From happy customers

Loved by 42 million+
Jessica Dawn Palmer
US

Jessica

United States
Jul 2025
5/5
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This sunrise hot air balloon ride was the highlight of my trip! Everything was perfect, the view is incredible and went as scheduled. Thank you so much for this forever memory.
Pedro Efraín Vukota

Pedro

Jun 2025
5/5
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Very good service. Very good price. Personalized attention and very nice flight with an excellent pilot. Highly recommended. Thank you very much for the attention.
Libin Thomas
IE

Libin

Ireland
Jun 2025
5/5
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Adrenaline meets adventure! This ATV tour was the perfect way to explore Cappadocia’s rugged beauty up close. Riding through valleys, caves, and the dusty trails of Çavuşin Village felt like starring in an action movie with a fairy-tale backdrop. The transfers were smooth, the guides were friendly and safety-focused, and the whole experience was both thrilling and scenic. Highly recommended if you like your sightseeing with a side of speed!
Stefan Marian Gotal
DE

Stefan

Germany
Mar 2025
5/5
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+1 more

A great crew, very professional. The balloon ride was very impressive and we realized that we lack humility and that we are guests on this earth. Thanks for the great tour, we were also lucky with the weather👍
Joseph Andrews

Joseph

May 2024
5/5
Said is one of the coolest mofos I've ever met anywhere in our travels. I know it's a lot of work and effort for guides to keep interest and entertain groups on any given day, but this guy college trained historian with a passion for history and humor will light up your day! With any such all day trip, you get out what you put in. If you want a stoic boring journey, go for it...if you want an awesome fun adventure, go for it hard with lots of jokes, sarcasm, and quirks. The guides will love it. The more involved you are, the funner it is for everyone! Thank you Mustafa Said!!
ANNA RAGONI
IT

Anna

Italy
Sep 2025
5/5
I was afraid to climb so high but instead the experience and the cheerfulness of the guide and the beauty of the flight made me overcome all fears.Thank you
Marta CURQUEJO NAVAS
ES

Marta

Spain
Aug 2025
5/5
Pick up, transfer, breakfast, flight and return as indicated. Fantastic pilot. Negative: the price contracted at origin is much lower.
Arpan Shah
IN

Arpan

India
Nov 2023
5/5
It was an amazing experience. They picked up very early in the morning and Ballon rode during sunrise was really good experience Although I paid 21,000 rupees on the headout for this ride while in cappadocia this same ride was available near 14,000 rupees.

Top things to do in Cappadocia

Explore Goreme in Cappadocia: From sky adventures to underground wonders

There’s nowhere on Earth quite like Cappadocia’s Goreme Valley. It's a landscape where whimsical fairy chimneys pierce the sky, ancient cave dwellings echo with history, and dawn skies fill with a sea of colorful hot air balloons. Whether you’re chasing adventure, uncovering the past, or simply seeking views that take your breath away, Goreme has it all.

A quick overview of Goreme:

  • Best season: April-October (peak ballooning months; spring & fall are best for weather)
  • Meeting/drop-off points: Most tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off in Goreme or nearby towns
  • Key sites/activities covered: Hot air balloons, Fairy Chimneys, Goreme & Zelve Open-Air Museums, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, ATV & horseback rides
  • Duration: From 1-hour balloon flights to full-day immersive tours

What to expect on a Goreme tour

Vintage car with a person in front of hot air balloons in Göreme, Cappadocia.
Hot air balloons over rock formations in Love Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey.
Visitors climbing stairs to ancient church entrance in Cappadocia rock formations.
Horseback riders on a trail in Goreme, Cappadocia, with unique rock formations in the background.
Traditional breakfast with olives, cheese, bread, cucumbers, and pastries on a plate.
Woman in hot air balloon over Cappadocia landscape with multiple balloons in the sky.
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Comfortable transfers

Most tours include round-trip transfers from Goreme or nearby towns, so you don’t have to worry about transport logistics. Whether you’re headed for a balloon flight, a day-long tour, or a short ATV ride, drivers will pick you up and drop you back safely.

