Cappadocia Green Tour Ihlara Valley Hike and Underground City

Göreme , Turkey

Cappadocia Green Tour Ihlara Valley Hike and Underground City

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About this experience

This carefully designed Green Tour offers the perfect balance of nature, history, and comfort. Travel in a small group with a professional guide, explore the impressive Derinkuyu Underground City, enjoy a scenic hike through the lush Ihlara Valley, and relax with a traditional lunch by the Melendiz River. With panoramic viewpoints, well-planned stops, and an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day, this tour allows you to experience the highlights of southern Cappadocia in a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable way.

Available options

Cappadocia Green Tour Ihlara Valley Hike and Underground City

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fees

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Our first stop will be Göreme Panorama, offering stunning views over the Göreme Valley and its unique landscape.

Stop 2

Our next stop will be Derinkuyu Underground City, one of the largest and deepest underground cities in Cappadocia. Here, we will explore how ancient civilizations lived underground for centuries and learn why and how this remarkable city was built.

Stop 3

We will take a pleasant 3 km hike through Ihlara Valley, a lush green canyon reaching depths of up to 100 meters in some areas.

After our hike, we will stop in Belisirma Village for lunch at a local riverside restaurant. Here, you will enjoy traditional regional dishes while relaxing by the Melendiz River.

We will stop at Yaprakhisar Panorama to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Cappadocia’s unique rock formations, making it a perfect spot for photos.

Stop 6

Our tour will conclude at Pigeon Valley, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Uçhisar Castle overlooking the lush valley below. This scenic viewpoint is perfect for memorable photos.

Our final stop will be a local Onyx Stone Workshop in Cappadocia, where you will learn about the region’s precious stones and observe traditional craftsmanship used in onyx stone art.

What's not included

Drinks during lunch are not included and will be paid by the guests.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN TR

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

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