Avanos is a fantastic base for exploring Cappadocia, especially for travelers who want to see the region’s stunning landscapes, underground cities, and ancient sites in one day. Its location along the Kızılırmak River makes it a natural hub for full-day tours that combine culture, history, and scenery. Whether you’re after a flexible, private experience or a well-organized group outing, Avanos offers options that cater to different interests and travel styles. We especially like tours that include hands-on experiences like pottery workshops or visits to lesser-visited sites, giving you a richer understanding of local life.
Some of our favorite experiences include the full-day guided private tour (see details here), which covers the main highlights with a local guide, and the small group Red Tour (more info), known for its engaging itinerary and photo stops. If budget is a concern, the Red & Green Mix Small Group Tour (see it here) offers a packed day at an affordable price. For those wanting a creative twist, the Pottery Workshop & Lunch (details here) combines sightseeing with hands-on clay art in Avanos.
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each tour to help you pick the best fit for your trip.
1. Cappadocia: Half-Day or Full-Day Customized Private Tour
This private tour gives you the flexibility to design your own adventure. For around $176 per group (up to 12 people), a professional guide and private vehicle will help you explore Cappadocia on your terms, whether it’s just a few hours or a full day. You choose the route, and the guide helps you prioritize your must-see sites or hidden corners. This is perfect if you want an efficient, tailored experience without the bus crowds.
What makes this tour stand out is its customization. You can skip lengthy stops and spend more time where your interests lie — perhaps the fairy chimneys of Pasabag, the panoramic views from Uchisar Castle, or a quick visit to a pottery workshop in Avanos. The inclusion of hotel transfers adds convenience, letting you focus on the sights. The guide’s local expertise ensures you get insightful commentary, making this a great value for those who prefer a personalized day.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting total control over their day and a private experience that balances efficiency with personalization.
2. Cappadocia: Full-Day Guided Private Tour
At number 2, the full-day guided private tour offers a comprehensive look at Cappadocia’s highlights in about seven hours. This tour is perfect if you want to sit back and learn from a knowledgeable local guide who can fill you in on the region’s history, geography, and culture. It’s the ideal way to see key sights like the Goreme Open-Air Museum, underground city, and Pasabag fairy chimneys.
The itinerary is well-organized, with stops at scenic viewpoints, photo opportunities, and cultural sites like Avanos, where you can try pottery-making. The tour’s structure ensures you hit the high points without feeling rushed, and the inclusion of hotel transfers means a stress-free day. The guide’s expertise shines when explaining the significance of the sites, especially the underground city, which has fascinating stories about early Christian life.
Guests have praised this tour for its balance of sightseeing and storytelling, calling it a “rich and immersive experience.” For travelers who want a comprehensive day with a private touch, this is an excellent choice.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a curated, in-depth exploration with personalized guidance.
$250 per group up to 14
3. Cappadocia: Full-Day Small Group Red Tour w/Lunch & Tickets
As the most popular tour in Cappadocia, this small group Red Tour offers about seven hours of sightseeing packed into a lively, social experience. With a maximum number of participants, the tour feels intimate and engaging, perfect for travelers who enjoy sharing discoveries with others.
The day includes visits to the Devrent Valley, famous for animal-shaped rocks, the Zelve Open Air Museum, and the imposing Uchisar Castle. Lunch at a local restaurant provides authentic Turkish flavors, and the tour also explores the Goreme Open-Air Museum with a guided walk. The itinerary is designed to show off Cappadocia’s natural wonders and historic sites efficiently, with plenty of photo stops along the way.
Reviews highlight how smoothly this tour runs, with friendly guides and a good mix of history and scenery. It’s an excellent value for just $59 per person, especially if you’re traveling on a budget but still want a thorough overview.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a social, well-structured day that covers the region’s key attractions without breaking the bank.
$59 per person
4. Cappadocia: Full-Day Tour with Pottery Workshop & Lunch
This full-day tour combines iconic sightseeing with a creative hands-on experience. Over about eight hours, you’ll visit Uçhisar Castle, explore the colorful Love Valley and Devrent Valley, and learn about Cappadocia’s history at the Open Air Museum. The highlight is the pottery workshop in Avanos, where you get to shape your own clay masterpiece under expert guidance.
