Cappadocia: Green Tour with Ihlara Valley & Derinkuyu Underground City

Summary

Underground cities, riverside walks and ancient monasteries in Cappadocia

You’ll squeeze through ancient tunnels in Derinkuyu Underground City, walk under poplars along Ihlara Valley’s riverbank, and share a riverside lunch in Belisırma Village. With a local guide leading the way—and plenty of time for photos—you’ll get both Cappadocia’s wild landscapes and its hidden corners. It’s one of those days that lingers long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

"Try not to bump your head," our guide Murat grinned as we ducked into Derinkuyu Underground City. Honestly, I hadn't expected the air down there to feel so fresh—kind of earthy, almost cold against my skin. The tunnels twisted on and on; sometimes you’d hear someone ahead laugh nervously or whisper about how deep we were. Murat kept pointing out details—old kitchens, stone doors—like he was showing us his childhood home. I’m not sure I could ever live underground like that, but it made me think about all those people hiding here centuries ago.

Back above ground, sunlight felt almost too bright for a second. We drove out to Ihlara Valley and started walking by the Melendiz River. The water made this soft rushing sound that got louder when the wind died down. We stopped at Agacalti Church—faded frescoes, chipped walls, but you could still see the colors if you squinted. Lunch was in Belisırma Village right by the river (I ordered whatever Murat recommended; still don’t know what it was called but it tasted kind of nutty). Sitting there with my feet dangling over the edge, I realized how quiet everything felt compared to Göreme.

Later we climbed up to Selime Monastery. The steps were uneven and dusty—I slipped once and pretended it was on purpose (nobody bought it). Some say Star Wars was supposed to be filmed here; honestly, it did look otherworldly from the roof. Last stop was Pigeon Valley: hundreds of tiny pigeon houses carved into pink cliffs. A little girl tried to feed them crumbs and giggled when they ignored her completely. That view still pops into my head sometimes, especially when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cappadocia's highlights

• View Goreme and Cappadocia panorama
• Visit Derinkuyu Underground City
• Walk in Ihlara Valley and visit Agacalti Church
• Walk to Belisırma Village along Melendiz River
• Lunch near Melendiz River in Belisırma
• Visit Selime Monastery and explore churches
• See panoramic view of Pigeon Valley

Top questions

How long is the Cappadocia Green Tour?

The tour lasts a full day with several stops including Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley walk, lunch in Belisırma Village, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley.

Is lunch included on the Green Tour?

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

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees for sites like Derinkuyu Underground City and Selime Monastery are included in your booking.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll walk about 3 km along the Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley plus some steps at Selime Monastery.

Is pickup included from hotels in Cappadocia?

Yes, hotel pickup is included with an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation between sites.

Can people with claustrophobia join this tour?

The underground city has narrow tunnels; it’s not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia.

What languages are available for guides?

Tours are available in English and Spanish (itinerary may change slightly for Spanish tours).

Are shopping stops part of the tour?

The tour includes visits to an Onyx Stone Art Craft Center and a Dry Nuts Center along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees for places like Derinkuyu Underground City and Selime Monastery, plus a riverside lunch in Belisırma Village before heading back through Pigeon Valley—with your local guide sharing stories along every stop.