Cappadocia: Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley offers a compelling way to see some of the region’s lesser-known yet equally mesmerizing sights. For around 9 hours, you’ll be whisked around central Anatolia, visiting Kaymakli Underground City, hiking through Ihlara Valley, and exploring Selime Monastery. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a delicious riverside lunch, and tickets—all for a price that offers excellent value for an immersive day full of contrasts, from subterranean tunnels to lush riverbanks.
What we love about this tour is how it balances historic intrigue with natural beauty. The underground city is a highlight, with its labyrinth of tunnels, kitchens, and stables revealing how early Christian communities hid from invaders. The Ihlara Valley walk is a peaceful, scenic escape—imagine a 3.5 km stroll by the river, discovering ancient cave chapels decorated with frescoes. Plus, the visit to Narlgöl crater lake offers a striking photo opportunity, with its vivid colors and volcanic origins.
One possible drawback to consider is the pace—although the 9-hour length covers a lot, it’s a busy schedule. You’ll be walking, riding, and exploring fairly continuously, so wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water is essential. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers, those with claustrophobia, or wheelchairs, due to some narrow tunnels and uneven terrain.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see Cappadocia’s hidden gems beyond the hot air balloons and fairy chimneys. If you’re curious about underground cities, enjoy scenic hikes, or love discovering ancient monasteries, this experience offers a balanced mix. It’s especially good for those who prefer guided tours that include transportation, tickets, and a local guide to bring the sites to life.
Key Points
- Balanced itinerary combining underground cities, nature walks, and ancient monasteries
- Expert guides provide insightful stories and historical context
- Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Inclusive pricing covers tickets and a hearty riverside lunch
- Small group size (maximum 14) ensures a personal experience
- Accessibility limitations due to tunnels and uneven terrain
An In-Depth Look at the Green Tour Experience
When we first set off with Ariarathes Travel, the early morning pickup from places like Göreme or Uçhisar already set a relaxed tone for the day. The small group size meant we could easily ask questions and enjoy a more intimate experience. The tour begins at Goreme Panorama, where the sweeping views of fairy chimneys instantly remind you why Cappadocia’s landscape is so extraordinary. The sunlight hits the rock formations just right—perfect for photos and a moment to take it all in.
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Visiting Kaymakli Underground City
The highlight for most visitors is Kaymakli Underground City. As our guide described, this multi-level complex once sheltered thousands of residents. Walking through the narrow tunnels, you can almost hear the echoes of early Christians whispering their stories. The underground kitchens, ventilation shafts, and storage rooms give a real sense of how inventive these early settlers were in creating entire communities beneath the earth.
The tunnels are quite narrow, and some visitors with claustrophobia might find them challenging. We appreciated the guide’s patience and the option to skip certain sections if needed. The experience isn’t just about seeing underground chambers; it’s about understanding the resilience and ingenuity of people hiding from invasions.
The Serenity of Ihlara Valley
Next, the journey takes us to Ihlara Valley, a lush 14-kilometer canyon carved by the Melendiz River. We enjoyed a guided walk of about 3.5 km along the river, which is easy enough for most fitness levels. The cool shade from the trees and the sound of water made it a refreshing change from the rocky surface above. Along the path, we discovered cave churches adorned with frescoes—some dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries.
The fact that this part of the tour is guided enriches the experience. Our guide pointed out details in the frescoes and explained their significance, which we might have missed on our own. The peaceful ambiance and the scenery are honestly a highlight, especially if you’re after a mix of nature and history.
Lunch and the Majestic Selime Monastery
After the walk, lunch is served at a riverside restaurant—home-cooked Turkish dishes that hit the spot. We enjoyed the fresh, local flavors while overlooking the river and the surrounding greenery. It’s a good chance to relax and recharge before heading to Selime Monastery.
Perched dramatically over the valley, this rock-cut monastery complex is impressive both in size and history. Walking through the ancient churches, monks’ quarters, and the large kitchen, we could imagine the monastic community that once thrived here. The site’s fortress-like appearance and panoramic views add to its allure.
More Great Tours NearbyNarlgöl Crater Lake and Pigeon Valley
On the way back, we stopped at Narlgöl, a crater lake with a heart shape, whose vivid colors change throughout the day. The landscape’s volcanic origins make for incredible photos. Nearby, Pigeon Valley offers dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic rock—an interesting site that showcases how pigeons were important to local agriculture and communication.
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Final Touches: Onyx Workshop
The tour concludes with a visit to a local onyx workshop, where artisans demonstrate traditional stone-cutting techniques. It’s a nice way to pick up a unique souvenir and learn about local craftsmanship.
Analyzing the Value
At roughly 9 hours, the tour offers excellent coverage—covering underground cities, scenic hikes, monasteries, and crater lakes—all in one day. The inclusive ticketing, lunch, and transportation make it convenient and more affordable than organizing separate visits. The small group enhances the experience’s intimacy, and the guides’ insights help turn these historic sites into stories you’ll remember.
However, the busy schedule means you’ll need comfortable shoes and a willingness to walk and explore actively. If you prefer a slower pace or have mobility issues, some parts may be challenging. But for most adventurous travelers, the variety of sights and the depth of stories make this a worthwhile outing.
Who Will Love This Tour
This experience is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy blending history, nature, and local culture. If you’re fascinated by underground cities or enjoy peaceful hikes without the crowds, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also ideal if you want a comprehensive look at some of Cappadocia’s less-touristy sites with the comfort of guided commentary and included logistics.
The Sum Up
Cappadocia’s Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley offers a well-rounded, authentic slice of this captivating region. It balances historic discovery with stunning scenery, making it perfect for travelers eager to see beyond the typical hot air balloon shots. The tour is especially valuable for those interested in the human stories behind ancient sites and the natural beauty of Cappadocia’s valleys and volcanic lakes.
While it requires some walking and a bit of time in narrow tunnels, the experience rewards you with a deeper understanding of the region’s resilience and ingenuity. The inclusion of lunch, tickets, and hotel transport provides great value, especially for those who prefer guided tours rather than navigating alone.
If you’re looking for an immersive, comfortably-paced day that explores the hidden corners of Cappadocia, this Green Tour is a fantastic choice. It suits travelers who love history, scenic landscapes, and discovering lesser-known sites, making your visit both meaningful and memorable.
FAQ
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, making it convenient to start and end your day comfortably.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, covering multiple sites with some walking involved.
Are tickets to the sites included?
Yes, all entrance tickets are included in the price, so you don’t have to worry about additional costs.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential due to walking and uneven terrain, along with a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
The tour is best suited for those able to walk and navigate some narrow tunnels; it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.