Nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, the Kaymakli Underground City offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history. This ancient subterranean network, dating back to the 4th century AD, once sheltered up to 20,000 people seeking refuge from persecution. Visitors can explore its intricate maze of tunnels, stone-carved living quarters, and well-preserved churches, all while learning about the ingenious survival strategies of early Christians. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this immersive experience promises to transport you back in time and leave you intrigued by the remarkable resilience of this fascinating civilization hidden beneath the surface.

Key Points

South Cappadocia Day Tour - Kaymakli Underground City - Key Points

  • The South Cappadocia Day Tour is a 7-hour excursion that features Kaymakli Underground City, Göreme National Park, Red Valley, and Pigeon Valley.
  • The tour is guided by English and Spanish-speaking professionals and includes pickup from five convenient locations.
  • Highlights of the tour include exploring the ancient Christian shelter of Kaymakli Underground City and hiking through the captivating landscapes of Red Valley.
  • The tour also includes a visit to the quaint old Greek village of Çavuşin, an onyx factory tour, and a traditional Turkish lunch.
  • The tour has an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 19 reviews, with positive feedback on punctuality, cleanliness, guide expertise, and transportation.
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Tour Overview and Details

South Cappadocia Day Tour - Kaymakli Underground City - Tour Overview and Details

The South Cappadocia Day Tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich history and captivating landscapes, with a guided visit to the renowned Kaymakli Underground City as the tour’s centerpiece.

Priced from €60 per person, this 7-hour excursion is led by English and Spanish-speaking guides and accommodates a maximum of 14 travelers.

Pickup is included from five convenient locations, and the tour features a delicious traditional Turkish lunch.

Highlights include the stunning Göreme National Park, the otherworldly Red Valley, and the picturesque Pigeon Valley.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and transportation in a new, air-conditioned vehicle, this tour provides an immersive and hassle-free experience of South Cappadocia.

Itinerary Highlights

South Cappadocia Day Tour - Kaymakli Underground City - Itinerary Highlights

Kaymakli Underground City serves as the tour’s centerpiece, allowing visitors to explore the early Christian shelter hidden beneath the surface.

Görme National Park then offers scenic views of the unique cave houses that dot the region’s dramatic landscape.

Hiking through the breathtaking Red Valley, travelers marvel at the area’s captivating geological formations.

The tour also includes a visit to the quaint old Greek village of Çavușin and a photo stop at Pigeon Valley to learn about the traditional pigeon houses.

Rounding out the itinerary, the group stops at an onyx factory to gain insight into the semi-precious volcanic stones found in the region, followed by a traditional Turkish lunch in Avanos.

Inclusions and Transportation

South Cappadocia Day Tour - Kaymakli Underground City - Inclusions and Transportation

This day tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless transportation experience for participants.

A delectable traditional Turkish lunch is also provided as part of the package.

On top of that, visitors can skip the lines at museums thanks to the pre-arranged admission tickets included in the tour.

The tour is led by a professional, licensed guide who shares their expertise and insights throughout the journey.

Participants will travel in a new, air-conditioned vehicle, adding to the comfort and convenience of the experience.

The tour operator has considered every detail to make this South Cappadocia adventure as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible for travelers.

Important Information and Recommendations

To make the most of the South Cappadocia Day Tour, visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing as the itinerary involves approximately an hour of hiking through the region’s beautiful landscapes.

The tour operates rain or shine, and alternative sites may be visited if necessary. While pets aren’t allowed, assistance dogs are welcomed.

Optional handmade art workshops may be offered, and visitors are encouraged to bring extra cash to cover any beverages and tips for the guide, which aren’t included in the tour package.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

South Cappadocia Day Tour - Kaymakli Underground City - Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the South Cappadocia Day Tour, reflected in its impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 19 reviews.

Specifically, they’ve highlighted the tour’s punctuality, cleanliness, and the knowledgeable expertise of the guides, all of which have contributed to their overall satisfaction with the experience.

The tour’s transportation has also received a perfect 5/5 rating, with customers noting the new, air-conditioned vehicles.

