Kaymakli is a fantastic base for exploring the wonders of Cappadocia. Its underground city is one of the most captivating sites in the region, and many tours give you a chance to uncover its secrets. We especially like the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley with Underground city because it combines the underground tunnels with scenic hikes and cultural highlights. Whether you’re after a full-day adventure or a quick glimpse, Kaymakli’s tour options are packed with unique experiences.
The listings below cover a wide range of tour styles—full-day group excursions, private day trips from Istanbul, themed private experiences, and even multi-day packages with hot air balloon rides. Each offers a different way to see the region, from exploring underground cities to hiking lush valleys and visiting fairy chimneys. Whatever your interests or timeframe, there’s a Kaymakli tour that fits.
1. Green Tour to Ihlara Valley with Underground city
At number 1, the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley with Underground city is a full-day trip that truly hits all the highlights of Cappadocia. Starting at 9:30 AM, this tour takes you deep into the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the most extensive underground complexes in the area, with twisting tunnels and ancient chambers. The tour also includes a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley, a lush canyon lined with rock-cut churches, and a visit to the Selime Monastery, perched high above the valley.
What makes this tour stand out is its broad itinerary, covering both underground marvels and natural beauty. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off in select locations, making logistics smooth. Reviewers mention its excellent value—”Decent service and very informative guide” and praise the guide’s ability to make the underground city fascinating even for those who think they’ve seen it all. The combination of cultural sites and scenic walking makes it suitable for travelers who want a balanced day out.
Bottom line: this tour offers a comprehensive experience of Cappadocia’s underground and natural beauty, ideal for first-timers wanting a well-rounded introduction.
2. Istanbul to Cappadocia All Inclusive Private Day Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Istanbul to Cappadocia All Inclusive Private Day Tour — perfect if you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights. This 17-hour experience begins with an early morning flight from Istanbul, allowing you to maximize your day in Cappadocia without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Once there, your private guide takes you through the Goreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, and the Underground Cities, including Kaymakli. You’ll also visit Uçhisar Castle and the famous fairy chimneys of Pasabag.
This tour is tailored for those who want a deep dive into Cappadocia’s top sights in a single day, with a focus on comfort and personalized attention. The reviews highlight its organization and knowledgeable guide: “My guide Ahmet was very friendly and went out of his way to find activities like caramel riding,” making it clear this private option can be customized.
Bottom line: ideal for busy travelers who want to check off the region’s must-sees hassle-free, though at a higher price point.
3. Highlights of Cappadocia (Mix of Red and Green Private Tour)
Number 3 offers a private mix of red and green highlights, making it a flexible and personalized way to experience Cappadocia. This 7.5-hour tour covers major sites like the Goreme Open Air Museum, Derinkuyu Underground City, Uçhisar Castle, Avanos, and Devrent Valley. It’s perfect if you want an in-depth look at both the geological formations and the cultural sites in one seamless experience.
The guide, Al, is praised for his engaging storytelling and humor, which makes history come alive. The tour’s private nature means you can tailor the stops and pace, ideal for travelers who appreciate a more intimate experience with the region’s sights. The price of $280 per person might seem high, but considering the personalized service and rich itinerary, it’s good value for those seeking a private, tailored day.
Bottom line: suited for travelers who want a private, flexible day exploring Cappadocia’s key sites with a knowledgeable guide.
4. Cappadocia: Green Tour with Lunch and Hotel Pickup
Number 4 is the Green Tour with Lunch and Hotel Pickup, a popular choice for those who prefer a guided group experience. Over roughly 7 to 7.5 hours, you’ll visit the Kaymakli Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery, with a traditional Turkish lunch included. The tour emphasizes natural scenery and historical sites, giving a well-rounded snapshot of South Cappadocia.
What stands out is its focus on convenience—hotel pickup and drop-off, plus an itinerary that balances walking, sightseeing, and cultural learning. Past participants note its value: “Discover the mysteries of Kaymakli Underground City and enjoy a scenic hike through Ihlara.” The limited reviews are positive, suggesting this is best suited for travelers seeking a guided group day with good logistics and a comprehensive itinerary.
Bottom line: a dependable option for travelers who want a full-day guided experience with included meals.
5. 2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul w/ Balloon Ride Option
Number 5 is a two-day adventure from Istanbul that combines guided tours with an iconic hot air balloon ride. This package is for travelers with a bit more time—covering highlights like Goreme Open-Air Museum and Kaymakli Underground City, plus the thrill of floating over fairy chimneys. The tour includes domestic flights to save time and maximizes sightseeing, making it one of the most immersive options on our list.
