s a lot of walking in Ihlara Valley and a bit of climbing at Selime Monastery.
• Underground cities have narrow tunnels that you’ll need to bend and walk through. If you are claustrophobic, I would advise you to avoid this part of the tour. If you wish to give it a try, read my section on Kaymakli .
• You’ll find toilets at the Onyx Factory, Kaymakli Underground City, restaurant in Ihlara valley, and Selime Monastery. Some of these might be paid and require 2-3 TL. The toilets at the restaurant are free to use.

Is the Green Tour worth it?

The Green Tour in Cappadocia is absolutely worth it because it takes you to some of the best attractions in Cappadocia that are not easily reachable by transport. You get to explore an underground city, hike through a stunning river valley, and check out the fascinating rock-cut monastery of Selime, all on the same day at a very affordable price.

Loved our Cappadocia Green Tour guide? Pin it for later!

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10 thoughts on “ Green Tour Cappadocia – Itinerary + Price + All You Need To Know ”

Hi, thank you for a great guide to Cappadocia! Do you mind providing a link for the green tour you did? I’ve looked at reviews of several green tours but all of them seem to do mandatory jewelry stops which I don’t want. The tour you did sounds perfect!

Hi Roopa, The tour that I did also had a jewelry stop – it was the onyx factory. But there was no pressure to go there. You can also excuse yourself from the factory tour and appreciate the scenery outside, instead. For us, the factory was right next to the Pigeon Valley so I had a good time capturing photos of Pigeon Valley. I have linked to the Green Tour that I took here . I have also linked to the tour in a yellow box on the top of my post.

Thanks a lot for the info! We’re headed to cappadocia in a few days. Just booked the same tour that you did 🙂

That’s great. Hope you have an amazing tour of Cappadocia. Happy travels.

Thank you for the information shared. Very helpful.

Glad you found this Green Tour info useful. Have a good trip to Cappadocia.

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Cappadocia Red And Green Tours – 2-3 Day Cappadocia Itinerary

If Istanbul enchanted me with it’s infectious energy and diverse culture, then Pamukkale had me gasping at the beautiful white travertines & archaeological cities. My Turkey trip was going like a dream. With one final destination left, I was hoping to finish my journey in Turkey on a high note. And boy was it a high note or what! I had no clue that I was about to explore a destination so blessed with exquisite natural beauty that it would be etched in my memory forever. The place I’m talking about is  Cappadocia . Cappadocia is so weirdly picturesque that words fall short to describe it’s beauty. The terrain is rocky with a large expanse of volcanic rocks shaped like towers, cones, mushrooms, and even male genitals. Since Cappadocia is a huge territory, exploring all of it can seem like a bit of a task. Therefore, the tour companies there have designed three Cappadocia tours to help you cover different regions of Cappadocia. They are  Cappadocia Red, Blue and Green tours.  In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you the best 2-3 Day Cappadocia itinerary  ie. exploring Cappadocia through the Cappadocia Red and Green tours.

How To Get To Cappadocia

Before discussing the details of Cappadocia Red and Green tours, let’s find out how to get to Cappadocia both, from Istanbul and Pamukkale.

From Istanbul To Cappadocia

1. BY PLANE –  The fastest and most convenient way to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul is by flight. If you book your domestic travel within Turkey in advance, then you can get your flight tickets at a cheap rate. Turkish Airlines & Pegasus Air  operate daily non-stop flights from both the Istanbul airports –   Istanbul Airport (IST) and  Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Nevşehir-Kapadokya Airport (NEV) and  Kayseri’s Erkilet Airport  (ASR).

So pick and choose your airport based on the location of your accommodation and enjoy your 1-hour 15-minute journey!

But the journey doesn’t end there. Once in Cappadocia, don’t you want to get to your accommodation? You can get to your hotel through an airport shuttle service. I’d recommend you to use Peerless Travel Services as their shuttle rates are economical and the customer service is good too.

You can also use the shuttle service operated by Argeus travel company   (official Turkish Airlines shuttle service),  Turkish Heritage travel , and Rock Valley travel . However, if you’re rich and travelling in a public shuttle isn’t your thing, then you can hire a private car as well.

2. BY BUS –  If sleeping on a bus during a 10-12 hour overnight journey excites you, then, by all means, go ahead & travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia by bus. It’s the cheapest means of transportation with a ticket costing just 90 TL-100 TL. But let me warn you, it’s a long ride that covers a distance of around 750 km so you might be exhausted at the end of it.

The advantage with this is a) you save accommodation money by spending the night sleeping on a bus instead of a hotel in Istanbul and b) you can use that very money you saved to do tours and activities in Cappadocia instead.

3. BY TRAIN – If you choose to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia by train, then you have two options. You can take a high-speed YHT train from Istanbul to Ankara. Check the train timetable by clicking here . 

Then take a metro from the Ankara station to the bus terminal. This can take about 45 minutes to an hour. Buses from Ankara to Gorëme in Cappadocia run every couple of hours throughout the day.

Journey to Gorëme takes about 4-5 hours and a ticket can cost you anywhere between 70 TL-110 TL depending upon the bus company you’re opting for. You can book your bus tickets by clicking here .

The second option is that you can take a high-speed train from Istanbul to Konya. Check the train timetable by clicking here . Then book a bus ticket from Konya to Gorëme in Cappadocia by clicking here . The journey to Gorëme takes 4 hours and a ticket can cost you anywhere between 65 TL-100 TL.

4. BY CAR/TAXI – For the adventurous braveheart who wants to drive a car from Istanbul to Cappadocia, a journey of 8-9 hours awaits. If you take meal and pee breaks into consideration, then the journey duration becomes 10 hours. It’s a long 800 km drive so avail this option at your own risk.

You can also hire a private taxi from Istanbul to Gorëme by clicking here .

From Pamukkale To Cappadocia

1. BY PLANE –  There’s no direct flight from Pamukkale to Cappadocia. So what you can do is take a shuttle from Pamukkale to the nearest airport ie. Denizli airport (which is approximately a 1-hour journey). Your hotel in Pamukkale can help you book this shuttle at a reasonable price.

Then take a flight from Denizli airport (DNZ) to  Kayseri’s Erkilet Airport (ASR). You will have a stop at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul because there is no direct flight that’s operational. So the flight duration can be anything between 4-5 hours depending on your stoppage time in Istanbul.

The second option is that you can take a shuttle from Pamukkale to Izmir (3 hours) and then hop on a flight fro Izmir to Cappadocia ( 1 hour 20 minutes). Once you’re at  Kayseri’s Erkilet Airport (ASR), you can get to your accommodation by using the shuttle services of companies I’ve mentioned above in the “ getting to Cappadocia from Istanbul by plane section “.

2. BY BUS – There are direct buses available from  Denizli otogar (otogar means bus terminal in Turkish) to  Nevşehir otogar.  It’s a 9.5-10 hour journey with a ticket costing you around 80 TL. You can book your bus tickets by clicking here.

In case direct buses are booked during peak season, then you’ll have to change buses in Konya. It’s a 6-6.5 hour journey from Denizli to Konya with a ticket costing you around 70 TL. From Konya otogar take a bus to  Nevşehir otogar (Cappadocia). It’s a 3-hour journey with a ticket costing you around 45 TL-55 TL. Book both your bus tickets by clicking here.

The distance from  Nevşehir otogar  to Gorëme is just 19km (25 minutes approx.) so you can take a cab/taxi from the bus stop to your hotel in Gorëme.

3. BY CAR/TAXI –  If you’re in the mood for a road trip, then you can hire a private car and drive a distance of 650 km from Pamukkale to Cappadocia. It’s an 8-9 hour journey and your fuel charges can range anywhere between 450 TL-700 TL. You can also book a private taxi by clicking here .

Where To Stay In Cappadocia – Cappadocia Accommodations

There are mainly two popular places in Cappadocia where you could book your stay –  Göreme and Uçhisar.  I stayed in  Göreme  and I’d recommend you to book your stay here as well. Why?

1. Firstly, because it has a centralized location with easy access to all parts of Cappadocia. As a result, you cut down on travel time to get to a particular place. Additionally, most of the good tour agencies have their offices in Göreme. So if you’re staying in Göreme, then you won’t have to worry about the pickup when choosing the Cappadocia Red and Green tours.

2. Secondly, it provides you with more options as far as eating, shopping and nightlife are concerned.

3. Thirdly, since Göreme is situated among the many fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, it offers you unique cave-style accommodations from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the hot air balloons during sunrise and sunset.

Best Hotels In Goreme Where You Can Stay

1. Cappadocia Cave Suites – This is the place I stayed at and I unabashedly recommend you stay here. Why? Because firstly, it has the best cave rooms at a minimal price (if you book in advance) and in the evenings it looks like THIS!

Photo @ Cappadocia Cave Suites Management

Secondly, it’s restaurant serves you the most delicious and sumptuous food  you can find in Cappadocia.

Thirdly, the staff is polite, friendly and assists you  in booking your Cappadocia Red, Blue and Green tours through a premium tour company that doesn’t overcharge you.

Finally, you get to see lovely  sunset views  from the terrace of the hotel. Check out the Cappadocia Cave Suites property and book your stay by clicking here.

2. Sultan Cave Suites – Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.

3. Grand Elite Cave Suites – Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.

4. Charming Cave Hotel – Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.

5. Aydinli Cave Hotel – Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.

Why Choose Cappadocia Red And Green Tours?

I had two and a half days to explore Cappadocia and wanted to make the most of it. Since I kept aside half a day to do bucket list items like Hot Air Ballooning  and ATV bike riding, I effectively had two days to do the tours.

I chose to do the Red tour Cappadocia and Green tour Cappadocia. Why? Because the two tours not only cover the museums, underground cities, castles, valleys, monasteries but also include lovely hikes through valleys, local food/wine tastings, and art workshops.

As a result, you get to experience the best of Cappadocia and understand why it has to be included in your Turkey itinerary .

Besides, you anyway end up covering a few places similar to those included in the Blue tour. So it makes more sense to do the Cappadocia Red and Green tours. This way you end up saving both time and money. However, you can do the Blue tour as well if you have an extra day or two.

The Ultimate Cappadocia Itinerary

Day 1 – red tour cappadocia.

Red Tour Cappadocia helps you explore the northern region of Cappadocia. The places and activities that you’ll be covering on your first day under this tour are :

• Göreme Open Air Museum,
• Uchisar Castle,
• Carpet Shop,
• Love Valley and Rose Valley,
• Ceramik Kapadokya Pottery Workshop,
• Urgup Fairy Chimneys,
• Devrent Valley and
• Wine Tasting in Urgup

Goreme Open Air Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984, the Göreme open-air museum is one of the most popular attractions to visit in Cappadocia. It’s a vast monastic complex consisting of individual monasteries placed side by side – each with a refectory and a private church.

You feel like you’re in a parallel universe as you walk through the rocky settlement area exploring the various cave houses, churches (kilise in Turkish), dining halls, chapels, sitting-rooms inside the rock-cut blocks.

The rock-cut churches are well preserved and have some beautiful frescoes and paintings that date back to the Byzantine era.

You see a reflection of the monastery life led by nuns and monks in the Byzantine cave churches. These churches have wall paintings and frescoes that depict scenes from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Some of the popular cave churches in the museum which you must not miss out on are the Dark Church (separate entrance fee), Tokali (Buckle) Church, Elmali Church, Yilanli Church, St. Basil’s Chapel, Saint Barbara Chapel, and   St. Catherine’s Chapel. 

The entry fee for the Göreme open-air museum is 40 TL.

IMPORTANT NOTE :

1. Visit this place early in the morning (around 8 am) to avoid both, the queues and the hot afternoon sun. 2. If you wish to explore the place on your own, then you can opt for an audio guide. The audio guide fee is 15 TL. 3. Your Cappadocia Museum Pass is valid for this museum.

Uchisar Castle

Situated on the highest point of the small town of Uchisar, this tall volcanic-rock outcrop is a famous tourist spot in Cappadocia. The Uchisar Castle, located just 5 km away from the town of Göreme, is one of the best viewpoints to witness the alluring sunsets of Cappadocia.

You can either take a bus from Göreme bus station to Uchisar village (a 10-minute journey) which costs you 3-5 TL per ticket or walk your way from Göreme to the Uchisar castle, hiking through the Love Valley/Pigeon Valley.

The Castle historically acted as a place of refuge for the locals when the enemy armies attacked/occupied the surrounding areas.

Once you climb the 100 odd stairs (10-minute climb) that lead you to the top, you are rewarded with the most spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of surrounding towns and rock valleys garnished generously with the surreal-looking fairy chimneys.

The entry fee for the Uchisar Castle is 9 TL.

Carpet Shop

I know that as soon as you read the word shop , all you can visualize is locals pestering you to buy their stuff. But trust me this inclusion in the itinerary isn’t a tourist trap.

In fact, by the end of your tour of the shop, you are tempted to buy every silk carpet that you lay your eyes on. Carpet weaving is an art and the Anatolian region is the center where this art flourished.

In the carpet shop, you are shown the 2 main types of rugs under production currently – the  kilim  (a flat-woven carpet) and  halı  (knotted rug).

I particularly loved watching graceful Turkish women making woollen and silk carpets with their bare hands using designs that reflect the cultural heritage of Turkey.

The staff at the store show you different kinds of Turkish carpets – both vintage and modern. They teach you how to distinguish between an authentic silk carpet and a fake one, winning you over with their warmth, genuineness, and knowledge.

You get to witness products of their masterful craftsmanship over a delicious cup of Turkish tea/coffee which, according to me, is an absolute win!

Love Valley And Rose Valley

Considering the one-of-a-kind terrain that Cappadocia is blessed with, the valleys form an integral part of the gorgeous landscape. Two such valleys are the Love Valley and the Rose Valley. 

Love Valley gives you an interesting perspective of the cave dwellings and volcanic-rock formations. You see an endless spread of cone topped rock structures called Fairy Chimneys , formed due to wind and rain erosions over thousands of years.

The rock structures strangely resemble mushrooms . So I’m assuming the person responsible for naming this valley had a “love for mushrooms” .

Hiking through the Love Valley is an option if you love hikes and have time on your hands. I, however, got a bit creative. I spotted a sofa at a vantage point which offered an incredible view of the valley (no kidding!).

So I removed my footwear, slid down a rocky slope, and enjoyed the remarkable view of the valley, resting my butt on that oddly but strategically placed sofa.

Rose Valley is another picturesque valley that has to be on your must-visit list. Again, you have the option of hiking the Rose Valley trailhead to get to the valley or you could drive for 15 minutes from Göreme town and get straight to the viewpoint. I chose the latter option.

Rose Valley has unique rock formations which give it a corrugated appearance. But what makes the Rose Valley incredibly exquisite is the fact that the minerals in the sandstone have a pink coloured tinge to them.

This pink is accentuated through the day and is at it’s peak during sunset when the slanting rays create an impression of a valley resplendent in a rosy pink blanket. Rose Valley during sunset is a sight to behold and an absolute natural wonder that leaves you awestruck.

Ceramik Kapadokya Pottery Workshop

If you think that weaving beautiful silk carpets is all there is to Cappadocia, then you’re wrong because there’s an entire world of ceramic art that awaits you. I went to Ceramik Kapadokya which is a ceramic pottery workshop cum store.

