Göreme , Turkey

Half Day Private Underground City Tour

Active

(17 reviews)

3h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a captivating journey through Cappadocia, exploring ancient wonders and surreal landscapes. Descend into Kaymaklı Underground City, ascend Uçhisar Castle for panoramic views, stroll through the serene Pigeon Valley, and witness the surreal beauty of Göreme Panorama. This tour seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty, promising an unforgettable experience in one of Turkey's most enchanting regions.

Available options

Half Day Private Underground City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Tour guide fluent in English or Spanish with more than 15 years of experience

Air-conditioned vehicle

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Your guide will first take you to Göreme Panorama, where nature's grandeur unfolds before your eyes. From this stunning vantage point, you'll gaze out over the breathtaking expanse of Pigeon Valley, with its unique rock formations and lush greenery. If luck is on our side and the weather permits, you may even catch a glimpse of the majestic Erciyes Volcanic Mountain towering in the distance. Be sure to have your cameras ready, as the panoramic views from here are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Stop 2

As you stand at the Uçhisar Castle Viewpoint, you'll be treated to a magnificent sight of one of Cappadocia's most iconic landmarks. The viewpoint offers an unparalleled perspective of its imposing structure, carved directly into the rocky hillside. Marvel at the ancient architecture and imagine the tales of history that echo within its walls as you take in the panoramic vista stretching out before you.

Stop 3

Prepare to be enchanted by the natural beauty of Pigeon Valley as we arrive at this charming viewpoint. Named for the numerous pigeon houses carved into the cliffs by ancient inhabitants, the valley offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to sweeping vistas of the valley below, with its verdant landscape and intriguing rock formations. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and soak in the tranquility of this picturesque setting while feeding the pigeons around you.

Stop 4

Your journey concludes with a descent into the fascinating depths of Kaymakli Underground City. Step back in time as you explore this remarkable subterranean complex, which once served as a refuge for early Christians fleeing persecution. Wander through the labyrinthine passages, marveling at the ingenious architectural features that allowed inhabitants to survive and thrive beneath the earth's surface. Gain insight into the daily life of its ancient inhabitants as you visit living quarters, churches, and communal spaces carved into the rock. A truly unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of generations past.

What's not included

Gratuities

Entrance fee of the underground city (13 EUR per person)

Personal Expenses

Kaymakli Underground City

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Göreme

Göreme is a small town in the heart of Cappadocia, renowned for its unique rock formations, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides. This enchanting region offers a blend of natural wonders, ancient history, and cultural experiences that make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Göreme Open-Air Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches and monasteries with stunning frescoes dating back to the Byzantine era.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours Approximately 50 TRY

Love Valley

A scenic valley known for its phallic-shaped rock formations and hiking trails offering panoramic views of the region.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Uçhisar Castle

A towering rock castle offering the highest panoramic view of the Cappadocia region.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Approximately 20 TRY

Derinkuyu Underground City

An ancient multi-level underground city carved into volcanic rock, used as a refuge during times of invasion.

Historical 2-3 hours Approximately 30 TRY

Hot Air Balloon Ride

A must-do experience in Cappadocia, offering breathtaking aerial views of the unique landscape.

Adventure 1-2 hours Approximately 150-250 EUR

Must-Try Local Dishes

Testi Kebab

A traditional dish cooked in a sealed clay pot, containing meat, vegetables, and spices.

Dinner Non-vegetarian

Pide

Turkish flatbread with various toppings, similar to pizza.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Göreme Salad

A fresh salad made with local vegetables, cheese, and herbs.

Lunch Vegetarian

Manti

Small dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce.

Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon ride Hiking ATV tours Horseback riding Spa and wellness treatments Wine tasting Picnicking in the valleys Visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

The weather is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Turkish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Göreme is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on prices before starting your journey in taxis or shared vehicles

Getting there

By air

Kayseri Erkilet Airport • 75 km (47 miles)
Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport • 35 km (22 miles)

By bus

Göreme Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are infrequent and not very reliable. They are best suited for short distances.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Göreme Town Center Uçhisar Çavuşin

Day trips

Derinkuyu Underground City

30 km (18.6 miles) • Half day

Explore the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu, a multi-level subterranean refuge dating back to ancient times.

Ihlara Valley

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A scenic valley with lush greenery, ancient churches, and hiking trails along the Melendiz River.

Avanos

20 km (12.4 miles) • Half day

A traditional town known for its pottery workshops and pottery-making demonstrations.

Festivals

Cappadocia International Music Festival • September Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival • April Çavuşin Culture and Art Festival • July

Pro tips

Book your hot air balloon ride well in advance, as they often sell out during peak season
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the rocky terrain
Bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day
Learn a few basic phrases in Turkish to enhance your interaction with locals
Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat