Cappadocia: Green Tour with Derinkuyu Underground City & Ihlara Valley

Summary

Derinkuyu’s ancient tunnels, river hikes & Selime’s carved monastery on a day out in Cappadocia

You’ll crawl through cool tunnels in Derinkuyu Underground City, hike beside the river in Ihlara Valley, share laughs over lunch with your small group, and climb up to Selime Monastery’s ancient rooms. Expect real history, fresh air, and moments you’ll still think about later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel a bit nervous squeezing into the first tunnel at Derinkuyu. Our guide, Cem, just grinned and told us to duck — “Eight floors down,” he said, like it was nothing. The air changed right away: colder, almost damp, with that old stone smell you only get underground. I kept brushing my hand along the rough walls (probably shouldn’t have), thinking about people hiding here centuries ago. There was this moment when the lights flickered and everyone went quiet — just footsteps echoing. It stuck with me.

Back above ground, we drove past fields dotted with poppies and stopped for tea in a tiny village — honestly can’t remember its name now. The sun was already hot by then. Ihlara Valley was next: green everywhere and that sound of the Melendiz River running alongside us as we hiked. Some folks chatted; others just listened to birds or watched the light shift through leaves. Lunch was at a riverside spot where they served lentil soup and something called testi kebab (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Turkish — definitely butchered it). Simple food but tasted great after walking.

Selime Monastery felt almost unreal — those rock-cut rooms high up over the valley. Cem pointed out old frescoes and told stories about monks and Silk Road traders passing through. You could see for miles from up there; wind tugged at my shirt while I tried (and failed) to take a decent photo without someone’s head in it. On the way back, we stopped quickly at Pigeon Valley for photos of those weird fairy chimneys full of pigeon holes — honestly, by then my legs were tired but I didn’t really care.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore South Cappadocia highlights

• View Göreme from high viewpoint
• See panoramic Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley
• Hike along Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley
• Visit Selime Monastery and learn Silk Road history
• Explore Derinkuyu Underground City
• Visit a beautiful virgin lake in Cappadocia

Top questions

How many people are on the Cappadocia Green Tour?

The group is small—usually 6 to 10 people in low season, maximum 15.

Is hotel pickup included on this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Cappadocia.

Which underground city do you visit?

The tour visits Derinkuyu Underground City—the deepest and oldest in Cappadocia.

What’s included for lunch?

A selected lunch is included with a special menu; vegetarian options are available.

How long is the hike in Ihlara Valley?

The hike follows the Melendiz River through Ihlara Valley; distance varies but is moderate.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, all entrance tickets are included if you choose the all-included option.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off around Cappadocia, entry tickets to every site (including Derinkuyu Underground City), an English-speaking local guide who keeps things lively without rushing you along, an air-conditioned vehicle for getting between stops comfortably, a bottle of water to keep you going, plus a traditional lunch—think lentil soup or testi kebab—before heading back in the evening.