Cappadocia South Tour: Underground City Tour with Lunch

Cappadocia South Tour: Underground City Tour with Lunch

This Cappadocia South Tour offers an engaging 7-hour exploration of some of the region’s most iconic sights in Central Anatolia, Turkey. Priced at $40 per person, the tour includes visits to underground cities, valleys, and ancient villages, guided by an English-speaking professional. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 7 reviews, it stands out as a well-reviewed option for travelers eager to experience Cappadocia’s natural wonders and historical sites in a single day.

This tour departs from several key locations including Göreme, Uçhisar, Avanos, Ortahisar, and Ürgüp, making it accessible for many visitors staying in the region. The full-day itinerary combines scenic hikes, cultural visits, and craftsmanship workshops, offering a well-rounded view of Cappadocia’s landscape and heritage. While the pace is active, the tour is suitable for those prepared for some walking and outdoor exploration, though pregnant women are advised against participation.

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Key Points

• Price: Only $40 per person, offering excellent value for a full-day guided experience.
• Duration: 7 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.
• Highlights: Visiting Red Valley, Gulludere Valley, Cavusin Village, Pigeon Valley, and Ozkonak Underground City.
• Included: Transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, and lunch at a local open buffet.
• Not Included: Beverages, personal expenses, gratuities.
• Experience: Led by a friendly, professional guide, with stops for photos, shopping, and learning about local crafts like onyx and leather.
• Reviews: Consistently praised for knowledgeable guides and stunning views, with a high overall rating.

Departure and Pickup Options in Central Cappadocia

The tour starts with hotel pickup from five main locations: Avanos, Ortahisar, Ürgüp, Göreme, and Uçhisar. This makes it convenient for most travelers staying in central areas. The group then proceeds to key sites, with the itinerary designed to maximize sightseeing while maintaining a comfortable pace.

The transportation is air-conditioned and non-smoking, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout the day. The stops are arranged to avoid congestion, and the guide adjusts the order of visits if needed, enhancing the overall experience.

Exploring the Rock-cut Houses of Red Valley and Gulludere Valley

The tour begins with a drive from central Cappadocia to the Red Valley, famous for its striking rock formations and cave houses. A scenic 3-mile hike takes visitors through the valley, revealing rock-cut churches and other structures carved from soft volcanic stone. The Gulludere Valley offers additional exploration of these unique geological features.

The rock formations are a highlight, displaying vivid red hues and intricate carvings that showcase nature’s artistry combined with ancient craftsmanship. The hiking is manageable for most, but comfortable shoes are recommended to navigate the uneven terrain.

Discovering Cavusin Village’s Ancient Ruins

Next, the tour visits Cavusin Village, a site with an abandoned old village that was deserted due to avalanches decades ago. Here, the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Nicephorus Phocas Church are notable landmarks, both perched atop hills. Visitors get a chance to walk through the historic streets and imagine life in this once-bustling settlement.

The visit offers insight into the resilience of early inhabitants and the layered history of Cappadocia’s settlements. The exploration involves some walking, and the site’s elevated position provides excellent panoramic views.

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Tasting Local Flavors During Lunch Break

A highlight of the tour is the lunch at a local open buffet restaurant. The meal features Turkish cuisine, allowing visitors to sample authentic flavors in a relaxed setting. The gastro-tourism experience adds depth to the day, connecting culinary traditions with the region’s rich cultural background.

The lunch duration is approximately one hour, giving ample time to enjoy the variety of dishes served. This break also provides an opportunity to relax after the morning’s outdoor activities.

Panoramic Views at Pigeon Valley

After lunch, the group heads to Pigeon Valley for a photo stop and guided visit. Known for its pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, the valley offers breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s landscape. The short 20-minute stop allows time for photos and brief exploration, showcasing the distinctive dovecotes that once supported local agriculture.

This site provides a peaceful moment amid the tour’s busy schedule, emphasizing the harmony between nature and human-made structures in Cappadocia.

Exploring the Ozkonak Underground City

One of the tour’s central highlights is the visit to Ozkonak Underground City. This network of subterranean tunnels served as a refuge for early Christians, with nearly 100 tunnels used for storage, stables, and living spaces. Guided by an expert, visitors walk through narrow passageways and learn about the ingenious engineering that allowed inhabitants to hide and survive in times of danger.

The underground city is a fascinating glimpse into underground architecture. Expect some tight spaces, so comfortable shoes and a moderate level of mobility are advisable.

Discovering Local Craftsmanship: Onyx and Leather Workshops

The tour includes stops at a local onyx workshop and a leather factory. At the onyx workshop, visitors observe the crafting process of shaping and polishing this stunning stone, learning about the different types of onyx used in jewelry and ornamentation. The leather factory showcases the artisan skills behind high-quality leather goods, with opportunities to browse and purchase souvenirs.

These visits highlight Cappadocia’s craftsmanship traditions, offering insight into the regional industries that have thrived for generations.

Return to Central Cappadocia

The day concludes with a return drive to central locations, including Göreme, Uçhisar, Avanos, Ortahisar, and Ürgüp. The group arrival times are planned to coincide with hotel schedules, making it convenient for travelers to settle in after a full day of sightseeing.

The transportation remains comfortable throughout, with a focus on efficiency and safety, ensuring travelers leave with a comprehensive impression of Cappadocia’s diverse attractions.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This South Tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience that combines natural scenery, ancient history, and local craftsmanship. The moderate physical activity involved, such as hiking and walking through underground tunnels, makes it ideal for those comfortable with outdoor exploration. The lunch and workshops add a cultural dimension that appeals to curious visitors.

While suitable for most, pregnant women should consider the physical demands and potential tight spaces in underground sites. The tour’s value lies in its well-organized itinerary and the knowledgeable guides known for delivering engaging explanations.

Final Thoughts on the Cappadocia South Tour

For $40, this tour provides a rich day immersed in the highlights of Cappadocia’s landscape and history. The combination of valley hikes, underground cities, and craft workshops offers a well-rounded and affordable way to explore the region’s most iconic sites.

The high praise for guides’ friendliness and expertise underscores the quality of the experience. The stunning views of valleys and rock formations, paired with insightful visits to ancient villages and subterranean dwellings, make this tour a solid choice for those seeking a detailed overview of Cappadocia’s natural and cultural treasures.

While the itinerary can be adjusted for regional conditions, the core experiences remain unchanged, ensuring visitors leave with a comprehensive understanding of this magical region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $40 per person, which includes transportation, guides, entrance fees, and lunch.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours with flexible starting times based on availability.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from hotel pickup options in Avanos, Ortahisar, Ürgüp, Göreme, and Uçhisar.

What are the main sites visited?
Stops include Red Valley, Gulludere Valley, Cavusin Village, Pigeon Valley, and Ozkonak Underground City, plus workshops.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
Pregnant women are advised against participating due to some physical demands and tight underground spaces. There is no specific age restriction, but physical activity is moderate.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen are recommended for outdoor exploration.

Are meals included?
Yes, lunch is included at a local open buffet restaurant, featuring Turkish cuisine.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any additional costs?
Beverages, personal expenses, and gratuities are not included and should be prepared for separately.

Is this tour good for photography?
Yes, the stops at valleys and viewpoints offer excellent photo opportunities of Cappadocia’s landscapes and ancient sites.

Can I customize the experience?
The itinerary may be adjusted by the guide to avoid congestion, but the core sites are included in every tour.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of natural landscapes, underground architecture, and craftsmanship workshops provides a diverse and engaging experience at a very reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby