Private Cappadocia Tour: Underground City, Caravanserai & Salt Lake

Göreme , Turkey

Private Cappadocia Tour: Underground City, Caravanserai & Salt Lake

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About this experience

On this daily salt lake tour from Cappadocia, visit Tatlarin Underground City, Ağzıkarahan Caravanserai and Lake Tuz.

Available options

Private Cappadocia Tour:

private <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle

Hotel pick-up & drop-off service

Parking Fees

Professional and licensed tourist guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

General İnformation About Tatlarin (Acıgöl) Underground (Subterranean) City
Only a small part of this underground city, which is spread over a large area, could be cleaned. Only the first two floors are open to visitors.

In this underground city, which has two discovered churches, the number of supply depots is high. The interior areas are quite wide. All these considerations suggest that this city may not be a civilian settlement, but a military garrison or a monastic complex.

Stop 2

The Tuz Gölü, also called Tatta in antiquity, is a closed-end lake surrounded by plateaus.

He sources that feed the lake are insufficient, the river Melendiz (Aksaray) and river Pecenekozu (Sereflikochisar).
In summer, because of evaporation, the lake dries into a layer of salt of about 30 centimeters, covering the mud. In winter the water get together again, but in its deepest part does not exceed 2 meters. Although it is the second largest lake in Turkey.
With the 33%, is one of the world’s lakes with higher salinity, so is impossible to farm in the surroundings.

Thus, the Tuz Gölü salt is one of the richest in the world. It gives 300 thousand tons of salt per year, 60% of the total production in Turkey.

This salt can only be collected in the months of July and August when the lake dries.

To ensure that it would be clean, the salt lake is collected only from the areas in which layer are more than 6 centimeters thick.

Stop 3

Cappadocia’s wind-sculpted volcanic tufa has created an impressive series of valleys, dotted with towering “fairy chimneys” and dramatic rock formations. Taking its name from the pigeonholes carved into the tops of its fairy chimneys, Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi) is stunning, and visitors to Cappadocia shouldn’t miss it.

What's not included

Drinks

Gratuities

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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