What makes this tour stand out is the interactive element — making it ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing. The included lunch and scenic stops add to the value, and the pottery experience is a memorable way to connect with local craft traditions. This tour is well-rated at 4.8/5, with visitors appreciating the balance of learning and fun.
Guests often mention the stunning views from Uçhisar and the joy of trying pottery firsthand. It’s suited for families or anyone craving an immersive day that combines sightseeing with creativity.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a blend of culture, scenery, and hands-on activity.
5. Cappadocia Red & Green Mix Small Group Full Day Tour
For about six and a half hours, this mixed tour covers a lot of ground. It’s designed for those who want to see the best of both worlds — the highlights of the Red and Green Tours — in one day. Starting from multiple pickup locations, it includes stops at Uçhisar Castle, Devrent Valley, Love Valley, and the Underground City.
This tour is especially appealing for its flexibility and variety. You’ll visit key sites, shop at local markets, and enjoy scenic views along the way. The itinerary includes guided walks, shopping stops at local ateliers, and several photo opportunities, making it a full but manageable day. The pricing is very competitive at $34 per person, making it attractive for budget-conscious travelers.
Guests note the good organization and the opportunity to see a broad swath of Cappadocia’s landscape and culture in one trip. It’s suitable for those who want a rundown but prefer a small-group experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want variety and value for money, with a mix of cultural sites and scenic stops.
$34 per person
6. Full Day Cappadocia Red Tour with Zelve Open Air Museum
This Red Tour offers an approximately six-hour journey into some of Cappadocia’s most extraordinary landscapes. Starting from several pickup points, it hits major sights like Uçhisar Castle, Zelve Open Air Museum, Paşabağ (Monks) Valley, and Devrent Valley.
The Zelve Open Air Museum is a highlight — an abandoned village with cave dwellings and churches carved into the rocks, giving a real sense of ancient life. The tour also includes a visit to Avanos for a taste of local pottery craftsmanship. Although shorter in duration, the tour provides a solid overview of the region’s natural and cultural riches.
Reviewers mention the beautiful scenery and the well-paced itinerary. At $44 per person, it’s a good option for those who want a focused, scenic day without spending too much.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a compact, scenic tour with some cultural highlights.
$44 per person
7. Full Day Green Tour with Lunch
Rounding out the list is the Green Tour, which emphasizes underground cities, monasteries, and the Ihlara Valley. Starting from select locations, the day includes exploring the Derinkuyu Underground City, walking in the lush Ihlara Valley, and visiting the Selime Monastery.
This tour is perfect for those interested in geology and ancient architecture. The Ihlara Valley’s hiking trail offers a peaceful break from busier sites, and the visit to the Onyx Show Factory adds a local craftsmanship touch. The included lunch makes it a complete day out.
The tour scores 4.1/5, and travelers appreciate the mix of adventure and cultural insights. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to underground structures and scenic hikes.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a combination of underground exploration and nature walks.
$121 per person
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Avanos
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to dedicate. If you prefer a private, customizable experience, the Half-Day or Full-Day Private Tour offers flexibility. For those wanting a guided group adventure, the Small Group Red Tour provides a lively, social atmosphere.
Budget travelers might prefer the Red & Green Mix Tour, which packs multiple highlights into one affordable package. If hands-on activities appeal, the Pottery Workshop & Lunch balances sightseeing with local craft experiences. Those interested in underground cities and scenic hikes should consider the Green Tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your spot and tailor your day to your interests. Think about your physical comfort — some tours involve walking over uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes.
Final Thoughts
Avanos offers a variety of full-day tours that cater to different tastes — whether you want the intimacy of a private tour, the camaraderie of a small group, or a mix of both. For a comprehensive experience with history, scenery, and local crafts, the full-day guided private tour is hard to beat. If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to see the main sights, the Red & Green Mix Tour delivers excellent value.
For those craving something interactive, the Pottery Workshop & Lunch combines sightseeing with hands-on creativity, making for a memorable day. Whichever you choose, booking early will ensure you get the best experience. Happy exploring in Cappadocia’s incredible landscape!