Cappadocia South Tour: Underground City Tour With Lunch

For those seeking an immersive cultural experience in Cappadocia, the South Tour offers an unparalleled adventure. Combining a scenic hike, ancient underground city, and local artisan encounters, this tour promises to captivate the senses. Explore the region’s storied past as you explore the tunnels and chambers of Özkonak, all while savoring the flavors of traditional Cappadocian cuisine. What further secrets await discovery on this remarkable journey?

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Key Points

A 3-mile hike through the scenic Red Valley and exploration of the historic Cavusin Village.
Buffet lunch featuring Cappadocian cuisine at a local restaurant with vegetarian and dietary-restricted options.
Tour of the Özkonak Underground City, a subterranean network used as refuge for early Christians.
Visit to an Onyx Workshop for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship.
Tour of a Leather Factory to observe the transformation of raw materials into high-quality leather goods.

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Tour Highlights

The Cappadocia South Tour offers a diverse range of highlights, beginning with a 3-mile hike through the picturesque Red Valley.

Visitors then explore the historic Cavusin Village, uncovering its ancient sites. After a local buffet lunch, the tour ventures to Pigeon Valley, offering panoramic vistas.

The main attraction is the Özkonak Underground City, where early Christians once took refuge.

The day concludes with visits to an onyx workshop and a leather factory, providing insights into regional craftsmanship.

Throughout the tour, an English-speaking guide accompanies guests, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.

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Itinerary Breakdown

The Cappadocia South Tour begins with a departure from the Central Cappadocia region, where guests embark on a 3-mile hike through the picturesque Red Valley.

Next, they’ll explore the historic Cavusin Village.

Afterward, they’ll enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

The tour then takes them to Pigeon Valley for panoramic views, followed by a visit to the Özkonak Underground City to explore the tunnels used by early Christians.

The day continues with a visit to an Onyx Workshop and a Leather Factory before returning to Central Cappadocia in the late afternoon.

Lunch Experience

A delectable buffet lunch is served at a local restaurant, offering guests a chance to savor the flavors of Cappadocian cuisine.

The spread features a variety of regional specialties, such as hearty stews, stuffed vegetables, and fresh salads. Vegetarian and dietary-restricted options are also available.

The spread offers a variety of regional specialties, including hearty stews, stuffed vegetables, and fresh salads, with vegetarian and dietary-restricted options.

Diners can enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the charming ambiance of the traditional eatery.

The lunch break provides a welcome respite from the morning’s activities, allowing participants to recharge and prepare for the afternoon’s exploration of the underground city and other captivating sites.

Exploring Özkonak Underground City

After the rejuvenating lunch, the tour continues to the captivating Özkonak Underground City.

Descending into the vast subterranean network, travelers explore the tunnels and chambers that served as a refuge for early Christians.

The underground city boasts intricate carved passages, ventilation shafts, and storage rooms, offering a glimpse into the ingenious engineering of the past.

Visitors can marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient inhabitants who carved this expansive city into the rock, using it as a place of safety and seclusion.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Cappadocia’s rich history.

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Onyx Workshop and Leather Factory

Following the informative exploration of the Özkonak Underground City, the tour next takes visitors to an Onyx Workshop.

Here, guests can learn about the intricate process of crafting onyx, a semi-precious stone found in the region. The skilled artisans demonstrate the techniques used to shape and polish the stone into beautiful decorative pieces.

Afterward, the tour proceeds to a Leather Factory, where guests can observe the production of high-quality leather goods. From handbags to jackets, the artisans showcase their expertise in transforming raw materials into fashionable and durable products.

These stops provide a unique insight into Cappadocia’s traditional craftsmanship.

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Transportation and Amenities

The tour includes transportation from and to the central Cappadocia region, covering pickup and drop-off locations such as Urgup, Goreme, Avanos, Uchisar, and Ortahisar.

The air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle ensures a comfortable journey. English-speaking tour guides accompany guests throughout the tour, providing insights and information.

Entrance fees to various sites are included, allowing seamless access. Lunch at a local restaurant is provided, offering a buffet meal.

The tour also covers personal expenses and gratuity for the driver and guide, making it an all-inclusive experience.

Important Considerations

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen to protect themselves during the tour, as it involves a moderate hike in the Red Valley.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women due to the physical exertion required.

While the tour itinerary may vary based on regional conditions, the transportation includes an air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off within the central Cappadocia region.

Guests should be aware that early arrivals or late departures at Kayseri Airport may require waiting, as the regular tour services are scheduled for arrivals around 8 AM and departures at 7 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour group size is not specified in the provided information. The details available do not mention the maximum or average group size for this tour. Without additional details, the group size is unclear.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, as it’s a pre-set group tour. However, travelers can request special arrangements for their needs, which the tour operator may accommodate depending on availability and feasibility.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children?

The tour offers a discounted rate for children. Prices typically range from 15-20% less than the adult rate, but it’s best to check with the tour provider for their specific child pricing policy.

Can We Stop for Additional Sightseeing Along the Way?

The tour typically follows a set itinerary, but guests can inquire with the tour operator about adding extra stops for sightseeing along the way, subject to time and logistical constraints. Additional stops may incur an extra fee.

Do We Have the Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travellers can inquire about adding extra stops or lengthening the tour when booking. However, additional costs may apply for the extended duration or customized itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Cappadocia South Tour offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the Özkonak Underground City, hike through the stunning Red Valley, and learn about traditional craftsmanship. With a delectable buffet lunch and transportation provided, this tour is a practical way to discover the fascinating history and culture of Cappadocia.