Goreme is one of Turkey’s most captivating destinations—an open-air museum of surreal landscapes, rock-cut churches, and history-rich sites. What makes Goreme such a perfect spot for city tours is its compact layout packed with must-see landmarks. Whether you’re into exploring underground cities like Kaymakli, hiking through Ihlara Valley, or marveling at fairy chimneys, Goreme offers an impressive variety. We love the Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour for its comprehensive approach and spectacular views, all while being accessible for travelers with limited time.
Many tours here are designed to give you full immersion in the region’s natural beauty and history. You’ll find options that include gentle sightseeing, active hiking, private custom experiences, and group adventures. To help you choose, below is a list of the 15 best city tours in Goreme, each with its own unique appeal and practical details.
1. Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour. Lunch incl.
At number 1, this 8-hour small-group tour hits the highlights of south Cappadocia from Goreme. It’s ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see Pigeon Valley, Ihlara Valley, and Kaymakli Underground City—Turkey’s largest and deepest underground settlement. The tour includes round-trip transport, a delicious lunch, and intimate group size limited to 15 people, ensuring your guide can give personalized attention. Guests love how this tour combines stunning natural scenery with rich history, and reviews often mention the memorable views of Erciyes Mountain and the detailed stories shared by guides like Edanur.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a well-rounded introduction with a small-group vibe and all logistics handled.
2. Full-Day Tour in Cappadocia with Ihlara Hiking and Underground City
For around $46, the Full-Day Cappadocia Tour covers the region’s most iconic sights, including an underground city, a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley, and a visit to Selime Monastery. This tour offers hassle-free hotel pickup, a guide to explain the area’s geology and history, and time for a 3.5 km hike. Reviewers praise the balance of walking and sightseeing, calling it “an incredible experience from start to finish.” The highlight for many is the accessible yet breathtaking Ihlara Canyon, perfect for those who enjoy light physical activity with stunning scenery.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who want a full day of exploration.
3. Cappadocia : Red Tour + Underground City (Small Group)
This Small Group Red Tour offers a carefully curated look at Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and panoramic views. It includes visits to Uchisar Castle, Goreme Panorama, and Pasabag, with small group size enhancing the experience. Guides focus on storytelling, making the history come alive, and the flexible schedule allows for shopping stops. Guests appreciate that the tour is limited in size for a more personalized experience and that unlimited soft drinks keep everyone refreshed.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for those seeking a relaxed, intimate tour with a focus on the region’s iconic formations.
4. Private Cappadocia Tour with Underground City (Guide & Driver)
Want a tailor-made experience? This private half-day tour lets you customize your itinerary, choosing between fairy chimneys, hiking, or underground cities. The guide and driver provide flexible, personalized service, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Highlights include exploring the fairy chimneys and underground cities at your pace, with the option to organize activities like hot air balloon flights or scenic hikes. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide Mustafa, who makes sure no detail is missed in just 4-6 hours.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who prefer a private, flexible experience that hits only their must-see sights.
5. Highlight of Cappadocia Tour (Red Tour + Underground City)
This 8-hour full-day tour condenses the region’s highlights into a manageable schedule. Starting with Uchisar Castle, then visiting the Goreme Open-Air Museum and the ancient underground city, it’s perfect for first-time visitors. The small group of up to 15 ensures attentive guides who share stories behind the frescoed churches and volcanic formations. Guests love the combination of history, landscape, and convenience, including a buffet lunch and scenic viewpoints.
Bottom Line: Great for newcomers who want a rundown in one day.
6. Delight of Cappadocia Red Tour and Underground City
A private, customizable tour, this experience is flexible and luxurious, with VIP transportation and a licensed guide. It covers major sights like Goreme Open-Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, and Devrent Valley, plus the optional underground city visit. The tour can be tailored to your interests, making it suitable for those wanting a personalized experience. Guests highlight the caring guide and the ability to skip or focus on specific sites.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a private, flexible, all-encompassing tour with tailored options.
7. Under Ground City Tour – Half Day
This half-day tour is a quick but thorough look at Cappadocia’s subterranean world. Starting with Uchisar Panorama, then exploring Kaymakli Underground City, followed by a scenic stop at Pigeon Valley, it’s perfect if your schedule is tight. Guests appreciate the well-preserved underground city and the ease of hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s less expensive but still packed with highlights.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a snapshot of underground life without a full-day commitment.
