Cappadocia Green Tour from Goreme: Derinkuyu & Ihlara Valley

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

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