Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour. Lunch incl.

Derinkuyu Underground City is the star here: a steep, narrow world cut into volcanic rock, with kitchens, churches, wells, storage rooms, and ventilation shafts once built to support as many as 20,000 people. You then move from the earth to the open air, walking beside the Melendiz River through Ihlara Valley before seeing the rock-cut churches of Selime.

I like the way this tour joins Cappadocia’s major southern sights in one day, and I like the small-group limit of 15 people. Guides including Melissa, Eda, Ufuk, and Emre have been praised for clear explanations and a friendly manner. The main caution is the long day on the road, plus possible jewelry and Turkish-treat stops that can cut into time at the historic sites.

Key points to know before booking

• Derinkuyu is the main event: Expect low ceilings, narrow passages, stairs, and some tight spaces.
• The Ihlara walk covers 4 kilometers: Good shoes matter, and the route may feel long if you prefer sightseeing without much walking.
• Selime Monastery rewards a careful look: The rock-cut churches and high views are among the day’s best sights.
• Lunch is included at Belisirma: Drinks cost extra, and the meal is simple rather than a culinary highlight.
• The tour uses a small group of up to 15: That usually makes questions and group movement easier.
• Shopping stops may appear: The onyx or jewelry visit is not valued by everyone, so keep your expectations modest.

Why this southern Cappadocia route works

Cappadocia is often divided into a northern route and a southern route. This excursion takes the southern side, where the attractions are spread farther from Goreme. You get a useful mix: a dramatic underground site, a river valley, early Christian rock churches, a monastery, and wide views across the volcanic formations.

The price is $54.42 per person, which is fair if you want transport, a guide, lunch, and several entrance sites handled in one package. Renting a car can give you more control, but you would need to manage unfamiliar roads, parking, opening arrangements, and the day’s driving yourself. A private tour would offer more flexibility, but this small-group option costs much less.

The trip lasts about 7 hours and 45 minutes, beginning with pickup around 9:30 a.m. and usually returning you to Goreme around late afternoon. Since the southern sites are not clustered around town, expect a fair amount of time in the vehicle. That is the tradeoff for seeing places that are difficult to combine efficiently on foot.

Goreme Panorama and Pigeon Valley views

The day may begin with a short stop at Goreme Panorama, about 2 kilometers from central Goreme. From the viewpoint, you can look toward Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Mount Erciyes, which rises to 3,917 meters. It is a quick orientation stop and a good chance to take broad photographs before the longer drive.

The view helps you understand Cappadocia’s unusual setting. Soft volcanic rock has been shaped into cones, ridges, and towers, while distant mountains frame the region. You will not spend long here, so have your camera ready when you step out.

Pigeon Valley appears again near the end of the day. Its name comes from the many pigeon houses carved into the rock. The birds once mattered to local farming because their droppings were collected for fertilizer. The stop is brief, around 15 minutes, but the valley view gives you one last wide look before returning to Goreme.

One practical point: the exact order of stops can change. Some guides adjust the sequence to avoid crowds. That can work well, but it also means you should not expect every stop to receive exactly the same amount of time every day.

The onyx stop and what it means for your day

The itinerary includes about 30 minutes at a Cappadocia onyx workshop. Black onyx is associated with the region and is used for jewelry and decorative crafts. The stop can offer a quick look at local stonework, but it is also a commercial visit.

I would treat this as shopping time, not as a major cultural sight. Several people found the jewelry stop distracting and felt that the time would have been better spent at a valley or monument. If you are interested in stones or gifts, you may enjoy browsing. If not, do not feel pressured to buy anything.

Be cautious with sales claims. One account specifically objected to a claim that zultanite cannot be purchased outside Turkey. You can listen, ask questions, and walk away. The tour price is valuable because of the archaeological and natural sites, not because you are expected to purchase jewelry.

Going underground at Derinkuyu

Derinkuyu Underground City is the day’s most unusual stop. The settlement reaches roughly 60 meters below ground and includes multiple levels carved into volcanic rock. Its rooms once included kitchens, storage areas, churches, wells, livestock spaces, and ventilation shafts. It could shelter up to about 20,000 people with supplies and animals.

The purpose was protection during periods of conflict or invasion. Rather than seeing a grand monument, you are seeing a practical refuge built into the earth. The narrow passages and hidden rooms make the site memorable because they show how ordinary life could continue below ground.

The guided visit lasts about an hour. Your guide should explain how the different parts worked and help you understand the layout, since the tunnels can otherwise feel like a maze. Guides such as Eda, Emre, Guray, Edanur, and Melissa have received particularly positive comments for making the history easier to follow.

This is not a comfortable site for everyone. You will climb steps, bend beneath low ceilings, and move through passages that can feel enclosed. The supplied information recommends moderate physical fitness, and that advice is worth taking seriously. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. If you are claustrophobic or have trouble with stairs, you may prefer to skip the underground portion or ask the guide about the route before entering.

Walking the Melendiz River through Ihlara Valley

After Derinkuyu, the tour continues to Ihlara Valley. This canyon was formed by volcanic activity from Mount Hasan and erosion from the Melendiz River. The valley is about 10 kilometers long and reaches roughly 100 meters deep, although your guided walk covers about 4 kilometers, or 2.5 miles.

The route follows the river, with trees, water, rock walls, and occasional carved churches along the way. This is the part of the day that gives you a change of pace after the underground city. Instead of rooms and tunnels, you get fresh air and a steady walk through a natural setting shaped over a very long period.

The walk takes roughly 50 minutes in the published schedule, though the full route and pace can vary. Some people find it refreshing. Others find it too long, especially when the path is uneven or when the most interesting churches are closed.

That last point matters. Site conditions can change, and some churches have been closed because of concerns about rock collapse or renovation. If access is restricted, the walk may feel less rewarding than expected. Ask your guide what is open that day and whether the route will include the main carved churches.

You should also plan for uneven or slippery ground. The walk is not a technical hike, but comfortable walking shoes are far better than sandals or smooth-soled fashion shoes.

Belisirma lunch beside the river

The village of Belisirma sits within Ihlara Valley and provides the lunch stop. The meal is included, while drinks are not. The setting beside the river can be pleasant, and the lentil soup has been singled out as a welcome warm dish on cold days.

Do not book this tour mainly for the food. Lunch is generally described as simple, with portions and quality varying. Some people enjoyed it, while others found the restaurant disappointing or questioned its cleanliness. One practical irritation is that wasps can be present at outdoor tables during warm weather.

Bring some Turkish lira for drinks. Since beverages are excluded, you should not assume that water, soda, or other drinks are covered by the tour price. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, so you will have time to eat and rest your feet, but it is not a long leisurely meal.

Selime Monastery and its rock-cut churches

Selime is one of the strongest reasons to choose this route. The monastery is carved into a dramatic rock formation and includes churches, living areas, and other spaces connected with early Christian life. It also served as a place with defensive value, thanks to its commanding position above the valley.

The scale is striking. You walk through rooms cut from stone, then look outward across the surrounding formations. Unlike Derinkuyu, where the experience is compressed and inward-looking, Selime opens up toward the sky and the distant views.

The stop is scheduled for about 45 minutes, but time can feel short. One account described receiving only around 25 minutes for photographs, while another praised Selime as the best stop of the day. If you care about architecture and photography, stay close to the guide’s meeting instructions, then use every spare minute after the explanation.

An entrance fee may be separate unless your selected booking option includes it. The supplied pricing information lists entrance fees for the underground city and Ihlara Valley when that option is selected, so check the exact package before paying.

Guides, vehicles, and group size

The tour is offered in English and uses an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off in Goreme. A group maximum of 15 is a useful middle ground. You avoid the cost of a private vehicle, but the group is still small enough for a guide to answer questions without addressing a crowd of dozens.

The strongest part of the experience can depend on the guide. Melissa has been praised for her humor and clear explanations. Eda is noted for friendly introductions at each site. Ufuk has been described as attentive, flexible, and willing to take photographs, while Emre has earned praise for a warm and informative approach. Edanur has been especially appreciated for calm guidance inside the underground city.

That said, guide quality is not perfectly consistent. Some people found the explanations thin between stops or lacking in background about the periods and places being visited. If you want detailed archaeological interpretation, ask questions directly. A good guide can add much more value than a silent ride between attractions.

Group management also matters. There has been a serious complaint about people nearly being left behind, as well as criticism over a seating dispute. Keep track of the group, follow the meeting times, and tell the guide clearly if you need extra help or a slower pace.

Vehicle problems are possible on any long day, and one breakdown caused a major delay. The company cannot prevent every mechanical fault, but communication and time management matter if something goes wrong. Keep your schedule flexible after the tour rather than booking an important evening activity immediately afterward.

Walking, weather, and what to pack

This is an active sightseeing day, not a drive-by photo tour. Between the underground city, valley walk, Selime’s stairs, and viewpoint stops, you may take around 10,000 steps. You should be comfortable walking for several hours and handling uneven ground.

Pack:

• Walking shoes with reliable grip
• Water and money for drinks
• A light layer for the vehicle and underground city
• Sun protection for open viewpoints
• A small bag that does not interfere with bending through narrow passages

Cold or windy weather does not ruin the tour because parts of the day are indoors or sheltered, especially Derinkuyu. Hot weather can make the valley walk and waiting near the vehicle less pleasant, so water and sun protection are important.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this excursion if you have one full day for south Cappadocia and want the main sights combined with minimal planning. It suits people who enjoy history, unusual architecture, moderate walking, and guided transport. The $54.42 price is especially reasonable if your booking option includes the listed entrance fees as well as lunch and transport.

I would look elsewhere if you want a slow day, a carefully paced private itinerary, or a tour with no shopping stops. I would also think twice if you dislike narrow spaces, have difficulty with stairs, or want a long photography session at every monument.

Should you book the Green Cappadocia tour?

Book it for Derinkuyu and Selime, the two most distinctive stops, and for the convenience of linking them with Ihlara Valley in one day. The small group, hotel transport, and generally well-liked guides make it a practical choice for a first visit.

Before paying, confirm which entrance fees are included, ask whether the Ihlara churches are open, and accept that the onyx stop may be part of the schedule. If you can handle the walking and keep your expectations realistic about lunch and timing, this is a good-value introduction to south Cappadocia. If you want maximum control, rent a car or pay for a private guide instead.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, including pickup and return to your Goreme hotel.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 9:30 a.m., with hotel pickup in Goreme.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Goreme hotels are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is provided at Belisirma. Drinks are not included.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. English is the stated tour language.

How much walking is involved?

The Ihlara Valley portion covers about 4 kilometers, or 2.5 miles. You will also walk on stairs and uneven surfaces at Derinkuyu and Selime.

Is Derinkuyu suitable for people with claustrophobia?

The underground city has narrow passages, low ceilings, and stairs. People with claustrophobia or limited mobility may find it uncomfortable.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees to the underground city and Ihlara Valley are included if that option is selected during booking. Check your specific selection before departure.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.