Exploring Cappadocia’s South Tour: An Honest Look at the Underground City Adventure
If you’re dreaming of walking through fairy-tale landscapes, discovering ancient underground cities, and soaking in some of Turkey’s most iconic sights, then a Cappadocia South Tour with Underground City and Lunch might just be what you need. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but we’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who have, plus the details to help you decide if it fits your travel style.
What we really like about this experience is how it combines natural beauty with rich history—think hiking through vibrant valleys and exploring underground tunnels where early Christians once hid. Plus, the inclusion of local craftsmanship visits, like onyx and leather workshops, adds a nice cultural touch. The price point is also pretty attractive for a full-day excursion at just $40, especially considering the variety of sites visited.
One thing to keep in mind is that the itinerary can be quite packed, so if you’re someone who likes more relaxed days, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, it’s not suited for pregnant travelers, and comfortable walking shoes are a must, given the amount of walking and hiking involved.
This tour suits those who want a comprehensive look at Cappadocia’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple visits on your own. If you’re into history, scenic hikes, and local crafts, you’ll find a lot to love here.
Key Points
- Comprehensive experience: Combines natural wonders, historical sites, and local craft visits.
- Knowledgeable guides: Tour guides are praised for their friendliness and professionalism.
- Value for money: At $40, it offers a packed itinerary with entrance fees included.
- Active day: Includes a 3-mile hike in Red Valley and exploring underground tunnels.
- Cultural insights: Visits to ancient villages and craft workshops enrich the experience.
- Not for everyone: Not suitable for pregnant women and those with mobility issues.
An In-Depth Look at the Cappadocia South Tour
Planning more time in Cappadocia? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Starting Point and Overall Structure
This tour kicks off in the early morning with pickups from centrally located hotels in Uçhisar, Göreme, Avanos, Ortahisar, or Ürgüp. From there, the day is meticulously planned to cover a range of iconic sites, offering a balance of walking, driving, and sightseeing. The full-day duration of about 7 hours means you’ll want to prepare for a busy schedule, but the pace is generally manageable thanks to comfortable transport and guided explanations.
Red Valley and Gulludere Valley Hike
The tour begins with an exciting drive to the Red Valley, one of Cappadocia’s most striking landscapes. Here, you’ll hike roughly 3 miles (5 km) through the vibrant red-hued rocks—a highlight for many travelers. As you venture through this terrain, your guide will point out the rock-cut churches of the Gulludere Valley, which are particularly captivating because of their unique formations and historical significance.
Several reviews emphasize how much travelers appreciated the expert guidance through these valleys. Cesar Bango mentioned that the guides were “very friendly and professional,” which really enhances the experience, especially when trying to understand the significance of the formations and sites you’re seeing.
Exploring Cavusin Village
Next, you’ll visit Cavusin, a village abandoned decades ago due to natural hazards like avalanches. Walking through the quiet, abandoned streets gives a real sense of history. The Church of St. John the Baptist and the Nicephorus Phocas Church are highlights here, perched atop the hill and offering some of the best views of this old settlement.
Adriana praised the tour, noting that “everything was great,” including the guide’s ability to bring history alive. This stop is perfect for those interested in ancient settlements and curious about local life.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch Time: Local Cuisine
After a busy morning, you’ll take a break for a lunch at a local open buffet restaurant. For just about an hour, you can enjoy Turkish dishes and recharge for the afternoon. Based on traveler feedback, the lunch is usually tasty and satisfying, providing good value and a chance to relax. Monielly Espindola even commented that the “almoço muito gostoso,” highlighting the quality of the local food experience.
Pigeon Valley and Panoramic Views
Post-lunch, the journey continues with a drive to Pigeon Valley. This is a quick stop, but the panoramic views of the landscape are stunning enough to warrant some photos and a brief exploration. You might find this to be a relaxing moment after the more active morning.
Underground City Exploration
Arguably the main event of the day, the Ozkonak Underground City offers a fascinating glimpse into how early Christians hid from invaders. With nearly 100 tunnels used as storage, stables, and even secret escape routes, it’s a chance to walk through history under the earth.
