Cappadocia Underground City & Pigeon Valley Tour

Göreme , Turkey

Cappadocia Underground City & Pigeon Valley Tour

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(8 reviews)

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About this experience

Enjoy a half day afternoon tour in the southern part of Cappadocia which is the most interesting part of the volcanic territory. Discover Ozkonak, the widest of 36 underground cities in Cappadocia, and one of the best preserved and deep subterranean towns of the region carved as early as in the 2nd millennium BC by the local habitants. Visit the Pigeon Valley, one of the prominent landmarks in the region.

Available options

Cappadocia Underground City & Pigeon Valley Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

A supernormal and amazing masterpiece, Underground City is situated around Avanos, town of Nevsehir. This glorious structure reflects the dreamy historical atmosphere due to its architectural characteristic and its geopolitical situation. Thus, today Underground City is flooded by visitors.The breath-taking, unique and incredible underground city hollowed out of tufa rock was built by the locals in order to defence themselves from the invasions of the warriors. It dates back B.C 400, Byzantine (Rome) Era. Therefore, many traps were placed here against to the enemies which are one of the main important features enchanting the tourists in our day.

As soon as the people step into this valuable, mystic underground city, they definitely realize how wonderful location, ancient sanctuary is.

Firstly, the priceless construction pays attention with its having apartment complex plan, four big halls, four separate graves, 10 special rooms, water wells, churches, barns, winery, ventilation system(very perfect mechanism), winery and enclosable doors by the way of circle stone like millstone for security reasons. Additionally there are found many ambushes in the long narrow tunnels for to misdirect hostiles in the Ozkonak underground city.

Secondly, there are located many narrow, long holes and tunnels carved into those every floors which enable the citizens easily to communicate and to pour hot oil against any conquerors.

Stop 2

Pigeon valley is situated between Göreme and Uçhisar and is ideal for walking, as the trek is relatively easy. The name comes from the thousands of pigeon houses that have been carved into the soft tuff since ancient times. Although they can be found throughout Cappadocia, they are especially numerous in this valley.

What's not included

Gratuities

Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.2

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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