Goreme: Ihlara Valley Hike & Underground City with Lunch

Three levels of Cappadocia in one day: above ground, below it, and the hike between.

You start with a viewpoint over Goreme, descend into Kaymakli Underground City to walk through carved chambers, hike 3.5 kilometers down Ihlara Valley past Byzantine churches, eat lunch at the bottom, then climb to Selime Monastery for the panoramic view. Transport, lunch, and parking are handled. The group stays small enough that the guide can actually explain what you're seeing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Kaymakli Underground City1h
2. Ihlara Valley2h
3. Selime Monastery1h

Explore Cappadocia's highlights and hiking

• View Goreme Town and volcano
• Explore Kaymakli Underground City
• Hike 3.5 km in Ihlara Valley
• Lunch at Ihlara Valley restaurants
• Visit Selime Monastery for views
• Stop at historic pigeon houses

The experience

So you're standing at the viewpoint looking out at Goreme and the volcano, and your guide is already pointing out where you're headed next: down into Kaymakli Underground City, one of the deepest ones carved into this region. You descend through narrow stone corridors, past carved-out rooms where families once lived, storage chambers, and passages so low you have to duck. The air gets cooler the deeper you go, and it hits you that people built entire neighborhoods down there, stacked vertically, just to survive. The guide walks you through the layout (kitchens, bedrooms, wine presses), and suddenly the scale of it makes sense. You're not just looking at old rocks. You're walking through someone's ancient apartment building.

After that, you head to Ihlara Valley for the main hike. The walk is 3.5 kilometers from the main gate down to the restaurants at the bottom, and it's steady but not brutal: the path winds through a canyon carved by a river, past Byzantine churches tucked into the cliff face, and you can hear water running below. Your group stays small, which means the guide can actually stop and explain things instead of herding everyone along. Lunch happens at one of the valley restaurants, and it's included. Nothing fancy, but real food after a morning of climbing and exploring. The walk itself is the point. You're not rushing through it.

Then comes Selime Monastery, perched up on the ridge with a view that stretches across the whole landscape. You can see the old cave town spread out below, and standing inside the monastery, carved right out of the rock, you feel the history in a way that photographs don't capture. There's also a quick stop at the pigeon valley, where millions of pigeons once nested in the cliffs. The air-conditioned vehicle picks you up between each stop, so you're not walking between sites or figuring out logistics yourself. By the time you're done, you've been above ground, below ground, and hiking the space between, all in one day.

What’s included

• Lunch at a restaurant in Ihlara Valley, air-conditioned vehicle transport between all stops, and parking fees. Hotel pickup and return are standard.
• confirm the time with your operator.

Before you book

Lasts 7h–9h, runs every day at 09:30, from US$ 43 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 15 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gate Of Cappadocia Travel

Is this one for you?Right for travelers in Goreme who want to see the main sights without renting a car or piecing together transport: the full day covers the underground city, the valley hike, and the monastery view. Expect a moderate hike and narrow passages underground. That's what lets you actually explore instead of just glancing from a distance.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (4 to 7 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

How long is the hike in Ihlara Valley?

The walk is 3.5 kilometers from the main gate down to the restaurants where you have lunch. It's a steady descent through the canyon, not a scramble.

Which underground city do you visit? Kaymakli or Derinkuyu?

The tour visits Kaymakli, which is one of the largest and deepest underground cities in the region, making it easier to explore the layout and chambers.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included at one of the restaurants in Ihlara Valley after the hike.

What's the physical fitness level required?

You need at least moderate fitness. The hike is 3.5 kilometers downhill with some elevation change, and there's climbing in and out of the underground city. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How big are the groups?

The tour is run with small groups so the guide can give proper attention and explanation at each stop.

What time does the tour start and end?

The reference doesn't specify exact start and end times. Check with the operator for pickup and return times from your hotel in Goreme.

Is the underground city claustrophobic?

The passages are narrow and some are low-ceilinged, so you do need to duck in places. If tight spaces bother you, mention it when booking.

What should I bring?

Comfortable hiking shoes, water, and sun protection for the valley walk. The underground city stays cool, so a light layer helps.