Guided Tour of Göreme Open-Air Museum & Underground City Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s Cities and Churches

After pick up, the tour will head to the deepest underground city to explore its 4 floors which go up to 30 meters deep. The cities of Kaymakli and Ozkonak were originally built in the 7th century BC, and further expanded during the Byzantine era. From here, you will move on to the highest point of the center of Cappadocia in Uchisar town, Uchisar Castle.

Visit the most important sight, Göreme Open-Air Museum, to see its many churches dating back to the 10th century, with gorgeous frescoes describing the life of Jesus Christ. The abandoned Cavusin village will be your next stop, giving you the chance to admire its Greek architecture.

Marvel at Natural Formations

Take some time for lunch in Avanos before visiting a pottery shop, and learn how to make ceramics. The tour then moves on to Pasabag, a sacred place and home to many monks. Prepare to see some of the largest fairy chimney rock formations in this place, with two or three caps each.

Finally, stop at Devrent Valley and marvel at its rock formations, some shaped like animals. Find out exactly why this place has been nicknamed Imagination Valley! At around 5:00pm, board the luxury vehicle once again and head back to your accommodation.

Guided Tour of Göreme Open-Air Museum & Underground City Cappadocia

Discover the enchanting landscapes and historical landmarks of Cappadocia on this full-day guided tour that includes luxury round-trip transportation, a professional art historian guide, and complimentary lunch. Explore the ancient underground cities of Kaymakli or Özkonak, marvel at the Göreme Open-Air Museum's frescoes carved into volcanic stone, and wander through Avanos for a pottery-making session. The tour also features a visit to Devrent Valley with its unique rock formations. This 8-hour tour offers audio guides in multiple languages including English, German, Spanish, and French, providing access to several key historical sites such as the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, and Avanos Pottery Workshops.

Explore Göreme Open Air Museum's Ancient Churches

Your tour stops at Göreme Open-Air Museum where you can explore ancient churches carved into volcanic stone. Established in the 10th century, this outdoor museum covers an area of approximately 25 acres and features numerous rock-cut structures including Elmalı Church with its stunning frescoes dating back to the 11th century. Other notable sites include the Dark Church known for its well-preserved red-painted frescoes from the 12th century and the Apple Church which houses intricate wall paintings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus. Guests spend about two hours wandering through this unique site, admiring the remarkable use of natural formations for practical design, including ventilation systems that allowed early Christians to hide from persecution. The museum's significance lies in its well-preserved frescoes and historical context, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Byzantine art and Christian history.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Kaymakli Underground City with intricate houses
• Explore Devrent Valley with unique rock formations
• Audio guides available in English, German, Spanish, French
• Pottery-making session at Avanos with expert guidance
• Discover Ozkonak Underground City's storage areas and stables
• Enjoy complimentary lunch at a local restaurant in Cappadocia
• Access to Göreme Open-Air Museum for two hours of exploration
• Round-trip transportation from hotels including air-conditioned vehicles

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and adventure seekers, this full-day tour provides an immersive experience through the historical landmarks of Cappadocia. The guided format allows you to explore Göreme Open-Air Museum's ancient churches, visit Kaymakli Underground City, and create pottery at Avanos Pottery Workshop, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Cappadocia's rich cultural heritage while enjoying its unique geological formations.