Cappadocia: Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley

If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia, chances are you’ve heard about the incredible fairy chimneys and hot air balloon rides. But for those interested in a deeper, more contemplative experience, the Green Tour offers a chance to see some of the lesser-visited yet breathtaking sites of this remarkable region. This full-day guided excursion takes you beneath the surface into ancient underground cities, along lush riverbanks, and into sprawling monasteries — revealing a side of Cappadocia that’s often overshadowed by its more famous balloon vistas.

Two things we truly appreciate about this tour are its focus on authentic, historical sites and the inclusion of scenic nature walks in the Ihlara Valley. These experiences allow travelers to connect with the landscape and history in a more meaningful way. A potential consideration is the tour’s length and walking demands, meaning comfortable shoes and a good level of mobility are advisable. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy history, nature, and a bit of adventure without feeling rushed.

This tour is perfect for those who want a well-rounded view of Cappadocia beyond hot air balloons and fairy chimneys — ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, or anyone eager to explore the region’s underground secrets and lush valleys. It’s especially appealing to travelers who appreciate guided insights and want to see a quieter, more serene side of this incredible landscape.

Key Points

• Authentic sites: You’ll explore underground cities and ancient monasteries rarely seen on standard tours.
• Scenic walks: The guided walk through Ihlara Valley offers peaceful, lush scenery and ancient cave churches.
• All-inclusive value: Entrance fees, lunch, transportation, and guide service are covered, making it straightforward for travelers.
• Balanced itinerary: The day combines cultural exploration with natural beauty, giving a comprehensive picture of Cappadocia’s hidden sides.
• Timing flexibility: The tour operates daily with a start time around 09:30, lasting roughly 9 hours.
• Limited group size: Groups are capped at 14 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Cappadocia’s Hidden Corners

If you’ve only seen the photos of balloon flights and fairy chimneys, this Green Tour introduces a more textured, layered view of Cappadocia. It’s a perfect way to understand how ancient peoples thrived in this landscape, carving homes, churches, and monasteries into the volcanic rock.

Starting at Göreme Panorama

Your day begins at Göreme Panorama, where you’ll get a sweeping view of Cappadocia’s iconic rock formations. From this vantage point, the bizarre shapes and natural sculptures make more sense, and it’s a great photo opportunity. It sets the tone for a day of discovery, blending natural wonder and historical intrigue.

Journey to Kaymakli Underground City

Next, you’ll descend into Kaymakli Underground City, a multi-level subterranean complex that once sheltered thousands of early Christians. Walking through its tunnels, you’ll see kitchens, stables, ventilation shafts, and living quarters — all designed to protect residents from invaders. The narrow passages and low ceilings make it a physically engaging experience, but it’s worth it for the sense of stepping into another time. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the underground city was built, and it was fascinating to learn how entire communities survived underground.”

Exploring Ihlara Valley

After the underground adventure, the tour takes you to the Ihlara Valley, a lush 14-kilometer canyon carved by the Melendiz River. Here, we took a guided walk along a 3.5 km route, which combines natural beauty and history. The trail is lined with ancient cave chapels decorated with frescoes, and the sounds of flowing water create a calming atmosphere. One traveler mentioned, “The walk in the valley was surprisingly peaceful, and I loved discovering the tiny churches carved into the rock.” The walk is gentle but requires some comfortable footwear, as terrain can vary.

More Great Tours Nearby

Riverside Lunch in the Valley

The tour includes a lunch at a riverside restaurant, providing a chance to relax and enjoy authentic local cuisine. This break offers a taste of regional flavors and a moment of respite before continuing the exploration. Many reviews highlight how well the meal complements the day’s sightseeing — hearty, satisfying, and often featuring local ingredients.

Visiting Selime Monastery & Narlgöl Crater Lake

Post-lunch, you’ll visit Selime Monastery, an enormous rock-cut religious complex resembling a fortress. Dating back to the 8th or 9th centuries, it features churches, monks’ quarters, and a large kitchen — a testament to the monastic community that once inhabited the site. Its dramatic position overlooking the valley makes for stunning photos and a chance to ponder early monastic life.

On the way back, you’ll stop at Narlgöl, a striking crater lake with a distinctive heart shape and shifting colors, depending on the light. It’s a perfect spot for photos and a last quiet moment before heading back.

Final stops and artisan shopping

Before concluding, the tour includes a visit to Pigeon Valley, known for its dovecotes carved into the rock — these tiny structures were once used for collecting pigeon droppings as fertilizer. The experience is both scenic and historically informative. The day ends with a visit to an Onyx Workshop, where artisans demonstrate traditional stone-cutting techniques. Travelers often enjoy picking up unique souvenirs and learning about local craftsmanship.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour’s pick-up and drop-off service covers five locations: Göreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, Uçhisar, and Çavusin, offering flexibility for travelers staying in these towns. With a maximum group size of 14, you’re likely to enjoy more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

The duration of about 9 hours means you will visit all sites comfortably without feeling rushed. The guide, speaking both English and Turkish, provides historical context, practical tips, and answers to questions along the way, enriching the experience.

The inclusion of entrance tickets, lunch, and transportation makes the tour good value for the price, especially as it covers some of the more complex sites like underground cities and monasteries that typically charge separate fees.

The main considerations for participants are comfortable shoes (due to walking and uneven terrain), carrying sun protection and water, and being prepared for some physical activity. The tour isn’t suited for pregnant women, those with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users, given the nature of some sites.

What Real Travelers Say

Many reviews mention the stunning views, especially at Göreme Panorama and Narlgöl, describing them as “breathtaking” and “memorable.” The underground city, in particular, receives praise for its fascinating architecture and the insight it provides into early Christian life.

One reviewer appreciated how the tour balanced history, nature, and culture, noting that “the guided walk through Ihlara Valley was such a peaceful way to connect with the landscape.” Others mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides who help bring the sites alive.

Some travelers comment on the pace, saying it’s well-organized but requires some physical effort, especially in the underground tunnels and during the valley walk. The small group size helps in making the experience more intimate and engaging.

The Sum Up

The Cappadocia Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley offers a detailed, authentic look at some of the region’s most compelling sites. It provides a deeper understanding of how early communities lived and thrived in this surreal landscape, combined with scenic walks and cultural insights that enrich your visit.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and curious travelers eager to explore beyond the typical postcard sights. Its value lies in the inclusion of hidden gems, expert guidance, and the opportunity to reflect quietly amid stunning natural scenery.

While the physical demands might be a consideration, those who enjoy walking and exploring will find this tour engaging and rewarding. It’s a well-balanced, comprehensive way to see the quieter, more contemplative side of Cappadocia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from five locations, making logistics simple and convenient.

What is the tour’s duration?
The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, with a start time around 09:30, depending on availability.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, the price covers entrance fees to sites like the underground city, monasteries, and the crater lake.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 14 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera are recommended to stay comfortable and capture the scenery.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s best for children who can handle some walking and tight spaces; not recommended for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a hearty riverside lunch is part of the package, featuring regional flavors.

What languages are the guides speaking?
Guides speak English and Turkish, providing clear explanations and answering questions.

This full-day tour offers a thoughtful and immersive way to experience Cappadocia’s quieter, yet equally impressive, sights. It’s a chance to see how history, nature, and craftsmanship intertwine in this extraordinary landscape, making it a worthwhile addition to any trip itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: