Day Tour - Southern Cappadocia Tour including Kaymakli Underground City
Active
8h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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About this experience
Take in the highlights of Turkey’s southern Cappadocia region on this full-day tour. With an expert local guide, delve into the extraordinary Kaymakli Underground City, visit the Red Valley, and see the abandoned village of old Çavuşin. Plus, view the dovecotes of Pigeon Valley and try making pottery in the crafts village of Avanos, all as you learn more about the geology and history of this surreally beautiful region. Your tour includes a pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Göreme or Ürgüp.
Available options
Day Tour - Southern Cappadocia Tour including Kaymakli Underground City
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance fee
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional tour guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Start your experience with a pickup from your hotel and travel by air-conditioned coach deep into southern Cappadocia, known for its colorful rock formations, fairy chimneys and ancient underground dwellings.
As you travel, your guide will explain some of the geology of the area and its must-see sites.
Your first stop is Pigeon Valley, home to thousands of dovecotes carved from the cliffs. Take photos of the ornate birdhouses and learn how they were used by farmers for centuries to harvest their birds’ droppings for use as fertilizers.
2
Continue to the remote Red Valley, an area of spectacular rock formations and peaks. Follow the nature trails with your guide, enjoying the scenery and the vineyards and orchards that typify the valley. On route, visit some of the hidden cave churches that pepper the area and discover how they were used by ancient Christians.
3
Stop 3
Having explored here, travel to Kaymakli Underground City, one of the best-preserved of its kind in Cappadocia. Head below ground to roam its hand-hewn passages, cellars, and stables, once used by Christians to hide from persecution.
4
After, head for ‘old’ Çavuşin, an abandoned village on a hillside. Gaze at the empty rock houses, monk caves, and shelters and learn about the people who once lived here. Discover how rock falls eventually drove them from their home, and view Çavuşin’s Basilica of St John the Baptist, perched high on cliffs above the village.
Before your tour ends, stop for lunch in a local restaurant and visit the town of Avanos, known for its pottery and other handicrafts. Here, visit a traditional workshop and take part in a pottery-making session. Admire the dexterity of the potters, and grab the chance to create your own masterpiece as you learn more about this age-old Turkish craft.
Your tour then finishes with a hotel drop-off.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.5
8 reviews
5★
2
4★
3
3★
1
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
Please advise us of your hotel details if you wish to be picked up.
About Urgup
Urgup is a charming town in the heart of Cappadocia, known for its unique rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and vibrant local culture. It serves as a perfect base for exploring the region's natural wonders and historical sites.
Top Attractions
Uchisar Castle
A striking rock formation that served as a fortress in ancient times. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Historical
1-2 hours
Budget
Göreme Open-Air Museum
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches and frescoes from the Byzantine era.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate
Love Valley
A picturesque valley known for its unique rock formations that resemble phallic shapes.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Pigeon Valley
A beautiful valley with pigeon houses carved into the rocks, offering hiking trails and scenic views.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Urgup Museum
A small museum showcasing the history and culture of the Cappadocia region.
Museum
30-60 minutes
Budget
Must-Try Local Dishes
Testi Kebab
A traditional dish cooked in a sealed clay pot, containing meat, vegetables, and spices.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.
Pide
A Turkish flatbread similar to pizza, topped with various ingredients.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Göğüs Kababı
A local specialty made with minced meat, onions, and spices, grilled on a skewer.
Dinner
Contains meat.
Manti
Small dumplings filled with meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.
Popular Activities
Hot air ballooning
Hiking
ATV tours
Wine tasting
Spa treatments
Scenic drives
Visiting museums
Attending local festivals
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
The weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are vibrant. This is the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Turkish
- Widely spoken: English, German
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Urgup is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
Getting there
By air
- Kayseri Erkilet Airport • 75 km
- Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport • 35 km
By train
Kayseri Railway Station
By bus
Urgup Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are available but not very frequent. They are a budget-friendly option for getting around.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Urgup Center
Mustafapaşa
Day trips
Göreme
10 km • Half day to full day
A town known for its rock-cut churches and the Göreme Open-Air Museum.
Ihlara Valley
50 km • Full day
A lush valley with hiking trails, rock-cut churches, and a river.
Avanos
18 km • Half day
A town famous for its pottery and ceramic workshops.
Festivals
International Cappadocia Balloon Festival • June
Cappadocia Wine Festival • September
Pro tips
- Book a hot air balloon ride in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
- Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture.
- Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
- Try the local wine, as Cappadocia is known for its vineyards and wineries.
- Visit the underground cities early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