The place has a demonstration area where you’re shown how the pottery products are made from scratch. You can even try your hand at it and learn the skill from the masters. The ease with which they make such intricate and wonderful pieces of ceramic art leaves you mighty impressed.

There is a section of products in the store that’s exorbitantly priced as it is designed and made by the experts at the craft. But then there is another section made by the students that’s more affordable.

I chose the latter section to buy Turkish wine decanters and decorative plates famous in that region. If artgasm (yeah, I coined that) is a thing, then the sight of turquoise ceramic pieces of whirling dervishes in a “sema” dance pose has to be the definition of it. The place is an absolute haven for art lovers!

Urgup Fairy Chimneys

The Fairy Chimneys  are a distinctive geographical feature of Cappadocia that makes it one of the most famous destinations in Turkey.

In the Red Tour Cappadocia, you’ll be visiting Urgup and seeing the Fairy Chimneys from close quarters. A 15-minute drive from Göreme town leads you to these surreal towering rock formations.

What’s interesting to know is the story behind their emergence! Volcanic eruptions that occurred millions of years ago blanketed the region with a thick layer of ash, which later solidified into tuff (soft rock). Then erosion by wind and water removed the softer layers of the rock formations leaving only the harder elements to form the Fairy Chimneys.

Fairy Chimneys generally have a conical-shaped body with a boulder on top of it that could resemble a cap, mushroom, or pointed rock. Fairy Chimneys of different kinds can be spotted in different parts of Cappadocia.

Human inventiveness during the Roman period gave the Chimneys their current structure. In this period, Christian inhabitants made a network of caves, churches, sitting rooms, tunnels, and storehouses.

Holes in the walls were for air circulation and blackened walls implied they were part of the kitchen. Just walking around these structures transports you to those times and makes you wonder how the nuns and monks must have lived the “monastery life” inside them.

Devrent Valley

Devrent Valley is a place you’ll enjoy visiting if you have an active and vivid imagination. No kidding! The valley is also called Imagination Valley  for the same reason. Wondering why? That’s because the rock formations here resemble shapes of animals. The most noticeable animal shapes are those of camels, snakes, dolphins, and snails!

You feel like you’re in a customized sculpture zoo designed by nature. The small Fairy Chimneys here have a different appearance compared to those in other valleys. You’ll see them forming a moonscape or a lunar landscape because of their strange look.

Unlike other valleys, you won’t find any cave dwellings or churches in this valley as it was never inhabited by the humans. But what will appeal to you about the Devrent Valley is the lunar landscape. The place is a mere 15 minutes away from Göreme town (11.5 km) and is worth visiting.

Wine Tasting In Urgup

Exploring Cappadocia would be incomplete without getting a taste of the natural, authentic, delicious wines of the region.

Turkey is the world’s fourth-leading producer of grapes with Urgup being the heart of the wine-producing region of Cappadocia. So it comes as no surprise that wine’s always been an integral part of the Turkish culture.

I was taken to the Turasan Sarapcilik  in Urgup. The staff members at Turasan Sarapcilik were warm, friendly, and offered me complimentary tastings of their award-winning wines. 

The quality of wine here is great thanks to the stocking of the grapes at a constant temperature inside the caves. The main grape varieties that are used to make wine here are Emir, Okuzgozu, Kalecik Karasi, Bogazkere, and Narince.

My favourite wines from the ones I tried were  Kalecik Karasi and Emir . They have a unique aroma and flavour which makes them irresistible. I ended up buying a couple of them and I recommend you try them as well!

Day 2 – Green Tour Cappadocia

Green Tour Cappadocia helps you explore the southern part of Cappadocia. The places and activities that you’ll be covering on your second day under this tour are :

• Göreme Panorama Viewpoint,
• Kaymakli Underground City,
• Ihlara Valley Hike,
• Selime Monastery,
• Pigeon Valley,
• Turkish Delights Tasting and

Kapadokya Onyx Stone Centre

Goreme panorama viewpoint.

You begin your Green tour Cappadocia with a marvellous view that could easily replace your current desktop wallpaper. Since the name of the place is self-explanatory, I don’t need to tell you much.

You just need to take a deep breath, marvel at the stupendous panoramic views of Göreme, and have a good camera with you to capture the magic on display!

It’s best to go to the Göreme Panorama point either at the beginning of the tour (just after sunrise) or the end of the tour (during sunset). Because it’s during these two periods of “golden light” that the valleys containing fairy chimneys and other rock formations of Göreme come alive.

There is no entrance fee and the parking here is free as well. There are some souvenir stores and small coffee shops at the venue for tourists.

Kaymakli Underground City

Does the idea of an underground city fascinate you? If yes, then you’re in for some exciting times as the Green tour gives you a chance to explore the widest underground city of Cappadocia.

Built under the hill known as the Citadel of Kaymakli, the  Kaymakli underground city  was first opened to tourists in 1964 and was part of the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. The ancient name of the city was Enegup.

Though Kaymakli city is an 8 level deep maze of tunnels and rooms carved into the Earth, only 4 of them are open to the public. Each space is organized around ventilation shafts. So the size and design of rooms vary depending on the ventilation available.

Our guide informed us that the first underground caves were built by Indo-European people called “Phrygians” and the material they used to build the city was the soft volcanic rock.

Later, Christian inhabitants expanded the cave chambers by constructing chapels, storage rooms, and living spaces. But the underground caves were mainly used by the Christians to seek protection from the Arab, Mongolian and Ottoman invasions that occurred at different times.

The first floor was used as a stable since it was difficult to take animals downstairs to lower floors through narrow passageways. To the right of the stable, you’ll see rooms that were probably living spaces.

On the second floor , you’ll see a church with a few small living spaces. The third floor is the largest and the most important of them all. Here you’ll come across community kitchens, wine/oil presses, and storage areas. On the fourth floor , there are spacious living quarters and storage rooms.

Archaeologists believe that the city once accommodated 3000-3500 people. I had a great time exploring this special place. After all, where else would you get the opportunity to time-travel to 7th century BC while squat-walking fancily through narrow tunnels? 

It is a must-visit place in Cappadocia. According to me, exploring the underground city is the most thrilling activity among all activities in the Cappadocia Red and Green tours.

1. Exploring the underground city requires a certain level of fitness. So if you have a bad back or knee problems, then I advise you to avoid visiting the place. 2. Only the passageways that lead you from one level to another can get a bit too tight. Otherwise, it’s very easy to navigate the site. However, if you’re too claustrophobic, then don’t visit the place.

Ihlara Valley Hike

This was my favourite part of the Green tour of Cappadocia. The Ihlara Valley is a beautiful gorge in the Aksaray province of central Anatolia region. 

Lined with trees on both sides, the Melendiz river flows through the Ihlara valley and gives it a calming appearance. For those wanting to connect with nature, this hike is highly recommended.

It’s an easy 3.5-4 km walk from one end to the other. You get down a series of steps and reach the base of the valley where the hike begins. Along the stairway path, you’ll come across a lovely little cave church carved into the volcanic rock.

What surprised me were the colourful frescoes on the inside walls of the church! They were surprisingly well maintained.

Walking along the river, you’ll see many historically significant caves and rooms carved into the cliff that arouse your curiosity. Thankfully, I had a guide named Ahmet  (from Andromeda Tours ) who answered all my questions.

He informed us that Christians escaping from the Roman soldiers took shelter in the rock caves of the Ihlara valley because of the abundant water supply.

The hike is full of visually pleasing sights that have a soothing effect on you. When you’ve got cool fresh air, a serene atmosphere, and pristine natural beauty for company, what more can you ask for?

You’ll even find ducks roaming around freely near the river, at a washroom stop in your hike.

The hike ends with an appetizing lunch at the BelisIrma restaurant which offers you an “over-the-river” dining experience. Tasty food, a friendly staff that serves you with a smile and a view of the picturesque scenery ensure you end your Ihlara experience on a high.

Luckily, I even got to experience my first live snowfall while standing on the wooden bridge just outside the restaurant. Forget feeling exhausted, I felt rejuvenated after the hike. That visual of the snow falling gently on the river is also my favourite memory from the Cappadocia Red and Green tours.

Selime Monastery

Located at the end of the Ihlara valley, at a distance of about 28 km from Aksaray province, is the stunning rock-cut Selime monastery. Selime Monastery is one of the most stunning places to visit in Cappadocia. It is the biggest religious building in Cappadocia with a cathedral-sized church.

The monastery is said to date back to the 8th or 9th century BC and it took almost 200 years to shape and organize the monastery. Inhabitants from Hittite, Assyrian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, early Christian, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilizations settled here.

The monastery was believed to house 5000 people at one time, which is 1,500 people more than the total capacity of the Kaymakli underground city.

After the 11th century, the monastery was converted into a caravanserai ie. a resting place/hotel for travellers and traders along with their animals. This practice was started by the Seljuk Turks to promote the growth of trade in Turkey along the Silk Route.

As you climb up the steep slippery path to the top of the monastery, you’ll see kitchens, stables, dining rooms, living quarters, storage spaces, a church, a chapel, and a cathedral.

Walking inside the impressive rock-hewn caves gives you an idea of the lifestyle of the people from ancient civilizations.

After the 16th century, the monastery was abandoned and only the local shepherds and village kids visited the place for the longest time, damaging the interiors of the monastery. The paintings and frescoes inside the church though are mostly destroyed due to vandalism and smoke.

There are various vantage points in the monastery from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. You can easily spend 1.5 hours to 2 hours touring the monastery.

All in all, the Selime Monastery is a wonderful place worthy of your time and effort.

IMPORTANT NOTE : 

1. Exploring the place requires some climbing. Since the path is steep and slippery, elderly people and people with knee issues can avoid the climb. 2. Remember to wear proper climbing shoes.

Pigeon Valley

After exploring the Selime monastery on foot, you proceed to the Pigeon Valley viewpoint. The Pigeon Valley gets it’s name from the various pigeon houses and shelters with nest holes for domesticated pigeons that were carved into the rock formations.

But why give such importance to pigeons? Well, pigeons were once used as message carriers and their poop was used as a fertilizer . So they helped the people of those times in communication and effective farming.

As a result, pigeons became an important part of the local household, and subsequently a valley was named after them as a mark of reverence to honour their contribution to the Turkish culture.

You can feed the pigeons and enjoy scenic panoramic views of the valley. Keep your eyes open and you’ll be able to see the Uchisar castle from here as well.  You’ll also spot a strikingly beautiful evil eye tree at the viewpoint.

If you choose to hike the Pigeon valley, then you’ll come across cave dwellings, ancient paintings, earth pillars, and of course a huge flock of pigeons!

Turkish Delights Tasting

Travelling to Turkey and not tasting their world-famous Turkish delights is a sin. And since I’m not a sinner, I thoroughly enjoyed the Turkish delights tasting included in the Green tour Cappadocia.

Turkish delight, also known as lokum  is a delicately chewy confectionery item made from sugar, starch, and exotic dry fruits.

In this tasting, you’ll be taken to a sweet mart where you’ll be made to taste all kinds of local dry fruits and exotic Turkish delights. The scent of these desserts coupled with the rich flavours of hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, and dates makes for a deadly combo.

Chocolate-coated apricots were my absolute favourite and I recommend you try them. For people with a sweet tooth, this experience is truly worth it!

If you’re into handmade jewellery, onyx stone souvenirs, and pottery, then you will love visiting the Kapadokya Onyx stone centre. It’s located just outside of Uchisar on Hacialibey Street No: 36.

The owner – Mr. Alpaslan is a friendly, funny, and knowledgeable gentleman who gives you information about different types of Onyx stones and explains the techniques used to craft them into attractive jewellery.

The handmade stonework in the centre is impressive and most importantly, authentic. Since all the stonework is done at this very place, you get the best quality products at a cheap price. The variety of onyx stone jewellery on display is so huge that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Unlike other onyx stores in Cappadocia where the prices of products are exorbitant, the Kapadokya Onyx stone centre offers you bona fide products that are bang for your buck.

Activities To Do In Cappadocia If You Have An Extra Day

Since I had half a day extra in addition to the 2 days, I chose to do an activity that I’m sure many people have on their bucket lists ie. an ultimate Hot Air Balloon Tour of Cappadocia with Royal Balloons .

It’s not a part of the Cappadocia Red and Green tours but you should definitely include it in your itinerary. I had the time of my life on that Hot Air Balloon and can’t recommend the activity enough!!

Besides that, some other activities that aren’t included in the Cappadocia Red and Green tours but which you can do are – the ATV Bike Tour of Göreme ,  visiting the  Red Valley, Sword Valley  and booking a spa appointment at a nice Turkish Hammam to end the Cappadocian journey on a relaxing note.

Cappadocia is a jaw-droppingly beautiful destination. The magical Cappadocian landscape makes you feel like you’re on Mars and not Earth. And it’s this very characteristic that makes Cappadocia appear almost otherworldly and sets it apart from other places in Turkey.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cappadocia and hence, strongly recommend you include it in your Turkey trip itinerary. Any number of days feels less when it comes to exploring a place like this.

However, I tried curating an ideal 2-3 day Cappadocia itinerary where you get to explore the best that Cappadocia has to offer through the Cappadocia Red and Green tours. Trust me, the money spent here doesn’t feel like expenditure, it feels like an investment!

SHARE the post “Cappadocia Red and Green Tours – 2-3 Day Cappadocia Itinerary” on your social media channels so that you can help your near and dear ones plan their ideal Turkey trip!

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Vaibhav Mehta

Speaking english is not a measure of intelligence, how to handle rejection in life, you may also like, 10 day turkey itinerary – the ultimate turkish..., best cappadocia hot air balloon tour – royal..., pamukkale tour – things to do in pamukkale, how to spend 4 days in istanbul –....

Hi!Absolutely loved reading ur travelogue.We are a family of 4 and ur blog has helped to plan my trip to Cappadocia better.Thanks once again.

Glad the blogs helped you Ranjita. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Great and very helpful blog Vaibhav. Top marks. My question is that we have only 1.5 day itinerary and we want to fit both red and green tours spots. I understand that we won’t be able to cover everything but is there a private tour where we can select few spots on the red and few on the green tour. Also what’s your experience of prices for the hot air balloon as we can easily fit it in the morning schedule. Thanks again

Thanks Pankaj, glad you found the blog helpful. And yes, you can arrange the private tour without much stress from the property you stay at, in Cappadocia. We did it right there and without any hassles. These 2 tours are extremely popular with the travellers so you can tell the travel agency to selectively take you to spots you want to go to.

Also, prices of the Hot Air Balloon experience can be a bit steep. But if you want the whole experience of it in the best manner possible, then go for Royal Balloon Cappadocia. They start early in the morning so you can be done with it and from there, head on to your red or green tour for that day. Hope that helped. Safe travels, goodluck!

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Red Tour vs Green Tour in Cappadocia: The differences

Cappadocia, renowned for its surreal landscapes and rich history, offers two popular tour options: the Red Tour and the Green Tour.

These tours take you on unique journeys through the captivating region, showcasing its natural wonders and cultural treasures.

Both tours are excellent and essential for experiencing Cappadocia. However, if you have limited time and you need to choose one, here are the differences.

The Red Tour, also known as the North Cappadocia Tour , covers the beauty of Cappadocia’s northern region.

The tour begins by visiting Uchisar Castle , the highest point in Cappadocia. The castle is one of the most popular places in Cappadocia.

Although we do not climb the castle itself, we get close enough to witness its magnificent presence and admire its impressive structure.

