Cappadocia: Guided Tour With Lunch & Visit to Ihlara Canyon

Cappadocia, a captivating region in central Turkey, is a true wonder to behold. This guided tour promises to unveil the breathtaking beauty and rich history of this remarkable destination. From the awe-inspiring Ihlara Canyon to the hidden wonders of the Derinkuyu Underground City, each step of the journey offers a glimpse into the fascinating past that has shaped this unique landscape. With a delectable Turkish lunch and the opportunity to explore the impressive Selime Monastery, this small-group tour promises an unforgettable adventure. As you delve deeper into the heart of Cappadocia, prepare to be captivated by the sheer grandeur that awaits.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Lunch Experiences In Cappadocia.

Key Points

• This guided tour in Cappadocia provides an 8-hour small-group experience (max 14 people) with highlights like Goreme Panorama Point, Derinkuyu Underground City, and Ihlara Canyon hike.
• The tour includes hotel pick-up, a traditional Turkish lunch, and visits to Selime Monastery and Pigeon Valley, offering a comprehensive exploration of Cappadocia’s rich history and culture.
• Travelers can experience the impressive depth and engineering marvel of the Derinkuyu Underground City, a multi-level settlement that provided refuge for thousands in the past.
• The 3-kilometer hike through the breathtaking Ihlara Canyon allows visitors to discover Byzantine rock-cut churches with frescoed interiors and enjoy scenic views of the towering cliffs and lush greenery.
• The tour has a 5/5 rating from previous travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Cappadocia: Guided Tour with Lunch & Visit to Ihlara Canyon offers an 8-hour small-group experience (maximum 14 people) exploring the stunning natural and historical wonders of the region.

Priced at £70.60 per person, the tour includes hotel pick-up, visits to the Goreme Panorama Point and Derinkuyu Underground City, a hike through Ihlara Canyon, lunch at a riverside restaurant, and a stop at the impressive Selime Monastery.

With an overall 5/5 rating from previous travelers, the tour caters to couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and families.

Participants can enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and check availability for various start times to suit their schedules.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pick-up at 9:30 AM, offering a panoramic view of Goreme Town and its valleys from the Goreme Panorama Point. Next, guests will explore the Derinkuyu Underground City, Cappadocia’s deepest, reaching 60 meters below the surface.

After, the group will hike for 1 hour through the Ihlara Canyon, passing Byzantine rock-cut churches adorned with frescoes. Lunch is served at a riverside restaurant in Belisirma village, followed by a visit to the Selime Monastery, the region’s largest. The tour concludes with a panoramic stop at Pigeon Valley before returning to the hotel by 5:30 PM.

Itinerary Highlights
Pick-up & Panorama Point	Underground City Exploration	Ihlara Canyon Hike
Lunch & Selime Monastery	Pigeon Valley Panorama	Return to Hotel

Pick-up and Initial Stops

The tour begins with hotel pick-up at 9:30 AM, offering a panoramic view of Goreme Town and its valleys from the Goreme Panorama Point. This vantage point provides visitors with an unparalleled perspective of the region’s distinctive geological formations, including the iconic ‘fairy chimneys’ and the network of cave dwellings.

The tour then moves on to explore the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, including:

• Visiting Derinkuyu Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s deepest and most well-preserved underground settlements

• Marveling at the intricate frescoes and carvings in the Byzantine rock-cut churches along the Ihlara Canyon

• Savoring a traditional Turkish lunch in the picturesque Belisirma village

Underground City Exploration

After the panoramic views at Goreme, the tour delves deeper into Cappadocia’s rich history by exploring the Derinkuyu Underground City, one of the region’s most impressive subterranean settlements.

Reaching an impressive depth of 60 meters below the surface, this multi-level city was an engineering marvel, offering refuge and shelter to thousands of people.

Visitors will be amazed by the complex network of tunnels, churches, living quarters, and even stables that have been carved into the rock.

