Cappadocia Surroundings
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Quick answer
Is Cappadocia Surroundings worth booking?
Cappadocia Surroundings is a 5-hour experience in Goreme, Turkey, from $369 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $369 per person
First we will drive to Ihlara Valley, created from the ashes of the volcanic Mt. Hasan. After hiking through the valley, whose water source is the beautiful Melendiz River, proceed to Selime to explore the hollowed-out citadel and churches where fairy chimneys rest on the steep hillside. Stop at Yaprakhisar village to take photos. In the afternoon, visit the Derinkuyu Underground Village where dwellings with stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches and wineries were used as refuges for Christian communities. Return to your hotel in the evening.
What you get
About this experience
First we will drive to Ihlara Valley, created from the ashes of the volcanic Mt. Hasan. After hiking through the valley, whose water source is the beautiful Melendiz River, proceed to Selime to explore the hollowed-out citadel and churches where fairy chimneys rest on the steep hillside. Stop at Yaprakhisar village to take photos. In the afternoon, visit the Derinkuyu Underground Village where dwellings with stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches and wineries were used as refuges for Christian communities. Return to your hotel in the evening.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Carbonated beverages
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Surcharges on fuel
- Parking fees
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Cappadocia
The region of Cappadocia is located in the middle of a once-active volcanic area of central Anatolia. Millions of years ago three of its mountains - Erciyes, Hasandağ and Güllüdağ - were active volcanoes; indeed this activity persisted intermittently at least into the Neolithic period according to the prehistoric paintings. The volcanic eruptions were so strong that in some places the lava was up to 150m in thickness. Over many millions of years, volcanoes, wind, rain and ice sculpted the region which we now know as Cappadocia. As the landscape was eroded, basalt stones remained and formed conical structures with some reaching as high as 45m. The local people referred to these unique rock formations "fairy chimneys", a name that has endured throughout the ages. If nature was the first artist to arrange the decor, it was Anatolian man who carved the rock and built houses, churches and over 250 underground cities out of it over the centuries.
Uchisar Castle
Uçhisar is first mentioned in a 14th-century chronicle by Aziz ibn Ardasir. The general area had been occupied much earlier, however. The Hittites may have used the natural structures of the cliffs as refuges and strongholds against possible attacks. In the seventh century AD, the Byzantines created a 'buffer zone' in the area against Islamic expansion. The nature of the terrain was conducive to defence, while the camouflage of the buildings provided an improved defence against attackers. After their conquest of the region, the Muslims also made use of the defensive possibilities of the area, creating small centres with caravanserais in the region. Today, for those who climb the steps to the top of the Uchisar Fortress, the whole region unfolds below. Rugs and kilims, and popular souvenirs can easily be purchased from the shops which line Uchisar's narrow streets.
Derinkuyu YeraltI Sehri
Derinkuyu, one of the deepest, most extensive and amazing underground cities of Cappadocia, was discovered in 1966 during an excavation. This underground city has eight levels and lots of secret corridors. The floors include the churches, kitchens, places to tie up prisoners, sections for animals. Turkey's Cappadocia region is famous for its subterranean safe cities carved from soft tuff. These underground cities, which are among the most interesting cultural richness of Cappadocia, take tourists from all over the world on a mysterious journey every year. The underground cities in Cappadocia, interconnected by corridors, were used as hiding places by Christians in the 7th century. These subterranean cities were self-sufficient cities with granaries, stables, rooms, kitchens and ventilation systems. Derinkuyu Underground City and Kaymakli Underground City were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
Ihlara Valley
TheMelendiz River, at lhlara, has eroded the banks into an impressive canyon. Byzantine rock chapels covered with frescoes pierce the canyon walls. Some of the best known are the Agacalti (Daniel) Church, theYilanli (Apocalypse) Church and the SumbulIu (Hyacinth)Church. Guzelyurt is another valley with dwellings dating from prehistoric times. You can see the beautiful silhouette of Mt. Hasan rising like a crown above the town. The valley's underground cities, buildings carved into the rock, interesting vernacular architecture, churches, chapels and mosques embody all of the characteristics of Cappadocia and give visitors a sense of historical continuity. A popular tourist destination, Guzelyurt's hospitable residents, extensive accommodation and restaurants ensure a pleasant stay.
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ar, de, ru, zh-TW, ja, en, it, fr, tr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Deren Koray Tourism
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $369 to $706
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Deren Koray Tourism, who run 42 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 42.3.
See everything Deren Koray Tourism runsWhy this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cappadocia Surroundings: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Goreme.
How much does Cappadocia Surroundings cost?
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Prices start at $369 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Goreme usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cappadocia Surroundings take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Goreme is not rushed.
Is Cappadocia Surroundings worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Goreme, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cappadocia Surroundings?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cappadocia Surroundings suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cappadocia Surroundings?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Goreme can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Goreme and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cappadocia Surroundings start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Goreme within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Goreme?
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On Outty we rank every Goreme experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Red (North) Tour Cappadocia (small group) with lunch and tickets, Green (South) Tour Cappadocia (small group) with lunch and ticket, Cappadocia Green Tour - Classic Route (Popular). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Goreme?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Goreme?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Cappadocia Surroundings?
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Included: Private transportation; Carbonated beverages; On-board WiFi; Bottled water; and Lunch. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cappadocia Surroundings include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 299 listed pickup locations in and around Goreme. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Cappadocia Surroundings offered in?
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It is offered in Arabic, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Turkish and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cappadocia Surroundings?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Cappadocia Surroundings wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Cappadocia Surroundings if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Goreme. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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