Next, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme Open Air Museum , home to well-preserved frescoes dating back to the 5th century.

It’s important to note that not all travel agencies include the Goreme Open Air Museum in their Red Tour. Instead, they replace it with the Zelve Open Air Museum, which is free to visit and helps them reduce costs.

However, we include Goreme Open Air Museum in our Red Tour itinerary . We believe that visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum is an absolute must, as it offers a truly remarkable experience. The differences between these two sites are substantial.

The tour continues with visits to the famous Love Valley , the charming Avanos village for lunch, a pottery workshop, and concludes with Pasabag and Devrent Valley , where you can admire the best-preserved fairy chimneys of the region.

The Red Tour is a must-do, showcasing the iconic symbols of Cappadocia.

The Green Tour , also known as the South Cappadocia Tour , explores the southern part of Cappadocia.

The tour begins with a panoramic view of Goreme village, offering a breathtaking perspective.

The journey then takes you to the renowned Derinkuyu Underground City , one of Cappadocia’s most significant sites.

With its eight levels, it is the deepest underground city in the region.

Next, you will explore the vast Ihlara Valley , the largest canyon in Cappadocia. A walk alongside the Melendiz River allows you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty.

It’s worth mentioning that if you prefer not to participate in the walking portion, you have the option to skip it. In this case, you can wait with our driver and rejoin the group at the end of the walking.

The tour includes a lunch break in Belisirma Village, near the Melendiz River, and continues with a visit to the remarkable Selime Monastery , the largest rock-cut cathedral in Cappadocia.

The tour concludes with a return to the center of Cappadocia, offering picturesque views of Pigeon Valley and a visit to an onyx factory.

Differences

Timing: Both tours start around 09:30-09:45, but the Red Tour ends around 16:30, while the Green Tour ends around 17:30. The Green Tour has slightly longer travel times due to the distances covered.

Physical difficulty: The Red Tour involves minimal walking, except for exploring the Open Air Museum and Pasabag area.

In contrast, the Green Tour includes a moderate walk in the Ihlara Valley, which can be skipped if desired. The underground city visit involves walking through narrow tunnels but opens up to larger rooms. You can easily exit if needed.

Choosing between the Red Tour and Green Tour depends on your preferences and interests. The Red Tour is suitable for those seeking picturesque landscapes, fairy chimneys, castles, and valleys—the iconic symbols of Cappadocia.

On the other hand, the Green Tour appeals to nature and hiking enthusiasts, providing opportunities to explore the vast Ihlara Valley and the remarkable Derinkuyu Underground City.

Both tours offer insights into Cappadocia’s rich history. Ultimately, selecting one tour over the other allows you to delve deeper into specific aspects of this captivating region. Remember, both tours are necessary to grasp the essence of Cappadocia fully.

Green Tour in Cappadocia: Everything You Need to Know

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Want to know more about the Green Tour in Cappadocia, Turkey ? Are you contemplating if it’s worth it or not? This guide covers everything you need: what’s the tour all about, why you should choose, what you’ll see, how long it takes, how much it costs, and how to book it. Find out if this famous sightseeing tour is right for you!

What is a Green Tour in Cappadocia?

To kick things off, Cappadocia offers three main sightseeing tours: Red , Green , and Blue . The Red Tour covers the attractions in northern Cappadocia, the Green Tour includes the southwestern sights, and the Blue Tour introduces the lesser-known sights in the region.

Red and Green Tours are the most booked sightseeing tours, however, the Blue Tour is often overlooked by travelers. Maybe because it covers less-known places. Often, travelers don’t have much time and choose to see the famous spots first, so the Blue Tour gets less attention.

Moving on to the Green Tour in Cappadocia, as I said, it’s one of the most booked sightseeing tours that takes you through the famous attractions in southwestern Cappadocia .

There are quite a few variations of it (the viewpoints and valleys may differ) but the main attractions it covers include Ihlara Valley , Selime Monastery , Derinkuyu Underground City , and Pigeon Valley . Some tours might include a stop at Narligol Crater Lake , Uchisar , and Yaprakhisar like this one .

While booking online, you’ll often find that the terms Cappadocia Green Tour and South Cappadocia Tour are used interchangeably, so it’s important to verify the included attractions as there tends to be a variation. If the tour is labeled South Cappadocia Green Tour or Green (South) Tour Cappadocia then it usually matches the attractions on the typical Green Tour.

However, if it’s purely labeled as South Cappadocia Tour then you must check the attractions included as they might differ like here a bit from the original Green Tour or they might not like here . It mostly skips Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery and takes you to Goreme Panorama , Meskendir Valley , Rose Valley , Red Valley , Cavusin Valley , Avanos , Kaymakli Underground City , Pigeon Valley , Uchisar Castle , & Love Valley .

I know it’s confusing, but checking the details of each tour will help you choose the right one and make sure you get exactly what you want.

Why Take a Green Tour in Cappadocia? Is it Worth it?

First off, it covers some of the must-see sights in Cappadocia that anyhow you’ll have to explore when in the region.

Secondly, this tour is great for those who are short on time. I mean, you can explore so many places in just a day that might take more time when done on your own.

Thirdly, It’s a blessing for those who are clueless about transportation. Most of the sights are spread out and not near the main towns, making them hard to reach on your own without a car. The public transportation in Cappadocia is scarce and isn’t well-managed so if you aren’t up for renting a car and driving on your own, this tour takes away your worry by providing seamless pickup and dropoff.

Lastly, it comes with skip-the-line tickets saving you the time and hassle of queuing for tickets at individual attractions.

Not to mention, having a local guide adds to the experience. They share insider knowledge and fascinating stories to make the trip more interesting and informative.

So, it makes sense to book a Green Tour in Cappadocia.

PS: If you decide not to join the tour, you can follow the same itinerary and complete the Cappadocia green tour by yourself.

What to Expect?

The tour starts early in the morning with a pick-up around 9:30 am . The pick-up time might differ a bit like 15 minutes before or after 9:30 depending on which town in Cappadocia your hotel is like Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos, Cavusin, Ortahisar, Urgup, or Mustafapasa. If they don’t have your location included in the pick-up, you’ll have to arrange your travel to Goreme where they can pick you up.

The trip lasts about 8 to 9 hours , so you must dedicate the full day. You’ll explore the sights and attractions included in the trip as per the itinerary and will be dropped off at your hotel in the evening around 5:30 pm . Most tours include a lunch at a local restaurant.

Basic Green Tour Cappadocia Itinerary

As I said, the Green Tour varies a bit depending on the company you select, however, the core itinerary generally stays consistent, with some added scenic spots and valleys depending on the tour operator.

There can be minor variations in the route or order of the itinerary. For instance, the tour guides might operate in reverse order or choose alternate attractions like Kaymakli instead of Derinkyu or vice versa to avoid crowds during busy times.

9:30 am: Hotel Pick-up

Your full-day adventure begins at around 9:30 am when you are picked up from your hotel. It usually takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to reach your first destination from your hotel depending on the number of people picked up after you and the travel time to the destination from the last pick-up point.

First Stop: Goreme Panorama

This one’s considered one of the most celebrated viewpoints in Cappadocia. Located just outside the town of Goreme, there’s a vantage point ( Esentepe Panoramic Viewpoint ) located on the hill overlooking the town of Goreme. The viewpoint gives a panoramic view of the fairy chimneys with the iconic Uchisar Castle in the distance.

People love coming here at sunrise and sunset for the impressive views. So, it’s a perfect place to capture some stunning photos of the landscape this region is known for.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Distance and Travel Time from Goreme Panorama to Derinkuyu : 39 km (24 miles) and 40 minutes

Second Stop: Derinkuyu Underground City

There are over 200 ancient underground cities in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu is notable for being the largest (280 feet) & the deepest (18 levels). It could once house 20,000 people. Besides Derinkuyu, other well-known underground cities in the region include Kaymakli, Ozkonak, and Mazi.

Most Cappadocia Green Tours include a visit to Derinkuyu while a few have Kaymakli on their itinerary.

Originally built by the Phrygians around 700 BC, these cities were expanded by early Christians to hide from Roman persecution during the first century AD. They also served as a refuge during Persian and Arab invasions in later centuries.

Carved deep into the earth, these subterranean cities could extend several levels underground, some reaching depths of up to 85 meters (nearly 280 feet), and included living quarters, storerooms, kitchens, livestock pens, ventilation shafts, and even churches.

No matter which underground city your tour includes Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, exploring them is an extraordinary experience.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Distance and Travel Time from Derinkuyu to Ihlara Valley: 55 km (34 miles) and 50 minutes

Note: If you have claustrophobia or mobility issues, you might consider skipping the visit to the underground city as it involves navigating through tight, enclosed tunnels and squeezing into small spaces. Also, tall people should be cautious of low ceilings and doorways. Wear light, loose-fitting clothes for comfort and ease of movement through tunnels.

Third Stop: Ihlara Valley

Stretching over 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from the village of Ihlara to the village of Belisirema, Ihlara Valley is a picturesque valley. With lush greenery, towering cliffs, and the Melendiz River flowing through its heart, it’s a refreshing contrast to the more arid parts of Cappadocia.

Ihlara Valley was made by Mount Hasan’s volcanic eruptions. Over time, the Melendiz River cut through the valley, and the land around it broke and fell. This created a deep canyon, 80 meters down, one of the largest canyons in Turkey or Türkiye.

But wait, the valley’s not only about natural beauty but holds great historical value too. It numbers many ancient cave churches and monasteries, some of which contain well-preserved frescoes depicting biblical scenes like in the Goreme Open-Air Museum .

There are 100+ rock-hewn churches carved inside the walls of the valley, however, only a few (almost 14, I guess) of them are open to the public. Besides, hundreds of rock dwellings, unknown and unnamed, dot the valley.

A walk through the valley is easy perfect for casual hikers. However, there are some uneven and slippery surfaces and steps, and you’ll also be descending around 380 steps to reach the valley floor from the entrance, so wearing good shoes is recommended.

The duration of the hike depends on the tour and how much of the valley you explore. Most of the tours start at the #2 entrance, allow you to hike about 4 km up to the #3 entrance, and let you explore only one church, Agacalti Church .

If you want to walk the entire stretch and explore all the churches along the hike, you’ll have to come here on your own. We were lucky to have enough time to explore the entire stretch of it while road-tripping in Turkey and find it a meditative experience. I found Kokar Kilise (Smelly Church), Agacalti  Kilise (Church Under the Trees), Yilanali  Kilise (Snake Church), Purenli Seki Kilisesi (Terrace Church), and Selime Monastery impressive.

Duration: Close to 2 hours

Lunch at a Local Restaurant in Belisirma

As you end your hike at the Belisirema village entrance, you’ll have lunch at one of the local restaurants here, next to the river.

The lunch menu is fixed as it’s included in the tour price and includes soup, salad, bread, seasonal fruit, and your choice (veg or non-veg) of one main dish.

Duration: 1 hour

Distance and Travel Time from Belisirma to Selime Monastery: 10 km (6 miles) and 10 minutes

Note: Some tours make a brief stop at Yaprakhisar , a large rock formation that once housed rock-cut caves, which are now almost in ruins. The moon-like scenery of Yaprakhisar looks like it’s from Star Wars (reminds you of Tusken Raiders or Sand People from the original 1977 film), which makes some people mistakenly say the movie was shot there, but as far as I know, that’s not true.

Fourth Stop: Selime Monastery

An essential inclusion to your itinerary for Cappadocia , this huge, rock-cut monastery dates back to the 8th or 9th century. It looks as impressive from the distance as it’s from the inside. As you walk up to the structure (it’s quite a steep hike), you’ll find a cathedral, living quarters, kitchen, and a stable carved directly into the rock.

Inside some of the caves, you can see the frescoes, although they are quite faded. From the top of the monastery, you can have a beautiful panoramic view.

Due to the strategic location of Selime on the Silk Road, Selime monastery was repurposed to serve as a caravanserai for the merchants & traders traveling along this historic trade route during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

Duration: Around 30 minutes

Distance and Travel Time from Selime Monastery to Pigeon Valley: 81 km (50 miles) and 60 minutes

Fifth Stop: Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley is famous for and named after countless man-made pigeon houses (dovecotes or columbarium) carved into the rocks. From a historical perspective, pigeons have been an important part of Cappadocia. The locals used pigeon droppings as fertilizer for their crops and collected eggs for a variety of uses. They carved out small niches and dwellings in the valley’s cliffs and rock formations to attract and house these birds, which you can see here.

Though there are beautiful walking trails if you want to explore the scenic landscape and pigeon lofts up close, this tour allows you to enjoy only the view of the valley from above because of a time crunch. The viewpoint is also counted among some of the best in the region to watch a sunset.

Duration: 30 minutes

Note: Many tours also include a stop at the local onyx factory (just so you know, onyx is a precious volcanic stone in the region) saying that you can see the carving process, however, as per my experience, these forced factory visits are more of a tourist trap rather than an authentic cultural experience. If you end up buying something from here, the tour company gets its commission, meaning you might pay more than you would at a local market. So, just enjoy the visit but don’t buy anything from her, instead explore local markets.

5:30 pm: Hotel Drop-Off

The tour ends at around 17:30 with a drop-off service at your hotel. You can freshen up and rest for a while and then perhaps explore local dining options for dinner. Dibek , Inki Cave , Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant & Art Gallery , and Dolphin are the ones I tried and liked. However, on the authenticity scale, I found that restaurants in Cappadocia might not feel as authentic as those in other Turkish cities, possibly due to the area becoming very touristy.

What’s the Cost of Cappadocia Green Tour?

The price of the Green Tour in Cappadocia can vary depending on several factors including the tour operator, the time of year, and what is included in the tour (such as entrance fees, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and insurance). Typically, prices can range from around $50 to $80 per person.

Most of the tour operators offer small group tours accommodating up to 16 people in an air-conditioned van. You’ll be accompanied by a licensed and experienced tour guide.

If you want a more personalized experience, you can check with the specific tour provider for a private tour . A bit expensive (starts at $150 per person), a private tour promises the undivided attention of your guide and lets you explore at your own pace.

Green Tour or Red Tour

If you are short on time & don’t have transportation sorted but still want to explore all the highlights of Cappadocia, the Green Tour and the Red Tour make it possible. So, in this scenario, ideally, you should book both tours.

In case you want to combine a guided tour experience with personal exploration, opting for the Green Tour could be your best bet. This is because the sites it covers, like Ihlara Valley, which is 80 km (49 miles) away, and Derinkuyu, 35 km (21 miles) distant, are far from Cappadocia’s main towns and not easily reachable by public transport. To explore these attractions independently, you’d either need to rent a car or hire a chauffeur, investing more time, money, and effort.

On the other hand, the attractions included in the Red Tour are closer to central towns and easily accessible by public transportation (dolmus). Some attractions like the Goreme Open Air Museum are even within walking distance if you’re staying in Goreme, a popular base for visitors to Cappadocia. Thus, the Green Tour gives you better value by saving you money, time, and hassle.

How & Where to Book a Green Tour?

You can book your Green Tour via a local travel agent, hotel concierge, or online.

If you ask me, I always suggest booking well in advance online to secure your spot, more so, if you are traveling during the peak season to avoid any disappointment.