Variety of experiences to match your style

You can choose between iconic sunrise hot air balloon tours, full-day guided tours (Red and Green routes), or self-paced museum and underground city visits. Combo packages make it easy to experience multiple activities in one day, like a morning balloon watching session followed by a Red Tour and ATV safari or horse riding.

Sightseeing with expert guidance

On your tours, licensed local guides provide fascinating insights into the region’s geology, history, and culture. You’ll learn how Cappadocia’s cave churches were painted, why underground cities were carved, and how fairy chimneys came to be.

Adventure options

If you want something beyond sightseeing, ATV rides and horseback tours let you explore valleys and fairy chimneys in a thrilling way. Perfect for those who want a mix of adrenaline and scenery.

Local flavors & lunch stops

On full-day Red or Green tours, you’ll enjoy a sit-down meal at a local restaurant serving regional Cappadocian specialties. This makes the day both adventurous and deeply cultural.

Add-ons & combos

Many tours allow upgrades like premium balloon flights, private guides, or combining two popular itineraries in one day (e.g., Red + Green Tour combo). These help you tailor your visit to your pace and budget.

Things to know before booking your Goreme tour tickets

  • Types of tours: Your options range from hot air balloon flights and guided day tours (Red tour or Green tour) to museum entry tickets, ATV rides, and Goreme combo packages . Choose based on how much time and variety you want.
  • Red vs green tour: The Red Tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking shorter drives and diverse highlights, while the Green Tour is better for adventurous travelers who don’t mind longer distances and more time outdoors.
  • Balloon tours are weather-dependent: Hot air balloon flights operate only in safe weather conditions. Strong winds or rain can cause cancellations, and operators usually offer a free rebooking or a full refund.
  • Standard vs premium hot air balloon flights: Standard flights last around 1 hour with 20-24 people and a light breakfast. Premium flights offer a more exclusive experience with fewer people, a champagne toast, and sometimes a commemorative medal.
  • Transfers are usually included: Most balloon flights and tours include hotel transfers from Goreme. However, entry tickets to attractions do not include transfers.
  • Tour group size varies: Guided day tours average 10–20 people, with private upgrades available. For balloon rides, standard flight baskets hold ~20–24 people; premium baskets are smaller for a private feel. 
  • Meals vary by tour type: Full-day tours such as the Red and Green routes usually include a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant. Balloon tours provide a pre-flight breakfast and/or a celebratory drink. Stand-alone entry tickets for museums or the underground city do not include meals.
  • Add-ons and combo packages can save you money: Instead of booking multiple experiences separately, consider choosing a combo package. Options like a balloon watching experience paired with an ATV ride and Red tour, or a full-day Red and Green combo tour, often cost less than booking each activity individually. 

Goreme Valley tours explained

Hot air balloons over Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia at sunrise.

Hot air balloon tours

This is the most popular Goreme experience. Expect 60 minutes of flight with stunning landscape views, breakfast, and transfers. Premium options feature smaller groups for a more private feel, plus extras like champagne or souvenirs.

  • Goreme Valley flights: The classic choice, with both standard and premium sunrise flights, as well as daytime premium options.
  • Soğanlı Valley flights: A quieter, less crowded alternative with equally breathtaking landscapes with standard sunrise flights.
Uchisar Castle in Cappadocia with surrounding cave dwellings and stone houses.

Red or green tour

These full-day guided experiences cover Cappadocia’s most famous attractions and are the best way to see multiple highlights in one trip. Both tours include hotel transfers, guides, and lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Red tour: Focuses on northern regions around Goreme with short drives to Uçhisar Castle, Zelve Open Air Museum, and Pasabag (Monks Valley).
  • Green tour: Explores the southern side, featuring a longer itinerary and more walking with visits to underground cities, trekking in Ihlara Valley, and remote monasteries.
Visitors exploring rock formations at Göreme Open-Air Museum, Cappadocia.

Museums & underground city visits

For a self-paced experience, individual entry tickets allow you to explore Cappadocia’s UNESCO-listed sites and ancient cities independently. These are ideal if you want flexibility, though transfers and meals are not included.

