Central Anatolia isn’t just about bustling cities or ancient ruins; it’s a region where history, geology, and culture come together in surprising ways. The area offers a variety of city tours that reveal its hidden depths—from exploring underground cities to visiting salt lakes. We particularly like the Private Cappadocia Underground City Visit (Car and Driver) for its intimacy and comfort, and the Cappadocia: Salt Lake & Underground City – Full Day Tour for those who want a comprehensive day trip. Both tours give a taste of what makes Central Anatolia unique—its deep history, striking landscapes, and authentic experiences.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best city tours in Central Anatolia, comparing what each offers and helping you decide which fits your travel style. Whether you prefer a short private visit or a full-day adventure, these picks provide a good starting point for planning your journey.
Brief Overview of the Tours
We’ve chosen these tours based on their popularity, reviews, and what they include, offering options for different interests and schedules:
– The Private Cappadocia Underground City Visit (Car and Driver) stands out for its private, relaxed approach.
– The Cappadocia: Salt Lake & Underground City – Full Day Tour appeals to those wanting a fuller exploration of the region’s highlights.
Now, let’s dig into each and see what makes them special.
1. Private Cappadocia Underground City Visit (Car and Driver)
At number 1 on our list, this private underground city tour offers an intimate way to explore one of Cappadocia’s most iconic sites. For just $69 per person, you get a dedicated driver and a flexible schedule, making it ideal if you prefer comfort and personalized service. The tour typically lasts around 2 hours, but you should check availability for specific start times.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the underground city itself, which is a labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and caves carved into soft volcanic rock. The underground city served as refuge for early Christians and offers an astonishing glimpse into ancient survival strategies. The flexibility to choose pickup and drop-off locations—Göreme, Ürgüp, Nevşehir, Uçhisar, and more—means you can tailor the experience to your plans.
Guests consistently praise the tranquility of having a private drive, noting that the journey from Göreme is only about 30 minutes. The tour includes a visit to the visitor center, where guides share insights about the history and construction of these subterranean structures. One reviewer called it “very interesting,” emphasizing how walking through the tunnels is impressive, and the transportation was “top quality” with “very kind” staff.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for travelers seeking an easy, private, and informative visit to Cappadocia’s underground city. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, personalized experience without the fuss of large group tours.
2. Cappadocia: Salt Lake & Underground City – Full Day Tour
For around 8 hours, this full-day tour () takes you beyond the usual sights in Cappadocia. It includes visits to the Saratli Underground City, Tepesi Delik Han Caravanserai, and the Salt Lake, Turkey’s largest salt lake. This tour is perfect if you’re eager to explore multiple sites in one day with minimal hassle—hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.
The highlight is undoubtedly the Salt Lake (Lake Tuz), where the vast white salt flats create an otherworldly landscape. It’s a striking contrast to the caves and tunnels, offering a chance to see a different facet of the region’s geography. The Saratli Underground City, which features guided tours, provides a deeper understanding of the ancient civilizations that inhabited these underground spaces. Meanwhile, the visit to Tepesi Delik Han, an old caravanserai, offers insight into the region’s role as a trade hub.
This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day of adventure without worrying about logistics. It’s a good choice for those with limited time but a high interest in history, geology, and scenery. The itinerary’s structure ensures you get a sense of both natural beauty and human history.
Bottom Line: This full-day tour balances exploration of underground cities and stunning salt flats, making it ideal for travelers wanting a broad experience of Central Anatolia’s highlights in one trip.
How to Choose Between These Tours
When deciding between these options, consider your travel style and interests. If comfort and flexibility matter most, the private underground city visit () offers a quiet, tailored experience. It’s best suited for those who want a short, focused trip with minimal fuss.
On the other hand, if you’re eager to see multiple sites and enjoy a full day of sightseeing—including a salt lake and caravanserai—the full-day tour () provides excellent value and variety. It’s especially good if you’re curious about both natural landscapes and historical structures.
Think about your budget, time constraints, and whether you’d rather focus on just one site or explore a broader slice of Central Anatolia. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred times.
Final Thoughts
Central Anatolia offers a wealth of experiences, from exploring ancient underground cities to marveling at salt lakes and caravanserais. The private underground city visit is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, intimate encounter with Cappadocia’s subterranean marvels, while the full-day tour provides a broader look at the region’s natural and historical highlights.
For travelers interested in history, geology, and local culture, both options deliver meaningful insights. If your time is limited or you prefer a personal touch, go for the private tour. If you love packing your days with diverse sights, the full-day adventure is your best bet.
Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences. Central Anatolia’s surprises await—enjoy discovering them at your own pace.