Reviews from Cesar and others emphasize how knowledgeable guides make this part especially engaging. The underground tunnels are narrow and atmospheric, so be prepared for some tight spaces if you’re claustrophobic. This site is particularly alluring for history buffs or anyone intrigued by hidden worlds.
Craft Workshops: Onyx and Leather
Wrapping up the day, you’ll visit local workshops—first, an onyx workshop where you can learn about how this beautiful stone is crafted into jewelry and decorative pieces. Then, a leather factory showcases traditional craftsmanship, and you’ll even have the chance to shop for souvenirs.
While these stops are often viewed as a bit commercial, travelers appreciate seeing the craftsmanship in action and often find unique items to take home. Adriana mentioned that the visit to the workshops added a nice cultural dimension to the tour.
Return Journey and Drop-offs
The day concludes with a drive back to your hotel, with drop-off options in Göreme, Ürgüp, Avanos, Ortahisar, or Uçhisar. The group size tends to be small enough for personalized attention, and the air-conditioned vehicle makes the return comfortable, especially after a full day of sightseeing.
What You Can Expect from This Tour
This experience offers a well-rounded view of Cappadocia’s natural beauty, history, and craftsmanship. With a professional guide, you’ll gain insights that bring each site to life, making the experience more meaningful than just walking around on your own.
The itinerary balances active exploration, like hiking and underground tunnels, with more relaxed moments—such as the panoramic stops and workshops. The price includes all entrance fees, which is a big plus, ensuring no hidden costs during the day.
The timing is flexible enough to allow full engagement without feeling rushed, but be prepared for a packed schedule. The tour is especially suited to those who want to see many key sites without the hassle of planning each visit. It appeals to travelers interested in history, photography, and local culture.
The Pros
- The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
- The variety of stops provides a comprehensive look at the region.
- The value for money is impressive for the full-day experience.
- The scenic hikes in the valleys are memorable highlights.
The Cons
- The itinerary may feel busy for those who prefer a laid-back pace.
- Not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues due to walking and narrow tunnels.
- The visits to workshops are somewhat commercial, which might not appeal to everyone.
Is This Tour for You?
If you’re someone who loves active days filled with history and scenic views, this tour ticks quite a few boxes. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview or seasoned travelers eager to explore significant highlights without the stress of organizing multiple visits.
If you’re a history buff or photography enthusiast, you’ll especially enjoy the guided explanations and photo stops. On the other hand, if you’re after a leisurely, unhurried experience or traveling with very young children or pregnant women, you might want to consider a different, more relaxed option.
For travelers who like local culture and craftsmanship, the workshops add a nice touch. But if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s still possible to skip or quickly browse these stops.
FAQs
- How long is the tour?
It lasts about 7 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks. - What’s included in the price?
Transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to sites, and a buffet lunch. - Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly designed for children, especially considering walking and narrow tunnels, but older kids with good stamina may enjoy it. - What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must. A hat and sunscreen are recommended since parts of the tour are outdoors. - Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. - Where does the tour pick up from?
Hotels in the Central Cappadocia region, including Uçhisar, Göreme, Avanos, Ortahisar, and Ürgüp. - Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code, but wearing comfortable clothing and shoes is advised. - Will I get enough time at each site?
Generally, yes. The itinerary is structured but includes some free time, especially at panoramic stops. - Are there any restrictions?
Not suitable for pregnant women, and pets are not allowed.
Cappadocia South Tour: Underground City Tour with Lunch
“The tour was great. The guides were very friendly and professional. We would definitely do it again!”
Final Thoughts
This Cappadocia South Tour offers a well-balanced day of exploration, mixing the region’s natural beauty with its historical secrets and local culture. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one experience that covers the highlights without the hassle of planning each stop independently.
The value for the price is notable, especially as entrance fees are included, and the guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge. With a full schedule packed with hikes, underground tunnels, and crafts, expect a day that’s active and enriching.
If you’re looking for an engaging, informative way to see Cappadocia’s best-known sites and don’t mind a day on your feet, this tour could be a great fit. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a busy but rewarding experience.
Happy travels, and I hope this helps you decide if the South Tour is the right adventure for your Cappadocian journey.
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