South Cappadocia Tour

The South Cappadocia Tour offers an engaging full-day exploration of Turkey’s most remarkable sights in the Cappadocia region. Priced at $91 per person, this 8-hour guided experience from Avanos, Göreme, or Ürgüp takes visitors deep into the heart of historic sites, underground cities, and stunning valleys. The tour stands out for its comprehensive itinerary, including Turkey’s largest excavated underground city and iconic landmarks like Uchisar Castle and Kizilcukur Valley, offering a well-rounded glimpse of the area’s natural beauty and ancient settlements.

This tour is particularly suited for those seeking an organized, informative day without the hassle of planning logistics. It includes transportation, a guided service, entry fees, and lunch, making it a good value for visitors eager to see the highlights. However, note that personal expenses and drinks are not included, and the pace involves walking and some uneven terrain at certain stops.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $91 per person, the full-day experience lasts 8 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.
• Highlights: Visit Uchisar Castle, Kizilcukur Valley, the Underground City of Kaymakli or Özkonak, Cavusin Village, and Pigeon Valley.
• Cultural and Historical Focus: Explore ancient cave dwellings, early Christian churches, and defense tunnels in underground cities used during Roman times.
• Scenic and Active Stops: Enjoy hiking in Rose Valley (Kizilcukur), with beautiful sunset views and photo opportunities.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: The tour covers transport, entry fees, lunch, and guided commentary, simplifying your day.
• Availability and Flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now with the option to pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting in the Heart of Cappadocia: Pickup from Avanos, Göreme, or Ürgüp

The tour begins with pickup from three key locations: Avanos, Göreme, or Ürgüp. This flexible option allows travelers to start their day comfortably from their hotel or designated meeting points. The transportation runs smoothly, and the guide greets guests ready to lead them through the day’s adventures.

The group moves efficiently between sites, ensuring a well-paced itinerary designed to maximize sightseeing without rushing. The pickup included in the package means no extra arrangements are necessary, which adds convenience to the overall experience.

Exploring Uchisar Castle: The Highest Point with Panoramic Views

Uchisar Castle is the first major stop, offering the highest vantage point in the region. The guided tour includes a walk around the castle and time for photos from the top. Historically, the site was a key settlement for monitoring enemies, and now it provides an impressive panoramic view over Cappadocia’s landscape.

Guests appreciate the guide’s explanations about the castle’s strategic importance and the surrounding area’s geography. The one-hour visit allows enough time to take in the scenery and explore the cave chambers and tunnels without feeling hurried.

Rose Valley (Kizilcukur): The Best Spot for Sunset and Hiking

Next, the tour visits the Kizilcukur Valley, also called the Rose Valley because of its striking red-colored rocks. This 3.5 km hiking route offers a chance to walk among rock formations and cave dwellings. The valley was used by Christians at the end of the 5th century, making it a site of both natural beauty and historical interest.

Photograph opportunities abound here, with the changing daylight transforming the colors of the rocks. The guided walk in Rose Valley lasts around an hour, and it’s known for being one of the best places in Cappadocia to watch the sunset. Visitors find the scenery both stunning and serene, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Cavusin Village: Sightseeing in an Ancient Christian Settlement

Cavusin Village is a significant stop to explore early Christian cave dwellings and the oldest church in the region, dating from the 3rd century. This ancient settlement resembles a large town, with cave rooms that once served as living spaces, kitchens, wineries, and more.

The village was partially abandoned after a landslide in 1960, but the remaining structures offer a fascinating glimpse into past life. The gorgeous views of the collapsed cave houses add to the area’s charm. Visitors appreciate walking through the historic ruins and imagining life in this ancient Christian community.

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Kaymakli Underground City: An Underground Network from the Hittites to Christians

The Kaymakli Underground City is the highlight of the underground sites, with a history dating back to the Hittites. Later used by Christians as a refuge during Roman persecution, this labyrinth of rooms and tunnels was carved out of soft volcanic rock.

Spanning multiple levels, the underground city includes rooms, food storages, churches, and kitchens. The defense systems and chimneys are particularly impressive, designed to protect inhabitants during invasions. The 1.5-hour guided tour uncovers the ingenious engineering behind this subterranean habitat, and visitors find it both fascinating and slightly claustrophobic at times.

Pigeon Valley: A Panoramic View with a Unique History

Pigeon Valley provides a spectacular viewpoint where pigeon houses are visible, used historically for collecting droppings to fertilize vineyards. This panoramic view showcases the unique fairy chimneys and rock formations spread across the valley.

The stop lasts about an hour, offering photo opportunities and a chance to learn about how pigeons contributed to agriculture in the area. The views of the landscape are particularly beautiful, especially during the late afternoon when the light enhances the colors and textures of the rocks.

Roundtrip and Group Size: Convenient Drop-off at the Same Locations

The tour concludes with drop-offs at Avanos, Göreme, or Ürgüp, making it easy to return to your hotel or accommodations. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for personalized attention from the live English or Spanish-speaking guides.

The entire experience is designed for comfort and efficiency, with transport included and entry fees covered at all sites. The lunch provided is part of the package, giving a break and nourishment for the day’s activities.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

Booking this South Cappadocia Tour is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and it can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate mobility, as it involves walking at several stops, some on uneven terrain.

The live guide enhances the experience by sharing informative commentary and stories about each site. Tours operate in English and Spanish, ensuring language accessibility for many visitors.

Why Choose the South Cappadocia Tour?

This tour provides a rundown of Cappadocia’s most notable sites, perfect for those wanting to see the highlights in one day. It balances historical sites, natural scenery, and hiking opportunities, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

While the 8-hour schedule covers a lot, travelers should be ready for a full day of walking and sightseeing. It’s an ideal choice for visitors who prefer guided logistics and all-inclusive pricing, removing the stress of organizing individual tickets and transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from and back to Avanos, Göreme, or Ürgüp.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English and Spanish.

How long does each stop last?
Stops vary from about 1 hour at Uchisar Castle and Cavusin to 1.5 hours at the Underground City.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the price includes lunch as part of the package.

Are entry fees covered?
All entry fees for sites visited are included in the tour price.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the uneven terrain and walking involved.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking and some uneven surfaces, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility limitations.

How flexible is the starting time?
Starting times depend on availability, so it’s best to check the schedule when booking.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
Its comprehensive itinerary, all-inclusive pricing, and cultural sites like Kaymakli Underground City and Rose Valley make it a standout choice for exploring Cappadocia’s highlights in one day.

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