I use and recommend Viator and Get Your Guide where the local tour companies list their tours, clearly mentioning all the details from start times and pick-up locations to inclusions and necessary items. Here, you can compare prices and read trusted reviews, that help a lot in choosing the right tour. Also, flexible cancellation policies and the reserve now, pay later option give you peace of mind and convenience.

Here, I’ve done the groundwork for you and listed the most loved Green Tours in Cappadocia for you to just compare and book!

What Should You Bring on the Tour?

You should bring good sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. You must also carry a water bottle since buying water might not be possible during the hike.

You can pack a light jacket for the cooler evenings.

Pack all the essentials in a small easy-to-carry transit backpack. Also, carry some cash in Lira for snacks and souvenirs.

If traveling with younger kids, bring a carry-on bag, as using a stroller isn’t feasible at any of the tour attractions due to the terrain.

What Should You Wear for the Tour?

It’s vital to wear sturdy shoes to handle all the walking & hiking.

Wear light, airy, stretchable clothes so you can easily bend and squat through the tunnels while navigating the underground city. Plus, it ensures your comfort despite the changing temperatures and conditions throughout the tour.

Note: The Green Tour requires a lot of walking and thus, needs a certain level of stamina and fitness level. It might not be suitable for young kids, and families with little ones or senior citizens should consider this before booking.

And there you have it, that’s everything you need to know about the Green Tour of Cappadocia. I hope this article helps you decide if this tour aligns with your travel plans or not! If you still have questions, ask me away in the comments section below.

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Anjali Chawla

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• Things to Do
• Ideal 3 Days Itinerary
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• Gourmet Tour & Cooking Class
• Whirling Dervishes
• Turkish Night
• Goreme Open Air Museum
• Zelve Valley Open Air Museum
• Pasabag Monks Valley
• Uchisar Castle
• Pigeon Valley
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Ihlara Valley
• Top 15 Best Places To Visit
• Fairy Chimneys
• Panoramic Viewpoints
• Churches & Monasteries
• Cavusin Village
• Underground Cities
• Mustafapasa
• Where to Stay Guide
• Accommodation & Hotel Guide
• Best Cave Hotels
• Best Honeymoon Hotels
• Top-Rated Goreme hotels
• Top-Rated Urgup Hotels
• Top-Rated Uchisar Hotels
• Top-Rated Avanos Hotels
• About Cappadocia
• Towns & Villages
• Reasons to Visit
• First Timers
• Cost to Visit
• New Year’s Eve
• Getting from Abroad
• Kayseri Airpot (ASR)
• Nevsehir Airport (NAV)
• What to Bring, Wear?
• Nevsehir Hospitals

Best Sightseeing Tours in Cappadocia: Red, Green, Blue + Tips

One of the best ways to explore this stunning region is by taking a sightseeing tour. There are three main sightseeing tours available in Cappadocia : the Red Tour , the Green Tour , and the Blue Tour . Each tour covers different areas and attractions of the region, and choosing the right tour can make a big difference in your experience. Here’s everything you need to know about these tours.

Table of Contents

Best Sightseeing Tours in Cappadocia

The sightseeing tours in Cappadocia are a great way to explore this fascinating region. Choose the right tour based on your interests and time, and be prepared to be amazed by the unique landscapes and attractions of Cappadocia.

The Red Tour

The Red Tour is the most popular tour in Cappadocia, and it covers the highlights of the region. A popular way to explore this fascinating destination is by taking one of the many sightseeing tours available, such as the Cappadocia Red Tour.

It is a full-day tour, usually starting at 9 am and ending at 5 pm. The tour covers popular attractions such as Goreme Open Air Museum , Pasabag , Devrent Valley , Love Valley , and Avanos . The tour also includes a visit to a pottery factory where you can see how the famous Cappadocian pottery is made.

The Cappadocia Red Tour is a great option for those who want to see the top sights of Cappadocia in a convenient and informative way, and in a single day. Below are some of best Red Tour experiences you can find!

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

No Regrets Booking Advice

• North Cappadocia Ancient Red Route Small-Group Tour with Lunch
• Goreme to North Cappadocia Tour. Guide, Lunch and Transfers incl.
• Best of Cappadocia Small Group Guided Tour
• Cappadocia Red Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer)
• Cappadocia: Red Tour (included, lunch, guide, entrance fees)
• Full-Day Cappadocia Red Plus Tour
• Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Cappadocia Tour

More Info & Booking Red Tour

The Green Tour

The Green Tour is a bit more off the beaten path and covers attractions that are less visited by tourists. It is a full-day tour and starts at 9 am and ends at 5 pm. The tour covers places such as Derinkuyu Underground City , Ihlara Valley , Selime Monastery , and the Pigeon Valley . This tour is ideal for those who want to explore the less crowded and more natural parts of Cappadocia.

The Cappadocia Green Tour is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the best of Cappadocia’s natural and historical sites in a single day. Below are some of best Green Tour experiences you can find!

• Green (South) Tour Cappadocia (small group)
• Cappadocia Green Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer)
• South Cappadocia Green Tour with Trekking in Ihlara Valley
• Cappadocia Green Tour - All-inclusive
• Cappadocia: Green Tour with Lunch, Guide, and Entry Tickets
• Cappadocia: Small-Group Guided Green Tour with Lunch
• Cappadocia: Green Tour - Ihlara Valley & Underground City
• Cappadocia Green Tour (VIP Service, Small group, Expert Guide)

More Info & Booking Green Tour

The Blue Tour

The Blue Tour is a full-day guided tour that takes visitors to some of the lesser-known sights of Cappadocia. The tour covers the central and southern parts of Cappadocia, including the towns of Soganli , Sahinefendi , and Mustafapasa . The tour also includes stops at some of the area’s most impressive valleys, including the Gomeda Valley and the Soysallar Valley .

The Cappadocia Blue Tour is an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxed and off-the-beaten-path experience . With visits to small villages, less crowded valleys, and local craftsmen, the tour is a perfect way to experience the heart and soul of Cappadocia.

• Cappadocia Blue Tour with optional Balloon Flight
• Best of Cappadocia Private Blue ( South ) tour
• Cappadocia Blue Tour (Red Valley)
• Cappadocia Daily Blue Tour
• Cappadocia: Balloon Flight and Private Cappadocia Blue Tour
• Cappadocia: Blue Tour (Lunch, Museums, all extra included)
• Private Cappadocia Blue Tour
• Cappadocia: Blue Tour with Entry Fees and Lunch
• Cappadocia: Blue Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfer

More Info & Booking Blue Tour

Which Tour to choose from?

Choosing the right tour depends on your interests and the amount of time you have.

If you are interested in the most popular attractions and sights of the region and have a full day to spare, the Red Tour is the best option.

If you prefer to explore the natural parts of the region and have a full day to spare, the Green Tour is the way to go.

If you want a more off-the-beaten-path experience , see the lesser-known but equally fascinating sights of the region , the Blue Tour is ideal.

Tips for the tours

To save stress and make sure you don’t miss out, book your tours in advance. Because you will be walking a lot, it is important to choose shoes and clothing that are comfortable. You should bring a lot of food and drink because the tours can be quite exhausting.

The area is rich of breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind sights, so be ready to snap plenty of shots.

Which tour is best for those having 1 day in Cappadocia

If you only have one day in Cappadocia, the best tour to take would be the Red Tour . The Red Tour usually goes to the town of Avanos, the Pasabag Valley, the Devrent Valley, and the Open Air Museum in Goreme. All of these are famous and unique things to do in Cappadocia, and you can do them all in one day.

Some of the best-preserved and most famous cave churches in the area can be found in the Goreme Open Air Museum , which you should not miss. People love the fairy chimneys and strange rock formations in Pasabag Monks Valley . In Devrent Imagination Valley , people love the strange rock formations that look like animals and other things. Finally, Avanos is a cute town known for its Red River and art shops.

You can see the best of Cappadocia in one day if you take the Red Tour. It’s also usually the least expensive and easiest tour to get, so it’s a great choice for tourists on a budget or a tight schedule. Make sure you book your tour ahead of time to make sure it’s available, and wear shoes that are easy to walk in since there will be a lot of walking and climbing.

What is the difference of Blue Tour from the Red & Green Tour?

One thing that makes the Blue Tour special is that it gets people right into the heart of the culture. The Red and Green Tours focus on the more well-known tourist spots. The Blue Tour, on the other hand, goes to small, charming towns where local artists and craftsmen live. People can see the very old skill of weaving carpets and making pottery, and they can also learn about traditional trades and crafts that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Also, some of the most beautiful and less crowded valleys in the area are part of the trip. The Gomeda Valley is a gem, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful rock formations. The Soysallar Valley is another beautiful part of the tour. It has churches and temples that were cut out of rocks as far back as the 7th century.

Which tour is best for families with kids?

The Green Tour might be the best choice for families with kids. Kids can enjoy the stunning views of the area at the Goreme panorama , which is part of this walk. Pigeon Valley is another stop on the tour. This is a great spot for a short walk and to enjoy the beautiful scenery. A stop at the Derinkuyu Underground City is part of the Green Tour. This is sure to be a fun trip for kids.

Keep in mind that some tours might not be good for very young kids because they have a lot of walking and climbing. Families with little kids might want to think about a private tour or a tour that can be changed to fit their needs. Families with very young children may also want to bring a stroller or carrier for their child, since some of the places may be hard to get around in a stroller.

Which tour is best for couples?

All of the tours offer different things that partners can enjoy. The Green Tour , on the other hand, which includes the Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery , is often thought of as a romance tour because of its beautiful scenery and calm atmosphere.

The highlights of the Red Tour are the Goreme Open Air Museum , the Pasabag Valley , and Uchisar Castle . The tour also has beautiful views and interesting history. In the end, it depends on what the pair wants and needs.

Which tour is best for seniors?

The best tour for seniors would rely on how fit they are and what kinds of things they like to do. If they are healthy and like to be active, the Red or Green tours would be good for them because they include hiking and seeing Cappadocia’s natural beauty. But if they’d rather have a more laid-back tour with less walking, the Blue tour might be better because it focuses on culture and historical sites that are easy to get to by car.

Also, think about the weather. In the summer, Cappadocia can get very hot, so an older person may be more comfortable on a tour with more indoor or shady places. When you book a tour, it’s always a good idea to ask the operator what they think based on your wants and interests.

Which tour is best for nature and outdoors lovers?

If you are a nature and outdoors lover, then the Green Tour  is the best option for you. Some of the most beautiful places in Cappadocia will be on this tour. These include the Ihlara Valley and the Selime Monastery . Beyond that, you can go climbing in the valley and enjoy the beautiful views.

If you want to get away from the people and see the natural beauty of Cappadocia, this tour is a great choice. This is also a good choice for people who like to hike and want to walk around the valley. It can get hot and dry in the valley, so make sure you wear shoes that are easy on your feet and bring lots of water and sunscreen.

Which tour is best for history, culture and art lovers?

The Red Tour is the best choice for people who are interested in history, culture, and art. The Goreme Open Air Museum , the Pasabag Valley , and the Devrent Valley are just a few of the important historical and cultural places in the area that you will see on this tour. You will also be able to see the beautiful Uchisar Castle , which is one of the most famous places in the area.

The Red Tour lasts all day and usually includes lunch at a nearby diner and pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. A guide who knows a lot about the history, culture, and art of the area will be with you and give you information in great depth. Of course, this tour is good for people of all ages, though people who have trouble walking might find some of the stops difficult.

Which tour is best for shopping lovers?

The shopping experience is not typically the main focus of the Cappadocia sightseeing tours , as most of the tours are focused on the natural and historical wonders of the region. However, if you want to go shopping, the best thing to do would be to either take a private tour or change your plans so that you have time to shop.

You could go shopping at the local markets in Avanos, where you can find pottery and other traditional crafts, or at the chic shops in Goreme and Urgup, where you can find specialty items and gifts that are one-of-a-kind. You should also check out the small, family-run stores where you can find nice rugs and fabrics.

If you go on a private tour, you can stay in these places for as long as you want without feeling rushed or stress. You can also get the best deals and most unique shopping experiences by haggling with the store owners.

Which tour is best for seasons?

Your interests and the time of year dictate the ideal Cappadocia tour, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

The weather is nice and the flowers are in full bloom in the spring , making it an ideal time to explore Cappadocia. Goreme Open Air Museum and Pigeon Valley, which are especially beautiful in the spring, are both included in the Red Tour, so it’s a decent choice.

In the middle of the day, indoor activities are ideal for excursions in Cappadocia during the summer because of the heat. One cool option is the Derinkuyu Underground City, which is part of the Green Tour. It’s a great way to escape the heat.

Colorful foliage and pleasant temperatures characterize Cappadocia’s autumn season. If you’re looking for a tour that takes in some beautiful fall foliage, the Blue Tour is a solid choice.

Despite the cold and snow, Cappadocia’s winter season is one of a kind and a sight to behold. Several indoor activities, such the Avanos ceramic workshop and the Kaymakli Underground City, are part of the Red Tour, which is a great choice. Hot air balloon rides over the snowy landscape are much more enjoyable in the winter.

Checking the weather forecast and selecting tours that align with your interests and the season’s circumstances are often wise decisions.

Book Your Balloon Ride

Below you can find our recommendations. Each company directly operates the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia with their team of experts. So you will book your flight directly from the company. No men in the middle.

• GUIDED TOUR
• SIGHTSEEING

Take a Look At

14 must-knows when visiting cappadocia for the first time, top 10 things to do in cappadocia + detailed attractions guide, where to stay in cappadocia: cappadocia by regions + local tips, best daily tours & excursions in cappadocia for 2024, best cappadocia tours from istanbul (2024 prices with advice), trending now, hot air balloon ride cappadocia (2024 prices best tours advice), goreme open air museum (2024 guide with tickets advice), where to watch the best sunrise and sunset in cappadocia, fairy chimneys in cappadocia (where best locations advice), general information about cappadocia – getting to know cappadocia, cappadocia red tour: best tours, prices + insider advice, best panoramic viewpoints in cappadocia (observation terraces), must see underground cities in cappadocia + tips & tickets, shopping in cappadocia (what to buy top areas insider advice), goreme cappadocia: 2024 holidays, top things to do & see, related reading, horse safari in cappadocia (2024 prices with best tours advice), turkish night for a day in cappadocia + best tours advice, local recommendations from cappadocia4u team.

If youʻre visiting Cappadocia for the first time, we have you covered. Below are some of the top recommendations, tours and experiences!

Some useful info

• Cappadocia is the name of the region situated in the middle of Turkey . It is mostly known by the three popular towns of Goreme, Urgup  and  Uchisar  but actually  it is the name of the very big region  spread through the  cities of Nevsehir, Kirsehir, Nigde, Aksaray and Kayseri .
• If you are first-time visitor , want to get familiar, please read our Cappadocia for first timers guide.
• If you are not sure how to travel , please read our Traveling to Cappadocia guide.
• If you don't know where to stay , please read our Where to Stay in Cappadocia guide for regions, and Accommodation guide for hotels.
• If it is hard to plan your days , please read our Ideal 3-Days Cappadocia itinerary .

Top Attractions & Sights

There are 6 must do and see in Cappadocia that you won't want to miss!

