Kaymakli is a fantastic base for exploring Cappadocia’s unique landscape, especially if you’re interested in underground cities, ancient rock-cut churches, and scenic hiking. Unlike many tourist spots, Kaymakli offers tours that combine history, breathtaking vistas, and local culture in a way that makes the region come alive. We particularly appreciate the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley, which offers a full day of sightseeing along with a visit to the underground city — a highlight for many travelers. Its combination of convenience (hotel transfers), variety (photo stops, shopping, scenic views), and expert guidance make it a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive experience of Cappadocia.
In this list, you’ll find a mix of full-day adventures, highlights-focused tours, and specialized hikes. Each offers a different way to experience Kaymakli and surroundings, whether you’re seeking a quick overview or an in-depth exploration. Now, let’s look at the top options for city tours in Kaymakli to help you choose the perfect match for your trip.
1. Green Tour to Ihlara Valley with Underground city
This full-day tour packs a punch with visits to some of Cappadocia’s most iconic sites. Starting at 9:30 AM, it includes a trip to the remarkable Underground City—a must-see for its labyrinth of tunnels and chambers—and a scenic drive to the lush Ihlara Valley. The tour is well-loved for its convenience, offering hotel pickup and drop-off from multiple locations like Göreme, Avanos, and Uçhisar.
What sets this tour apart is its broad itinerary: after exploring the underground tunnels, you’ll enjoy photo stops at scenic viewpoints, a traditional regional lunch, and some shopping. The 8-hour schedule is flexible enough to give you a thorough taste of Cappadocia’s highlights without feeling rushed. The reviews are excellent, with travelers praising their friendly guides and the value for money at just $16 per person. One reviewer remarked, “The guide was very friendly and informative, making the day memorable.” With frequent departures, this tour is perfect if you want a balanced mix of history, scenery, and cultural insight.
Bottom Line: Great for budget travelers seeking a comprehensive day out, especially if you want the underground city and Ihlara Valley without fuss or extra cost.
2. Cappadocia: Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley
This more extensive 9-hour guided tour dives deeper into Cappadocia’s secrets. It begins with pickup from five locations including Göreme and Uçhisar, making it accessible for most travelers. The tour includes visits to the Kaymakli Underground City, the Ihlara Valley for a guided walk, and the Selime Monastery, along with stops at Narlığöl crater lake and Pigeon Valley.
The highlight is the guided exploration of Kaymakli Underground City, where you’ll learn how early Christians hid from invaders. The Ihlara Valley walk offers a peaceful river-side hike past ancient cave churches, an experience that stays with you. The group visits a riverside restaurant for lunch, providing a chance to taste regional cuisine. The tour’s high rating (4.7/5) reflects its detailed itinerary and knowledgeable guides.
This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to combine sightseeing with some light hiking and in-depth history. It also features the visit to Narlığöl crater lake, a lesser-known but beautiful spot. While it costs more than Tour #1, it offers a richer experience for those eager to explore beyond the surface.
Bottom Line: Excellent value for travelers interested in history, hiking, and a more immersive day in Cappadocia.
3. Cappadocia Highlights Underground City & Open-Air Museum
For travelers new to Cappadocia or those wanting a condensed overview, this 7-hour tour hits the iconic sights. Starting from six pickup points including Uçhisar and Mustafapaşa, it’s a convenient way to see the region’s top highlights in one day.
The tour features an exploration of Pigeon Valley, where you’ll see centuries-old pigeonholes carved into the cliffs, and the underground city of Kaymakli. The visit to Göreme Panorama offers sweeping views of Uçhisar Castle and the surrounding landscape, perfect for photos. A visit to Fairy Chimneys in Cavusin rounds out the day, giving you iconic rock formations and a taste of local cave dwellings.
Guests appreciate the balanced itinerary and the chance to see all the must-visit spots in a shorter time. At $83 per person, it’s a good value considering the depth of what you see. The tour is especially suitable for first-timers wanting a snapshot of Cappadocia’s highlights without an overly intense schedule.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a quick, rundown of the region’s highlights.
4. Discover Kaymakli Underground City and Hike in Pigeon Valley
This more relaxed, half-day experience focuses on two favorites: exploring Kaymakli Underground City and hiking through Pigeon Valley. Starting from Uçhisar or Göreme, the tour is ideal if you prefer a lighter schedule or want to combine underground exploration with outdoor activity.
The underground city visit lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to marvel at its tunnels and rooms. Following that, you’ll hike from Uçhisar to Göreme, enjoying panoramic views and fresh air. The hike lasts around 1.5 hours, making it suitable for most fitness levels, and the route offers stunning vistas of the valley and rock formations.
Guests mention the guide’s friendly attitude and the perfect balance of cave exploration and outdoor walking. At $52 per person, it’s an affordable way to experience Kaymakli’s underground marvels and the natural beauty of Pigeon Valley.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers looking for a combination of underground history and scenic hiking without a full-day commitment.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting a city tour in Kaymakli, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want a value-packed day with lots of sights, the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley or the Cappadocia Green Tour are excellent choices. Both include underground city visits and scenic stops but differ slightly in length and depth.
For a more focused experience that covers the region’s must-sees, the Cappadocia Highlights Tour offers a shorter, easier day. Meanwhile, if you prefer combining outdoor activity with cultural exploration, the Kaymakli Underground City and Pigeon Valley hike provides a lighter schedule with plenty of fresh air.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred departure times and avoid last-minute disappointments. Think about your fitness level and interest in underground cities or hiking when picking your tour.
Final Thoughts
Kaymakli’s variety of city tours offers options for every type of traveler. For those seeking an all-day adventure that combines history, scenery, and local culture, the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley and the Cappadocia Green Tour stand out as top picks. If your time is limited but you still want a taste of Cappadocia’s best, the Highlights Tour hits all the main spots efficiently.
For outdoor lovers or those with a more relaxed pace, the Kaymakli Underground City and Pigeon Valley hike offers a great balance.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early and knowing your interests will ensure you get the most out of your time in Kaymakli. These tours will give you a memorable glimpse into the fascinating world beneath and beyond Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscape.