Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground City Tour

This guided tour of Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia immerses you in the region’s natural wonders and historical marvels. You’ll hike along the scenic Melendiz River, explore the impressive Selime Monastery, and descend into the captivating underground city that once housed thousands. The tour includes private hotel transfers, a traditional Turkish lunch, and an expert guide to provide insights. With a maximum group size of 15, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience exploring Cappadocia’s remote and untouched landscapes. Continue reading to discover more about this immersive journey through one of Turkey’s most fascinating destinations.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best City Tours In Goreme.

Key Points

• Guided exploration of Ihlara Valley’s scenic canyon and Derinkuyu Underground City, one of the largest and deepest underground settlements in Cappadocia.
• Includes private hotel transfers, traditional Turkish lunch, professional guide, drinks, and gratuities for a comprehensive cultural experience.
• Maximum group size of 15 ensures a personalized journey through Cappadocia’s natural and historical wonders, including visits to Selime Monastery.
• Tour not wheelchair accessible; infants must sit on laps during the experience.
• Flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior, with a 4.5-star rating based on 17 positive reviews.

Tour Overview

This guided tour takes travelers on an exploration of the stunning Ihlara Valley and the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey.

Highlights include a guided tour of Cappadocia, a mini-hike along the Melendiz River, and visits to Selime Monastery, Ihlara Valley, and Derinkuyu underground city.

The tour duration varies based on traffic, and groups are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

Priced from $83.89 with a lowest price guarantee, the tour includes private hotel transfers, a traditional Turkish lunch, a professional guide, and drinks and gratuities.

Highlights of the Tour

The guided tour takes visitors on an exploration of the stunning Ihlara Valley, a scenic canyon carved by the Melendiz River, and the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City, one of the largest and deepest underground settlements in Cappadocia. Highlights include a mini-hike along the Melendiz River, a visit to the impressive Selime Monastery, and an immersive journey through the multilevel Derinkuyu Underground City. Travelers will also enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch prepared by local hosts, completing this comprehensive tour of Cappadocia’s natural and historical wonders.

Highlight	Description
Ihlara Valley	Scenic canyon carved by the Melendiz River
Selime Monastery	Impressive religious site
Derinkuyu Underground City	One of the largest and deepest underground settlements in Cappadocia

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes private hotel transfers, a traditional Turkish lunch prepared by local hosts, and a professional guide. Drinks and gratuities are also covered.

This comprehensive package allows travelers to fully enjoy the Cappadocian experience without worrying about additional costs.

The tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs, and infants must sit on laps. However, the maximum group size of 15 ensures a personalized and intimate exploration of the Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground City.

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior, travelers can book this tour with confidence.

Experience Details

Through the tour, travelers can access scenic locations in Cappadocia that are only accessible on foot, including vineyards and pistachio groves.

Admission to Ihlara Valley, a picturesque canyon along the Melendiz River, is included in the experience. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers must be prepared for some light hiking.

The tour is designed for most travelers, though infants must sit on laps.

Highlights of the experience include:

• Guided exploration of the Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground City
• Witnessing the unique geological formations and landscapes of Cappadocia
• Experiencing traditional Turkish cuisine during a local lunch

Meeting and Pickup

The tour starts at 09:30 AM, with travelers able to select their preferred pickup point when booking. This allows for convenient transportation to the starting location.

The tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins, providing flexibility for participants.

The group size is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

With a professional guide leading the way, visitors can look forward to an engaging and informative exploration of the Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground City.

Whether you’re seeking a memorable day trip or an immersive cultural experience, this tour provides a well-organized and accessible way to discover these remarkable destinations.

Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this tour, with an impressive 4.5-star overall rating based on 17 reviews.

The standout positive review highlights include:

• The tour’s ability to take visitors to remote, scenic locations like vineyards and pistachio groves that are only accessible on foot.
• The warmth and passion of the guide, who helps travelers discover the area’s fascinating history and culture.
• The inclusion of a traditional Turkish lunch prepared by locals, adding an authentic touch to the experience.

With no negative reviews, this tour appears to be a hit with travelers seeking an immersive and memorable exploration of Cappadocia’s natural and historical wonders.

Cappadocia Exploration

This guided tour offers travelers an immersive exploration of Cappadocia’s captivating natural and historical landscapes.

The day begins with a scenic drive to the Ihlara Valley, where guests embark on a mini-hike along the Melendiz River, taking in the region’s iconic cave dwellings and monasteries.

Next, visitors discover the underground city of Derinkuyu, a remarkable subterranean complex that once housed thousands of people.

Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide provides fascinating insights into the area’s rich history and culture.

With convenient hotel pickups and a traditional Turkish lunch, this excursion offers an authentic and memorable Cappadocian experience.

Discovering Remote Wonders

Beyond the well-trodden paths of Cappadocia’s popular sites, this guided tour unveils the region’s remote wonders.

Venture into the serene Ihlara Valley, where a mini-hike along the Melendiz River offers a glimpse of untouched natural beauty.

Descend into the captivating Derinkuyu Underground City, an ancient subterranean complex that once sheltered entire communities.

Explore the striking Selime Monastery, a hidden gem showcasing the architectural mastery of Cappadocian craftsmen.

This immersive experience promises to transport you to the heart of Cappadocia’s off-the-beaten-path treasures, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the region’s rich history and untamed landscapes.

• Scenic mini-hike through the serene Ihlara Valley
• Descent into the captivating Derinkuyu Underground City
• Exploration of the striking Selime Monastery

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, outside food and drinks are not mentioned as permitted. The tour includes a traditional Turkish lunch, as well as other drinks, so bringing your own may not be necessary.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

The tour has no minimum group size requirement. Travelers can join the tour as individuals or in small groups, with a maximum group size of 15 participants, based on the information provided in the tour overview.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens?

The tour doesn’t seem to offer any specific discounts for senior citizens. However, travelers should check with the tour provider directly as they may have senior pricing or other promotional offers available.

How Often Do the Tours Run During the Day?

The tours run multiple times a day, but the exact schedule can vary. Customers should check the provider’s website or contact them directly to inquire about the specific tour times available on the day they wish to visit.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Photograph?

The tour generally allows photography, but visitors should check with the guide for any restrictions in sensitive areas or at religious sites. Photography rules may vary based on the specific sites visited during the tour.

Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes. Explore the Ihlara Valley, descend into the Derinkuyu Underground City, and uncover the region’s rich history and natural beauty. With personalized guidance, traditional Turkish cuisine, and a small group size, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience you won’t soon forget. Discover the remote wonders of this captivating destination and create lasting memories on this captivating Cappadocia exploration.