Cappadocia: Green Tour with Ihlara Valley, Kaymakli & Lunch

Summary

Wander fairy chimneys and ancient caves in Cappadocia’s wild south

You’ll start with panoramic views over Göreme before wandering Pigeon Valley’s dovecotes and exploring Kaymakli Underground City’s cool tunnels. Walk beneath tall trees in Ihlara Valley, pause at old cave churches, then share lunch by the river with your guide. Expect quiet moments—and maybe some laughter—you’ll remember long after leaving Cappadocia.

What’s the experience like?

We started our Cappadocia Green Tour just after sunrise—no crowds yet, only that weirdly soft light over Göreme. Our guide, Cem, had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to let us actually look at things instead of just talking at us. At the Goreme panorama stop, he pointed out how the colors shift as the sun moves. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t really catch it. There was this faint smell of dust and wild herbs in the air—maybe thyme? The minibus was comfortable enough (I dozed off for a bit), and we headed straight to Pigeon Valley. You can see all these little holes carved into the rock—dovecotes from centuries ago. Cem explained how locals used pigeon droppings for fertilizer, which honestly made me laugh more than I expected.

Kaymakli Underground City was next. It’s deeper than you think—cool air, stone walls slick under your palm, and a kind of hush that makes you whisper without realizing. Cem showed us where people hid during invasions; he even ducked through one of those low tunnels and joked about his “Cappadocia knees.” I hesitated at first but followed anyway—the stone felt cold on my hand, and there was this earthy smell that stuck to my clothes for hours. After climbing back up into daylight, we drove further south for the main part: the walk through Ihlara Valley.

Ihlara is green in a way you don’t expect after all those rocks—tall trees along the riverbank, birds everywhere. We walked for what felt like ages (it’s a long valley), passing little cave churches with faded frescoes inside. Lunch came at a riverside place where everyone just seemed relieved to sit down; I remember the lentil soup being surprisingly good (or maybe I was just hungry). Cem chatted with the owner in Turkish and translated their joke about tourists always asking for Wi-Fi before food. The sun came out properly by then and everything smelled like damp grass and bread crusts.

I keep thinking about that silence underground and then the sudden green outside—I guess that’s what stuck with me most from this day trip in Cappadocia. It’s not really about ticking off sights; it’s more like moving through different worlds in one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cappadocia's key sites

• Watch Goreme panorama view
• Visit Pigeon Valley
• Tour Derinkuyu underground city
• Walk through Ihlara Valley
• Have lunch

Top questions

How long does the Cappadocia Green Tour last?

The tour is a full-day experience starting in the morning and returning by late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during the tour at a local restaurant near Ihlara Valley.

What are the main stops on the Green Tour?

The main stops are Goreme panorama point, Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and Ihlara Valley.

Are entry fees covered?

Yes, all museum and ruins tickets are included in the tour price.

Is transportation provided from my hotel?

Private transportation is included; pickup details can be arranged when booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour involves walking in valleys and underground spaces; it may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

How far is Ihlara Valley from Göreme?

Ihlara Valley is about 80 km from Göreme; travel time by minibus is around 1–1.5 hours each way.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your hotel in Cappadocia, entry tickets to all sites (including Kaymakli Underground City), parking fees covered throughout, plus a riverside lunch with local dishes before heading back together in comfort.