Discover the captivating Kaymaklı Underground City, a remarkable subterranean wonder carved into volcanic rock, revealing Cappadocia’s rich history. After exploring its extensive chambers, embark on a scenic 1.5-hour hike through Pigeon Valley, where unique geological formations and ancient pigeon houses await. Led by an expert guide, this immersive small-group tour promises panoramic views and captivating narratives that transport you back in time. Priced at just $59.68 per person, this one-day adventure offers a chance to uncover the hidden gems that make Cappadocia a true wonder of the world.
Key Points
-
Explore the expansive Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest subterranean complexes in Cappadocia, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
-
Set out on a 1.5-hour, 3 km scenic hike through Pigeon Valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the unique geological formations and ancient pigeon houses.
-
Gain insights into Cappadocia’s geological evolution and the historical narrative of human habitation, from early Christian communities to agricultural practices.
-
The tour includes transportation, a live English-speaking guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, catering to a small group of up to 10 participants.
-
While the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, it provides an immersive experience for travelers interested in exploring the timeless essence of Cappadocia.
Tour Overview
This one-day tour offers visitors an opportunity to discover the captivating Kaymakli Underground City and embark on a scenic hike through Pigeon Valley.
Priced from $59.68 per person, this small-group experience is limited to 10 participants and includes transportation, a live English-speaking guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
After pickup from Göreme or Üçhisar, guests will spend an hour exploring the Kaymakli Underground City and then hike for 1.5 hours from Üçhisar to Göreme through the picturesque Pigeon Valley.
The tour culminates in panoramic views of Göreme, providing an immersive glimpse into Cappadocia’s captivating geological formations and historical narratives.
Want to dig deeper into Kaymakli? We've also reviewed these city tours
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with pickup locations in Göreme and Uçhisar.
From there, the group travels for 35 minutes by car to reach the Kaymaklı Underground City. During the guided tour, visitors will explore this expansive subterranean complex for approximately 1 hour.
Afterwards, the group will embark on a 1.5-hour, 3 km hike through the picturesque Pigeon Valley, starting from Uçhisar and ending in Göreme. Along the way, hikers will observe the distinctive pigeon houses and a rock-cut cave Basilica, while enjoying panoramic views of the Göreme landscape.
Kaymaklı Underground City
Kaymaklı Underground City is one of the largest and most remarkable subterranean complexes in Cappadocia. Carved into the volcanic rock, this ancient city extends deep underground and was once home to thousands of people seeking refuge and protection.
Visitors can explore its intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and storerooms, marveling at the ingenious design and engineering. The city features multiple levels, ventilation shafts, and even churches, demonstrating the sophistication of its inhabitants.
Guides lead tours through the highlights, providing insights into the city’s history and daily life. Exploring Kaymaklı is an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Cappadocia’s rich cultural heritage.
Pigeon Valley Hike
After exploring the wonders of Kaymaklı Underground City, visitors embark on a captivating hike through Pigeon Valley.
The 1.5-hour, 3km trek takes them from Uçhisar to Göreme, offering stunning panoramic views of the region. Along the way, they’ll discover numerous pigeon houses carved into the valley’s distinctive rock formations and a rock-cut cave Basilica, providing a glimpse into Cappadocia’s rich history.
The hike’s moderate difficulty level allows guests to enjoy the serene natural surroundings while the knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights about the area’s unique geological and cultural heritage.
This experience promises an unforgettable blend of outdoor adventure and historical exploration.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyPanoramic Views of Göreme
As visitors complete their captivating hike through Pigeon Valley, they’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Göreme. From the hilltops, travelers can take in the stunning vistas of the picturesque town nestled among the unique rock formations and cave dwellings that define Cappadocia’s distinctive landscape.
Some key highlights of the Göreme panorama include:
- The striking "fairy chimneys" – towering, cone-shaped rock structures that dot the horizon.
- The colorful rooftops and whitewashed buildings of the historic town center.
- The striking cliffs and valleys that stretch out in the distance, carved by centuries of natural erosion.
These panoramic views provide the perfect backdrop to reflect on the extraordinary journey through Pigeon Valley and the rich history of this captivating region.
Historical Narratives
Throughout the hike through Pigeon Valley, travelers are captivated by the rich historical narratives that define this remarkable region.
As they explore the unique rock formations and observe the ancient pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, the guide shares intriguing stories about Cappadocia’s geological and cultural evolution.
Visitors learn how this striking landscape was shaped by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, creating the distinctive "fairy chimneys" and cave dwellings.
The guide also delves into the region’s long history of human habitation, from the early Christian communities who sought refuge in the subterranean cities to the more recent agricultural practices that utilized the pigeon manure as fertilizer.
This immersive experience connects travelers to the timeless essence of Cappadocia.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, all transportation, and even tips. However, it isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. Pets are also not allowed.
The key inclusions are:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Guided tour of the Kaymaklı Underground City
- Hiking through the Pigeon Valley
All museum tickets, personal expenses, and any other costs are covered in the price.
The tour operates rain or shine, so visitors should come prepared for the weather.
While customer feedback highlights a friendly guide and interesting information, some suggestions include a slower hiking pace and including the underground city ticket in the overall price.
Important Information
Visitors should bring their passport or ID card for this tour. The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather. Though the hike through Pigeon Valley is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, the tour is generally accessible to most travelers. Pets are not allowed on the tour.
| Important Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bring | Passport or ID card | |
| Weather | Tour operates rain or shine | |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for people with mobility impairments | |
| Pets | Not allowed | |
| Customer Feedback | Friendly guide, interesting information; suggestions for slower hiking pace and inclusion of underground city ticket in price. Overall rating: 4/5 based on 1 review. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, no outside food or beverages are provided as part of the tour package. Travelers should plan accordingly for their personal sustenance needs during the day’s activities.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Length?
The tour company doesn’t offer an option to extend the tour length. However, customers can choose to explore the sites at their own pace during the scheduled 1-day itinerary. Any requests for an extended tour would need to be arranged separately.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus More on Specific Sites?
While the standard tour itinerary can’t be customized, the operator may accommodate special requests to focus more on specific sites within the overall tour duration. Travelers should inquire about customization options when booking.
What Is the Policy for Children or Infants Participating in the Tour?
The tour is suitable for children and infants, but they’re not included in the per-person pricing. Participants under 12 receive a discounted rate, and infants under 3 can join for free with a parent or guardian.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Groups?
The tour does not mention any discounts for students, seniors, or groups. The price is listed as $59.68 per person, and it specifies that the tour is limited to 10 participants in a small group.
Recap
This immersive one-day tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the captivating Kaymaklı Underground City and embark on a scenic hike through the picturesque Pigeon Valley. With expert guidance, visitors can explore Cappadocia’s rich history and witness its unique geological formations, all while enjoying personalized attention in a small-group setting. The tour’s well-rounded itinerary and inclusions make it an exceptional value, providing an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the wonders of this remarkable region.
You can check if your dates are available here: