Kaymakli is often celebrated as a highlight of Cappadocia, and for good reason. It’s home to the largest underground city in the region, a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers carved into the soft volcanic rock. But Kaymakli isn’t just about underground wonders—it’s also a gateway to stunning landscapes, fairy chimneys, and unique local crafts. Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or someone wanting a taste of authentic Turkish culture, the tours here offer something special. We’ve picked out the six best city tours in Kaymakli, with options ranging from comprehensive highlights to more focused adventures like hiking and in-depth explorations.
If you’ve ever wondered how a full day of sightseeing can be both efficient and memorable, you’ll find these tours useful. Some tours, like the Cappadocia Highlights Tour Underground City+Open Air Museum, combine underground adventures with panoramic views, pottery workshops, and visits to fairy chimneys. Others, like the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley with Underground city, focus on natural beauty and extensive walking. Whether your budget is modest or more flexible, you’ll find options here that fit.
1. Cappadocia Highlights Tour Underground City+Open Air Museum
This tour is an excellent introduction to Cappadocia’s iconic sights. For just $47 per person, you’ll explore the Uchisar Castle, the Kaymakli Underground City, and the Open Air Museum, all in one day. The tour covers surreal landscapes like Love Valley and Devrent Valley, and includes a visit to a local pottery workshop in Avanos.
What makes this tour stand out is its balanced mix of underground and surface attractions, along with the inclusion of a delicious lunch. The guide will give you context about the history and geology of the area while taking you to panoramic viewpoints, like the Goreme Panorama. With a 4.8/5 rating based on 13 reviews, many travelers praise its value and the engaging guide. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a broad overview without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: A solid choice for a comprehensive, value-packed day of exploring Cappadocia’s highlights with friendly guides and great scenery.
2. Green Tour to Ihlara Valley with Underground city
At around $16 per person, the Green Tour offers an affordable way to see Cappadocia’s natural and historical highlights in full-day format. This tour emphasizes outdoor activities, including a visit to the underground city, and features a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley.
The tour starts early at 9:30 AM and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient. You’ll stop at multiple locations, including viewpoints, shops, and historical sites, with a focus on the area’s rock-cut churches and lush river valley. Many travelers mention the professionalism of the guide and the flexibility of the itinerary, especially when weather impacts plans. One reviewer noted, “The guide was very friendly and adjusted the itinerary to snowy weather, ensuring we didn’t miss anything.”
Bottom line: Best suited for budget travelers and those who want a mix of sightseeing, hiking, and cultural experiences without sacrificing comfort.
3. Cappadocia Green tour Underground city and Selime monastery
For around $56 per person, the Green Tour with Underground City and Selime Monastery is a full-day adventure that combines nature, history, and breathtaking vistas. It earns a perfect 5/5 rating thanks to its well-organized itinerary and engaging guide.
This tour not only visits the Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City, but also takes you through the Ihlara Valley with hiking opportunities, the Pigeon Valley, and the impressive Selime Monastery. The guided tours include specific highlights like the panoramic viewpoint at Goreme and detailed explanations of the rock formations. Guests particularly enjoy the scenic stops and the chance to walk through ancient cave dwellings, making it an immersive experience.
The value here lies in the comprehensive nature of the visit, with a well-paced schedule and small group size. It’s ideal for travelers who want an all-encompassing day that balances adventure with cultural insight.
Bottom line: A top-rated choice for those seeking a full-scale, diverse Cappadocia experience, with strong emphasis on natural beauty and history.
$56 per person
4. Cappadocia Green tour Underground city and Selime monastery
This Green Tour offers a 9-hour deep dive into Cappadocia’s hidden corners. Priced for slightly more at $? (please check current rates), it features visits to the underground city, Ihlara Valley, the Selime Monastery, and Narligol Crater Lake.
What makes this tour special is its focus on nature and less crowded sites. Guests enjoy guided walks through ancient cave churches, hiking in lush valleys, and exploring the Narligol crater lake. The guide’s local knowledge is a highlight, providing context for each stop. The tour includes multiple scenic viewpoints, with plenty of time for photos and relaxation.
Guests mention that the tour is well-organized, with efficient pickups and drop-offs at key locations like Goreme and Uçhisar. The mix of scenic walks, archaeological sites, and natural wonders makes it suitable for active travelers wanting an authentic look beyond the usual.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking an active, nature-oriented day with fewer crowds and rich scenery.
$56 per person
5. Cappadocia Highlights Underground City & Open-Air Museum
This 7-hour tour at $83 per person offers a snapshot of Cappadocia’s must-see sights. It’s perfect for visitors with limited time or those wanting a focused overview. The tour includes stops at Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and the Goreme Panorama.
The highlight is the visit to Kaymakli, where you’ll explore tunnels, hidden rooms, and imagine life underground. The tour also features a visit to Avanos, famed for its pottery, and a panoramic view of Uçhisar Castle. Many travelers find this tour excellent for its efficiency and the knowledgeable guides who explain the history behind each site.
Guests appreciate the shorter duration, making it suitable for travelers with tight schedules. While not as exhaustive as longer tours, it hits all the key points and offers good value.
Bottom line: Perfect for first-timers or those with limited time who want a curated experience of Cappadocia’s highlights.
$83 per person
6. Discover Kaymaklı Underground City and Hike in Pigeon Valley
For around $52 per person, this tour concentrates on two iconic Cappadocia experiences: exploring the Kaymakli Underground City and hiking Pigeon Valley. It’s a flexible, one-day adventure that appeals to active travelers and those who want a more intimate feel.
The underground city tour lasts around an hour, providing a detailed look into the tunnels and chambers. The hike in Uçhisar to Göreme takes about 1.5 hours and offers panoramic views of the valley, with opportunities to see fairy chimneys and rock formations up close. Reviewers mention the guide’s friendly nature and the scenic balance of underground exploration and outdoor activity.
This tour works well for travelers who want a combination of history and nature without a lot of driving or complex schedules.
Bottom line: A good fit for those who want a mix of underground discovery and scenic hiking, especially if they enjoy outdoor activities.
$52 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When selecting among these city tours in Kaymakli, consider your priorities: Budget, time, activity level, and specific interests. For a rundown, the Cappadocia Highlights Tour Underground City+Open Air Museum offers great value. If you prefer an active outdoor day, the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley or the Discover Kaymakli Underground City and Hike in Pigeon Valley are excellent options.
Travelers short on time might choose the shorter Highlights tour, while those seeking in-depth exploration of natural sites should consider the Green Tour or the Underground City and Hiking combo. Budget-conscious visitors will find the Green Tour particularly appealing, whereas those interested in culture and historical context might prefer the Cappadocia Green tour Underground city and Selime monastery.
Booking early is always wise during peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill up quickly, especially in spring and fall.
Final Thoughts
Kaymakli offers a variety of city tour experiences that suit every interest and budget. Whether you want a broad overview of Cappadocia’s highlights, a focus on natural beauty, or an active day exploring underground tunnels and hiking trails, there’s a tour for you. The best choices depend on your pace, interests, and how much time you want to spend immersed in this surreal landscape.
For first-timers, the Cappadocia Highlights Tour provides a quick yet comprehensive intro, while the Green Tour with Underground City offers great value if you love outdoor activities. For those seeking a full day of natural wonders and history, the Green Tour with Selime Monastery is a perfect pick. No matter which tour you choose, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on exploring this extraordinary region at your pace.