• Hot Air Balloon Rides (the most exciting attractions in the world)
• Goreme Open Air Museum (some best-preserved examples of Byzantine rock-cut architecture and frescoes in the world)
• Pasabag Monks Valley (one of the most popular  fairy chimneys  areas)
• Uchisar Castle ( highest point, the biggest fairy chimney )
• Derinkuyu Underground City (one of the largest underground cities in the world, 8 th  century BC)
• Ihlara Valley (fantastic  canyon with a depth of about 100 mt. and 14 km. length)

Tip-1: One of the best ways to explore Cappadocia is by taking a sightseeing tour, so that you can cover all the top sights. Three main sightseeing tours available:  Red Tour  (covers the highlights of the region), Green Tour (best of natural  and  historical sites ), and Blue Tour  (lesser-known sights, off-the-beaten-path experience )

Tip-2: Private Tours are also good choice within a well-planned and custom itinerary along with a private vehicle, driver and professional guide. Great for those who don't have a car or don't know the region well.

For leisure activities we'd recommend 2 must-take attractions ! Don't miss! Wine Tasting and Photo Shooting

© 2019-2024 An ultimate Travel Guide & Holidays to Cappadocia, Turkey

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Cappadocia Red & Green Tour in One Day Guided By A Local Expert

• Open Buffet Lunch With Varieties of Food
• Professional Tour Guide
• Air Conditioned Comfortable Bus
• Personal Expenses
• Entrance Fees
• Entry/Admission - Goreme Panorama
• Entry/Admission - Kaymakli Underground City
• Entry/Admission - Cavusin
• Entry/Admission - Devrent Valley
• Entry/Admission - Pasabag
• We have pickup service from all hotels in Göreme region
• Göreme, Aydınlı - Orta, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Kaymakli Underground City
• Goreme Panorama

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Goreme Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 2 Goreme Panorama Stop: 15 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Uchisar Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 4 Kaymakli Underground City Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 5 Paşabağları Müze ve Örenyeri Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 6 Avanos Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 7 Avanos Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 8 Devrent Valley Stop: 30 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 9 Pasabag Stop: 30 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Syed Wasif A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful views - on horseback! Lovely experience. We got to see a really nice set of trails with nice views of the hot air balloons. Mete took really good care of us and took several photos for us. Read more Written May 1, 2024
• shooters24 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience Our hot air balloon experience was amazing!! The pick up was right on time, the pilots and the crew were excellent, the champagne 🍾 and the added certificate as well as the provided backpack with snacks and drinks were a very nice touch! We will definitely recommend and will tell all our friends to book with Sky Way Balloons! Totally a great time! Thanks Brian and Deb from Canada 🇨🇦 Read more Written April 30, 2024
• johncD5686ZW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Such an amazing experience. Everything was coordinated super fast and communication was excellent with our tour operator. We were picked up on time for the sunrise tour and got the see the most amazing views of the valleys with the balloons in the background. Tour guides were fantastic and made us feel safe riding horses for the first time. Definitely recommend to book this tour! Read more Written April 29, 2024
• Primrose M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience Such an amazing experience. We had a fun and professional pilot. However the driver seemed to get lost and we went into 4 different entrances to the balloons and realised it was the wrong balloon he had driven us to but we got there in the end. Luckily it was a cloudy day so missing the sunrise didn't make much difference. Read more Written April 28, 2024
• loholmes86 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience The camel ride was fun, the views were superb and the staff were really friendly and attentive. We are so pleased that we picked this over horse riding or the ATV tour! Got some lovely photographs as one of the guides gave everyone an individual photo shoot so you had plenty of good photos and videos to remind of what a great time you had! Communication from Mete was clear and helpful! Read more Written April 27, 2024
• danbU4196UV 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles All ‘round great experience. Great experience, entirely as described. Communication was excellent. The camels seemed healthy and well cared for, and our guides were very friendly and pleasant. We saw a beautiful sunrise and our guide captured some great photos. A lovely way to round off our visit to Cappadocia. Read more Written April 27, 2024
• 318fionan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do tour I made a last-minute booking on Viator and the operator was quick to WhatsApp me immediately after booking, to confirm pick up time and the tour. We had a good guide, showed and explained all the sites, the vehicle was comfortable, and we stopped for a lovely lunch and a little shopping. The tour itself is highly recommended and a great way to meet other travelers. Read more Written April 22, 2024
• T2591BEjaquelinem 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must if in Cappadocia. We had a great time on this experience. Our driver took great pics of us and showed us around. Highly recommend if you come to Cappadocia. Read more Written April 20, 2024
• 310bharatha 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Experience Safety Photos Videos This tour was a great experience for us. The guides were very professional and made sure our tour was smooth and safe. They also captured some beautiful photos and videos during the sunset time of the tour. Read more Written April 20, 2024
• U5775QIfelipea 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience! 🫶 I loved the tour. It is like a fairy tale. It was well organized and I received all the information I needed. Mete was very kind and helpful! =) Read more Written April 20, 2024
• U3079TYgd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyable tour The trip was done on time and visited all the places listed in the itinerary. Our guide was engaging and enthusiastic about sharing Turkish history and information with us. The underground city was interesting and the valley walk was beautiful. Unfortunately the church in the valley was closed when we visited but hopefully it will open again soon. Read more Written April 19, 2024
• Jipsy13 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Day Tour in Cappadocia We did the Cappadocia region Green Tour with guide Huseyin and it was an absolutely fantastic day. We saw and experienced everything listed in the tour, and Huseyin was incredibly knowledgable and passionate about everything we saw and did throughout the day. We could not have gotten a better tour guide. We felt that safety was a priority and everything we did was highly organized and very fun. Thank you so much to Huseyin who went above and beyond as well as our excellent driver. a MUST do day tour if in the region. Thank you so much. Read more Written April 18, 2024
• Ddas1975 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A beautiful ride on the cone hills Murad at Flower Horse farm was a fantastic host. Had well trained, well behaved horses (mixed Arabs) and was very patient with some of the non-experienced riders. A very jovial and passionate person, cared for the horses. We had enough time to absorb the spectacular surrounds and time seemed to float by. Read more Written April 17, 2024
• DebNayakTrip 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional Experience This is I guess everyone bucket list item and we were lucky to have it done in the first day. Mete our operator coorinated very well. Everything was on time. The highlight was as we wanted their flying route was above fairy chinmey and slowly drifted towards open grounds . We enjoyed the experience very much . Read more Written April 16, 2024
• susiewhite 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Once in a lifetime! Once in a lifetime experience! What an amazing backdrop to ride a camel - beautiful scenery all around. The camels were well behaved, the staff was friendly and the pictures of your visit are so well done (taken by the staff with your own camera so no extra charge 😊). Good communication from our driver with prompt pickup and return to our hotel. Read more Written April 15, 2024

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The star of 'The Red Green Show' says farewell with duct tape firmly in hand

Steve Smith, creator of the Canadian cult comedy “The Red Green Show,” knows he’s an analog throwback in a digital world.

“I’m doing an act that’s basically out of the ’50s. That’s just what I grew up with,” says Smith, who is reprising his most famous character — a TV handyman who claims he can work miracles with duct tape — in a touring one-man show that visits the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix on April 23.

“I’m not angry and I’m not obscene, and if you work in comedy these days, you’ve got to be at least one of those things. So it’s a miracle that I’ve had a career,” Smith says. “I couldn’t possibly go to a comedy club. I’d be irrelevant. But I have to find the people I’m relevant to, or stop.”

Those people are coming out for the Red Green “ This Could Be It! Tour ,” which Smith promises is the first and last of his farewell tours for the character. He has sold out more than half the dates on the U.S. tour, from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Portland, Oregon.

“I’m not going to do one of those five-farewell-tour things,” he says.

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Red Green started out as a throwaway character on a sketch-comedy show “Smith & Smith” (co-starring his wife, Morag Smith), spoofing a long-running fishing-and-hunting series in Canada called “The Red Fisher Show.”

“I would watch his show, and it seemed like he thought nothing would bore you,” Smith says. “It was just painful. Sometimes he wouldn’t catch a fish. But I was just making fun of him in this one- or two-minute bit. And it just caught on, I don’t know why. Well, I kind of know why.”

In 1991, Smith was offered a slot for a sketch show that he figured would run for one summer.

“I said to them, ‘Give me enough money that I can do something, but not enough that you care what it is,’” he says. “We were just having fun.”

He came up with segments such as “Handyman Corner” and “The Possum Lodge Word Game,” and Red regularly served up fix-it projects using duct tape, including a plan to seal the Ontario-Quebec border. His motto: “If the women don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.”

But as a single sketch grew into a full series, the character had to evolve as well, Smith says.

“It was a cardboard, two-dimensional caricature, really, and then once we started doing the show and brought a live audience in, the audience forced the character to be real,” he says. “I mean I could sense it. When I would say or do something that Red Green would not say or do in their minds, you could feel them recoil. And it really help me to realize, ‘I gotta make this a real guy. This is not just a disposable joke.’”

It helped that Smith himself is a determined do-it-yourselfer in real life.

“I grew up in Toronto, but I moved out into the suburbs when I was 12 or 13 years of age,” he says. “I would work summers on a farm with people who are a little less urban than if I’d stayed in Toronto. I had that experience. Plus I’m just genetically a very self-sufficient person. I like to fix things myself, and I like to make things myself, and I like to kind of go my own way. So there’s a self-reliance that binds me to those people too. When something breaks, the first tool you reach for is not a phone. I’m one of those guys.”

“The Red Green Show” ran for 15 years — PBS aired the series in the States — before Smith pulled the plug in 2006 (he says he didn’t want to go “one season too many”), but he couldn’t let the character go and began performing him live.

“The reason it caught on is because people have a Red Green in their family,” Smith says. “It might be their dad or their brother or their son or their uncle. And most of the time, at least the people I meet, they have a fond memory of that person, someone who’s a bit odd, unique, but it’s a good characteristic, and I’m the beneficiary of that goodwill.”

Many of his fans are Red Greens themselves.

“I go from Florida to Alaska and basically just keep meeting the same guy,” Smith says. “In fact I say, ‘If there isn’t a Red Green in your family, it’s probably you.’”

Talk to the writer about arts and culture at [email protected] or 602-444-4896. Follow him at facebook.com/LengelOnTheater and twitter.com/KerryLengel .

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today .

Red Green: This Could Be It! Tour

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23.

Where: Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix.

Admission: $55.50.

Details: 877-840-0457, phoenix.ticketforce.com .

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Which is the best cappadocia tour: red, blue, or green.

There was one place that was absolutely top of my list when it came to visiting Türkiye: we 100% had to include Cappadocia in our itinerary! This incredible region of Türkiye includes the stunning town of Göreme, where rock formations lovingly known as fairy chimneys create an otherworldly landscape. Here you can stay in cave hotels, explore ancient churches carved out of rock, and witness the spectacle of hundreds of hot air balloons skimming the landscape at dawn every day. Honestly, this was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, full of sights that I will never forget. But one lesser known thing about Cappadocia is how spread out the sights are: some of the terrain is a little treacherous too, so it can be a little difficult to get around - especially if, like us, you only have a small amount of time to spend in the region. So that's where the tours come in!

What is the difference between the Cappadocia Green, Blue, and Red tours?

When it comes to getting a tour of Cappadocia, things can get a little bit confusing and overwhelming - especially if you only have the time and money to go on one of the tours. While we usually recommend booking and paying for tours from local vendors when you arrive in a place, rather than booking online in advance since it usually ends up way more expensive, we actually found the opposite was true in Göreme. Because almost everyone who visits the town is looking for a hot air balloon ride and/or a Göreme tour, the prices are pretty high here and we definitely found better deals online. It was even cheaper than the specially discounted deals our hotel offered!

But without the help of booking agents, we spent a very long time deliberating over which tour to choose. Why? Because all of the tours offer completely different routes around the region, and different sights to see. There were exciting things on each tour, but also things that we didn't want to miss out on!

Now, probably the most comprehensive tour, with some of the main highlights of the Cappadocia area, is the blue tour. Not only is this a full day tour including lunch, it also visits the Red and Rose Valley, the Fairy Chimneys, Pigeon Balley, Uchisar Castle, Cavusin Cave Village, and the Underground Cities. However, this is a very small group tour - usually with a maximum of four people and a tour guide - meaning it tends to be a lot more expensive. It usually costs around twice the price of the red or green tours: not only does this tour offer a more personal service, the distances between the locations are longer, and there are more entry fees included. So if cost isn't an issue, this may be the tour for you.

For us though, the cost of the Blue Tour was prohibitive: we needed to make the most of Cappadocia on the larger group Green or Red tours. And this is where we ran into a bit of a problem: there was no way we could see everything we wanted to! The Red Tour encompasses North Cappadocia, while the Green Tour explores the South...

The Red Tour is extremely popular, especially if your group includes children or if you struggle to walk long distances. This is because the stops are closer to Göreme, and there is less walking involved. It also includes lunch and all entry fees, including a visit to the famous Göreme Open Air Museum, which is a must visit for many travellers in Cappadocia. Other highlights include Uchisar Castle, Monks Valley, Devrent Imagination Valley, and a trip to the Pottery Workshops too.

The Green Tour, on the other hand, takes you a little further away from Göreme. After a quick stop at Pigeon Valley Viewpoint, where you can get some photos and incredible views over the valleys and Fairy Chimneys, you will head onto Ihlara Valley, Belisirma Village, Derinkuyu Underground City, and Selime Monastery. Encompassing some of Cappadocia's most unique sights, this tour takes more time, but like the other tours, also includes lunch and your entry fees.

Which tour did we choose, and why?

After a lot of deliberation, we opted for the Green Tour.

Although we were sad not to visit Red and Rose Valley and Göreme Open Air Museum on our tour, we decided that these areas were a lot easier for us to access on our own.

Without transport, there was no way that we were accessing South Cappadocia - and we really didn't want to miss the Underground City and those incredible views over Pigeon Valley! If money had been no object, though, we definitely would have picked the Blue Tour, since it would have offered almost everything that we wanted to see while we were staying in Göreme!

What were our lasting impressions of the Green Tour? Would recommend it?

Honestly, we loved the Green Tour! Without a doubt, a highlight was the views over Pigeon Valley in the fresh light of the early morning! From the moment we were picked up from our hotel by our lovely, bubbly tour guide, we had a day packed full of interesting and informative facts about the region, and plenty of time to explore on our own too. This is exactly what we like in a group tour! The group that we were with were really friendly, and the bus was modern and comfortable, and more than equipped for the sometimes challenging terrain. This was probably the most comfortable tour bus that we have travelled in - you forget how much of a difference a comfy ride makes to your overall tour experience!

Aside from the incredible viewpoint at the beginning of the tour, not long after we'd left Göreme, the most memorable parts of the tour were definitely our trip to Selime Monestary and Derinkuyu Underground City. The Monestary was extremely impressive, and really fun to explore. Though you can't really see any of the frescoes any more, it's still incredible to climb inside the ornate structure, carved out of rock all that time ago. Though many of the rooms are rougher, the church itself is so impressive and definitely has to be seen to be believed! But even more impressive, in my eyes, was the underground city. Learning about its history, squeezing myself through the tunnels, and witnessing how people lived underground, all those years ago? This was the kind of unique experience that we relished, and were so pleased that we had chosen the green tour, which enabled us to experience this!

Was the Green Tour suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

In short, yes - it was vegetarian and vegan friendly, but there were some elements that could really be improved here. When it comes to the lunch, you will be more than happy. Like most group tours, the Green Tour takes you to a buffet restaurants that caters mostly for tour groups. This one is pretty cool though because, after a short valley trek, you reach its tranquil riverside location. The food is much better than the food I have experienced on most tours. In your booking, you should have had the opportunity to specify your dietary requirements - in our experience, this will be reconfirmed on the bus, where your guide will ask if you want the chicken, fish, or vegetarian option. Note that if you are vegan, you will need to specify no dairy products, as the main course is topped with cheese as standard. This is all easy to navigate though, and the restaurant are very used to dealing with these requirements.

When you reach the restaurant you will be served your starter, which in our case was lentil soup. Everyone, regardless of their main course choice, was served the same soup. Lentil soup is actually very popular in Türkiye (keep an eye on our blogs from Antalya where we will be trying the most famous lentil soup in the country!) This soup was really delicious and filling, with plenty of bread to share on the table. This was followed by a really tasty main course, a ratatouille style dish of mixed vegetables in a rich tomato sauce, served with some of the most delicious and warming rice! Now, if you are vegan like me, make sure that you are served the dish without melted cheese on top. Mike, who is vegetarian, had the variant with cheese, but it seemed like it didn't add much - this dish was really flavoursome in itself anyway! Dessert and drinks are not included in the tours, so make sure that you bring plenty of water if you don't want to pay! We didn't add dessert on, since it was baklava and ice cream (and very expensive too!) so we had a nice stroll while other members of our group enjoyed dessert and coffee. After that tasty meal though, we really didn't feel like we were missing out!

The worst bit of the tour, for us, was the only part that I would say really isn't vegetarian and vegan friendly. If you are familiar with tours in countries across the world, you'll be aware of the habit of tour companies taking their groups to expensive tourist trap workshops and shopping visits along the way. From pottery and jewellery to paintings and clothing, we've seen it all! It's usually a slightly annoying but sometimes mildly interesting part of going on organised group tours.

But in this case, they took us to a leather and fur fashion house, which I found quite upsetting. We were able to make the choice to stay outside, and instead be entertained by the adorable cats outside (if you want to learn more about the cats you'll encounter all over Türkiye, never fear, we have a blog in the works on this too!) , But obviously it would be much better if cruelty free sites were chosen for these token visits. However, don't let this put you off booking one of these tours: if the tour companies see more and more people refusing to join their group on these visits, they may be more likely to make the change to different workshops and stores. And if nothing else, these cats are very cute, and you will have an excellent time on the rest of your Cappadocia tour!

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Where should I stay?

Out of all of the places I've been, Cappadocia definitely takes the crown for some of the coolest and most unique places to stay! Most people stay in the town of Göreme, and although the prices are slightly higher, I would really recommend this! Most of the accommodation boasts cave rooms, as well as more modern extensions, its definitely worth paying slightly more if you want the incredible experience of a cave room! For a luxurious experience, try Cappadocia Cave Lodge , which has incredible views from its roof terrace for you to enjoy your breakfast surrounded by balloons! Or for a more social time, Kamelya Cave Hostel has both mixed sex and female only dorms - and includes breakfast too!

Tours & Experiences

You can see and book the Green Tour that we went on by clicking here !

While you're in Cappadocia, many people also want to head out in a hot air balloon to see this incredible landscape from the sky. There's so many hot air balloons out there, and depending on the time of year you visit you might be able to get a good deal the day before by booking in Göreme. However, if you go in peak season, the prices will rise due to demand, and it might be better to book in advance online to make sure that your place is secured! Check the links on the left for some of the most popular tours and hot air balloons in Cappadocia right now!

Please note that the tours displayed on the left are automatically selected for their popularity by Viator, not chosen or recommended by us. Please check whether any food or drink based tours are suitable for your dietary requirements, and any animal-based experiences are ethical, before booking!

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Lana Del Rey announces 2024 Fenway Park show. Get tickets today

There will be no “Summertime Sadness” in Boston this year.

Pop superstar Lana Del Rey just announced she will swing into Fenway Park for her first-ever stadium show on Thursday, June 20.

Other notable acts set to perform at the Red Sox’ home field these next few months include Hootie and The Blowfish, Noah Kahan, Kane Brown, Foo Fighters and Blink 182.

Green Day , Pearl Jam and Def Leppard with Journey are also slated to hit the legendary stadium as well over the summer.

And while Del Rey isn’t on tour, she does have one more major gig lined up in the near future.

On May 17-19, the “Young and Beautiful” singer is listed as one of the many headliners at Gulf Shore, AL’s Hangout Festival from May 17-19 alongside Zach Bryan , Odesza , Reneé Rapp , Dom Dolla and Jessie Murph .

However, if want to see Del Rey live at Fenway, seats are available.

Based on our findings, fans can now purchase tickets on sites like Vivid Seats ; the official on-sale is Friday, May 10.

Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event.

A complete calendar including dates and links to buy tickets can be found here.

As noted above, eight giant acts — including Del Rey — are dropping into Fenway this summer when the Sox are away.

For a closer look, we’ve got all the information you need about their show dates, start times and links to buy tickets below.

Hoping to head to Gulf Shores?

If you make it out there from May 17-19, you’ll be treated to performances from all the aforementioned headliners as well as Chappell Roan , The Chainsmokers , Dominic Fike , Cage The Elephant and A Day To Remember .

Tickets for the 2024 Hangout Festival can be scooped up here .

The huge one-off gig comes on the heels of Del Rey’s dizzying run in Indio, CA where she headlined both weekends at Coachella and then made a pair of surprise drop-in appearance at Stagecoach alongside country star Paul Cauthen.

You can see the unlikely duo perform their rendition of “Unchained Melody” here:

Del Rey, 38, is releasing her tenth studio album “Lasso” in September.

Most surprisingly, the Jack Antonoff-produced record will be made up of country songs.

”If you can’t already tell by our award winners and our performers, the music business is going country. We’re going country. It’s happening,” Del Rey said at the Billboard and NMPA Songwriter Awards. “That’s why Jack has followed me to Muscle Shoals, Nashville, Mississippi, over the last four years.”

“Lasso” follows Del Rey’s 2023 album “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” which topped out at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Can’t make it to see Del Rey in Boston?

There’s no need to worry.

Many of the biggest stars around are conducting nationwide tours these next few months.

Here are just five of our favorites you won’t want to miss live.

•  Billie Eilish

• Melanie Martinez

•  Mitski

•  Charli XCX with Troye Sivan

•  Madison Beer

Who else is on the road? Take a look at our list of the 50 biggest concert tours in 2024 to find out.

This article was written by Matt Levy , New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed Bruce Springsteen and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase.

Wells Fargo Championship

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Sun Day Red

Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red apparel line is finally available, here’s where to get it

The wait is finally over, Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red apparel collection is finally available for purchase. After 27 years with Nike, Woods announced in February that he’s teamed up with TaylorMade on a collection of golf apparel, accessories and shoes— some of which we got a sneak peek of at the Masters. Several pieces are available now at sundayred.com —and are expected to sell out, fast.

“Personally, I have loved wearing the products,” Woods said. “I am ready to see our brand proudly embraced all over the world.”

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Launched Wednesday, the first release of the line is titled “The Hunt.” This 26-piece capsule previews the colors Woods is expected to wear at the PGA Championship later this month—which appears to be a palette of neutral white and black with a pop of coral red that the brand has named "Hunter." Unlike some of the bolder patterns we saw at the Sun Day Red launch event ahead of the Genesis Invitational, the first launch is full of softer shades and solids for a more upscale golfer staple collection than head-turner. In addition to these PGA Championship-slated pieces, the brand has promised a few special releases to come ahead of the second major of the year as a continuation of the brand’s launch.

Sun Day Red 3D Knit Polo

One piece that has been a favorite to Woods himself ahead of the official launch is the Training Day Hoodie. It was designed with Woods’ insights on needing a lightweight layer that’s versatile enough to be worn both in Florida heat and during chilly mornings at Riviera. Woods wanted a pullover he could throw on before heading to the range, so enter the Sun Day Red Training Dry Hoodie. It appears to be available in four colors, including the intro collection’s signature coral red and staples like black, white and brown.

Sun Day Red Training Dry Hoodie

Woods had a heavy involvement in another hoodie in the collection, the 3D Lightweight Hoodie. He was looking for a lightweight knit with a barely-there feel. It’s got a seamless construction that gives it an upscale finish, which is exactly what he was looking for in a casual top to wear off the course. Woods wore a yet-to-be-released blue version of this top on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon Tuesday night.

Similar in fabrication and breathability to the 3D Lightweight Hoodie is the 3D Knit Polo. It's a performance-driven top with ventilation throughout the arms and shoulders, but with a knit-like fabric that elevates it well beyond your typical polyester golf polo. Adding to the sophisticated knit finish, the banded placket is designed so it won't buckle and bend, and the shirt hem is engineered to resist riding up to lay flat at the hem.

Lionshead Studios

“I am thrilled with the Sun Day Red apparel and accessories that we have put together,” Woods said. “Every detail has been meticulously designed, prioritizing the athlete first at every step, resulting in a collection that exceeds the highest standards.”

Rounding out the on-course apparel side of the capsule are two shorts styles and two pant styles. Made primarily with a woven recycled polyester, these bottoms are designed to be durable and abrasion-resistant to stay looking fresh all season long. With classic silhouettes, shorts come in two lengths (9-inch and 7.5-inch) and the pants come in an athletic fit or a slim fit option.

Sun Day Red 9" Dynam Woven Short

Sun Day Red Dynam Classic Pant

According to the brand, the pants feature three key elements specifically for Woods' on-course needs. The back pocket is engineered to fit a yardage book comfortably, the front pockets are deeper so that when Woods' crouches to putt it doesn't fall out or sit uncomfortably and third, there is a discreet stash pocket for a more secure storage of ballmarkers and coins.

Sun Day Red Tour Leather Glove

On the accessory side, the line's initial drop features six hat styles, two ballmarkers, two golf towels and the highly-anticipated Sun Day Red Golf Glove. We'll admit we were a little surprise to see a bucket hat in the roundup, but love the variety of headwear styles the collection released to match any look. Although, it's no surprise that the hats are among the first to sell out in the collection. Three baseball cap styles are already sold out shortly after launch.

Sun Day Red Jupiter Mid Hat

Sun Day Red Perforated Snapback Hat

Sun Day Red Twill Bucket Hat

Sun Day Red Jupiter Vent Hat

Sun Day Red Modern Rope Hat

Sun Day Red Jupiter Mid Icon Hat

The collection also includes several off-course pieces for golfers who want to up their gym style, or just add a few casual styles to their wardrobe. Giving options on how boldly you'd like to rep the brand, the SDR Logo tee features the new artsy tiger logo prominently, while the simple Training Tees feature the logo less prominently at an embossed tab near the hem of the shirt.

Sun Day Red Training T-Shirt

Sun Day Red The Hunt T-Shirt

Sun Day Red Long Sleeve Dark Nebula T-Shirt

Sun Day Red Long Sleeve Dark Matter T-Shirt

Sun Day Red Fermi T-Shirt

Sun Day Red The Logo T-Shirt

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Music | backstage in denver’s best green rooms: red rocks, the ogden, more, they offer wildly divergent experiences for rock stars, drag queens, comics, authors and other performers.

The sign to the green room at Ogden Theater in Denver on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

A view coming down from the stage into the green room of the Ogden Theater in Denver on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

An Ogden Theatre logo is seen on a mirror in the green room at the Ogden Theater in Denver on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

A sign marking the green room at the Hi-Dive in Denver on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

The green room at the Hi-Dive in Denver on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

The walls of the green room are covered by messages and autographs from musicians at the Hi-Dive in Denver on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

A Pop-A-Shot machine sits backstage at the Paramount Theatre, offering performers a fun time-passing activity. (Provided by KSE)

Mission Ballroom's backstage area is sleek and modern, with record players and curated LPs, lighted mirrors and other touches that accent the high-tech venue. (Provided by AEG Presents)

But within those confines are wildly divergent experiences for rock stars, drag queens, comics, authors and other stage performers at the area’s best indoor and outdoor venues .

At the Hi-Dive, layers of graffiti and spare, ratty furniture give the South Broadway club a punk-rock authenticity and sense of history. By contrast, Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s green rooms offer sprawling hangout spaces for world-famous artists, with on-site catering and accommodations for both bands and their crews (or fans, as the case may be after shows), as well as unique natural sandstone formations.

New spots try to shake off their paint and construction dust by starting traditions. That often includes signing autographs on a wall to mark an artist’s visit, as Dazzle jazz club has been doing since it reopened in a custom space at the Denver Performing Arts Complex last year.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, only a few them actually have green walls — and those tend to be the less rock-ready spaces. Think the Tattered Cover on East Colfax Avenue, with its calming, low-light green room for touring authors about to read from their work. At Comedy Works downtown, local and national stand-ups, including Dave Chappelle and Sarah Silverman , mingle before shows and mentally work their routines. But those are color-coded exceptions.

David Weingarden of Z2 Entertainment, which books Chautauqua Auditorium, 10 Mile Music Hall and other venues, prides himself on his company’s upgraded and well-maintained green rooms, as has long been the case at the gorgeous Boulder Theater and modest but powerful Fox Theatre, as well as Fort Collins’ busy Aggie Theatre (which just received its own upgrade).

Perks often lead to positive press: When mega-comic Bret Kreischer visited Loveland’s Blue FCU Arena in February, he was treated to a golf simulator and whiskey tasting, which Kreischer praised on his social media accounts.

We surveyed metro area venues to get a sense of what Denver looks like from the inside — when artists have only a few hours in town, and their main impression of the Mile High City is a windowless room, however well appointed. Here are just a few.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Simply playing the venue is a career-high achievement for many artists, and the backstage experience is similarly epic. Side-stage “barn doors,” carefully guarded, lead to underground tunnels that break off into green rooms, a dining room (complete with rolling popcorn machine and snow cone dispenser), and other spaces.

Water seeps through rocks in the largest green room into a tiny gutter, which can create surprising tableaus. When Macklemore and Ryan Lewis headlined a Winter on the Rocks event there, all they cared about was getting their picture taken next to it, said venue manager Tad Bowman.

“The water had seeped in and it turned into this frozen waterfall, and it was beautiful,” Bowman said. ” I remember them saying ‘We’ll never play anywhere else where there’s a frozen waterfall in our dressing room! ‘ ”

When James Taylor visits, he’s known to hang out in the egalitarian dining room where crews and local stagehands also eat from a small catering kitchen. It’s a safe, subterranean space.

Paramount Theatre

This 94-year-old gem in downtown Denver has a well-preserved, Art Deco look that contrasts with its utilitarian backstage. However, up the stairs and through a narrow hallway, the green rooms are comfy havens that can also be easily reached through the alley (where most performers enter, and fans wait after shows) while crews load in.

They’ve been recently updated, according to Kroenke Sports Enterprises, which owns and operates the venue. Wall-mounted film reels that mark its history as a classic movie house are joined by modernist fixtures, deep blue walls and perks like a Pop-A-Shot machine.

That contrasts with other KSE venues, such as Ball Arena, which feature handsome but generic dressing rooms that cater to both sports-league and artist needs, from the Denver Nuggets to the Eagles and Bad Bunny, with puffy couches, a bar and a wall-sized photo of downtown Denver’s 16th Street Mall.

Fillmore Auditorium

The Fillmore’s green rooms are beautifully moody and old-school, with the feeling of cloistered backstage space — or, in this case, under-stage space.

