Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour. Lunch Incl.

The Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour offers an exciting 8-hour adventure through Turkey’s stunning Goreme region. Exploring the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City, hiking the scenic Ihlara Valley, and visiting the remarkable Selime Monastery are just a few highlights. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch with breathtaking views in Pigeon Valley. With a small group size and professional guides, this tour provides a personalized experience you won’t soon forget. What secrets await beneath the surface of this unique landscape?

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour in Goreme, Turkey, offers visits to Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley.
• The tour has a 98% recommendation rate from 780 reviews and a group size limited to 15 people, with prices starting from $36.96 per person.
• Inclusions cover a traditional Turkish lunch, professional guides, hotel pickup/drop-off, and air-conditioned transportation, while entrance fees and drinks are additional.
• The tour requires a moderate fitness level and may not be suitable for those with physical limitations, pregnant individuals, or claustrophobic travelers.
• Highlights include breathtaking views, immersive cultural experiences, and exploration of historical sites.

Tour Overview

The "Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour" is an 8-hour excursion that takes visitors to the captivating region of Goreme, Turkey.

This well-reviewed tour (780 reviews, 98% recommended) explores the area’s key attractions, including the Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley.

With a group size limited to 15 people, the tour provides an intimate experience at a reasonable price, starting from $36.96 per person.

Travelers can enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch and benefit from professional guides, hotel pickup/drop-off, and air-conditioned transportation.

The tour’s cancellation policy offers flexibility, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

Key attractions on this tour include the Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest excavated city in Turkey that once housed over 20,000 people.

The tour also visits the Ihlara Valley, a 2.5-mile hike along the Melendiz River featuring ancient churches and local cuisine.

Travelers will explore the historic Selime Monastery, with its rock-carved churches, and the picturesque Pigeon Valley, known for its scenic views and unique rock formations.

An included traditional Turkish lunch is served at a restaurant in Belisirma.

The key highlights of the tour are:

• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Ihlara Valley hike
• Selime Monastery
• Pigeon Valley

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a comprehensive package. Lunch and a professional guide are provided, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees for the main attractions.

An air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey. However, drinks aren’t included, and there may be optional shopping stops that some travelers find undesirable.

Visitors should also note that the Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley require a separate fee.

Participant Experience

Though the tour requires a moderate fitness level, the uneven terrain and underground exploration make it unsuitable for those with physical limitations or accessibility needs.

Pregnant individuals and travelers with back issues should avoid this tour. Plus, claustrophobic participants may struggle with the extensive time spent in the Derinkuyu Underground City.

The tour, however, offers an immersive cultural experience, with highlights including:

• Scenic hikes through the Ihlara Valley
• Exploration of the historic Selime Monastery
• Breathtaking views of the Pigeon Valley
• Sampling traditional Turkish cuisine during the included lunch.

Additional Information

The tour departs from Goreme hotels at 9:30 AM, where participants are picked up in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

During the tour, travelers will visit the Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, once home to over 20,000 people.

Visitors should be aware that exploring the underground city may involve climbing and descending, which could be challenging for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

The tour also includes visits to the Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley, offering scenic views and opportunities to learn about the region’s history and culture.

Exploring Derinkuyu Underground City

One of the key highlights of the Green Cappadocia Tour is the visit to the Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest excavated underground city in Turkey.

This vast subterranean labyrinth was built to shelter up to 20,000 people during times of invasion or siege. Visitors can explore its impressive network of tunnels, rooms, and ventilation shafts, which include churches, stables, storage areas, and even a school.

The city’s intricate design showcases the engineering prowess of its ancient inhabitants.

Key features include:

• Multilevel construction with up to 8 underground floors
• Interconnected passages and hidden doorways
• Specialized rooms for food storage and livestock
• Ingenious air ventilation system

Hiking the Ihlara Valley

What makes the Ihlara Valley hike a highlight of the Green Cappadocia Tour? This 2.5-mile trek along the Melendiz River showcases the region’s natural beauty.

Hikers will discover ancient rock-carved churches and have the opportunity to sample local cuisine at restaurants along the way. The moderate fitness level required makes it an accessible activity for most travelers.

While the terrain can be uneven, the stunning scenery and glimpse into the valley’s history make the hike a memorable experience. With an expert guide leading the way, visitors can fully enjoy this unique natural and cultural landscape.

Visiting Selime Monastery and Pigeon Valley

After exploring the natural splendor of the Ihlara Valley, the tour continues on to unveil the historical wonders of Selime Monastery and the captivating landscapes of Pigeon Valley.

At Selime Monastery, the group will discover ancient rock-carved churches and gain insights into the region’s religious heritage.

Then, the tour moves to Pigeon Valley, where visitors can admire the unique rock formations and stunning vistas.

The highlights of this leg of the journey include:

• Exploring the well-preserved Selime Monastery
• Admiring the distinctive fairy chimneys in Pigeon Valley
• Photographing the serene, picturesque landscapes
• Learning about the cultural and natural significance of these sites

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

While guests are typically welcome to bring their own food on tours, it’s best to check with the tour operator first. Some may have policies against outside food, especially if a meal is already included in the tour price.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is casual and comfortable. Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the tour involves hiking on uneven terrain. Light, breathable layers are recommended to accommodate changing weather conditions during the day.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Underground City?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the underground city, as long as they do not use flash photography. However, it’s important to follow any specific instructions from the tour guide or local authorities.

Is There an Option to Skip Certain Stops?

Yes, many tours allow participants to skip certain stops if they prefer. It’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand to see if this is an option and make any necessary arrangements.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Shopping?

The tour overview does not specify an allocated time for shopping stops. However, some reviews mention that there are optional shopping stops which some participants have found to be perceived as tourist traps. The focus is on the key attractions.

Final Words

The Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to discover the captivating history and breathtaking natural beauty of Goreme, Turkey. Travelers can explore the ancient underground city, hike through the stunning Ihlara Valley, and visit the Selime Monastery, all while enjoying a traditional Turkish lunch in the picturesque Pigeon Valley. With a small group size and professional guides, this tour provides a personalized and unforgettable experience.