Cappadocia: Zelve, Fairy Chimneys & Underground City Day Trip

Summary

Fairy chimneys, cave churches and underground secrets in Cappadocia

You’ll feel Cappadocia’s history under your feet as you wander fairy chimneys in Devrent Valley, explore ancient homes at Zelve Open-Air Museum, share lunch in Avanos, and descend into Özkonak Underground City—all with hotel pickup and a local guide who brings every stop to life.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen carefully, you can almost hear the pigeons gossiping,” our guide Cem said as we stood at the edge of Pigeon Valley. He tossed a crumb and sure enough, a whole flock burst into noisy flight. The air smelled faintly dusty but sweet, like apricots drying in the sun. I’d seen photos of Cappadocia before, but standing there—wind tugging at my hat and those strange rock towers everywhere—I realized none of them really capture how odd and alive it all feels.

We wandered between the fairy chimneys in Devrent Valley, shapes that looked like camels or mushrooms or—well, maybe that one was just a rock. Cem pointed out carvings I would’ve missed: tiny windows cut into stone where people once hid or prayed. At Zelve Open-Air Museum, he told us how families lived inside these caves for centuries. The walls were cool to touch and smelled earthy, almost like wet clay after rain. I tried to imagine kids running through these tunnels while their parents baked bread nearby. It’s humbling to think about.

Lunch was in Avanos—a simple plate of lentil soup and grilled chicken with rice—but honestly? The bread was so fresh I kept sneaking extra pieces. Afterward we watched a pottery demo; I laughed when my attempt at spinning clay turned into a lopsided bowl (the potter just grinned and nodded politely). Then came Özkonak Underground City. Walking down those narrow stairs, past hidden doors and old wine cellars, I felt both curious and a little uneasy—like we were borrowing someone else’s secret for an hour.

I keep thinking about Uchisar Castle too—the view from up there is wild, all those valleys stretching away under the afternoon sun. Cem said locals still climb up sometimes just to watch storms roll in across the plains. There’s something about this place that sticks with you long after you leave—maybe it’s the silence inside those caves or just how old everything feels compared to my own life back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cappadocia's key sites

• Visit Pigeon Valley
• See Fairy Chimneys
• Tour Uchisar Castle
• Explore Zelve Open-Air Museum
• Lunch and Onyx fabric visit
• Watch pottery workshop
• Visit Ozkonak Underground City
• See Peri Bacalari
• Walk Love Valley

Top questions

How long does this Cappadocia day trip last?

This is a full-day tour covering several sites around Cappadocia including Zelve Open-Air Museum and Özkonak Underground City.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included during your day trip through Cappadocia.

Are hotel pickups provided for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

What are the main stops on this Cappadocia regional tour?

The tour includes Pigeon Valley, Fairy Chimneys, Uchisar Castle, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Avanos town (for lunch), a pottery workshop, and Özkonak Underground City.

Is this small group guided tour suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Will we visit any underground cities during this day trip?

Yes—you’ll explore Özkonak Underground City as part of the itinerary.

Is there a live demonstration included?

A pottery demonstration is part of your visit to Avanos during the tour.

Are entry fees covered in the price?

The tour includes entry to listed attractions such as Zelve Open-Air Museum and Özkonak Underground City.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry fees for sites like Zelve Open-Air Museum and Özkonak Underground City, a traditional lunch in Avanos (with vegetarian options), plus time at a pottery workshop before heading back in the evening alongside your English-speaking local guide.