Red Tour with Kaymakl Undergroundcity All Inclusive

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Exploring the Red Tour with Kaymakli Underground City All-Inclusive: An Honest Review

If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia, you’ll notice there are countless tour options, but this one, the Red Tour with Kaymakli Underground City, consistently receives high praise. We haven’t personally done it, but based on thorough reviews and detailed itineraries, it appears to strike a great balance between comprehensive sightseeing and authentic experiences.

What we love about this tour are the expert guides who bring the history alive, the chance to visit Kaymakli Underground City, the largest and most popular of its kind in Cappadocia, and the opportunity to see some of the most iconic rock formations in the world. The all-inclusive nature, including private transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, makes it a smooth, hassle-free experience.

One potential consideration is the tight schedule—with around 6.5 hours of touring, you’ll be moving swiftly between sites. This might leave some visitors wanting more time at each stop, especially at places like Kaymakli or Uchisar Castle. Still, it’s a great option for travelers who want a broad overview in a single day.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, well-guided look at Cappadocia’s most famous sights, especially if time is limited but you still want an authentic, informative experience.

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Key Points

All-Inclusive Package: Includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch—no hidden costs.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable tour guides like Ozlem and Ozy enhance the experience with humor and insight.
Iconic Sites: Visit Kaymakli Underground City, Pasabaglari (Monks Valley), Uchisar Castle, and more.
Balanced Schedule: About 6.5 hours with enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Authentic Experiences: Opportunities like visiting a pottery workshop in Avanos add local flavor.
Highly Rated: With a 4.9/5 from 14 reviews, travelers find it both valuable and enjoyable.

Looking for more options in Goreme? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Pickup and Starting Point

The tour begins with hotel pickup, available from seven different locations including Göreme, Uçhisar, Çavuşin, Ürgüp, and Avanos. The flexible pickup options are a real plus, especially if you’re staying in one of the central towns. The actual pickup time varies according to your hotel’s location, and you’ll be informed the day before. Expect to be ready within five minutes of your pickup time for a smooth start.

Göreme and the Scenic Outlooks

Your first stop is in Göreme, where you’ll enjoy a brief break to soak in the views or take a few photos. The guide will provide context about the area’s geological formations, which are unlike anywhere else in the world. Reviewers like Laura appreciated how guides like Ozlem “showed us the highlights” while imparting interesting facts.

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Pasabaglari (Monks Valley)

Next, you’ll visit Pasabaglar, famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. This spot is often considered one of the most photogenic in Cappadocia. Expect around 45 minutes here for walking, photo-taking, and learning about the formation of these unique rock structures. Many visitors describe this as a highlight, noting the “wonderful views” and quirky formations.

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Zelve Open Air Museum

Zelve provides a peek into what life was like in a troglodyte community. Walking through the ancient cave dwellings, you’ll get a sense of how people carved homes into soft volcanic rock. The guided tour here lasts about 45 minutes, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed. The site’s historical significance and rugged beauty tend to leave a lasting impression, as noted by previous guests.

Avanos and Pottery Workshops

After Zelve, you’ll stop in Avanos, known for its traditional pottery-making. This part lasts around 2 hours, including lunch, which is a real highlight. The lunch is often praised for being tasty and plentiful, with some reviews mentioning that it exceeded expectations. Plus, many travelers enjoy visiting a pottery workshop, where they can see artisans at work and even try their hand at shaping clay—a memorable, hands-on experience.

Kaymakli Underground City

The centerpiece of this tour is the Kaymakli Underground City. This extensive subterranean complex, dating back to around 5000 BC, offers a fascinating glimpse into an ancient underground world designed for protection from invaders. Your guide will lead you through tunnels, rooms, and ventilation shafts, giving insights into how early inhabitants lived underground for extended periods.

Reviewers consistently mention the value of visiting Kaymakli: “You will not visit an ordinary underground city,” one reviewer emphasizes, highlighting its size and popularity. The guided walk lasts about 45 minutes and allows visitors to appreciate the ingenuity of early underground architecture. The experience often garners praise for being both educational and a little adventurous, especially for those who are comfortable with enclosed spaces.

Uchisar Castle and Final Views

Your last stop is Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With roughly 30 minutes here, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and reflect on the day. Many guests appreciate the castle’s commanding views as a perfect way to end the tour, with some mentioning the “spectacular” vistas.

Drop-off and Flexibility

The tour concludes with drop-offs at your hotel or designated locations, depending on your initial pickup point. The flexible drop-off options make it convenient, especially if you want to continue exploring or rest after a busy day.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The price point for this all-inclusive experience combines transportation, guided insights, entrance fees, and lunch, which can be quite cost-effective when compared to booking each element separately. The reviews reflect satisfaction with the overall value, with many noting the friendly guides and delicious lunch as key benefits.

The group size appears manageable, often described as a comfortable experience, enabling interactions with guides and fellow travelers. The use of a licensed, English-speaking guide ensures clarity and depth in the explanations, which significantly enhances the experience for most visitors.

What Past Travelers Say

Knowledgeable Guides: Ozlem and Ozy are frequently praised for their wit, patience, and enthusiasm.
Well-Organized Schedule: Many appreciate how the timing allows for sightseeing without rushing.
Authentic Local Experiences: Visiting workshops and local sites adds a layer of genuine connection.
Beautiful Photography Opportunities: From fairy chimneys to panoramic castle views, photo lovers will find plenty to capture.

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable shoes—many sites involve walking and uneven terrain.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Bring a camera or smartphone for photos.
Keep in mind the tour duration—6.5 hours might be tight for those wanting to linger longer at each site.
Check your pickup time and be ready on time to avoid missing out, as guides will start promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
This tour involves walking and navigating uneven terrain at sites like Kaymakli and Uchisar Castle, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or certain health conditions.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are advised. You may also want to bring a water bottle, a hat, and sunscreen for outdoor stops.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch is included, and previous reviews highlight it as tasty and generously portioned. Drinks at lunch and personal expenses are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

How long is each stop?
Most stops are around 30 to 45 minutes, with the lunch and pottery workshop extending to about 2 hours in total.

Will I get a guide?
Absolutely. This tour features a live, English-speaking guide who shares insights, history, and fun facts throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

The Red Tour with Kaymakli Underground City offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and authentic local experiences. With a knowledgeable guide, a solid itinerary, and an all-inclusive price, it’s a fantastic way to see Cappadocia’s highlights—especially if your time is limited.

This tour suits travelers who want a rundown without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s particularly ideal for those who appreciate storytelling, stunning landscapes, and a touch of adventure underground.

While it moves swiftly and doesn’t allow for extended exploration at each site, the overall package delivers excellent value and a memorable day in one of Turkey’s most awe-inspiring regions. If you’re after a well-organized, engaging, and authentic Cappadocian experience, this tour is definitely worth considering.

The Sum Up

For anyone eager to tick off the essential Cappadocia sights in a single day, this all-inclusive Red Tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who want guidance from friendly, knowledgeable guides, fantastic photo opportunities, and a chance to learn about the region’s fascinating past in a comfortable setting. The inclusion of Kaymakli Underground City makes it stand out, offering a glimpse into a hidden world beneath the landscape.

If you’re after a well-priced, smoothly run tour that combines history, scenery, and local flavor, this experience will leave you with plenty of memories—and maybe a few selfies with fairy chimneys or panoramic castle views.

Note: Always check the current availability, pickup times, and any specific health or accessibility considerations before booking.