Cappadocia Green Tour from Goreme: Derinkuyu & Ihlara Valley

KTLY550270 · Cappadocia

Cappadocia Green Tour from Goreme: Derinkuyu & Ihlara Valley — photo 2

Cappadocia Green Tour from Goreme: Derinkuyu & Ihlara Valley — photo 3

Cappadocia Green Tour from Goreme: Derinkuyu & Ihlara Valley — photo 4

Duration

Full day (8 to 10 hours) (Day Tour)

About this tour

This full-day Green Tour takes you through southern Cappadocia, the quieter side of the region. You'll head deep into Derinkuyu, a multi-level city carved into volcanic rock, then hike the Ihlara Valley and stop at its river-cut churches before reaching the huge Selime Monastery. A guide fills in the history and geology along the way, and lunch and hotel transfers are part of the day. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Highlights

Go down through the many underground levels of Derinkuyu
Hike Ihlara Valley past its rock-cut Byzantine churches
See the towering rock-carved Selime Monastery
Take in the wide views over Pigeon Valley
Learn Cappadocia's history and volcanic geology from an expert guide

Included / Excluded

Derinkuyu Underground City admission
Ihlara Valley admission
Transportation
Open buffet lunch, with vegetarian options
Insurance

How the Green Tour Day Works

Your guide picks you up from your hotel between 09:00 and 10:00, and you'll be dropped back off in the late afternoon or early evening, usually around 17:00 to 18:00. Plan on a full 8 to 10 hours once you factor in the drives between sites, the guided stops, and lunch. Exact times shift a little with the season and the operator, so treat the day as a full one from start to finish.

Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, since you'll cover uneven ground on the Ihlara Valley trek and inside the underground city. Dress in layers, as the temperature changes over the course of the day and between elevations, and bring a hat and sunglasses for the time spent outdoors. There's no strict dress rule, but keep it modest when you go inside the churches and monasteries.

Available Days / Times

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

From

116.80€

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FAQs

What does the Cappadocia Green Tour include?

The day covers Derinkuyu Underground City, the Ihlara Valley hike, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley, along with a guide, hotel transfers, and lunch. Admission to Derinkuyu and Ihlara Valley is included in this tour.

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 largest excavated underground city in Turkiye, a multi-level warren carved into soft volcanic rock. Early Christians used it as a hideout and shelter during raids.

What is special about Ihlara Valley?

Ihlara is a canyon about 100 meters deep, cut by the Melendiz River, with green vegetation and rock churches still showing their Byzantine frescoes. You reach several of them on the walk through the valley.

Is lunch included in the Green Tour?

Yes, lunch is included, typically at a restaurant along the Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley. Drinks are usually charged separately.

Are entry fees included in the tour price?

For this tour, admission to Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley is included. Confirm the details of any other site fees when you book.

What should I wear for the Green Tour?

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, since you'll hike Ihlara Valley and cross uneven ground. Layer your clothing for the changing temperatures, and bring a hat and sunglasses.

Is the Green Tour suitable for children?

It works well for active kids, but there's a fair amount of walking, a valley hike, and tight passages in the underground city. Very young children or anyone with limited mobility may find parts of it tough.

How strenuous is the Ihlara Valley trek?

The hike runs about 3 to 4 kilometers over uneven paths with some stairs. It's a moderate walk that suits most fitness levels, so wear good footwear.