Cappadocia Green Tour: Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley Trek & Lunch

KTLY814662

Cappadocia Green Tour: Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley Trek & Lunch, photo 4

Cappadocia, Turkey

Non-refundable

This ticket cannot be cancelled and is non-refundable

About this tour

This full-day Green Tour covers Cappadocia's southern sights in one guided outing. You'll head down into the multi-level Derinkuyu Underground City, walk the Ihlara Valley trek past rock-cut churches, visit the huge Selime Monastery and stop for the panoramic view over Pigeon Valley. A licensed guide, all entrance fees, lunch in Belisirma Village and hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so the day is set from start to finish.

Highlights

Multi-level Derinkuyu Underground City, carved deep into volcanic rock
Network of connecting tunnels and chambers underground
Ancient living quarters and storage rooms
The underground city's original ventilation shafts
Early Christian refuge used to shelter from invasions
Explore the multi-level Derinkuyu Underground City
Ihlara Valley trek past rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes
The vast rock-cut Selime Monastery
Panoramic viewpoint over Pigeon Valley
A local expert guide who explains Cappadocia's history and geology

Places You Will Visit

Map of Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu Underground City

Open map

Included / Excluded

Full-day guided tour of Cappadocia's Green route
Licensed professional guide
Entrance fees to all sites
Lunch in Belisirma Village
Hotel pickup and drop-off (Ortahisar, Mustafapasa, Avanos, Nevsehir, Cavusin, Ürgüp, Göreme, Uçhisar)
All local taxes and insurance

Good to Know Before You Go

That window covers driving between sites, the guided stops and a lunch break, so plan on being out for the whole day. Exact times shift a little by operator and season.

Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, since you'll be on your feet for the Ihlara Valley trek and moving through the tight passages and stairs of the underground city. Dress in layers, as temperatures swing over the course of the day and at different elevations, and bring a hat and sunglasses for the outdoor stretches. Modest clothing is a courteous choice at the churches and monasteries. Derinkuyu's own opening hours run through daylight and change with the season, but the tour is timed around them, so there's nothing extra to plan.

Check the official site for current visiting times before you go.

Weather in Cappadocia

Today 68°F20°C 45°F7°C Rain 0%

Tomorrow 67°F20°C 49°F10°C Rain 0%

Sun, Oct 25 69°F21°C 48°F9°C Rain 0%

Mon, Oct 26 71°F22°C 52°F11°C Rain 0%

Tue, Oct 27 70°F21°C 52°F11°C Rain 35%

Wed, Oct 28 57°F14°C 48°F9°C Rain 51%

Thu, Oct 29 54°F12°C 50°F10°C Rain 57%

Local time 6:34 AM, UTC+03:00

Available Days / Times

Monday : 09:30
Tuesday : 09:30
Wednesday : 09:30
Thursday : 09:30
Friday : 09:30
Saturday : 09:30
Sunday : 09:30

Last updated: Oct 23, 2026

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FAQs

How deep is Derinkuyu Underground City?

It reaches more than 85 meters (279 feet) below the surface.

How many people could live in Derinkuyu?

Estimates put it at up to 20,000 people, along with their livestock and stored supplies.

When was Derinkuyu built?

The earliest levels are credited to the Phrygians, in the 8th to 7th centuries B.C.

Why was Derinkuyu built?

It served as a hiding place during invasions and periods of religious persecution.

Is Derinkuyu the only underground city in Cappadocia?

No. Cappadocia has several underground cities, and Derinkuyu ranks among the largest.

What kind of facilities were inside Derinkuyu?

It held living quarters, kitchens, stables, churches, storerooms and ventilation shafts.

Is it safe to visit Derinkuyu?

Yes. Just watch your footing in the narrow passages and mind the low ceilings as you move through.

Are there guided tours available at Derinkuyu?

Yes, and a guide is well worth it for the backstory that brings the site to life. This tour includes a licensed guide throughout.

What does the Cappadocia Green Tour include?

This tour covers Derinkuyu Underground City, the Ihlara Valley trek, Selime Monastery and Pigeon Valley, with a licensed guide, hotel transfers, lunch and all entrance fees included.

How long is the Full-Day Cappadocia Green Tour?

It's a full day, generally 8 to 10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

What is Derinkuyu Underground City?

It's the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, a multi-level warren carved into soft volcanic rock that early Christians used for shelter during invasions.

What is special about Ihlara Valley?

It's a canyon about 100 meters deep, cut by the Melendiz River, lined with greenery and dotted with rock-cut churches whose Byzantine frescoes you pass on the trek.

Is lunch included in the Green Tour?

Yes, lunch in Belisirma Village is included. Drinks are usually charged separately.

Are entry fees included in the tour price?

Yes. Entrance fees to all the sites on the route, including Derinkuyu and Selime Monastery, are covered.

What should I wear for the Green Tour?

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, since you'll trek Ihlara Valley and cross uneven ground. Layer up for changing temperatures and bring a hat and sunglasses.

Is the Green Tour suitable for children?

It's fine for active kids, but there's a lot of walking, the valley trek and tight underground spaces, so very young children or anyone with limited mobility may struggle with parts of it.

How strenuous is the Ihlara Valley trek?

It runs about 3 to 4 kilometers over uneven paths with some stairs, a moderate walk most fitness levels can handle in good footwear.