The underground city’s strategic location and sophisticated design, with ventilation shafts and water storage, demonstrate the ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants.

This unique underground experience provides a fascinating glimpse into Cappadocia’s past.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ihlara Canyon Hiking

Following the exploration of the Derinkuyu Underground City, the tour then takes visitors on a captivating hike through the breathtaking Ihlara Canyon, a geological wonder carved by the Melendiz River over thousands of years.

The 3-kilometer hike offers a chance to take in the canyon’s natural beauty, passing by:

• Byzantine rock-cut churches with frescoed interiors

• Towering cliffs and lush greenery

• Serene streams and cascading waterfalls

• Quaint villages nestled along the canyon floor

• Opportunities to spot diverse flora and fauna

The approximately 1-hour hike promises an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to connect with the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

Lunch and Further Exploration

Upon completing the invigorating hike through Ihlara Canyon, the tour group enjoys a delectable lunch at a riverside restaurant in the charming village of Belisirma. The authentic Turkish cuisine, served family-style, allows the travelers to savor the flavors of the region.

After the satisfying meal, the tour continues to the impressive Selime Monastery, the largest in the Cappadocia area. Exploring the kitchen, cathedral, and church within the monastery provides a glimpse into the religious history of the region.

With stomachs full and cultural knowledge expanded, the group then visits the picturesque Pigeon Valley Panorama before being returned to their hotels, the day’s adventures now complete.

Return Journey

The tour wraps up with a visit to the Pigeon Valley Panorama, offering visitors a scenic overlook of the region’s iconic rock formations and valleys.

From this vantage point, guests can take in the breathtaking views and snap photos to commemorate their Cappadocian adventure.

This final stop provides a fitting end to the day’s exploration of Cappadocia’s natural and historical wonders, including:

• Panoramic views of the famous ‘fairy chimneys’ and valleys

• Opportunity to capture stunning photographs

• Chance to reflect on the day’s experiences

• Convenient return to hotels for rest and relaxation

• Seamless transition from the tour to the evening’s activities

The tour then heads back to the hotels, arriving around 5:30 PM.

Inclusions and Customer Feedback

The tour package includes a knowledgeable guide, transportation, lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for participants. Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a 5/5 rating based on a verified review from a traveler in Germany.

Traveler Types	Overall Rating	Language	Duration	Group Size
Couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, families	5/5	English	8 hours	Small group (Max 14 people)

The tour covers a range of highlights, from the panoramic views of Göreme Town to the exploration of the Derinkuyu Underground City and the picturesque Ihlara Canyon. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book with confidence, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free journey through the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

There is no specified minimum age requirement for this tour. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, including families with children. The small group size allows for a personalized experience.

Are Restrooms Available at the Various Stops?

Restrooms are typically available at the various stops during the tour. Major sightseeing locations and restaurants usually provide public restroom facilities for visitors. Accessibility and cleanliness of restrooms may vary depending on the specific sites visited.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can typically bring their own food and drinks on guided tours, unless explicitly prohibited. The tour operator would provide further details on any restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food and beverages for the specific tour experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

The tour can typically be customized to accommodate specific interests. Travelers can inquire about modifying the itinerary or adding optional activities to tailor the experience to their preferences. The tour operator may offer flexible options, subject to availability.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Activity During the Tour?

The tour allots specific time frames for each activity. Guests have approximately 1 hour to explore the Derinkuyu Underground City, 1 hour for the Ihlara Canyon hike, and time to visit the Selime Monastery and other key sites throughout the 8-hour itinerary.

Recap

This captivating guided tour of Cappadocia promises an unforgettable adventure.

Visitors will be awestruck by the breathtaking beauty of the Ihlara Canyon, explore the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City, and enjoy a delectable Turkish lunch.

With a small group size and stellar customer feedback, this tour is an excellent way to take in the rich history and stunning landscapes of this captivating region.

You can check if your dates are available here: