Cappadocia: Green Tour – Ihlara Valley & Underground City

Cappadocia’s captivating landscapes have long drawn visitors to explore its natural and historical wonders. The Cappadocia Green Tour offers an immersive experience, providing a glimpse into the region’s remarkable past. Travelers can embark on a guided hike through the Ihlara Valley, marveling at the rock-hewn churches and stunning vistas, before delving into the Derinkuyu Underground City, a testament to the ingenuity of Cappadocia’s inhabitants. This full-day excursion promises a perfect blend of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery, leaving one eager to uncover more of this captivating destination.

Key Points

• The full-day ‘Green Tour’ in Cappadocia offers an immersive experience exploring the Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu Underground City, and other natural and cultural highlights.
• Guided hikes and tours provide insights into Cappadocia’s volcanic formations, ancient underground shelters, and the region’s rich religious history.
• The itinerary includes a lunch break in Belisirma, allowing visitors to savor traditional Turkish cuisine and experience the local culinary traditions.
• Highlights of the tour include the panoramic views from Goreme Panorama, the engineering feats of Derinkuyu Underground City, and the rock-hewn churches in Ihlara Valley.
• The tour concludes with visits to Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and an onyx factory, offering a comprehensive understanding of Cappadocia’s cultural and artistic heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This Cappadocia: Green Tour – Ihlara Valley & Underground City offers a comprehensive, full-day excursion through the stunning landscapes and historical sites of the Cappadocia region.

Priced from €55 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and is available in English and Turkish. Guests can choose from 7 convenient pickup locations across the area, including Nevsehir, Goreme, and Urgup.

The itinerary highlights iconic sites like the Goreme Panorama, the Derinkuyu Underground City, and the Ihlara Valley. Lunch is provided in Belisirma, and the tour also includes visits to the Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and an Onyx Factory.

With knowledgeable guides, museum tickets, and hotel transfers, this Cappadocia tour provides an all-inclusive, memorable experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a photo stop and guided tour at the Goreme Panorama, where guests learn about Cappadocia’s natural history and impressive rock formations.

Next, the group explores the Derinkuyu Underground City, which served as a historical shelter during invasions.

The highlight of the day is the guided hike through the Ihlara Valley, formed by volcanic activity and featuring churches carved by early Christians.

After a 1-hour lunch break in Belisirma, the tour continues to the Selime Monastery, where guests discover the fascinating monastic life and architecture.

The final stops are the Pigeon Valley, to learn about the cultural significance of pigeons, and an onyx factory, providing insight into local craftsmanship.

Goreme Panorama

On the tour, visitors start with a photo stop and guided tour at the Goreme Panorama, where they learn about Cappadocia’s natural history and impressive rock formations.

This breathtaking viewpoint offers a panoramic outlook over the unique landscape of Cappadocia. Guides provide insight into how the region’s distinctive rock formations, known as ‘fairy chimneys,’ were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

Guests have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the dramatic scenery before continuing on to the next stop.

This opening activity sets the stage for the fascinating exploration of Cappadocia’s rich cultural and geological heritage that follows throughout the day-long Green Tour.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Next, the tour takes visitors to explore the remarkable Derinkuyu Underground City, where they embark on a guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes.

This subterranean wonder, carved deep into the volcanic rock, served as a crucial shelter for local inhabitants during periods of invasion throughout history.

Guides explain the impressive scale and engineering feats that enabled this multi-level underground city to accommodate thousands of people, as well as its vital role in protecting the local population.

The Derinkuyu Underground City is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Cappadocian people, who carved out a refuge beneath the surface to safeguard their way of life in the face of adversity.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ihlara Valley

Following the exploration of the Derinkuyu Underground City, the tour leads visitors on a guided hike through the captivating Ihlara Valley – a 3.5-kilometer stretch carved by volcanic activity and notable for its abundance of rock-hewn churches that served as sanctuaries for early Christian communities. As hikers descend into the valley, they’re enveloped by the lush, verdant landscape and the tranquil sound of the Melendiz River flowing below. The hike offers a unique glimpse into the region’s religious and geological history, with the opportunity to discover well-preserved frescoes and Byzantine-era architecture within the valley’s hidden churches.

Feature	Description
Length	3.5 km
Duration	Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Highlights	Rock-hewn churches, Byzantine frescoes, tranquil river
Significance	Refuge for early Christian communities

Lunch at Belisırma

After exploring the cultural and historical sites, the tour participants are treated to a 1-hour break for a delightful lunch by the Melendiz River in Belisırma.

The meal features a selection of traditional Turkish dishes, including a comforting soup, fresh salad, and flavorful main courses, providing the travelers with a chance to rejuvenate and savor the local cuisine before continuing their journey through Cappadocia.

The relaxed setting by the river allows the group to take a breather, soak in the tranquil atmosphere, and recharge their batteries for the remaining activities on the itinerary.

This lunch stop is an opportunity to take in the culinary traditions of the region and enjoy a well-deserved respite amidst the tour’s engaging discoveries.

Selime Monastery

The tour then moves on to the impressive Selime Monastery, where visitors embark on a 30-minute guided tour to explore the intriguing monastic life and remarkable architecture of this historical site.

Perched atop a towering cliff, Selime Monastery offers a glimpse into the region’s spiritual past. Tourists will marvel at the intricate religious carvings, chapels, and living quarters that have been meticulously preserved.

The guide explains the significance of this former Byzantine monastery and its role in Cappadocia’s rich cultural heritage.

After the tour, visitors have an opportunity to reflect on the monastery’s enduring legacy and its place within the breathtaking natural landscape of Cappadocia.

Additional Stops

The tour also includes two additional stops that offer further insight into Cappadocian culture and craftsmanship.

First, visitors explore Pigeon Valley, learning about the historical significance of pigeons in the region. This stop allows a chance to rest before the final destination.

Next, the group visits an onyx factory, watching a live demonstration of the local craftspeople shaping this distinctive stone. This provides an opportunity to gain appreciation for the skilled artisanship found throughout Cappadocia.

The additional stops on this comprehensive tour include:

1. Pigeon Valley: Discovering the cultural importance of pigeons in the region.

2. Onyx Factory: Observing the intricate process of shaping this local material.

3. Final Moment of Reflection: Taking time to appreciate the depth of Cappadocian heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layering is advised as temperatures can vary throughout the day during outdoor activities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator ahead of time as some may have restrictions or provide meals as part of the package.

Are There Any Accessibility Options for Disabled Travelers?

Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the sites visited. The underground city and hilly terrain may pose accessibility challenges. Travelers with disabilities should consult with the tour operator to explore alternative options.

Can I Extend or Modify the Tour Itinerary?

Travelers can typically request modifications or extensions to a tour itinerary, though this may incur additional costs. It’s best to discuss any desired changes directly with the tour operator to see what accommodations can be made.

What Type of Footwear Is Recommended for the Hike?

Comfortable, supportive hiking shoes or boots are recommended for the Ihlara Valley hike. This will provide the necessary traction and support for navigating the uneven terrain and terrain changes during the 3.5 km guided walk.

Recap

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s natural and historical wonders.

Participants can enjoy a guided hike through the picturesque Ihlara Valley and a fascinating tour of the ancient Derinkuyu Underground City.

This full-day excursion provides a perfect blend of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-do experience for visitors to Cappadocia.

You can check if your dates are available here: