Kaymakli is a must-visit destination in Cappadocia, especially if you’re interested in exploring underground cities and ancient landscapes. What makes it stand out are the incredible underground tunnels, carved rock formations, and nearby valleys that tell stories of old. We’re particularly fond of tours that provide a well-rounded view of the region—like the underground city exploration combined with open-air sites, or those that include the stunning Ihlara Valley hike. These experiences let you see the layers of history while enjoying breathtaking scenery. To help you pick the best fit, we’ve compiled a list of the 4 best tours in Kaymakli, each offering something unique.
Quick Overview
This list includes a variety of guided day trips and multi-day packages. Whether you prefer a quick, rundown or a more in-depth exploration with optional balloon rides, there’s something here for everyone. We cover a Highlights Tour, two different versions of the Green Tour — one with a focus on underground cities and Ihlara Valley, and a comprehensive 2-day experience from Istanbul that includes a hot air balloon ride. For full details, check out the individual tours below.
1. Cappadocia Highlights Tour Underground City+Open Air Museum
At number 1, this Cappadocia Highlights Tour offers a balanced glimpse of top sights all in one day. For just $47 per person, you’ll visit major landmarks like Uchisar Castle, Kaymakli Underground City, and the Open Air Museum, all guided with insightful commentary. This tour’s strength lies in its ability to combine breathtaking landscapes such as Love Valley and Devrent Valley with cultural experiences like watching local artisans at the Avanos Pottery Workshop.
What makes it stand out? The inclusion of lunch and the panoramic Goreme Viewpoint makes this a convenient, well-rounded option. The guide’s knowledge helps you understand the significance of each site, especially the underground city, which is a marvel of ancient engineering. With a 4.8/5 rating from 13 reviews, travelers love the seamless itinerary and engaging guides. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive taste of Cappadocia in a single day.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers short on time who want a full, engaging introduction to Cappadocia’s highlights, including the underground city.
2. Cappadocia: Green Tour with Lunch and Hotel Pickup
The Green Tour with Lunch and Hotel Pickup is a solid choice for those wanting an immersive full-day experience that focuses on south Cappadocia. Priced with an emphasis on comfort and convenience, it features a visit to Kaymakli Underground City, plus a scenic drive to the Ihlara Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a walk through lush greenery and see rock-cut churches along the river. The tour also takes you to the Selime Monastery, a sprawling complex carved into the rocks.
What sets this apart is its small-group format, which often means more personalized attention. The tour emphasizes natural beauty and archaeological sites, making it ideal for history and nature lovers. Although review ratings are modest (4.5/5 from 2 reviews), the focus on hiking, photo opportunities, and local culture makes it a compelling choice for a full day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a mix of underground exploration, nature, and history, with the added comfort of hotel pickup.
3. Cappadocia: Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley
For those seeking an in-depth experience, the Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley offers a full 9-hour itinerary. This tour shines with visits to Kaymakli Underground City, where you learn about its complex tunnels and ancient use for hiding during invasions. The guided walk through the Ihlara Valley reveals cave churches and lush scenery, perfect for a nature walk with historical sites sprinkled along the way. You’ll also visit Selime Monastery and the Narlığöl crater lake, adding geological interest.
What makes this tour stand out is its extensive coverage and multiple pickup options, including Göreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, Çavuşin, and Uçhisar. The reviews (4.7/5) praise the knowledgeable guides and comprehensive itinerary. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to combine history, nature, and geological sights in a single day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a thorough, all-encompassing experience of Cappadocia’s underground and natural wonders.
4. 2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul w/ Balloon Ride Option
If you’re after a more luxurious and in-depth experience, the 2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Balloon Ride is hard to beat. Priced at $1,409 per person, this package includes hotel pickup, a guided tour of key sites, and a hot air balloon ride over the iconic landscapes. The tour covers the Goreme Open-Air Museum and the Kaymakli Underground City, providing a more relaxed pace with plenty of time to soak in the scenery.
What makes this tour special is the combination of luxury, convenience, and the chance to see Cappadocia from above. The balloon ride is often a highlight, offering unparalleled views of the fairy chimneys and valleys. Reviews are not listed, but the high price reflects its premium nature. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive, comfortable, and memorable experience with extra touches like the balloon flight.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a multi-day, hassle-free, and deluxe way to explore Cappadocia, especially if the balloon ride has been on your bucket list.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, think about your budget, time, and interests. For a quick overview, the Highlights Tour is perfect. If you want a deeper dive into natural scenery and archaeological sites, go for the Green Tour with underground city and Ihlara Valley. For a luxurious, multi-day adventure with a balloon experience, the Istanbul to Cappadocia 2-day tour is your best bet. Book early, especially for the balloon ride, as spots fill quickly.
If you’re interested in specific experiences, check out Kaymakli Underground City and Ihlara Valley. These tours make it easy to see enough of Cappadocia’s highlights without feeling rushed, and they’re suitable for different budgets and interests.
Final Thoughts
Kaymakli’s underground city and surrounding sites make for a captivating experience, whether you prefer a quick tour or a multi-day adventure. The Highlights Tour offers a great introduction, while the Green Tours provide deeper exploration for history and nature enthusiasts. For those wanting the full Cappadocia experience, including a balloon ride, the 2-day tour from Istanbul is a luxurious choice.
No matter which you pick, early booking is key—especially for the balloon rides or multi-day trips. With so many options, you’re sure to find a tour that matches your style and schedule, making your trip to Kaymakli a truly memorable one.