Private Cappadocia Tour with Underground City

Exploring Cappadocia becomes effortless and personalized with the Private Cappadocia Tour with Underground City offered by Oyedo Travel. Priced at $150.34 per person, this 7 to 8-hour experience provides the flexibility of a fully customizable itinerary led by a licensed local guide. The tour departs from Goreme, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a private, tailored approach to discovering this unique region.

The tour’s highlights include visits to Goreme Open-Air Museum, Ozkonak Underground City, and Uchisar Castle, complemented by scenic stops at Pasabag and Pigeon Valley, and a walk through Ortahisar. While entrance fees to museums and sites are not included, the tour’s group discounts and mobile ticket option add convenience. Based on reviews, the tour is praised for knowledgeable guides and stunning views, making it a highly recommended choice for those wanting a personalized experience.

Key Points

• Price and duration: At $150.34 per person, the tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, offering a full day of exploration.
• Private and customizable: The tour is private, with a personalized itinerary created with the help of a licensed local guide.
• Convenient logistics: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Goreme, saving time and effort.
• Major sites: Visits to Goreme Open-Air Museum, Ozkonak Underground City, and Uchisar Castle are highlights.
• Flexible scheduling: Multiple departure times available, catering to different routines and preferences.
• Site entrance fees: Not included, so travelers should budget separately for museum and site tickets.

Starting the Day with Goreme Open-Air Museum

The tour begins with a visit to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rock-cut churches and monasteries. This site offers a glimpse into the Byzantine era with frescoes and carvings that decorate the caves. The entrance fee of 20 Euro per person is paid separately, but the guide provides ample insights into the history and significance of each structure.

This stop typically lasts about an hour and sets the tone for understanding Cappadocia’s cultural landscape. Travelers who enjoy history and architecture will find this visit especially enriching.

Exploring the Ozkonak Underground City

Next, the tour ventures into the Ozkonak Underground City, a labyrinth of interconnected rooms and tunnels carved into soft tuff. This site showcases the region’s ancient underground settlements, designed to protect inhabitants from invaders over centuries. With around 150-200 underground settlements in the area, Ozkonak is a prime example of the region’s ingenuity.

The entrance fee of 6 Euro per person is not included, and the underground city visit lasts about an hour. Visitors appreciate the architectural complexity and the story of safety and survival embedded in this subterranean maze.

Discovering the Cone-Shaped Rocks at Pasabag

The tour continues at Pasabag Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley. Famous for its unique cone-shaped rock formations, Pasabag features fairy chimneys that have been shaped by natural volcanic activity and erosion. It’s a place where the landscape tells a striking story through its tall, mushroom-like formations.

This stop takes around an hour, and with an entrance fee of 12 Euro per person not included, travelers can walk among these natural sculptures and learn about their monastic history. It’s a location that combines geology and history in a way that visitors find captivating.

Pottery and Handicrafts in Avanos

Following a scenic drive, the tour offers a two-hour visit to Avanos, a town with a long-standing tradition of pottery-making. Visitors can observe local artisans at work, gain insight into Turkish handicrafts, and even try crafting their own pottery. This hands-on experience makes for a memorable souvenir, whether a handcrafted bowl or a decorative piece.

There are no entrance fees for this part of the tour, and it provides a relaxed break in the day’s schedule. Besides pottery, the town offers a chance to explore local carpets, Turkish tiles, and onyx crafts.

Admiring Panoramic Views from Uchisar Castle

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Uchisar Castle, a towering rock fortress carved directly into the natural stone. From the castle’s summit, visitors enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Cappadocia’s surreal landscape—valleys, fairy chimneys, and distant villages.

The short visit of about 30 minutes includes free access, making it a quick but impactful stop. It’s perfect for capturing photos and appreciating the vastness of the region.

Walking Through Pigeon Valley

Next, travelers stroll through Pigeon Valley, known for its numerous pigeon houses carved into the rocks. The valley’s outlandish rock formations resemble Dali-esque sculptures, with conical fairy chimneys and caves formed by natural volcanic activity.

This scenic walk lasts approximately 30 minutes and is free of charge. It offers a quirky yet beautiful landscape that showcases the natural forces shaping Cappadocia.

Visiting Ortahisar for Views and History

The tour concludes with a visit to Ortahisar, a village famed for its imposing rock castle that dominates the skyline. From the Ortahisar Castle viewpoint, visitors get a stunning view of the valleys and villages below.

Spending around 45 minutes here, travelers can admire the geological features and take memorable photos. The site is free to explore and provides a fitting end to a day of diverse sights.

Practical Details and Tour Flexibility

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the day, while the professional licensed guide offers expert commentary and answers to questions. The fully private nature of the tour means no rushing or large groups, and the itinerary can be tailored to suit individual interests.

Most of the stops are short and manageable, making this a suitable option for those who prefer a relaxed pace. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, saving time and hassle, especially for first-time visitors.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers comprehensive sightseeing, note that entrance fees to museums and sites are not included. Budgeting for these additional costs is advisable. The mileage restrictions imply that the guide may need to moderate the distance traveled or the number of stops, but the itinerary offers a well-rounded selection of highlights.

It’s also worth mentioning that most travelers find the timing and pacing to be well-balanced, based on positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful scenery.

Why Choose This Tour?

This private tour shines in its flexibility, personal attention, and expert guidance. It is particularly suitable for travelers who want to explore Cappadocia at their own pace, with the ability to customize the day according to their interests. The combination of major highlights and scenic viewpoints makes it a compelling option to experience the region’s natural and cultural treasures.

The tour’s high ratings—all 5 out of 5 from six reviews—speak to its quality, especially highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. While it doesn’t include entrance fees, the overall value and personalized experience make it an appealing choice for those looking for a comprehensive, flexible exploration of Cappadocia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The private vehicle, professional licensed guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Entrance fees to museums and sites are not, so travelers should budget extra for these.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, offering a full day of sightseeing with plenty of time at each stop.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the fully private nature of this tour allows for customization with the guide’s help, depending on your interests and preferences.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for sites like the Goreme Open-Air Museum (20 Euro), Ozkonak Underground City (6 Euro), and Pasabag (12 Euro) are paid separately.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include Goreme Open-Air Museum, Ozkonak Underground City, Pasabag Valley, Uchisar Castle, Pigeon Valley, and Ortahisar.

Is this tour suitable for all physical levels?
The tour involves walking at several sites, but stops are generally short, making it accessible for most travelers with moderate mobility.

This Private Cappadocia Tour with Underground City offers a personalized and flexible way to enjoy the key sights of Cappadocia, combining natural wonders with historical sites. Its high ratings and positive reviews reflect its quality, especially for those who value expert guidance and customizable schedules.