Priced at $1,409, it’s a significant investment, but the inclusion of the balloon ride and guided exploration justifies it for those wanting a comprehensive experience. The reviews are glowing, noting how well-organized and memorable the trip is—”A must-do for anyone wanting the full Cappadocia experience.” It’s perfect for travelers who want an in-depth, multi-day experience that covers the region thoroughly.
Bottom line: best suited for travelers who want a multi-day, all-inclusive, and memorable Cappadocia experience, including a balloon ride.
6. Cappadocia: Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley
Number 6 offers a full-day Green Tour that emphasizes natural beauty and underground history. This tour includes a visit to Kaymakli Underground City, a walk through Ihlara Valley, and a stop at Selime Monastery. It also visits Narlıgöl crater lake, adding a volcanic landscape to the mix.
The tour is highly rated (4.7/5) and provides a detailed, guided exploration of some of Cappadocia’s lesser-known sites. The itinerary is well-curated, offering a mix of underground tunnels, hiking, and scenic views, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activity combined with history. The price isn’t specified explicitly, but the reviews highlight its excellent value considering the depth of exploration.
Bottom line: ideal for travelers interested in both underground sites and outdoor hikes, with a focus on natural scenery and adventure.
7. Cappadocia Highlights Underground City & Open-Air Museum
Number 7 is a 7-hour full-day tour designed for first-time visitors who want a straightforward overview of Cappadocia’s highlights. It covers the Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and the Goreme Panorama, among other sites. The itinerary includes stops for photos, guided tours, and short walks, making it a manageable day for beginners or travelers with limited time.
Reviews mention the tour’s efficiency and the guide’s storytelling skills, making it a good choice for those who want a solid introduction without overloading their day. The cost of $83 per person is reasonable, especially given the inclusion of key sites and transportation.
Bottom line: best for first-timers or those on a tight schedule who want an overview of Cappadocia’s most famous sites.
8. Discover Kaymakli Underground City and Hike in Pigeon Valley
Number 8 combines Kaymakli Underground City with a scenic hike through Pigeon Valley. It’s an approximately 1-day experience that appeals to travelers who want to see underground marvels and enjoy active exploration. Starting with a guided tour of Kaymakli, you’ll then hike from Uçhisar to Göreme, taking in panoramic views along the way.
Rated 4.2/5, this tour is praised for its combination of underground discovery and outdoor activity. The hike adds a physical element that’s perfect for active travelers, while the underground tour satisfies the curiosity about Cappadocia’s subterranean labyrinths. Its price of $52 makes it accessible for many.
Bottom line: great for active travelers who want a mix of underground exploration and hiking, with good value.
9. Private Cappadocia Region Tour
Lastly, the Private Cappadocia Region Tour ranks high for flexibility. Priced at $45 per group up to 20 people, this 7-hour tour allows you to customize your itinerary with a private guide. You can focus on the sites that interest you most, whether that’s valleys, museums, or hidden spots. The private vehicle and guide provide comfort and tailored attention.
The reviews mention the personalized experience, with one noting the guide’s expertise in showing the region’s natural and cultural sights. This tour is especially suitable for groups or travelers with specific interests that don’t fit into a preset schedule. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate that the price is per group, not per person.
Bottom line: perfect for groups or travelers who want a flexible, private experience and control over their sightseeing.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Kaymakli, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you want a comprehensive full-day experience with scenic hiking and underground exploration, the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley is hard to beat. For those short on time, a private day trip from Istanbul offers hassle-free sightseeing.
Travelers with a preference for privacy and customization might favor the private regional tour, while active visitors will enjoy the hike and underground city combo in the Discover Kaymakli Underground City and hike in Pigeon Valley.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular options like the multi-day or private tours, to ensure availability during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Kaymakli’s variety of tours options makes it easy to find one that matches your style, whether you’re after immersive history, scenic hikes, or a quick city overview. For the fullest experience, the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley or the 2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul are excellent choices for their depth and variety.
If you prefer a more personal touch, private tours like the Highlights of Cappadocia or the Private Cappadocia Region Tour let you customize your day. For active travelers, the Discover Kaymakli Underground City and hike in Pigeon Valley offers a great combination of cultural sites and outdoor adventure.
No matter which you choose, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on experiencing Kaymakli’s unforgettable scenery and history.
