Cappadocia: Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley

Discover the hidden gems of Cappadocia on a full-day guided tour. Explore the Kaymaklı Underground City, take a guided walk through the Ihlara Valley, and visit the Selime Monastery.
Explore the lesser-known, serene side of Cappadocia on a full-day guided tour. Visit the extraordinary Kaymaklı Underground City, the peaceful Ihlara Valley, and the majestic Selime Monastery. Enjoy a hearty lunch and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Start your adventure at Göreme Panorama, a scenic viewpoint offering one of the most iconic vistas over the fairy chimneys and surreal rock formations that define Cappadocia. From there, journey to the extraordinary Kaymaklı Underground City, a multi-level subterranean complex that once housed thousands of people.

Walk through its narrow tunnels, ancient kitchens, stables, and ventilation shafts, and gain insight into how early Christian communities survived invasions and harsh conditions by creating entire cities beneath the earth’s surface.

Next, visit the peaceful and majestic Ihlara Valley. This 14-kilometer canyon is carved by the Melendiz River and lined with lush vegetation and hidden churches. Take a 3.5 km guided walk along the riverside path, discovering ancient cave chapels decorated with frescoes and soaking in the tranquil sounds of nature.

After the walk, enjoy a relaxing lunch in a riverside restaurant nestled in the valley. Post-lunch, continue to Selime Monastery, a massive rock-cut religious complex that resembles a fortress. Perched dramatically over the valley, the monastery dates back to the 8th–9th centuries and includes churches, monks’ quarters, and even a large kitchen.

On the return route, pause at Narlıgöl, a striking crater lake with a heart-like shape and beautiful color tones that change depending on the light. Visit Pigeon Valley, known for its centuries-old dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic rock.

The final stop is at an Onyx Workshop, where local artisans demonstrate traditional stone-cutting techniques using onyx and semi-precious stones found in the area.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.