In terms of value for money, the tour has earned a 4.6/5 score, indicating that travelers feel they’re getting their money’s worth.

Kaymakli Underground City

South Cappadocia Day Tour - Kaymakli Underground City - Kaymakli Underground City

Descending into the ancient Kaymakli Underground City, visitors embark on a captivating journey through a vast network of tunnels and chambers that once sheltered early Christian communities seeking refuge from persecution.

This 8-story subterranean marvel, dating back to the 4th century AD, offers a unique glimpse into the ingenious survival strategies of these resilient inhabitants.

Highlights of the exploration include:

  1. Navigating the intricate maze of tunnels, some as narrow as 70 cm wide, that connected living quarters, kitchens, churches, and even wineries.

  2. Witnessing the remarkable ventilation system that allowed up to 20,000 people to reside underground for extended periods.

  3. Admiring the well-preserved stone carvings and frescoes that adorn the walls, showcasing the artistic talent of the former residents.

  4. Gaining an appreciation for the ingenuity and adaptability of these early Christians who carved out a safe haven in the depths of the earth.

Goreme National Park and Surrounding Sites

South Cappadocia Day Tour - Kaymakli Underground City - Goreme National Park and Surrounding Sites

After exploring the captivating Kaymakli Underground City, the tour moves on to the UNESCO-listed Göreme National Park and its surrounding geological wonders.

This otherworldly landscape, sculpted by centuries of volcanic activity, boasts an array of unique rock formations, cave dwellings, and breathtaking vistas that have long captivated visitors.

The tour takes guests on a scenic journey through the Red Valley, showcasing the region’s iconic ‘fairy chimneys‘ and the quaint old Greek village of Çavușin.

A visit to the stunning Love Valley allows guests to marvel at the towering rock formations, while a stop at Pigeon Valley provides insight into the region’s historical pigeon houses.

Throughout, the guide offers fascinating commentary on the geology, history, and culture of this extraordinary destination.

Onyx Factory Visit and Turkish Lunch

The tour concludes with a visit to an onyx factory, where travelers gain insight into the creation and crafting of these semi-precious volcanic stones that are found throughout the Cappadocia region.

Following the factory tour, the group enjoys a traditional Turkish lunch in the town of Avanos, savoring the local cuisine and further seeing the cultural experience.

The Turkish lunch typically features:

  1. Meze – a selection of small appetizer dishes

  2. Kebabs – skewered and grilled meats

  3. Fresh bread – such as pide or lahmacun

  4. Baklava – a flaky, syrupy pastry for dessert

This final stop provides a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to not only explore the unique landscapes and historical sites but also gain a deeper appreciation for Turkey’s vibrant culture and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

South Cappadocia Day Tour - Kaymakli Underground City - Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tour Provide Transportation for Arrivals and Departures?

The tour does provide transportation for arrivals and departures. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring convenient transportation to and from the tour locations throughout the day.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can be customized to include additional activities, such as optional handmade art workshops. However, any customizations or extra activities may incur additional costs. The tour’s core itinerary and inclusions are fixed, though some flexibility may be possible.

Is the Tour Guide Available for Individual Questions Throughout the Day?

The tour guide is typically available to answer individual questions throughout the day. They are knowledgeable about the sites and can provide additional information and insights to enhance the overall tour experience for participants.

What Happens if the Weather Is Unfavorable During the Hike?

If the weather is unfavorable during the hike, the tour operator will visit alternative sites. They’ll ensure the safety and comfort of the travelers by adapting the itinerary as needed while maintaining the overall tour experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for children or seniors. However, the company may be willing to provide a discounted rate for larger groups or if the traveler is a student. It’s best to inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Recap

The South Cappadocia Day Tour offers an immersive experience at the Kaymakli Underground City, a fascinating historical site dating back to the 4th century AD.

Travelers will explore its intricate maze of tunnels, marvel at well-preserved stone carvings, and learn about the survival strategies of early Christians.

This captivating journey highlights the ingenuity and resilience of ancient civilizations within the breathtaking landscape of Cappadocia, providing an unforgettable cultural and historical exploration.

You can check if your dates are available here: