Cappadocia: Green Tour with Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley & Lunch

Summary

Southern Cappadocia’s valleys, caves and ancient cities in one day

You’ll climb through Derinkuyu’s underground tunnels, hike beside the Melendiz River in lush Ihlara Valley, share stories over lunch with your small group, and watch sunlight spill across Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys. Every stop brings you closer to this region’s old rhythms—and maybe even yourself.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous stepping into Derinkuyu Underground City. Our guide, Ekin, just grinned and said, “It’s only eight floors down—don’t worry!” The air got cooler as we went lower, and honestly, my heart thumped louder than I wanted to admit. There was this moment when our little group paused in a stone chamber and you could hear nothing but your own breath. Ekin pointed at soot on the ceiling—centuries-old fires. It made the place feel so close to its past. Weirdly comforting, actually.

After that, we all kind of needed sunlight again. The drive to Ihlara Valley was quiet except for someone’s snack wrapper crinkling (sorry if that was me). When we got out, the river sound was like a reset button. The walk along Melendiz River—about a kilometer or so—was easy enough even for me (and I’m not exactly sporty). There were birds everywhere and these cave churches tucked into the cliffs. At one point, a local woman waved from her garden above us; she had these bright red peppers drying on her windowsill. That smell mixed with wild mint along the path—I still think about it.

Lunch was simple but good: lentil soup and grilled chicken at a roadside place where the owner joked about his “famous” tea (it really was strong). We sat outside under some dusty grapevines while Ekin told stories about how locals used pigeon houses for fertilizer—never thought bird droppings would come up on a tour but here we are. Later at Yaprakhisar, those fairy chimneys did look like something out of Star Wars (Ekin swore George Lucas visited once—who knows?).

Honestly, by the time we stopped at Pigeon Valley on the way back to Göreme, I felt both tired and weirdly awake. The late afternoon light made everything gold and soft. Someone tried to count all the pigeon holes in the rock face—not possible. Anyway, if you’re looking for a day trip from Göreme that mixes history with real landscapes (and some odd surprises), this Green Tour is worth it—even if you end up butchering Turkish words like I did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore southern Cappadocia highlights

• View Göreme and fairy chimneys
• Visit Pigeon Valley rock houses
• See artisans making volcanic stone jewelry
• Stop at volcanic crater lake
• Walk along Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley
• Lunch break
• Visit Yaprakhisar fairy chimneys
• Explore Derinkuyu Underground City

Top questions

How long is the Green Tour in Cappadocia?

The Green Tour is a full-day excursion starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on the Cappadocia Green Tour?

Yes, a traditional lunch is included as part of your day trip.

What sites do you visit on this day trip from Göreme?

The tour visits Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Pigeon Valley, Yaprakhisar fairy chimneys area, plus stops at artisan workshops and a crater lake.

How much hiking is involved on this tour?

You’ll walk about 1 kilometer along an easy riverside path in Ihlara Valley.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, all museum and site entrance fees are included in your booking.

Is hotel pickup provided?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

Is this tour suitable for kids or seniors?

The tour requires moderate fitness; not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or infants needing strollers underground.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

A professional English-speaking guide leads every group.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Göreme or nearby towns, entry tickets to all museums and sites along the route (including Derinkuyu Underground City), guided walks through valleys and villages with an English-speaking guide by your side throughout—and a traditional Turkish lunch before heading back in the evening.