Cappadocia: Green Tour with Underground Cities & Valleys

Summary

Underground cities, riverside walks & carved monasteries in South Cappadocia

You’ll walk ancient tunnels beneath Kaymakli Underground City, follow a riverside path through Ihlara Valley, eat lunch by the water with new friends, and climb into Selime Monastery’s cave rooms—all with a local guide who shares stories along the way. This day trip from Göreme or Ürgüp leaves you with more than photos—it lingers in small moments long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

"You know, my grandfather hid down here once," our guide Cem said, his voice echoing off the cool stone as we squeezed through a narrow tunnel in Kaymakli Underground City. I was already ducking instinctively, feeling the rough volcanic walls brush my shoulders. The air smelled faintly of earth and something older—like a cellar that’s kept secrets for centuries. It’s hard to picture thousands of people living down here, but Cem pointed out the blackened kitchen ceilings and the old wine cellars as if he’d grown up among them.

After blinking back into daylight, we drove south toward Ihlara Valley. The bus windows fogged up a little from all our chatter (and maybe my forehead), but when we stepped out, there was this sudden hush—the kind you get near water. We followed the river for what felt like hours but was probably just over three kilometers. The path twisted under trees and past little cave churches painted with faded saints. Lunch came right when my legs started to complain: trout grilled so simply it tasted like the river itself, eaten at a wooden table with our shoes kicked off in the grass. Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh so much with strangers over soup.

The Selime Monastery looked like something from another planet—high up on a cliff, honeycombed with rooms and balconies. Cem told us monks used to climb those stairs daily; I tried it and nearly lost my footing (don’t look down if you’re wobbly). From up there, you can see the whole valley stretching away in that dry golden light. There were swallows darting overhead and some local kids waving from below—I waved back without thinking.

Pigeon Valley was our last proper stop before heading back to Göreme. The cliffs are pocked with tiny holes where pigeons once lived—Cem explained how people collected their droppings for fertilizer. It’s a funny thing to remember, but now every time I see pigeons at home I think of those soft hills and that odd quiet before sunset in Cappadocia.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Cappadocia Green Tour

• Hotel pick-up in the morning
• Drive to Göreme Panorama viewpoint
• Enjoy panoramic views and photos
• Visit Derinkuyu underground city
• Walk 3.5 km in Ihlara Valley
• See Ağaçaltı cave church paintings
• Lunch at riverside local restaurant
• Explore Selime Cave Monastery and fairy chimneys
• Photo break at Pigeon Valley viewpoint
• Visit Onyx jewel factory
• Return to hotel and tour ends

Top questions

How long is the Cappadocia Green Tour?

The tour lasts a full day and includes hotel pickup in the morning and drop-off in the late afternoon or evening.

Is lunch included on the Cappadocia Green Tour?

Yes, an open buffet lunch is included at a riverside restaurant during the tour.

Which underground city do you visit?

The tour visits Kaymakli Underground City as part of its itinerary.

How far is the river walk in Ihlara Valley?

The guided walk along the river in Ihlara Valley covers about 3.5 kilometers.

Are there any restrictions for travelers?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues due to walking and stairs.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water for walking portions of the day trip.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

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

What languages does the guide speak?

The main language is English; check availability if you need another language.

What’s included

Your day includes morning hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus, all guiding services throughout South Cappadocia’s valleys and underground cities, entry fees at each site visited—including Kaymakli Underground City—and an open buffet lunch at a riverside restaurant before returning comfortably to your hotel in Göreme or Ürgüp.