  • Goreme Open Air Museum: Famous for rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes.
  • Zelve Open Air Museum: A deserted cave settlement showcasing everyday life in Cappadocia.
  • Derinkuyu Underground City: A vast subterranean network once used as a refuge, complete with tunnels, chambers, and ventilation shafts.
Quad bike riders exploring Cappadocia's unique rock formations.

Adventure options

Perfect for those seeking more than sightseeing, adventure tours let you explore Cappadocia’s landscapes up close and with a dose of adrenaline. Most experiences include hotel transfers, guided routes, and all necessary equipment.

  • ATV tours: Enjoy high-energy rides through valleys and fairy chimneys, especially magical at sunset.
  • Horseback riding: This is a slower, more traditional way to discover hidden valleys and village trails, often called the “land of beautiful horses.”
Why choose a guided Goreme Valley tour over self exploration?

Exploring Cappadocia on your own means juggling tickets, transport, and missed context. A guided tour takes care of everything from hotel pick-up to pre-booked entry, and expert stories that bring Goreme’s valleys and underground cities to life.

Zelve Open-Air Museum rock formations and cave dwellings at sunset, Cappadocia, Turkey.

Zelve Open Air Museum

Once a thriving cave settlement, Zelve is now an open-air museum showcasing abandoned cave houses, churches, and tunnels. The site captures the daily life of Cappadocia’s past inhabitants and is less crowded than Goreme Open Air Museum.

Hot air balloons over fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Visitor exploring ancient underground city with stone walls and natural light.
Derinkuyu Underground City stone chambers and passageways in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Uchisar Castle rock formations in Cappadocia, Turkey, with ancient carved dwellings.
Hot air balloons over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys at sunrise.
Hot air balloons over Cappadocia landscape at sunrise with two people watching.
Visitors exploring rock formations at Göreme Open-Air Museum, Cappadocia.
Visitors walking on a wooden path in Ihlara Valley, South Cappadocia.
ATVs driving through Cappadocia's unique landscape during a safari tour.
Horseback riders on a trail in Goreme, Cappadocia, with unique rock formations in the background.
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Hot air balloon ride

Cappadocia’s #1 must-do. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views, gentle drifting over valleys, and the unforgettable sight of dozens of colorful balloons rising together.

  • Covers: Views of fairy chimneys, valleys, and volcanic peaks
  • Time: ~1 hour flight + transfers
  • Included in dedicated balloon tours and combos
  • Best experience: Goreme Valley Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour with Breakfast & Transfers

Hot air balloon watching

Don’t want to fly? You can still watch hundreds of balloons lift off at sunrise, painting the sky with color while you enjoy the view from panoramic hilltops.

  • Great for: Photography with balloons in the background
  • Time required: 1-1.5 hours
  • Included in select combo tours
  • Best experience: Cappadocia Super Combo: Hot Air Balloon Watching + Red Tour and ATV Tour or Horse Ride

Red tour

This Red tour offers a perfect introduction to northern Cappadocia, by combining natural wonders, ancient caves, and hands-on cultural stops like pottery-making in Avanos.

  • Covers: Uchisar Castle, Avanos, Pasabag (Monks Valley), Devrent Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum, and Love Valley
  • Time: 6-8 hours
  • Included in select tours
  • Best experience: Red Tour with Fairy Chimney & Zelve Open-Air Museum Visit with Lunch & Transfers

Green tour

The Green tour combines the natural beauty and the hidden history of southern Cappadocia. Descend into subterranean cities, hike lush valleys, and relax by the volcanic Nar Lake.

  • Covers: Goreme Village, Ihlara Valley, Agacaltı Church, Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı Underground Cities, and Pigeon Valley.
  • Time: 8-9 hours
  • Included in select tours
  • Best experience: Full-Day Green Tour with Underground City & Trek with Lunch & Transfers

ATV safari

When the quiet valleys aren’t enough, fire up an ATV and ride through dusty trails, secret caves, and golden sunsets. It’s Cappadocia with an adrenaline kick.

  • Covers: Different valleys and fairy chimneys
  • Time: 1-2 hours
  • Available as an add-on or standalone
  • Best Experience: Guided ATV Tour with Transfers

Horseback riding

Explore Cappadocia the traditional way on horseback, winding through valleys and fairy chimneys at a slow pace, perfect for couples and families.

