Turkiye Tour - A Katalay Company

Cappadocia Green Tour: Derinkuyu Underground City & Ihlara Valley Full-Day with Lunch

KTLY814662 · Cappadocia
Cappadocia Green Tour: Derinkuyu Underground City & Ihlara Valley Full-Day with Lunch
Cappadocia Green Tour: Derinkuyu Underground City & Ihlara Valley Full-Day with Lunch — photo 2
Cappadocia Green Tour: Derinkuyu Underground City & Ihlara Valley Full-Day with Lunch — photo 3
Cappadocia Green Tour: Derinkuyu Underground City & Ihlara Valley Full-Day with Lunch — photo 4 +8
Duration
Full day (8 to 10 hours) (Day Tour)

About this tour

This full-day Green Tour covers the quieter, southern side of Cappadocia. You'll head down into Derinkuyu, the deepest excavated underground city in Turkiye, where early Christians carved out homes, kitchens, stables and churches across many levels. From there you walk a stretch of the Ihlara Valley, a green river canyon dotted with rock-cut churches, before seeing the huge Selime Monastery and the viewpoints over Pigeon Valley. A licensed guide, all entrance fees, lunch in Belisirma, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Highlights

  • Vast multi-level underground complex
  • Wind through the tunnels, chambers and storage rooms carved into the rock
  • Ancient living quarters and storage areas
  • See the clever ventilation shafts that kept the whole city breathable
  • Learn how early Christians used the city as a refuge from invasion
  • Descend into the multi-level Derinkuyu Underground City
  • Trek the Ihlara Valley past Byzantine rock-cut churches
  • Stand beneath the massive Selime Monastery cut into the cliffs
  • Take in the panorama over Pigeon Valley
  • Hear the region's history and volcanic geology from an expert guide

Included / Excluded

  • Full-day tour of Cappadocia's Green route
  • Licensed professional guide
  • All site entrance fees
  • Lunch in Belisirma Village
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (Ortahisar, Mustafapasa, Avanos, Nevsehir, Cavusin, Urgup, Goreme, Uchisar)
  • All local taxes and insurance

Good to Know Before You Go

Pickups run from your hotel between 09:00 and 10:00, and the day wraps up with drop-offs back at your accommodation in the late afternoon, usually around 17:00 to 18:00. Plan on a full day out, since the schedule includes driving between sites, guided walks, and a lunch break, and exact timings shift a little by operator and season.

Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, as you'll be on your feet for the Ihlara Valley trek and climbing stairs inside the underground city. Dress in layers, temperatures swing between elevations and over the course of the day, and bring a hat and sunglasses for the outdoor stretches. Modest clothing is a respectful choice at the churches and monasteries. Note that Derinkuyu's own opening hours track daylight and vary by season, so it's worth confirming current times before you travel.

Available Days / Times

  • Monday : 09:30
  • Tuesday : 09:30
  • Wednesday : 09:30
  • Thursday : 09:30
  • Friday : 09:30
  • Saturday : 09:30
  • Sunday : 09:30
From
116.05€
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FAQs

How deep is Derinkuyu Underground City?
It reaches more than 85 meters (279 feet) below the surface.
How many people could live in Derinkuyu?
Estimates put it at up to 20,000 people, along with their livestock and provisions.
When was Derinkuyu built?
The earliest construction is credited to the Phrygians around the 8th to 7th centuries B.C.
Why was Derinkuyu built?
It served as a hiding place from invaders and religious persecution.
Is Derinkuyu the only underground city in Cappadocia?
No. Cappadocia has several underground cities, and Derinkuyu is among the largest.
What kind of facilities were inside Derinkuyu?
It held living quarters, kitchens, stables, churches, storerooms and ventilation shafts.
Is it safe to visit Derinkuyu?
Yes, it's safe, though you'll want to watch your step through the narrow passages and low ceilings.
Are there guided tours available at Derinkuyu?
Yes, and a guide is well worth it for the full story behind the city's history.
What does the Cappadocia Green Tour include?
This tour covers Derinkuyu Underground City, an Ihlara Valley trek, Selime Monastery and Pigeon Valley, plus a licensed guide, hotel transfers, all entrance fees, and lunch in Belisirma.
How long is the Full-Day Cappadocia Green Tour?
It runs a full day, roughly 8 to 10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.
What is Derinkuyu Underground City?
It's the deepest excavated underground city in Turkiye, a multi-level warren carved into soft volcanic rock and used by early Christians for shelter during invasions.
What is special about Ihlara Valley?
The Ihlara Valley is a canyon about 100 meters deep, cut by the Melendiz River, lined with greenery and rock-cut churches painted with Byzantine frescoes that you pass on the walk.
Is lunch included in the Green Tour?
Yes, lunch in Belisirma Village is included, often at a restaurant right by the Melendiz River. Drinks are usually extra.
Are entry fees included in the tour price?
Yes. Entrance fees to all sites, including Derinkuyu and Selime Monastery, are included in this tour.
What should I wear for the Green Tour?
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for the Ihlara Valley trek and uneven ground, layers for changing temperatures, and a hat and sunglasses for the sun.
Is the Green Tour suitable for children?
It works well for active kids, but the Ihlara trek and the tight spaces in the underground city can be tough for very young children or anyone with limited mobility.
How strenuous is the Ihlara Valley trek?
It covers about 3 to 4 kilometers on uneven paths with some stairs, a moderate walk for most fitness levels, so bring comfortable footwear.