UPDATED FEB 2020. As amazing as the hot air balloons are, Cappadocia has a lot more to offer. Today I’m coming to your computer or phone screen with a look at the green tour in Cappadocia, the red tour, and a bunch of other things to see and do. These things made my trip as memorable as it was. I’ve added in a couple that I didn’t get a chance to do on this trip, but would certainly experience if I returned. I hope the guide can help you plan your trip and, of course, if you have any questions, just let me know.
Green Tour In Cappadocia And Other Unmissable Things To See And Do
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Red Tour in Cappadocia
The red tour focuses on the sights closer to Göreme.
You will get to see places like Uçhisar Castle, Pigeon Valley, the Open Air Museum, a traditional rug factory, and of course see some of the iconic Fairy Chimneys up close as well as from panoramic lookout points.
This tour has a lot of stops that aren’t too far from each other so there is less driving time and more sightseeing time.
I took my red tour through Flinstones Travel which was booked through my hotel, Rox Cappadocia.
Green Tour in Cappadocia
The green tour in Cappadocia is a lot more active. Definitely pack your walking shoes for this one.
In this tour, you get to explore an underground city, hike through a valley, climb a mountain and visit a store where you get to test all sorts of interesting treat foods (the chocolate-covered apricots and Turkish delight were my favorites).
The green tour has fewer stops and longer driving time but you get to experience more of the landscape.
I think both of these tours are great value because they were only about €30 each and included the full day of sightseeing, all entrance tickets, and lunch.
I took my green tour with Flinstones Travel and it was booked through my hotel, the Rox Cappadocia, as well.
Drink apple tea (in the tours and out and about)
I mentioned it in my guide of Cappadocia travel tips because it’s really a must-try, but here’s another reminder to make sure you try the delicious apple tea.
While you are on the tours you see demonstrations for making traditional rugs and pottery. You will be offered a small shot glass size serving of apple tea which is where I first got to try it.
The drink was so sweet and refreshing that I ended up going on a little mission to find a grocery store to find some to bring back with me!
Buy pottery (you can do this during the tour or out in the towns)
Traditionally in Turkey, women would learn the craft of making rugs and men would learn to create pottery.
You’ll see both sold all around Cappadocia and I definitely recommend buying some to take back with you.
Generally speaking, if you buy it while on a tour it will be a little more expensive compared to out on town. However, it’s not guaranteed because some shops in touristy areas hike their prices up anyway.
I say, wherever you find it, if you see something you love, buy it.
Get a post-tour Hammam
After all your big days exploring during the tours, you are going to want a relaxation session. A Hammam is a great way to do this.
You might remember from my Marrakech posts that a Hammam is where you go into a steam room and get washed and scrubbed by someone.
It sounds weird but it will give your skin the silkiest smooth and clean feeling ever.
I didn’t get to experience one in Turkey because I bought a rug for my apartment instead – the budget only goes so far. I would certainly do one if I returned though.
These are great paired with a massage too. Your hotel should be able to recommend and book one for you. I know the Rox offered this.
Cappadocia must do – learn to use a phrase confidently
This is something I always try to do when I am traveling. I learn a phrase on the first day and it’s my goal to say it confidently by the end of the trip.
For Cappadocia, it was ‘teşekkür ederim’ which is ‘thank you’ in Turkish. It took me a couple of goes because the first day I kept forgetting it, then I was pronouncing it wrong.
But, in the end, I got it out smoothly with confidence!
It’s a fun travel challenge to play with yourself – do you do any challenges like that when you travel?
Visit a tree of evil eyes (you will see these on the tours)
They are an iconic sight of Cappadocia and you will certainly see a couple of them on the red and green tours.
They are usually found near a store that sells the nazar boncuğu, or evil eye as it is otherwise known.
These are a popular souvenir that you will see sold just about everywhere and they are said to bring good luck and ward off negative energy.
Buy an evil eye
Ok after you see a tree decorated with the nazar boncuğu, you should also be a classic tourist and buy one up to take home with you.
I got some in a store in Uçhisar for only 3 Lira each which is about 65 cents USD.
At the stores near the big sights on the tours they were about 20-30 Lira which is only $4-7 USD, so either way, they are not expensive.
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Eat as many Turkish Delight flavors as possible (you can do this on the green tour)
You’ll be able to do a lot of Turkish Delight tasting on the green tour, but if you don’t take the tour, just look around and it shouldn’t take too long to find some.
I liked the spot they took us to on the tour because they had so many different flavors and variations.
There was also a huge range of other interesting treats.
Either way, you can’t go to Turkey and not try Turkish Delight right?
Fuel up for your tours with a famous Turkish breakfast
Cappadocia is famous for extravagant breakfast spreads. I think you definitely need to experience it while you are visiting.
I stayed at the Rox Cappadocia and the breakfast was incredible!
Fresh bread, cheese, olives, dried fruits, eggs, pancakes, cheese bread – it had everything. The staff welcome you each morning and present it all to you with a smile.
If you are concerned with wastage as I was, I asked and the staff let me know that the leftovers are shared with the local village and animals in the area.
See a night show
If you want to experience a fun night out, try a night show while you are visiting Cappadocia.
It’s an opportunity to experience traditional cultural entertainment including belly dancing, fire dancing, folk dancing or knife shows.
I didn’t get to go to one while I was visiting, but belly dancing is my favorite style of dance and I would certainly do one if I was returning to Cappadocia.
Experience the hot air balloons
You just have to experience the sunrise flight of the hot air balloons in some way while you are visiting.
It’s possibly the most famous tourist activity in Cappadocia.
Taking a flight in a balloon is not cheap, but if you have never experienced a hot air balloon ride then this is the place to do it. Your hotel should be able to help you arrange it.
If you don’t want to ride in one, you should wake up early and watch them fill the sky. It really is magical. I loved staying at the Rox because I could watch it from the terrace easily without needing to go far.
It was such a magnificent sight that I woke up early and watched it each day I was there.
I appreciate you reading and hope to have helped to make your trip planning easier with this guide to the green tour in Cappadocia and some of the other must-dos.
Other posts to help you plan your visit
Cappadocia Travel Tips And A Real Talk Travel Planning Guide
Solo Female Travel In Cappadocia – Is It Safe & Should You Go?
What To Wear In Conservative Countries If You Are A Female Traveler
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