Exploring Aksaray with a licensed guide
What a licensed guide does in Aksaray
Aksaray is a province rich in history, from the Neolithic settlement of Aşıklı Höyük to the Byzantine rock-cut churches of Ihlara Valley. A licensed tourist guide provides the context needed to understand these sites, explaining the significance of the Seljuk caravanserais and the complex engineering behind the underground cities.
In Türkiye, professional guiding is regulated by the Tourist Guiding Profession Law (No. 6326). Guides working in this region are registered with the Nevşehir Guides Chamber (NERO), where 983 licensed guides are registered. They are equipped to provide tours in English, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, French, Chinese.
A private guide allows you to explore at your own pace, ensuring you do not miss the hidden details in the frescoes of the valley churches or the architectural nuances of the historic city center.
Where your guide will take you
The most iconic site in the province is the Ihlara Valley, a 14-kilometer-long canyon carved by the Melendiz stream. It is unique for its high concentration of rock-cut dwellings and churches, making it one of the largest canyons in the world where people historically lived.
Your guide can also take you to the Saratlı Kırkgöz Underground City or the Saint Marcuries Underground City, which offer a glimpse into the subterranean life of ancient communities. For those interested in archaeology, the Aşıklı Höyük site provides a look into one of the earliest sedentary settlements in Anatolia.
In the city center, the Aksaray Museum houses a significant collection of artifacts, including those from the Neolithic period to the Seljuk era, displayed in a modern facility that replaced the original location in the Zinciriye Madrasa.
When to visit Aksaray
The best time to visit Aksaray is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild, making it ideal for walking through the Ihlara Valley and exploring outdoor archaeological sites.
Summer can be quite hot, so morning visits are recommended to avoid the midday sun. Winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow, which can make some paths in the valley slippery, though it offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for those who prefer fewer crowds.
Tips for your guided days
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, especially if you plan to hike in the Ihlara Valley or explore the uneven terrain of the underground cities. The underground passages can be narrow and have low ceilings, so be prepared to stoop.
Bring a light jacket, as temperatures in the underground cities remain cool throughout the year. Your guide will help you navigate the best times to visit popular sites to avoid peak crowds, ensuring a more intimate experience.
How booking an Aksaray guide works
Select Aksaray, your date, and your preferred language in the search box. You will see the availability of licensed guides in the region. Once you send your request, we coordinate with the regional chamber to confirm your guide.
English-speaking guides in Aksaray typically start from about €120 per day; rarer languages can cost more. The daily rate covers guiding only; entrance fees and transport are separate. We do not take payments online; you pay your guide directly in cash at the start of your tour.
If you need transport, we can arrange a private vehicle with a driver to accompany you to the various sites, which are often spread out across the province.