Cappadocia: Green Tour with Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley & Selime Monastery

Fairy chimneys, ancient tunnels & riverside lunch in Cappadocia’s wild heart

You’ll wander ancient tunnels beneath Cappadocia at Derinkuyu underground city, share laughs over riverside lunch in Belisırma village, hike under leafy trees along Melendiz river in Ihlara Valley, and climb through Selime Monastery’s echoing chambers: all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Pigeon Valley20m
2. Ihlara ValleyEntry included1h
3. Selime MonasteryEntry included50m

Explore Cappadocia's natural and historical sites

• Visit Goreme Panorama viewpoint
• Feed pigeons at Pigeon Valley
• Learn about stones at local store
• Explore Derinkuyu Underground City
• Have lunch by Melendiz river in Belisirma
• Hike 60 minutes in Ihlara Valley
• Visit Selime Monastery and cathedral
• Try Cappadocian coffee with pistachio

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light hit those odd, almost otherworldly rock shapes outside Göreme. Our guide, Emre, pointed out how the fairy chimneys formed. Something about volcanic ash and wind over thousands of years. Honestly, I got distracted by a flock of pigeons circling above Pigeon Valley. They move like they own the place. Emre handed me some seeds to toss and grinned when I flinched at one landing right on my shoe. Apparently, pigeons were a big deal here for centuries: fertilizer, messages, even art. Who knew?

Then came Derinkuyu underground city. The air changed as soon as we ducked into that first tunnel: cooler, almost damp, and it smelled faintly of stone dust and something old (not musty exactly). It’s massive down there. I kept thinking we’d get lost in those twisting corridors. Emre showed us where families hid from invaders: wineries carved right into the walls, secret doors you’d miss if you blinked. At one point my backpack scraped against rough stone and everyone laughed because apparently that’s a rite of passage on this day trip from Cappadocia.

Lunch was in Belisırma village by the Melendiz river: a wooden platform just above the water where you could dangle your feet if you wanted. The trout tasted fresher than anything back home (I probably ate too fast), and someone at another table tried to order coffee with pistachio but mixed up their Turkish words. Everyone cracked up including our server. Afterward we hiked through Ihlara Valley for about an hour. It’s green and shady with birds everywhere, and there’s this tiny church carved into the cliffside that still smells faintly of candle wax.

I didn’t expect Selime Monastery to feel so… huge? You climb up through these dusty paths and suddenly you’re inside what used to be a cathedral 1,300 years ago. There are soot marks on the ceiling from old fires and little nooks where monks must’ve sat ages ago. My legs were shaking by then but honestly. I still think about that view looking out over the valley with wind whistling past your ears.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup anywhere in Cappadocia by air-conditioned vehicle, all entry tickets if selected when booking, a professional local guide throughout each stop (from Pigeon Valley to Derinkuyu underground city), and a traditional riverside lunch before returning in comfort after exploring Selime Monastery.

Options for this experience

2 options

Green tour, tickets not includedGuide in English or Turkish · 09:30Green tour with lunch: lunch is included, tickets are not included, and pickup is included

Cappadocia daily green tour, with lunch, guide and entrance fees includedGuide in English or Turkish · 09:30Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 9h, runs every day at 09:30, from US$ 60 per person, with a live guide in English and Turkish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish and Turkish

Audio guideEnglish and Turkish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Child (under 7)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Highline Cappadocia Travel

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Turkish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 7).

How long is the Cappadocia Green Tour?

The tour lasts a full day with pickup from your hotel in Cappadocia.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a riverside restaurant in Belisırma village during the tour.

What sites are visited on the Green Tour?

The main stops are Derinkuyu underground city, Ihlara Valley (with hiking), Belisırma village for lunch, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and Göreme Panorama.

How much hiking is involved?

There’s about 60 minutes of hiking along Melendiz river in Ihlara Valley. Terrain is mostly flat but can be uneven.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, all museum or site entrance fees are included if you select that option when booking.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, door-to-door pickup from hotels around Cappadocia is included.