  • Covers: Valleys and rock formations
  • Time: 1-2 hours
  • Available as add-on or combo
  • Best Experience: Cappadocia Super Combo: Hot Air Balloon Watching + Red Tour and ATV Tour or Horse Ride

Getting to Goreme Valley in Cappadocia

Tourists with guide exploring rock-cut church in Selime, Cappadocia.

Taking a guided tour is the best option if you want a seamless experience without worrying about logistics. All tours include:

  • Hassle-free transfers from hotel
  • Entry at all sights covered under the tour
  • Professional guides for context & history
  • Meals and extras based on the tour you select
Plan your visit to Goreme
Driver steering a car during a private airport transfer in Bangkok.
By car
  • Driving offers a flexible and scenic way to explore Cappadocia.
  • Car rentals are available at Kayseri/Nevsehir airports.
  • Time: 1–2 hours from airports.
  • Cost: €30–50/day + fuel.
  • Best for: Independent travelers.
  • Pros: Flexible, stop anywhere.
  • Cons: Parking & navigation can be tricky.
By bus
  • Driving offers a flexible and scenic way to explore Cappadocia.
  • Car rentals are available at Kayseri/Nevsehir airports.
  • Time: 1–2 hours from airports.
  • Cost: €30–50/day + fuel.
  • Best for: Independent travelers.
  • Pros: Flexible, stop anywhere.
  • Cons: Parking & navigation can be tricky.

Helpful tips for your visit

  • April–October is the peak tourist season with warm weather and clear skies. Winter (November–March) is quieter, with snow adding a magical touch, but balloon flights might get frequently canceled in winter as they are weather-dependent.
  • Plan at least 2-3 days in Goreme to enjoy a sunrise balloon ride, a Red or Green Tour, and an adventure activity like ATV or horseback riding. Extra time also helps in case your balloon flight gets rescheduled due to weather.
  • Hot air balloon flights sell out weeks in advance, especially between April and October. It's best to book 2-4 weeks in advance to save your spot.
  • Carry cash for shopping at small shops, pottery workshops, and carpet stores in villages, as they often prefer cash. You’ll also find better bargains and smoother transactions when carrying Turkish lira.
  • Carry water, snacks, a power bank, and a hat during full-day tours. Many sites involve walking or climbing, and a lightweight backpack keeps essentials handy without weighing you down.
  • Bring a good camera or ensure your phone is charged. Many tours also stop at scenic viewpoints where you’ll want to capture the landscape.
  • Internet coverage can be spotty in valleys and underground cities. Be sure to download offline maps before heading out.

Where to stay in Goreme >

Frequently asked questions about Goreme Valley tours

Why should I book Goreme tours online?

You should consider booking the Goreme tours online for a convenient and relaxed experience and to avoid disappointment at the last minute. You can also get discounts and other benefits depending on the type of ticket and tour you opt for.

Do Goreme Valley tours include transfers?

Yes, most of the Goreme Valley tours include round-trip transfers to and from your accommodation.

Are meals included in all Goreme tours?

Full-day tours, like the Red tour or the Green tour, include lunch. Balloon rides include a light breakfast, but entry tickets for museums/underground cities do not include any meal.

How long is a hot air balloon ride in Goreme?

Most flights last around 60 minutes, with the entire experience (hotel pick-up, flight, landing celebration, drop-off) taking 3–4 hours.

Can I explore Goreme without a guide?

Yes, but a guide enriches the experience with historical and cultural insights. Guided tours also save time with transfers and organized itineraries.

Are private tours available in Goreme, Cappadocia?

Yes, many operators offer private hot air balloon flights and tailor-made Red or Green Tours for couples, families, or groups.

Which is the best Goreme Valley tour for families?

The Red Tour is best for families, with easy walks, cultural stops, and short drives between attractions. It balances history, nature, and interactive experiences like pottery in Avanos, keeping both adults and children engaged.

Which is the best Goreme Valley tour for couples?

A premium sunrise hot air balloon flight or a horseback ride through the valleys at sunset makes for an unforgettable romantic experience.

Top Things to do in Cappadocia
Cappadocia Tours
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