Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys, Kaymakli Underground City & Valley Tour

Summary

Surreal valleys, ancient tunnels and laughter echoing off stone

You’ll wind through Cappadocia’s wild valleys with a local guide—ducking into Kaymakli Underground City’s cool tunnels, snapping photos of fairy chimneys, sharing laughs at a pottery wheel, and catching sunlight over Uchisar Castle. There’s time for quiet moments too, plus hotel pickup so you can just show up curious.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my hat to the wind on the ridge above Pigeon Valley—didn’t expect it to be that strong in Cappadocia, honestly. Our guide, Eda, just grinned and pointed out the evil eye charms swinging from a gnarled tree nearby. She said locals believe they keep away bad luck, but I’m pretty sure they’re also there for people like me who can’t keep track of their stuff. The view down into the valley was scattered with little pigeon houses cut right into the rock, and you could hear cooing if you listened past the chatter of our group.

The day trip moved fast but never felt rushed. We ducked into Kaymakli Underground City next—cool air and that earthy smell you only get deep underground. Eda handed me her flashlight at one point (my phone torch was pathetic), and we squeezed through these narrow tunnels that Hittites once used to hide from invaders. I bumped my head twice (watch out if you’re tall), but honestly, being down there made history feel less like a museum and more like something alive under your feet.

Lunch was in a small family spot—nothing fancy, just lentil soup and bread with a hint of smoke from the wood stove. Afterward, we watched a potter shape clay in Avanos. He made it look easy until he asked if anyone wanted to try; Li from our group gave it a go and ended up with mud all over her jeans. Everyone laughed—even the old potter cracked a smile and wiped his hands on his apron before showing us how it’s really done.

By late afternoon we were wandering through Devrent Valley where rocks twist into animal shapes if you squint (or maybe if you’re just tired). The sun hit Uchisar Castle at this perfect angle—gold on stone—and I still think about that light sometimes when things are gray back home. Didn’t get every photo I wanted but maybe that’s better anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cappadocia's key sights

• Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum
• See Uchisar Castle
• View local Turkish stones
• Walk through Pigeon Valley
• Visit pottery workshops
• Explore Devrent Valley
• See Fairy Chimneys national park
• Tour Kaymakli Underground City

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Cappadocia tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip booking.

How long do we spend inside Kaymakli Underground City?

You’ll have enough time to explore key areas without feeling rushed; exact timing varies by group pace.

Are meals included on this tour?

No set lunch is listed as included; however, there is usually a stop for food at a local spot during the day.

Can I take photos inside the underground city?

Yes, photography is allowed inside Kaymakli Underground City unless otherwise indicated by your guide.

What should I wear for visiting Cappadocia’s valleys?

Comfortable walking shoes are best; bring layers as weather can change quickly in Cappadocia.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but some underground passages are narrow or low-ceilinged.

Will we see pottery making during this day trip?

Yes, there’s a stop at modern pottery workshops where you can watch artisans at work—and maybe try yourself.

How many main sites are visited on this highlights tour?

You’ll visit several key spots including Kaymakli Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Devrent Valley, Pigeon Valley, and fairy chimneys.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off with an air-conditioned vehicle plus guidance from a licensed local expert throughout each site—from underground city tunnels to pottery workshops and panoramic viewpoints across Cappadocia’s valleys.