Tekelli is a standout base for exploring Cappadocia, thanks to its central location amidst stunning landscapes, fairy chimneys, and historical sites. It’s a hub where travelers can easily join a variety of tours that cover the region’s most famous sights. We particularly like the Red Tour+Underground City for its comprehensive coverage and seamless logistics, while the Highlights Tour offers value-packed day trips with a focus on iconic landmarks. Whether you’re after deep history, scenic hikes, or cultural experiences, Tekelli puts you in the perfect spot to enjoy it all.
In choosing a tour here, you’ll find options for every interest and schedule. From full-day adventures to shorter explorations, each tour offers a different slice of Cappadocia’s magic. Below, we review the five best tours based on value, experience, and traveler feedback, helping you decide which one matches your style.
1. Cappadocia Red Tour+Underground City
Rated 5/5 based on reviews, the Cappadocia Red Tour+Underground City is a top pick for its well-rounded itinerary and hassle-free experience. The tour lasts about 6.5 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient for travelers staying in Cappadocia. It’s ideal if you want to see key sights without worrying about logistics.
The day kicks off with pickups from six locations, including Göreme and Nevşehir, then moves to Uchisar Castle for panoramic views. Visitors rave about the visit to Love Valley and Pasabag, where fairy chimneys stretch toward the sky. The highlight for many is exploring the Zelve Open Air Museum, with its ancient cave dwellings and churches. The tour culminates with a guided tour of the Özkonak Underground City, where you can walk through tunnels carved over centuries ago. The combination of popular sights and underground intrigue makes this tour a favorite among first-time visitors.
Bottom line: This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic viewpoints, cultural sites, and underground adventure, making it perfect for those with limited time who want a comprehensive Cappadocia experience.
2. Cappadocia Highlights Tour Underground City+Open Air Museum
With a rating of 4.8/5 from 13 reviews, this Highlights Tour provides a focused yet thorough glimpse of Cappadocia’s must-see sites in just one day. At $47 per person, it’s an excellent value for travelers eager to cover a lot without overstaying their welcome.
This tour features visits to Uchisar Castle, Kaymakli Underground City, and the Goreme Open Air Museum — a UNESCO-listed site with rock-cut churches decorated with ancient frescoes. The tour also includes a visit to Love Valley and Devrent Valley, famous for their whimsical rock formations. What sets this tour apart is the inclusion of a pottery workshop in Avanos and a traditional Turkish lunch, offering culture beyond just sightseeing.
The guide’s storytelling and the accessible pace make this suitable for those interested in history, geology, and local crafts. The only downside is it can feel a bit rushed, but for a single day of sightseeing, it hits most highlights.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a well-rounded, affordable day in Cappadocia with cultural stops, scenic views, and a touch of local craft.
3. Cappadocia: Ihlara Valley, Kaymakli, & Selime Monastery Tour
Rating 3.8/5 from 4 reviews, this Ihlara Valley, Kaymakli, & Selime Monastery Tour offers a slightly different perspective focused on natural beauty and history. At $59 per person, it’s an immersive 6-hour experience designed for those who like outdoor walks and exploring lesser-crowded sites.
The tour kicks off with a visit to Uchisar Castle for panoramic views, then moves to the Ihlara Valley, a lush gorge where you stroll alongside the Melendiz River, exploring rock-cut churches along the way. The highlight is the walk through the valley’s peaceful landscape, ideal for nature lovers. Afterward, there’s a visit to Kaymakli Underground City, with its tunnels and rooms carved over centuries. The tour also includes a stop at Belisırma village for a taste of local life and a visit to Selime Monastery, a massive rock-cut structure at the valley’s end.
While it offers a more relaxed pace and scenic walks, some travelers find the itinerary less varied compared to other tours. It’s best suited for those who prioritize outdoor experiences and discovering remote sites.
Bottom line: Suitable for active travelers who want a mix of nature, history, and fewer crowds, albeit with some longer walks involved.
4. Cappadocia: Green Tour, Underground City w/ Ticket and Lunch
Rated 4.4/5, the Green Tour covers many of Cappadocia’s highlights in 7 to 8 hours, making it a comprehensive day trip. It’s perfect if you want to see the major sites and enjoy a relaxed pace with included lunch.
This tour takes you to Uchisar Castle for sweeping views, the Goreme Open Air Museum to see ancient cave churches, and the Pasabagi Valley for fairy chimneys. The visit to the Pottery Workshop in Avanos is a highlight, allowing you to see traditional craftsmanship firsthand. The tour also includes stops at Devrent Valley, famous for its whimsical formations, and a delicious open buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of cultural, geological, and scenic highlights, all with ample time to enjoy each stop. The guided commentary is lively, and the included entrance tickets and lunch provide good value.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing with relaxing breaks and cultural insights, at a fair price.
5. Cappadocia: Red Tour, Underground City with Ticket and Lunch
Rated 4.4/5, this Red Tour is similar in scope to the first but adds skip-the-line tickets and a lunch for extra convenience. It lasts roughly 6 to 7 hours, making it a solid choice for travelers who want a full but not exhausting day.
The tour features highlights like Uchisar Castle, the Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabagi Valley, and Devrent Valley. The inclusion of a guided visit to the underground city enhances the experience, giving you a deeper understanding of Cappadocia’s subterranean history. The lunch is served at a traditional Turkish restaurant, with local dishes to fuel your exploration.
This tour’s main advantage is its balance between sightseeing and comfort, especially with the included tickets and meal. Reviewers note that the guide’s knowledge is impressive, and the itinerary is well-paced.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a reliable, all-inclusive tour that covers the essentials without rushing.
How to Choose the Right Tour for Your Trip
When selecting a tour in Tekelli, consider your specific interests and travel style. If you’re eager to see as many highlights as possible with minimal hassle, the Cappadocia Red Tour+Underground City offers a good all-round experience. For those with a tighter budget but a desire to cover key sites, the Cappadocia Highlights Tour provides excellent value. If you prefer outdoor activities and fewer crowds, the Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery trip might suit you best.
Think about your pace—some tours include long walks or extensive sightseeing, so if you’re less mobile, look for options with shorter durations or more relaxed itineraries. For cultural and craft interests, the Pottery Workshop in Avanos on the Green Tour adds a memorable hands-on element.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure availability. Most tours include hotel pickup, so check if your accommodation is included, as it simplifies logistics.
Final Thoughts
Tekelli offers a diverse range of tours that cater to various tastes and schedules. For the ultimate overview, the Red Tour+Underground City shines with its balanced approach and stellar reviews. For a budget-friendly, comprehensive day, the Cappadocia Highlights Tour is hard to beat. If you’re after more outdoor adventure and fewer crowds, the Ihlara Valley and Kaymakli trip delivers a peaceful escape into nature.
No matter which tour you choose, early booking is wise—Cappadocia’s popularity means spots fill quickly. Each experience promises to deepen your appreciation of this extraordinary landscape, so pick one that fits your interests, pack comfortable shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Cappadocia.