The Capitol Hill venue has a long history, formerly as Mammoth Events Center and as a skating rink that took advantage of the building’s wide, wooden floors. Major refreshes over the last decade have brought more bathrooms and slicker styles to the green rooms, which general manager Joe Petrie was proud to show off recently to a Denver Post photographer.

In its warm and womb-like design, the red walls, murals, chandeliers and stuffed couches are joined by a wall with the names of past performers, ranging from Bob Dylan to Ms. Lauren Hill, Denver’s Nathaniel Rateliff and Troye Sivan. Any recent visitors have also had access to backstage table tennis and pinball to pass the time.

Sunset Amphitheater

Colorado Springs’ newest, biggest concert venue is set to debut Aug. 9-11 with shows from Colorado’s own OneRepublic . But owner JW Roth said his upscale dressing rooms will go beyond the usual perks.

“We’re calling it an artist compound,” he said. “They’re broken out individual rooms with showers, there’s a beautiful kitchen, outdoor patio with grills and flattops, and they can order off the menu at our seafood restaurant and chophouse — which isn’t open just yet.”

Views make a difference: As with the main venue, the green rooms include outdoor spaces that look upon Pikes Peak and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Artists tend to remember that, Roth said, and it helps to lure them back for more shows.

Ogden Theatre

As one of Denver’s most revered theaters, the 1,600-capacity Ogden Theatre has welcomed thousands of touring acts, locals, famous actors and directors into a backstage space that, until recently, needed more than a little love and care.

Now, brick walls, rugs and a classic Galaga cabinet, as well as a flatscreen TV, immediately jump out, as do the handsomely askew lampshades that seem to be a signature of any green room. It was recently renovated to account for a boiler that loomed over the room, owner Doug Kauffman has said, and is in its best shape yet.

Herman’s Hideaway

This legendary South Broadway venue has changed hands a couple of times since the pandemic, but also enjoyed major upgrades to lighting, sound and other necessary features. That includes a trio of brand new green rooms, which owner Mike Roth is happy to crow about.

“We moved them from the nasty dungeon-basement to upstairs,” he said. “Only two bands could really fit down there, but now we have three rooms and two bathrooms, which cost probably as much as the new sound system.”

Indeed, Herman’s green rooms are tidy and cozy, with soft couches, refrigerators, coffee and tea machines, flatscreen TVs and even a safe for valuables. And, hey — actual green walls!

Mission Ballroom

One of the country’s most technologically advanced venues also boasts one of its best green-room setups.

Opened in 2019 , the AEG Presents-owned, RiNo-located venue is an artist’s dream with state-of-the-art dressing rooms that include TVs, record players and curated LPs (courtesy of nearby vinyl manufacturers Vinyl Me, Please ), navy blue walls, natural wood, pop-art paintings, mid-mod fixtures, and mirrors with lighted strips on either side. It’s a hip addition to a hip neighborhood, and one that may herald more sponsorships and brand placements in green rooms.

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Kim Kardashian walks 2024 Met Gala carpet in corset gown: See all the photos

Kim Kardashian arrived at the 2024 Met Gala in a unique look.

The reality star and SKIMS founder, who donned platinum blonde hair, wore a corseted silver sparkly gown with a long sleeved silver wrap that draped over her shoulders on Monday evening.

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MORE: Zendaya steps out at 2024 Met Gala in dramatic look

On Instagram , Kardashian shared a photo in her look and shared that the gown was Margiela by John Galliano.

"It's custom John Galliano couture," Kardashian told Vogue in an interview on the carpet. "It's all metal. Metal lace. It's beautiful."

Kardashian's sisters, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner also walked the carpet, as well as their mom, Kris Jenner.

MORE: Tyla wears sand dress at 2024 Met Gala, gets lifted up stairs: See all the photos

"I look forward to seeing my sisters," Kardashian said. "We're in a group chat before we get here and it's like we all get nervous no matter how many times we've been... it's just like a fun family thing."

See all the looks from the 2024 Met Gala here .

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Met Gala 2024: The best Met Gala fashions, arrivals, and biggest surprises

The Met Gala is one of New York City’s biggest annual events — and definitely the most fashionable.

The coveted invitation brings out stars in their finest couture each year on the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 2024 Met Gala is no different, with A-listers donning a stylish, stunning and unexpected array of ensembles that fit this year’s “The Garden of Time” theme . This year’s gala also marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”

The guest list was — per usual — star-studded, though certain big names like Taylor Swift and Rihanna were notably absent.

TODAY.com kept things updated in real-time — see some of the night's biggest highlights below.

More on the 2024 Met Gala

• Met Gala 2024 guest list: Who attended the Met Gala?
• Wait, is Katy Perry at the Met Gala? Fake images go viral
• The meaning of Mindy Kaling's Met Gala dress
• Why Tyla wore a dress made of actual sand to the Met Gala
• The Met Gala’s most controversial outfits and moments

Camila Cabello holds a block of ice at Met Gala

Liz Calvario

Camila Cabello had one icy accessory on the Met Gala steps. Dressed in a shimmering gown designed by Ludovic de Saint Sernin, the singer opted for a unique addition to her look.

Cabello held a block of ice with a gold rose frozen inside. While walking the steps up, she had to change the cold block to her other hand as reporters asked if it was real — which it was.

Cabello, who recently announced a new album, had her long bleached-blonde hair in a ponytail, and her make up consisted of a smokey brown eyeshadow and nude lips.

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Met Gala red carpet closes with no appearance from Rihanna

Samantha Kubota

Despite rumors she would be there, the Met Gala red carpet closed on Monday night with no appearance from Rihanna.

The TODAY team on-site said they asked to leave with no appearance from the singer known for her iconic Met Gala looks .

The singer's rep confirmed to E! News that she had to stay home at the last minute due to the flu.

TODAY.com has reached out to Rihanna's team for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Zendaya surprises Met Gala with a second outfit

Zendaya had people doing a double take at the 2024 Met Gala.

After walking the steps of the 2024 Met Gala in a blue and green Maison Margiela Couture gown at the beginning of the night, the "Challengers" star returned later to walk the steps in a second ensemble.

The look was Givenchy Couture from the spring/summer 1996 collection.

As the night was wrapping up, Zendaya reappeared, this time wearing a dramatic black, off-the-shoulder gown with long sleeves and a long train.

Her bold makeup from her early and edgier look was gone, replaced with a softer and rosier complexion.

The cherry on top of her second look of the night was a stunning floral bouquet headpiece.

Lana Del Rey wears elaborate, stick-based headdress

Singer Lana Del Rey donned an unusual headdress for the biggest night in fashion.

Dressed in custom Alexander McQueen, she said that the "shape was the most important thing."

"We wanted it to look like McQueen, so I think the shape was the most important thing," she told Vogue on the carpet.

Seán McGirr, the creative director of Alexander McQueen, joined Del Rey for her interview.

"It was the idea of Mother Nature with a slightly more sinister aspects," he explained.

Del Rey also held a single red rose in her left hand to add to the look.

Del Rey was styled by Molly Dickson, who also reportedly styled actor Mindy Kaling with an elaborate headpiece this year.

Del Rey is no stranger to big headpieces — for her last met gala appearance, in 2018, she wore an ombré blue headpiece with wings. 

Cardi B shuts down the Met Gala carpet

Cardi B is a can't-miss celebrity at the Met Gala and her 2024 look is definitely one that needs to be celebrated.

The rapper pulled out all the stops for her grand reveal towards the end of the night. Cardi arrived in a billowing and full black gown that almost took over the entrance.

Nine people gathered around the performer to help her extend her dress, as well as help carry her dress up the stairs.

She had a black headpiece and accessorized with a statement diamond and emerald necklace, earrings and rings.

“This is the way you shut down a Met Gala,” La La Anthony said on the Vogue livestream.

TODAY captured the moment that she was helped up the stairs, see below:

A Met Gala staple, last year Cardi B wore two looks at the event. She arrived in a black ball gown after first wearing a dramatic pink, over-the-top dress while leaving her hotel.

Kim Kardashian arrives to 2024 Met Gala in metallic lace

Kim Kardashian wowed on the steps of the Met Gala.

The reality star and businesswoman arrived in a custom Maison Margiela Couture gown. The top featured a heather gray soft material, while the rest of the cinched-waist look was constructed of silver metallic flowers and leaves.

"It's all metal lace," she told La La Anthony during the Vogue livestream. "I really look forward to just seeing friends and I look forward to seeing my sisters."

Kardashian is a Met Gala regular, along with her famous family. Mom Kris Jenner, sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner were also in attendance.

During the livestream interview, she said she had been texting her family ahead of their arrival.

Keke Palmer's Met Gala dress is all about 'reawakening'

Keke Palmer is in a whole new era. The actor told reporters at the Met Gala that her look was inspired by a reawakening in her life.

The actor said she was reshaping her life after an unraveling.

The shimmering ensemble was a body-hugging gown that appeared to be unraveling in certain places — yet held together beautifully with the material wrapped around her arms. She also rocked a sky-high ponytail.

Palmer has been candid about her recent struggles with her ex and the father of her child Darius Jackson . Despite it all, she has stayed maintained a positive attitude, which TODAY caught.

In video, the star is all smiles as she poses on the stairs before making her way to the event.

Charli XCX wearing a dress made from old T-shirts

Singer Charli XCX wore a sheer white dress made from old T-shirts to the Met Gala.

She told Vogue on the red carpet that the gown was made from T-shirts specifically from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

"I just wanted to take, like, a staple piece — everybody has their favorite white T-shirt, it's either sexy, it's comfy, it's chic — and I love how over time, white T-shirts become more comfortable the more they get disheveled," she told the outlet. "So why not make a gown from them?"

She added that she was wearing a bodice with conical-shaped breasts.

"We wanted the underpinnings to be very like, visible," she laughed.

CORRECTION (May 6, 2024 at 8:50 p.m. ET) : An earlier version of this spelled Charli XCX incorrectly as Charlie XCX and it has been corrected.

Doja Cat wears sheer, wet T-shirt dress at the 2024 Met Gala

Ariana Brockington

Doja Cat continued the sheer trend of the night, but she took it to another level.

While making her second-ever appearance at the event, the singer glided down the red carpet in a wet dress that clung to her body.

Her barely-there dress was the "Paint The Town Red" singer's second look of the evening as she exited her hotel wearing just two towels wrapped around her hair and body.

The musician's 2024 looks followed her debut at the gala last year when she shocked and amused fans by transforming into an actual cat .

Along with her feline prosthetics, she wore a custom silver and white ombré Oscar de la Renta gown. Her ensemble paid tribute to late designer Karl Lagerfeld’s cat, Choupette, in honor of the “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” theme.

While answering questions on the red carpet, Doja Cat remained in character. She simply meowed every time Vogue correspondent Emma Chamberlain asked her about her outfit, causing the interview to go viral.

Lily Gladstone makes her Met Gala debut

"Killers of the Flower Moon" star Lily Gladstone has arrived!

Gladstone walked the red carpet in a black gown with a matching cape with silver accents. She wore her long hair in two braids.

It's been a big year for Gladstone, who made history as the first Indigenous person to win the Golden Globe award for best actress in a motion picture drama and scored an Oscar nomination for her performance as Mollie Burkhart in the Martin Scorsese film.

She is currently starring in the Hulu series "Under the Bridge."

Kendall Jenner reveals the story behind her 25-year-old dress for the 2024 Met Gala

Kendall Jenner has arrived! The model and reality star wore a sparkly tight black dress with a deep V-neck featuring gold shoulder accents and a scalloped waist cutout.

"This is Givenchy archival McQueen from 1999," she told Vogue. "I am so so incredibly honored to wear it."

She added that she is the "first human" to ever wear it, as it was only ever shown on a mannequin.

"So it's amazing... it was a miracle that it fit, it was a miracle that we found it, it feels meant to be so perfect and I'm so happy," she said.

Jenner added that when she'd first heard the theme of this year's event , she immediately thought her dress should be "something archival."

"So that's kind of when I started doing a little bit of research and in my research kind of came across this dress and the chance they had it available was really slim and the chances that it fit me were also pretty slim and I couldn't do any tailoring, I couldn't do anything and it just fit perfectly," she said. "So it feels meant to be and kind of goes with the 'Garden of Time' theme."

Jenner is known for her looks at the annual event . She made her first appearance in 2014.

Designer Christian Siriano said he "liked" the look but thought it was "a little sleepy" when asked during the E! livestream.

"I like it, it's beautiful," he said. "For this event tonight at the Met, I think it's a little sleepy."

Rita Ora is nearly nude at the 2024 Met Gala

Rita Ora nearly transformed the Met Gala red carpet into the Garden of Eden with her daring look.

The singer, who attended with her husband and director Taika Waititi by her side, wore a sheer nude bodysuit covered by a string of beads. Her hair was styled in a wet fringe. The "Thor: Ragnarok" director was dressed head to toe in brown leather. Both Ora and Waititi wore Marni designs and shared a smooch on the red carpet.

According to Vulture , the musician said the beads on her dress "age back to the first and second century BC."

Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini have a date night at the Met

It was date night — and a glamorous one — for actor Chase Stokes and country singer Kelsea Ballerini.

The couple were hand-in-hand as they exited the Carlyle Hotel. The "Outer Banks" star looked like a rock star in a black sequin suit and Loree Rodin jewelry. The singer, on her end, channeled spring in a pink-and-orange floral and sheer gown.

The pair was all smiles as cameras flashed and fans called out their name while they made their way to the Met Gala steps.

Mike Faist takes 'Garden of Time' theme literally with turnip suit

"Challengers" star Mike Faist decided to hone in on the garden aspect of "The Garden of Time" theme.

The actor's look stood out from the many classic suits on the red carpet because he pinned a bejeweled turnip broach to the lapel of his Loewe tuxedo jacket.

He also wore white slacks and leather dress shoes.

One fan praised his outfit on X, tweeting , "Mike faist’s use of a radish in his met gala look is innovative by interpreting the theme as a vegetable garden instead of just flowers. in this essay i will-."

Tyla’s Met Gala look is so tight she has to be carried up the stairs

Singer Tyla's 2024 Met Gala look might be the most unique interpretation of the theme so far.

The "Water" singer made her Met Gala debut in a Balmain dress that appeared to be painted onto her body. Her gown was so delicate and sculpted that she needed to be carried up the Met gala steps to take pictures.

"I'm wearing sand basically. The sands of time," she explained to Vogue. "We really wanted something out of the box this year."

She said it was "amazing" to attend fashion's biggest night and she couldn't wait to head inside.

"I just love the outfit and how everything turned out," she gushed.

Olivier Rousteing, Balmain's creative director, later told the outlet that the sand was molded to Tyla's body a couple months ago and he hoped it could be featured in the museum.

Sarah Jessica Parker rocks slightly sheer gown at 2024 Met Gala

"Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker arrived at the 2024 Met Gala with Bravo star Andy Cohen. The two walked the red carpet together.

Parker wore a partially sheer, tea-length Richard Quinn gown with silver embellishments and white floral embroidery. Her gown nipped in at the waist, with the boning of the dress visible underneath.

She accessorized with a large fascinator by Philip Treacy and a silver, lantern-style bag by Benedetta Bruzziches. She also wore several jewlery pieces by Briony Raymond.

Parker told Vogue that the look was all hand-stitched and hand-embroidered.

Cohen wore a black suit with a velvet jacket.

Sabrina Carpenter makes her way to the Met Gala

Sabrina Carpenter rushed out of the Carlyle Hotel in New York in a Cinderella moment — but kept both her shoes!

The “Espresso” singer was a joy to witness as she grabbed her gown — which features a black, strapless bodice and baby blue full skirt — and made her way to fashion's biggest night.

A doorman running the revolving door told TODAY.com that it was "a little stressful" as the celebrities exited the hotel.

Madelyn Cline is a dream in white ball gown

Madelyn Cline is back for her second Met Gala. The "Outer Banks" star — and previous TODAY cover star — looked sensational ahead of arriving to the steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

TODAY caught up with her just minutes before she stepped out, wearing a long-sleeve white full ball gown with floral decal.

Once on the steps, her blown-out hair and pastel, icy eye shadow were on full display. She kept the rest of her look to a minimum with dainty earrings, diamond rings and single-chain necklaces.

Mindy Kaling’s Met Gala gown is called ‘The Melting Flower of Time’

Actor and showrunner Mindy Kaling wore a billowing gown to the Met Gala.

The beige dress by designer Gaurav Gupta featured a structural headdress and sweetheart neckline.

The gown also had a long, structural train in a similar style to her headdress.

Kaling told reporters that the beige dress is called the “melting flower of time.”

E! News reports that Kaling's stylist, Molly Dickson, told the outlet that the headdress and train are removable so she will be able to sit down for the event.

Colman Domingo brings cape couture to the red carpet

Colman Domingo never fails to impress on the red carpet.

The Oscar nominee arrived at the 2024 Met Gala looking pristine in a Willy Chavarria ensemble styled by Wayman + Micah, his usual fashion collaborators .

Domingo sported a cream double-breasted blazer that featured a cape attached to the shoulder pads. He also wore oversized black pants and carried a bouquet of white flowers, reflecting "The Garden of Time" dress code.

He told Vogue on the red carpet that the event is "the Super Bowl of fashion" and said it was "the cherry on top" of an impressive year so far.

Domingo complimented Chavarria's craftsmanship and said the look pulled from many of his inspirations, like the late André Leon Talley and Chadwick Boseman.

Lea Michele shows off baby bump at 2024 Met Gala

Lea Michele looked like an ethereal dream as she walked the steps of the Met.

The actor, who is currently pregnant with her second child, wore a sky blue gown that included floral details on the straps and a lengthy tulle train.

Michele cradled her baby bump as she smiled for the photographers.

The "Glee" alum announced in March that she and her husband, Zandy Reich, are expecting baby number two . They are already parents to a 3-year-old son, Ever Leo Reich.

Rebecca Ferguson has incredible dress reveal at Met Gala

Call it iconic!

Arriving in a Thom Browne creation, actor Rebecca Ferguson put on a show for the photographers and reporters at the 2024 Met Gala. The "Dune" star first arrived in a billowing black cape, before showing people what was underneath.

Ferguson then opened the cape to show off a soft blue inside with black bird designs on the lining.

She took it one step further and removed the cape entirely, revealing a sequined, black and white turtleneck, body-hugging gown, complete with attached gloves.

She kept the rest of her look to a minimum with her slicked-back blonde hair and soft makeup.

See the whole reveal in our video below:

Jennifer Lopez wears sultry, nearly-sheer gown to the Met Gala

Jennifer Lopez donned a glamorous, nearly sheer look at the 2024 Met Gala. The entertainer, who is one of the co-chairs, arrived at the annual event in custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture.

The sheer gown featured intricate and structured jewels with the top resembling a coral reef and a stunning train. Lopez rocked a massive diamond necklace and matching bracelet. She opted for nude platform heels.

Lopez attended last year's Met Gala. For the Karl Lagerfeld-themed night, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” she wore a custom Ralph Lauren gown with a skin-baring black halter and blush-colored skirt.

Zendaya arrives at the 2024 Met Gala in stunning look

Fashion queen Zendaya has officially arrived at the 2024 Met Gala. One of the co-chairs at this year's event, the "Challengers" star continued to prove that she is always ahead of the game when it comes to a red carpet appearance, and continuously knocks it out of the park.

Styled by Law Roach , Zendaya was dressed in a Maison Margiela Couture deep blue and green tulle gown that featured one structured sleeve, greenery detailing across the bodice and arm and a statement back.

She rocked a matching fascinator to top off the look, as well as had deep plum lips and smokey burgundy eyeshadow.

Zendaya attended her first Met Gala when she was 18. When speaking with Jennifer Hudson on her daytime talk show, she said her favorite Met Gala look she's donned was her Joan of Arc-inspired look for the 2018 celebration, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”

Matt Damon and wife Luciana Damon turn the 2024 Met Gala into date night

Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana Damon, channeled a prince and princess at the 2024 Met Gala.

Before heading to the event, the couple took a few photos together and held hands as they left their hotel.

On the carpet, the two posed for more photos in their dapper Christian Dior looks. Luciana Damon wore a cream strapless gown while Damon complimented her in a classic black tux and bow tie.

CORRECTION (May 7, 2024 at 12:20 p.m. ET) : An earlier version of this post referred to Luciana Damon as Luciana Barroso and it has been corrected.

Why is the 2024 Met Gala red carpet green this year?

This year, the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are more green than usual.

In what appears to be a bid to stay on theme, the Met Gala carpet is more of a cream color with green sides. This year's dress code is "The Garden of Time."

The annual charity gala benefits the museum's Costume Institute and celebrates the opening of the new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”

Many of the stars who have arrived have interpreted this theme to mean botanicals and florals, and it looks like the carpeting is no different!

Alongside the carpet itself is plenty of greenery and white florals that serve as a bit of separation between the stars and press covering the event.

Chris Hemsworth makes his Met Gala debut

Chris Hemsworth has officially made his Met Gala debut. It’s shocking to know that this is the first time the “Thor” star has attended the annual fashion event. This year is an extra special one for him, as he’s a co-chair along with Zendaya, Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Hemsworth donned a cream three-piece Tom Ford suit for his debut appearance.

The Australian actor was accompanied by his actor wife, Elsa Pataky. The Spanish actor, who is also making her Met Gala debut, looked like a goddess in a shimmering gold gown.

Her hair was in a long, hip-length ponytail and topped with a gold headpiece.

While on the red carpet, Hemsworth told TODAY it was "exciting" to be in attendance with a mix of people from the performing arts, film, television, music and more.

Bad Bunny accessorizes at the Met Gala

Co-chair Bad Bunny knows how to bring his A-game to any fashion event. After donning a backless white suit with a draping cape made of rosettes at last year's Met Gala, the "Monaco" singer's 2024 look was one for the books.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, stood out from the crowd in a custom Maison Margiela suit.

The singer opted for a dark pin-stripped tailored suit with red stripes on the pants. He also wore black gloves, triangle sunglasses and a statement hat. He also carried what appears to be a black bouquet of flowers.

This is the Puerto Rican superstar's third time at the Met Gala. He made his red carpet debut at the event in 2022.

Deborah Roberts snaps selfie with TODAY's Sheinelle Jones

Journalist Deborah Roberts had a sweet moment with TODAY's Sheinelle Jones while on the steps of the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening"-themed Met Gala.

TODAY's Al Roker's wife was perfectly on theme in a yellow strapless gown with earthy graphics, green heels and a greenery-filled headpiece.

"Hey you with the green," Deborah told Sheinelle, who said she looked "amazing."

"You too," Deborah said, as she took out her cell phone and snapped a photo together.

Check out Deborah's full look below:

Ashley Graham arrives at the 2024 Met Gala: ‘I can barely breathe’

Ashley Graham helped kick off the start of the 2024 Met Gala red carpet with her stunning arrival Monday night.

The model, who is co-hosting Vogue.com's livestream of the event, donned a custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin leather and sheer gown. The dress featured a halter top, metallic flowers on the bodice and a silky wrap to complete the look.

Graham told TODAY.com on the red carpet that the dress was handmade and took over 500 hours to create. "It's insanity what (Ludovic de Saint Sernin) and his team did," she praised.

She added, "I can barely breathe. The organs have been moved together. As you can see, this is not my normal waist."

The 36-year-old will share her hosting duties throughout the evening with La La Anthony and “Wednesday” star Gwendoline Christie. Emma Chamberlain will also be on site to serve as the magazine's special red carpet correspondent.

Anna Wintour arrives at the 2024 Met Gala red carpet

Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour has arrived at the 2024 Met Gala Red carpet.

She is wearing a floral black custom Loewe floor-length jacket over a white dress and accessorized with a large floral brooch and diamond necklace.

She did not wear her trademark dark sunglasses to pose for photos.

The flowers on her jacket seemingly are in tribute to the 2024 theme, “The Garden of Time.”

A look back at the 2023 Met Gala fashions

Last year's Met Gala was a tribute to the late fashion icon  Karl Lagerfeld with the theme of “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. ”

Held on May 1, Penélope Cruz, Michaela Coel, Roger Federer and Dua Lipa joined Vogue’s Anna Wintour as co-chairs of the celebration. It was a black-and-white heavy red carpet, with the stars channeling their inner Lagerfeld.

Cardi B rocked two looks at the event. She arrived in a black ball gown after first wearing a dramatic pink, over-the-top dress while leaving her hotel.

Anne Hathaway was a showstopper in a tweed, cut-out Versace gown.

Among the best dressed men of the night included actor Brian Tyree Henry. He arrived in a black, ruffled cape with multiple black and white pearl necklaces.

Rihanna was a sight for sore eyes in her white gown and long train designed by Valentino that included a face-covering top made of rosettes. She later opened the top and showed off the delicate single-strap dress underneath.

Relive many of the best dressed stars at the 2023 Met Gala, here.

What time does the Met Gala red carpet start and how long do arrivals last?

For those looking to watch their favorite stars on the red carpet, guest arrivals begin at 5:30 p.m. ET and generally wrap up around 8 p.m.

Both Vogue and E! will host live stream coverage from the red carpet, starting at 6 p.m. ET. For more on how to watch, click here .

Where do celebrities get ready for the Met Gala?

Anna Kaplan

All eyes are on the red carpet at the Met Gala, but the majority of the fashion magic happens behind the scenes at a slew of high-end hotels across New York City.

Vogue reports A-listers are known for staying at hotels like The Beekman, The Carlyle, The Mark and The Pierre, where inside the rooms, celebs spend hours perfecting their looks and glam.

Onlookers can get a first look at celebrities' outfits for the first Monday in May as stars depart for The Met from their hotels, and TODAY.com will be on the ground at The Pierre to catch a glimpse at what is in store for the night ahead.

Who is attending the Met Gala?

Liz Calvario and Samantha Kubota

While the guest list for the Met Gala is always under wraps, expect to see Zendaya, Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour in statement-making looks as they serve as co-chairs for this year’s Costume Institute Benefit.

Much speculation has been made if Taylor Swift will be in attendance but so far, not even Wintour could tell us when TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager asked.

TODAY.com will update this live blog with any notable arrivals and we'll keep a running tab of the biggest names in attendance here .

The Met Gala has featured a theme every year since 1973

Chrissy Callahan

Only one event has the power to unite models, designers, musicians, actors and other A-listers:  The Met Gala .

The Met Gala’s dress codes complement the event’s theme, derived from the Costume Institute’s spring exhibit. As we mentioned, the  2024 event 's dress code is “The Garden of Time,” paired with the new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”

Though the Met Gala began in 1948, the first themed year was in 1973. From then on — starting with the theme of “The World of Balenciaga” — to this year's “The Garden of Time,” take a look back at the Met Gala over the years here.

Who are the 2024 Met Gala co-chairs and what do they do?

Vogue's Anna Wintour started overseeing the Met Gala in 1995 and has co-chaired every year since, with the exceptions of 1996 and 1998, according to the publication .

A group of A-listers are selected annually to work with Wintour. For the 2024 Met Gala, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Chris Hemsworth were tapped to be the co-hosts for the evening. Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson and TikTok CEO Shou Chew are also honorary chairs.

The co-chairs act as a committee that helps ensure the star-studded night is a success.

While Hemsworth will make his debut at the gala on May 6, his fellow co-chairs have made multiple appearances on the famous Met steps. In her TODAY interview, Wintour gushed about her co-hosts and pointed out that it will be Lopez's 14th time attending. She also complimented Bad Bunny's stage presence and compared Hemsworth to a fairy tale prince.

"And then Zendaya, you know, a couple of years when she couldn’t come," Wintour said. "I felt gloom hung over the internet. Like, you know, a cloud of sad emojis because everyone always looks forward to what she’s gonna wear. And I know she will not disappoint."

How much does it cost to go to the Met Gala?

The Met Gala is one of the most exclusive events in Hollywood — only a select group of celebrities receive the special invitation.

But the price to attend fashion’s biggest night of the year isn’t cheap. AP reported in 2023 that an individual ticket cost $50,000 and the starting price for tables was $300,000.

Wintour approves the guest list, which is kept a secret until the arrivals begin.

The gala serves as a fundraiser for the Met’s Costume Institute. The 2023 Met Gala raised nearly $22 million, setting a record for the event, according to Vogue Business.

What is the 2024 Met Gala theme?

Every year, the Met Gala theme matches the latest exhibition at the museum's Costume Institute.

The new exhibit at the museum this year is titled, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," and includes approximately 250 pieces from the Costume Institute's archives.

Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour explained on TODAY that the "Sleeping Beauties" refers to "taking these masterpieces from different periods" and giving the "fragile" art new life in the museum.

To coincide with the theme, the dress code for the evening will be "The Garden of Time," a reference to J. G. Ballard's 1962 short story of the same name, according to Vogue .

Wintour told TODAY co-anchor Jenna Bush Hager that she expects there will be plenty of flowers on the red carpet.

The "Sleeping Beauties" theme follows the "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" theme last year that honored the late fashion icon, who died in 2019 at the age of 85 . Other past themes include "Gilded Glamour," "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology" and "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination."

A brief history of the Met Gala

Established by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the first Costume Institute Gala, or Met Gala, took place in 1948. As it is now, the high society event was a fundraiser for the then-newly founded Costume Institute, marking the opening of its annual exhibit.

According to Vogue , in its early days, the annual event was an exclusive dinner held at various locations across the city. It wasn't until former Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland became a consultant for the Costume Institute in 1972 that it became what it has become now. Vreeland moved the Gala to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and created the concept of co-chairs.

In 1995 current Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour took the reins as chairman of the Institute. Up until 1999, the Met Gala would take place in December or late November. However, per Vogue, it was later changed to spring because the season was less crowded with social events; thus the first Monday in May was born.

From its inception, the invitation-only Met Gala celebrates historical periods, genres, individual creators and moments in time, with celebrities, models, designers, influencers and select A-listers invited. It has also evolved to include special performances by big stars like Rihanna, Cher, Lady Gaga, Madonna and more.

Over time, the price of the ticket has jumped from under $100 to $75,000 for one ticket in 2024, according to the New York Times .

Sam Kubota is a senior digital editor and journalist for TODAY Digital based in Los Angeles. She joined NBC News in 2019.

Liz Calvario is a Los Angeles-based reporter and editor for TODAY.com who covers entertainment, pop culture and trending news.

Ariana Brockington is a trending news reporter at TODAY digital. She is based in Los Angeles.

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

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ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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