Cappadocia: Underground City, Ihlara Valley & Pigeon Valley Tour

Summary

South Cappadocia’s ancient cities, valleys and volcanic lakes with local lunch

You’ll start your day gazing across Cappadocia’s valleys before descending into Derinkuyu Underground City’s cool tunnels with a local guide. Lunch by a volcanic lake gives you time to breathe before hiking Ihlara Valley’s green canyon trails. End surrounded by cave-dotted cliffs in Pigeon Valley — moments of quiet and surprise you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always seen those wild photos of Cappadocia — the kind that look fake, honestly — but standing at Göreme Panorama was different. The wind was sharp that morning, carrying a dusty smell that reminded me of old stone. Our guide, Emre, pointed out Erciyes Mountain in the distance and joked it only shows itself to people who wake up early (I guess we passed the test). The benches there were chipped but comfortable enough to just sit and let your eyes wander over Pigeon Valley. It’s hard not to feel small with all that space around you.

Derinkuyu Underground City was something else entirely. The air got cooler as we went down — almost damp — and I kept brushing my hands along the walls because they felt softer than I expected for volcanic rock. Emre explained how whole families hid here for months during invasions; he even showed us a spot where kids would’ve played (I tried to imagine their laughter echoing off stone). My legs got shaky at one point — maybe nerves or just thinking about being so far underground. Someone in our group tried to count the levels but gave up after five.

Lunch was simple but good — lentil soup and bread that tasted smoky from the oven. We ate outside near Narlıgöl Crater Lake; steam rose off the water even though it wasn’t cold out. There was this moment where everyone went quiet for a bit, just listening to birds and maybe digesting both food and history. Later we walked through Ihlara Valley, following the Melendiz River as it cut through cliffs covered in green you wouldn’t expect after all that rock. My shoes filled with dust but I didn’t care much by then.

Pigeon Valley was our last stop before heading back — hundreds of little caves dotting the cliffs where pigeons still flutter in and out (Emre said some locals still collect their droppings for fertilizer; I laughed but he swore it’s true). I left tired but weirdly calm, like my brain had finally caught up with my feet. Sometimes when things get noisy at home now, I think about that hush underground or the wind over those valleys — it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore South Cappadocia highlights

• Hotel pick-up
• Visit Göreme Panorama viewpoint
• See black onyx craftwork
• Tour Derinkuyu Underground City
• Visit Narlıgöl Crater Lake
• Lunch and free time
• Trek in Ihlara Valley
• Walk through Pigeon Valley
• Hotel drop-off

Top questions

How deep is Derinkuyu Underground City?

It extends about 60 meters (200 feet) underground.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a traditional lunch is included during the day trip.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Cappadocia?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

How long is the walk in Ihlara Valley?

The valley is about 10 km long; expect moderate trekking.

Are entrance fees covered?

Entry fees for Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley are included if selected when booking.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What should I wear or bring?

Shoes suitable for walking are recommended due to uneven terrain.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cappadocia, all necessary entrance fees if selected at booking, a traditional lunch near Narlıgöl Crater Lake, an expert local guide throughout the journey, plus transport by air-conditioned vehicle between stops before returning to your hotel in the evening.