Itinerary
Nature and Culture Cappadocia Private Day Tour
Highlights
- Göreme Open Air Museum: Rock-hewn churches with Byzantine frescoes (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Paşabağ Valley (Monks Valley): Multi-headed fairy chimneys, a unique landscape in the world.
- Avanos: Craft village on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, famous for its traditional pottery.
- Devrent Valley (Imagination): Natural stone sculptures in the shapes of animals and fantastic figures.
- Kaymaklı Underground City: Explore underground passageways, warehouses, and shelters used since ancient times.
- Ortahisar Panoramic: Photo stop to admire its majestic rock castle and the picturesque houses of the village.
- Panoramic Uçhisar: Panoramic view of the highest natural castle in Cappadocia.
Discover the magic of Cappadocia on a comprehensive tour that combines history and breathtaking landscapes. This day trip will take you to the region’s most iconic sites, where a professional guide will reveal the rich culture and history surrounding each location. You’ll also explore the fascinating underground world of Kaymaklı, an architectural marvel not to be missed. Ideal for history and culture enthusiasts, this tour guarantees a deep immersion into the essence of Cappadocia.
Itinerary
Göreme Open Air Museum
We begin the day by visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll discover churches and chapels carved into the rock, decorated with Byzantine frescoes that still retain their original colors. It’s one of the most important sites in Cappadocia for understanding monastic life from the 10th to the 12th centuries.
Valley of the Monks
Known for its spectacular, multi-headed fairy chimneys, this valley offers a landscape unlike any other in the world. It was once an important retreat center for monks who lived in solitude within these rock formations. Here you can walk among these stone giants and take unforgettable photographs.
Avanos – Ceramic Workshop
This picturesque village on the banks of the Kızılırmak River is famous for its pottery tradition, which dates back to the Hittites. We’ll visit a traditional workshop where master potters will demonstrate how they shape clay on the wheel, and you’ll even have the chance to try it yourself! You’ll also have time to wander through its charming streets.
Valley of Imagination
A surreal landscape filled with rock formations shaped like animals and fantastical figures. Here you can let your imagination run wild, identifying camels, seals, snakes, and many more silhouettes naturally sculpted by erosion.
Kaymaklı Underground City
The most impressive visit of the tour. Kaymaklı is one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, with tunnels, passageways, storerooms, kitchens, and stables carved into the volcanic rock. Here, ancient civilizations sought refuge from invasions and lived underground for months at a time. You’ll walk through its accessible levels and discover what life was like in this hidden world.
Ortahisar Castle
We’ll make a stop to admire Ortahisar Castle, a natural fortress carved into the rock that rises above the town. From this viewpoint, you’ll have an excellent view for photos, as well as learn about Ortahisar’s historical importance as an agricultural and commercial center.
Valley of the Doves
This valley connects Uçhisar with Göreme and is known for its rock-hewn pigeon houses, historically used for raising homing pigeons and fertilizing crops. From the valley’s viewpoint, you’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the valleys and Uçhisar Castle.
What’s Included
- Round-trip transfer to/from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional guide
- Parking fees
What’s Excluded
- Museum entrance fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, purchases, extras)
- Tips for the guide and driver (optional)
- Food / drinks
Know Before You Go
- The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with several walks and panoramic viewpoints.
- You will visit valleys, traditional villages and the underground city of Kaymaklı.
- Comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing are essential.
- Not recommended for people with limited mobility or babies in strollers.
- Bring water, a camera, and sunscreen.
What To Bring
- Comfortable footwear – You will be walking through valleys, up stairs and over rocky terrain, especially in Kaymaklı and the valleys.
- Appropriate clothing for the season – Cappadocia can be cold in the morning and evening, even in summer; a light layer or jacket is recommended.
- Hat and sunglasses – To protect yourself from the sun during walks.
- Sunscreen – Essential if you visit in spring or summer.
- Camera or smartphone – To capture the unique landscapes and rock formations.
- Water bottle – To stay hydrated during the tour.
- Small backpack – For carrying personal items, camera, water and snacks.
- Identification documents and tour vouchers – For security and ticket control.
- Comfortable and lightweight clothing for children – If traveling as a family, keep in mind that there will be short walks.
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
- Please let us know the number of people in your group in the comments at checkout
