Itinerary
Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys and Underground City Tour
Highlights
- Admire panoramic views of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and valleys from Göreme Panorama
- Explore ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes at the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum
- Discover hidden tunnels and living quarters in Kaymaklı Underground City
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Pigeon Valley and Love Valley from Uçhisar Castle
- Visit Avanos Village to experience traditional pottery-making and local handicrafts
Description
Embark on a full-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia. Begin with breathtaking views at Göreme Panorama, then explore the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum and delve into history at Kaymaklı Underground City. Continue to Uçhisar Castle for sweeping vistas, discover traditional pottery in Avanos Village, and marvel at the unique rock formations of Love Valley and Imagination Valley.
Göreme Panorama
- Begin with a scenic viewpoint overlooking the unique fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia.
- Perfect for photographs and to get an overall sense of the region’s volcanic landscape.
Göreme Open-Air Museum
- Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries.
- Admire frescoes depicting biblical scenes and learn about early Christian life in the region.
Kaymaklı Underground City
- Visit one of Cappadocia’s famous underground cities, built to protect locals from invasions.
- Wander through tunnels, living quarters, kitchens, and storage areas, discovering how people survived below ground.
Uçhisar Castle Panorama
- Stop at the tallest natural rock formation in Cappadocia for panoramic views over Pigeon Valley, Love Valley, and surrounding fairy chimneys.
- A great place for photos and to appreciate the vast landscape.
Avanos Village
- Explore the charming town of Avanos, renowned for its pottery and handicrafts.
- Visit a local workshop to see traditional pottery-making techniques and optional hands-on experience.
Love Valley
- Stroll or admire the unique fairy chimney formations, some of which have distinctive shapes that give the valley its name.
- Scenic viewpoint ideal for photos.
Imagination Valley (Devrent Valley)
- End the tour among whimsical rock formations shaped like animals and imaginative figures.
- Let your creativity guide you as you spot shapes resembling camels, dolphins, and other forms in the natural rock landscape.
What’s Included
- Professional English-speaking licensed guide
- Private air-conditioned vehicle or small-group minibus for the day
- Entrance fees to all listed sites
- Lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Göreme / Ürgüp / nearby towns)
- Bottled water during the tour
- Travel insurance
What’s Excluded
- Optional hot air balloon ride (if desired)
- Personal expenses/souvenirs
- Tips for service providers
- Drinks at lunch or snacks outside of the included meal
Know Before You Go
- Physical requirement: Moderate walking; there are some uneven paths and short staircases in the Underground City. Not suitable for people with serious mobility issues.
- Weather: Cappadocia can be hot in summer and cold in winter; dress in layers. The underground city stays cool year-round.
- Crowds: Popular sites like Göreme Open-Air Museum and Uçhisar Castle can get busy; early morning tours are less crowded.
- Respect religious sites: Many churches are still sacred; photography may be restricted in some areas.
- Stay with your guide during the tour, especially in the underground city and valleys.
- Watch your step in tunnels and on uneven stone paths.
- Carry water to stay hydrated; some areas are exposed with limited shade.
- Most sites allow photography, but flash may be prohibited in churches or frescoed interiors.
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY); credit cards are widely accepted, but small vendors may prefer cash.
- Restrooms: Available at major sites and restaurants.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal is generally good.
What To Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes – for uneven paths, short walks, and underground tunnels
- Light jacket or sweater – caves and the underground city can be cool
- Hat and sunglasses – protection from the sun in open valleys
- Layered clothing – mornings and evenings can be chilly, while daytime may be warm
- Water bottle – although bottled water is often provided, carry your own for convenience
- Sunscreen – high UV exposure in open valleys
- Camera / smartphone – to capture fairy chimneys, panoramic views, and unique rock formations
- Small backpack – to carry personal items comfortably
- Snacks – for mid-morning or afternoon breaks
- Hand sanitizer / wet wipes – for hygiene during stops
- Extra batteries / power bank – for phones and cameras
- Notebook / guidebook – if you like to take notes on history or geology
- Mind your head in low tunnels – bring a small flashlight if desired (though most sites are lit)
- Comfortable pants (trousers) – easier for crouching and walking through narrow passages
NOTE:
- Children under the age of 7 join this tour free of charge
- Please indicate the number of children under 7 on the checkout page in the comments
- For children 7 years and over please book as adults