8. Kaymakli Underground City Tour (half day)
A 2-3 hour tour focusing solely on Kaymakli, this is an excellent choice for those interested in Cappadocia’s most famous underground city. It includes views of the old Greek houses of Uchisar and stops at Pigeon Valley. The guide’s insightful commentary makes the underground tunnels more meaningful. Guests mention the spacious shuttle and knowledgeable guide as highlights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick underground city visit combined with scenic views.
9. Cappadocia: North (Red) Tour And Underground City
This 7-10 hour tour covers the region’s northern highlights, including Pasabag, Devrent Valley, and Goreme Open-Air Museum. It’s ideal for those wanting a balanced itinerary with many stops. Guided commentary about rock formations and ancient villages makes this a favorite among history and geology enthusiasts. Guests note the comfortable transport and informative guides.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a full, structured day with a mix of scenery and history.
10. The stunning underground city and panoramas of Cappadocia
Offering a private, flexible tour for up to four people, this allows you to stop wherever and whenever you like, making it the most customizable experience on our list. It covers Uchisar Castle, Kaymakli Underground City, and panoramic views, all tailored to your interests. Guests love the personalized attention and the ability to spend as much time as they want at each spot.
Bottom Line: Best for couples or small groups seeking a completely personalized, private tour.
11. Private Red Tour+Underground city With Professional Guide+Vehicle
This luxury private tour offers a full-day experience with a knowledgeable guide, covering Ortahisar, Goreme Panorama, and Avanos. It includes pottery workshops and cave visits, with flexible timing and a premium vehicle. The guide’s storytelling, combined with the relaxed pace, makes this ideal for travelers who want a deeper, more personalized experience. Reviewers highlight the friendly, expert guides and the customizable itinerary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a high-end, private exploration tailored to their interests.
12. Largest Underground City Tour with Storyteller
This 3-hour tour focuses on Derinkuyu, the largest underground city, combined with Pigeon Valley and Gemstone viewing. It’s an efficient, storytelling-driven experience that appeals to history lovers. Guests praise the experienced storyteller guide who makes the tunnels and ancient sites come alive. The tour includes a visit to a gem and jewelry center, adding a cultural twist.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a compact, narrative-rich underground city visit.
13. Private & Guided Central Cappadocia Tour With Underground City
This private 7-hour tour offers a personal guide to explore Uchisar, Goreme, and Pasabag at your own pace. It includes visits to the open-air museum and underground city, with options to include other sites like Cavusin or Avanos. The flexibility and dedicated guide make it suited for travelers who want a customized, relaxed day. Guests note the knowledgeable guide and the comfortable transportation.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a private, personalized experience with a flexible schedule.
14. Green Tour in Cappadocia with Ihlara canyon & Underground city
A 7.5-hour guided tour focusing on Cappadocia’s green landscapes, including Goreme Panorama, Kaymakli Underground City, and Ihlara Canyon. It’s perfect for lovers of natural scenery and history combined. The tour includes a professional guide and a mix of walking and sightseeing. Reviewers enjoy the beautiful canyon walk and the well-organized schedule.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a scenic, nature-focused day with historical insights.
15. Cappadocia Underground City and Ihlara Valley Tour
This full-day tour combines the imposing underground city with a scenic trek through Ihlara Valley. It features door-to-door transfers, lunch, and visits to key sites like Selime Monastery. Guests value the comprehensive itinerary and the opportunity to watch traditional stone and onyx carving demonstrations. It’s ideal for visitors who want a mix of active hiking and underground exploration.
Bottom Line: Suitable for active travelers interested in both cultural and natural highlights.
How to Choose the Best City Tour in Goreme
When deciding which tour fits you best, consider your budget, physical activity level, and specific interests. Want a private experience? The Private Cappadocia Tour with Underground City offers tailored exploration. Prefer a full day with hiking? The Full-Day Cappadocia with Ihlara Valley is perfect. If you’re on a tight schedule, the half-day Kaymakli Underground City Tour delivers highlights quickly.
Book early, especially for popular private or small-group tours, and think about the best time to visit—spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for walking and outdoor activities.
Final Thoughts
Goreme’s tour options are diverse enough to satisfy history buffs, adventure seekers, and those simply wanting stunning vistas. For a comprehensive experience that mixes natural beauty with cultural insights, the Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour stands out. For a personalized journey, the Private Cappadocia Tour allows total flexibility. Lovers of active exploring will appreciate the Ihlara Valley hikes and underground city adventures.
No matter what your interests or budget, Goreme offers memorable ways to see its otherworldly landscapes. Book early—these tours fill up fast, especially during peak season, and a well-planned adventure ensures you make the most of your time in this magical corner of Turkey.