Cappadocia Red Tour Zelve Pashabag and Kaymakli Underground City

At the Uçhisar Castle Panorama, you will stand at the highest point in all of Cappadocia, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the region’s surreal lunar landscape.

From this majestic vantage point, travelers can look down upon the sweeping valleys of Göreme, the distant peaks of Mount Erciyes, and the endless maze of fairy chimneys that stretch across the horizon. It is the ultimate spot for panoramic photography, where the interplay of light and shadow on the volcanic rock creates a masterpiece in every frame.

You will witness the fascinating sight of countless rooms, stairs, and passages carved directly into the giant rock mass, which served as a fortress and refuge for centuries. Your professional guide will share the history of this natural skyscraper, explaining how ancient civilizations lived within these cliffs. This stop is not just a viewpoint; it is an introduction to the vastness and historical depth of Cappadocia's unique geography.

When you step into the Zelve Open Air Museum, you are entering one of Cappadocia’s earliest and longest-inhabited cave settlements. Unlike other museums, Zelve offers a raw and authentic look at ancient life, spread across three interconnected valleys.

As you walk through this sprawling rock-cut town, you will explore a complex labyrinth of historic dwellings, secret passages, and early Christian monasteries. You’ll have the chance to enter the "Geyikli Kilise" (Church with the Deer) and the "Üzümlü Kilise" (Church with Grapes), featuring primitive yet fascinating frescoes that tell the story of the region's spiritual heritage.

Beyond the history, you’ll witness incredible geological formations, including massive fairy chimneys and honeycomb-like caves carved directly into the red-hued cliffs. It is a perfect spot for photography and light hiking, offering a true sense of discovery away from the larger crowds. Walking through Zelve is like stepping back in time.

At the Paşabağ Open Air Museum, also known as Monks Valley, you will step into a landscape that feels like a scene from another planet. This site is home to the most iconic and best-preserved "multi-headed" fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.

As you walk along the easy-to-navigate paths, you will see unique rock formations where double and triple mushroom-shaped rock caps sit atop slender pillars. You can explore the interior of these giants, discovering where 5th-century hermits and monks, like Saint Simeon, once lived in total seclusion. You will have the chance to climb into a chapel carved directly into a three-headed chimney, witnessing the remarkable rock-cut architecture firsthand.

Your guide will share the geological secrets of how volcanic ash and erosion created these wonders over millions of years. It is a photographer's paradise, offering endless angles of the towering pillars against the backdrop of the Anatolian sky. This is truly the heart of Cappadocia's natural art.

In Devrent Valley, also famously known as Imagination Valley, you will encounter Cappadocia’s most surreal and whimsical landscapes. Unlike other valleys that house ancient churches or caves, Devrent is a silent forest of rock formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion.

As you stroll through this natural gallery, you will be invited to look beyond the stone. The most iconic highlight is the world-famous "Camel Rock," a giant formation that looks remarkably like a resting camel. However, the magic lies in your own perception; you will spot rocks resembling dolphins, seals, praying figures, or even hats, depending on the angle.

This is a premier stop for creativity and photography. Your guide will help you find the best viewpoints to capture these optical illusions, making it a favorite for families and dreamers. It is an extraordinary place to witness how nature can play the role of a master sculptor, turning the earth into a dreamlike playground.

When you step into Love Valley, you are entering one of Cappadocia’s most surreal and visually striking landscapes. Known for its colossal, mushroom-shaped rock formations—affectionately called "fairy chimneys"—this valley offers a panoramic spectacle that feels like another planet.

As part of your experience, you will visit the most iconic viewpoints where these towering pillars reach heights of up to 40 meters. You’ll have ample time to wander through the ancient paths, marveling at how millions of years of volcanic erosion have sculpted such unique structures. It is a photographer’s paradise; your guide will help you capture the perfect shots of the valley’s vast white cliffs and the iconic pillars that dominate the horizon.

Many travelers find this to be the most tranquil part of the tour, offering a moment of quiet reflection amidst nature's grandeur. Whether you are admiring the view from the rim or exploring the base, Love Valley is a must-see highlight.

In the heart of Avanos, the center of terracotta art since the Hittite period, you will step into an authentic, hand-carved cave workshop. This is not just a viewing experience; it is an immersive journey into a 4,000-year-old tradition.

You will watch a master artisan transform Red River clay into an elegant piece of art using the traditional "kick-wheel" technique. The speed and precision of their hands are truly hypnotic. After the demonstration, it is your turn to sit at the wheel. Under the guidance of an expert, you will feel the texture of the Anatolian soil and try your hand at shaping your own unique creation.

You will also explore galleries filled with intricate hand-painted ceramics, featuring traditional Iznik patterns and "Gözyaşı Şişesi" (tear bottles). This interactive visit offers a rare glimpse into the cultural soul of Cappadocia, blending ancient history with hands-on creativity in a breathtaking subterranean setting.

At the Hand-Woven Carpet Center, you will step into a living gallery of Anatolian heritage. This immersive visit reveals the secrets behind one of the world’s oldest art forms. You will watch skilled master weavers at their looms, their hands moving with incredible speed to create intricate knots using silk, wool, and organic dyes.

Your guide will explain the fascinating "double-knot" technique that gives Turkish carpets their legendary durability. You will learn how colors are extracted from nature—using roots, fruits, and insects—to create vibrant patterns that never fade.

The experience is interactive; you can touch the raw materials and even try your hand at the loom. After the demonstration, you will be invited to a traditional viewing session. As you enjoy authentic Turkish tea or coffee, the staff will unfurl a stunning variety of rugs, sharing the unique tribal stories and motifs woven into each piece. It is a sensory journey into the soul of Cappadocia’s craftsmanship.

At Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), you will witness one of Cappadocia’s most picturesque landscapes, where thousands of ancient pigeon houses are carved directly into the white volcanic cliffs. These dovecotes were historically used by locals to collect fertilizer, and today, they create a stunning, honeycomb-like aesthetic across the valley.

As you stroll along the panoramic ridges, you will see the famous "Evil Eye Trees" adorned with blue glass charms, perfect for iconic photographs with Uchisar Castle standing majestically in the background. Your professional guides will share the fascinating history of how these birds became central to the region’s survival and agriculture. You can enjoy a peaceful walk, breathe in the fresh Anatolian air, and capture the soft colors of the fairy chimneys as they glow under the sun.

Note: Access to the Pigeon Valley exploration is exclusively available if the Red Plus Tour program option is selected.

Stepping into Kaymakli Underground City is like traveling through a portal into history. As you descend through this subterranean marvel, you will explore a labyrinth of narrow tunnels, ancient living quarters, and communal spaces carved deep into volcanic rock.

You will witness the incredible ingenuity of early civilizations, seeing firsthand the massive **millstone doors** used for security, sophisticated **ventilation shafts** that still provide fresh air today, and organized areas for wine-making, storage, and worship. Your guide will lead you through several levels, explaining how thousands of people lived, worked, and hid here for months at a time. It is an immersive, slightly adventurous walk through an architectural masterpiece that feels hidden from the world.

*Note: This site is exclusively included for travelers who select the Red Tour Plus** program option. Your classic Red Tour does not visit the underground city.