Cappadocia: Private Ihlara and Underground City Day Tour

Göreme , Turkey

Cappadocia: Private Ihlara and Underground City Day Tour

Active

(1 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

According to Lonely Planet, the Ihlara tour, also known as the Green Tour, is an excellent itinerary that covers the highlights of South Cappadocia. It is a great option to combine with North Cappadocia to see the best of the region.

Available options

Guide: English

Pickup included

Guide: Spanish

Pickup included

What's included

All entrance fees

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Transfers to/from any cave accommodation

Professional tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Derinkuyu is the largest underground city in Cappadocia, with seven floors and a depth of 85 meters. The city has all the usual rooms found in an underground city such as stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches, wineries, and even a missionary school. The missionary school features a large room with a vaulted ceiling and study rooms set apart on the left. The descent to the cruciform plan church on the lowest floor is taken care of by vertical staircases from the third and fourth floors. The ventilation shaft, which is 55 meters deep, was also used as a well. To protect inhabitants from poisoning during raids, some floors were intentionally left without surface access. Although the city was opened to visitors in 1965, only 10% of the city is currently available for visitation.

Stop 2

Early Christians carved their rock houses and temples out of tuffs in the valley of Ihlara, where the Melendiz River flows. The locals are known as "Peristrema," which means "the people of circulating waters," due to the water flowing through Ilhara. Trying to find the source of this water in Ihlara is like searching for the meaning of life. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to walk from Ihlara Vadisi to Belisirma, and around 3 hours to walk from Belisirma to Selime.

Visitors to the Ihlara Valley can enjoy a Turkish and Western-style lunch in Belisirma, which includes a variety of delicious dishes and desserts.

Stop 4

A stop on the outskirts of Goreme reveals Pigeon Valley, with centuries-old pigeon houses carved from the cliffs. In those times, many farmers used pigeon manure as fertilizer for their crops.

Stop 5

Selime Monastery stands out with its vast kitchen and soaring chimney. This rock-cut structure consists of a church surrounded by a gallery. The monastery also features stables with feeding troughs and other relics of the troglodyte lifestyle.

Solidified lava flows from the Neocene period have carved the stunning ash and tuff landscape of Goreme. Thousands of years of erosion have resulted in a beautiful lunar landscape, filled with fairy chimneys of various colors.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Göreme

Göreme is a small town in the heart of Cappadocia, renowned for its unique rock formations, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides. This enchanting region offers a blend of natural wonders, ancient history, and cultural experiences that make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Göreme Open-Air Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches and monasteries with stunning frescoes dating back to the Byzantine era.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours Approximately 50 TRY

Love Valley

A scenic valley known for its phallic-shaped rock formations and hiking trails offering panoramic views of the region.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Uçhisar Castle

A towering rock castle offering the highest panoramic view of the Cappadocia region.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Approximately 20 TRY

Derinkuyu Underground City

An ancient multi-level underground city carved into volcanic rock, used as a refuge during times of invasion.

Historical 2-3 hours Approximately 30 TRY

Hot Air Balloon Ride

A must-do experience in Cappadocia, offering breathtaking aerial views of the unique landscape.

Adventure 1-2 hours Approximately 150-250 EUR

Must-Try Local Dishes

Testi Kebab

A traditional dish cooked in a sealed clay pot, containing meat, vegetables, and spices.

Dinner Non-vegetarian

Pide

Turkish flatbread with various toppings, similar to pizza.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Göreme Salad

A fresh salad made with local vegetables, cheese, and herbs.

Lunch Vegetarian

Manti

Small dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce.

Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon ride Hiking ATV tours Horseback riding Spa and wellness treatments Wine tasting Picnicking in the valleys Visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

The weather is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Turkish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Göreme is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on prices before starting your journey in taxis or shared vehicles

Getting there

By air

Kayseri Erkilet Airport • 75 km (47 miles)
Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport • 35 km (22 miles)

By bus

Göreme Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are infrequent and not very reliable. They are best suited for short distances.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Göreme Town Center Uçhisar Çavuşin

Day trips

Derinkuyu Underground City

30 km (18.6 miles) • Half day

Explore the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu, a multi-level subterranean refuge dating back to ancient times.

Ihlara Valley

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A scenic valley with lush greenery, ancient churches, and hiking trails along the Melendiz River.

Avanos

20 km (12.4 miles) • Half day

A traditional town known for its pottery workshops and pottery-making demonstrations.

Festivals

Cappadocia International Music Festival • September Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival • April Çavuşin Culture and Art Festival • July

Pro tips

Book your hot air balloon ride well in advance, as they often sell out during peak season
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the rocky terrain
Bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day
Learn a few basic phrases in Turkish to enhance your interaction with locals
Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat