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The 5 Best City Tours in Avanos
Avanos is a town that’s perfect for exploring with a camera and a curious mind. Known for its pottery workshops, ancient underground cities, and stunning rock formations, this part of Central Anatolia offers a rich tapestry of sights. The area’s accessibility and variety of tours make it a favorite for travelers eager to see Cappadocia’s highlights with local guides who know the ins and outs. We especially like the underground city tours — they’re a fascinating glimpse into how people once hid from invaders while still enjoying their daily lives.
Among the many options here, some tours stand out for their depth, comfort, or unique experiences. Whether you’re interested in an easy half-day adventure, a private VIP experience, or a multi-day journey, Avanos’s tours have something for all. For those seeking a well-rounded introduction, the Cappadocia: Underground city and south tour with lunch offers a balanced mix of sights and stories, perfect if you want to get the lay of the land without scheduling a full day. For a more exclusive experience, the Private Cappadocia Tour Including Underground City offers tailored sightseeing with VIP treatment. Curious? Check out the full list below.
1. Cappadocia: Underground city and south tour with lunch
At number 1, this tour combines the best of Valley hikes, underground cities, and a relaxed lunch in GÖreme. It lasts about 5 hours and is perfect for travelers wanting a broad overview without a full-day commitment. The tour kicks off with pickup from nine different locations, including Avanos — making it easy to join regardless of where you’re staying.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on iconic sights like the Rose and Red Valleys, where you’ll walk past stunning rock formations and ancient churches. The visit to the largest underground city, Özkonak, adds an element of intrigue, revealing how early inhabitants carved entire cities underground. The included lunch is a nice touch, giving you a taste of regional cuisine without rushing. Reviewers praise the friendly guides and the value for money, with one noting, “The tour was interesting and good value for money.”
Bottom line: This tour delivers a flexible, well-rounded experience with plenty of photo stops, making it suitable for first-timers or those on a time crunch.
2. Private Cappadocia Tour with Underground City
For around $63 per person, this 8-hour private tour is ideal for couples or small groups who want a personalized experience. It’s called the Private Cappadocia Tour with Underground City, and it offers the flexibility to customize your itinerary. The tour includes stops at Goreme Panorama, Ortahisar Castle, and the Devrent Valley, along with visits to Avanos and Uçhisar.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on comfort and custom scheduling. The private guide shares insights about rock formations, local crafts, and historic sites, making the experience more intimate than a group tour. The highlight for many is the visit to the Underground City of Özkonak, which is included in the itinerary. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the relaxed pace, with one describing it as “a fun day exploring with a VIP treatment.”
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers who want a tailored day with fewer crowds and more personal attention. It’s especially good for those with specific interests or limited time.
3. Cappadocia: Popular Day Red Tour & Underground City
At number 3, this 7-hour tour offers a condensed but comprehensive look at Southern Cappadocia’s top sites. Starting from Göreme, the tour includes a visit to Ortahisar Castle for sweeping views and a guided tour of key sites, with free time to explore or shop. The highlight is discovering underground cities that reveal how ancient residents lived and hid.
This Red Tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick but memorable trip focusing on the region’s most famous highlights. It’s especially suited for those with limited time but who still want to see rock-cut churches, castle ruins, and learn about Cappadocia’s history. The reviews are excellent, praising the professional guides and scenic stops. The tour is a good value, offering a solid introduction to the area without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: This is an ideal option for travelers who want a straightforward, well-organized day trip covering the main sights of Southern Cappadocia.
4. From Alanya, City of Side, Antalya to Cappadocia 3-Day Tour
Number 4 on our list is a 3-day journey that takes you from the southern coast into the heart of Cappadocia. Starting from Alanya, Side, or Antalya, this tour is perfect if you want a deep dive into Cappadocia’s valleys, underground cities, and even the Mevlana Museum in Konya. It’s a longer trip, but it offers a rich mix of scenery, history, and culture.
Highlights include visits to Devrent Valley with its fairy chimneys, Çavuşin Village‘s rock houses, and scenic panoramic views. This tour is suited for travelers interested in a multi-day adventure rather than a single-day stop. The reviews note the scenic drives and cultural stops, making it a great choice for those wanting to combine beachside relaxation with mountain exploration.
Bottom line: For travelers seeking a comprehensive 3-day experience, this tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and culture, especially if you’re already in the region.
5. Private Cappadocia Tour Including Underground City
Finally, at number 5, this private 6-hour tour offers flexibility with a VIP vehicle and a customizable itinerary. It’s called the Private Cappadocia Tour Including Underground City, and it’s designed for those who want a leisurely, personalized exploration of the region’s rock formations, hidden churches, and underground dwellings.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on comfort and tailored experiences. The guides are experts on local history and geology, and the tour can include optional stops depending on your interests. The Yellow Tour, the most popular private option, often features hidden rock-carved churches and scenic valleys. Price-wise, it’s more expensive but offers a level of intimacy and flexibility unmatched by group tours. Many reviewers enjoy the relaxed pace and the ability to focus on their specific interests.
Bottom line: Best suited for couples or families who want an exclusive, customizable experience that can be adjusted on the fly.
How to Choose Your Avanos City Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a quick overview, the Cappadocia: Underground city and south tour with lunch offers a great balance of sights and value, perfect for first-timers. If you prefer a more personalized experience, the Private Cappadocia Tour lets you tailor the day to your preferences. Longer trips like the 3-day tour from Alanya are best if you want to combine multiple regions or deepen your understanding of Cappadocia’s history.
Think about whether you want to focus primarily on underground cities or if you prefer to explore rock formations and village life. For the best experience, book early — especially in peak seasons — and consider whether a private tour or group experience suits your travel style.
Final Thoughts
Avanos offers a surprisingly varied selection of city tours that suit different travel styles and interests. First-time visitors might enjoy the balanced itinerary of the underground and valley tour, while history enthusiasts could opt for the longer multi-day trip. Couples and families looking for a hassle-free, private experience will find the private tours especially appealing.
Each of these tours offers a window into Cappadocia’s fascinating landscape, ancient secrets, and cultural richness. Whatever your choice, booking early is wise, as these tours fill up quickly during high season. With so much to see, it’s worth planning ahead — and getting ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of Turkey’s most captivating regions.