Cappadocia Underground City and Ihlara Valley Tour

Discover the Highlights of Cappadocia in a Full-Day Tour

The Cappadocia Underground City and Ihlara Valley Tour offers an engaging full-day experience for those eager to see some of the most iconic sights in this extraordinary region of Turkey. Priced at $100.88 per person, this tour covers seven to eight hours, starting with hotel pickup in Goreme. It is designed to showcase the famous underground city, scenic Ihlara Valley, and the surreal fairy chimneys, making it perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Cappadocia’s best-known attractions.

This tour emphasizes comfortable travel in an air-conditioned minivan, with free hotel transfers included. The itinerary features seven stops that highlight Cappadocia’s natural beauty, historic sites, and unique landscape. A key advantage is the guided commentary, which enriches the experience with insights into the region’s history and geology, while also offering free time for photos and exploration. The inclusion of lunch adds convenience, and the small group size—a maximum of 18 travelers—ensures a more personalized atmosphere.

While the tour is packed with highlights, it’s important to note that entrance fees are not included, and travelers should prepare for some walking and light hiking at locations like Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery. The timing and pacing are designed to balance sightseeing and relaxation, suited for those who enjoy a busy but manageable schedule.

Key Points

• Full-day Cappadocia tour combining underground city, valley trek, and fairy chimneys.
• Price of $100.88 includes hotel pickup, guided tours, and lunch.
• Seven to eight hours duration, departing from Goreme.
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned minivan.
• Stops include Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Yaprakhisar, known as the “Star Wars” movie set.
• Entrance fees are not included, so plan accordingly.

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Tour Commencement

The tour begins at 9:30 am, with hotel pickup in Goreme around 9:15 am. The quick, door-to-door service makes the start effortless and sets a relaxed tone for the day. Travelers will be in a comfortable minivan that handles the modest distances between stops smoothly, minimizing fatigue. This setup benefits those who prefer a hassle-free experience and dislike navigating public transport or organizing transport independently.

Once on board, the guide presents an overview of the day’s itinerary, ensuring everyone knows what to expect. The early start allows for a full day of exploration, with plenty of daylight to enjoy each site.

Panoramic Views of Goreme at the Start

The tour kicks off with a panoramic view of Goreme at Goreme National Park. From a vantage point, the famous fairy chimneys are spectacularly visible, and the guide shares insight into how these formations came to be. Although admission tickets are not included, the photo opportunities are plentiful, making this an ideal moment to capture the landscape’s iconic shapes. Expect around 20 minutes here, giving just enough time to soak in the scenery and take photos.

This initial stop sets the scene for the region’s volcanic origins and the natural processes that shaped Cappadocia’s landscape, giving a context for what you’ll see in the rest of the day.

Exploring Derinkuyu Underground City

After about a 40-minute drive, the tour arrives at Derinkuyu, the most famous of Cappadocia’s underground cities. Built as a natural deep freeze and later used as a shelter from invasions, this subterranean network extends multiple levels underground. Guided explanations highlight how the Romans and earlier inhabitants used the tunnels for protection and storage.

Visitors spend roughly an hour exploring the underground tunnels, rooms, and chapels. Entrance fees are not included, so consider that when budgeting. The cool, dark passageways provide a stark contrast to the open landscapes above. This site offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity of ancient civilizations, and the guide’s detailed commentary enhances understanding, especially of the complex layout.

Walking Through Ihlara Valley’s Volcanic Canyon

Next, the tour takes travelers about 45 minutes to reach Ihlara Valley, a stunning 14 km-long canyon carved by Melendiz River. The volcanic activity from Mt. Hasan shaped this verdant, deep gorge, where Christians historically carved churches and painted frescoes into the canyon walls.

A 1 hour and 15-minute hike covers approximately 3.5 km along the river. The walk is manageable and offers views of rock-cut churches and lush greenery. The hiking combines natural beauty with historical intrigue, making it a favorite stop. The free time after the hike allows for photos and relaxing before heading to lunch.

Traditional Turkish Lunch by the River

The lunch break is scheduled for about an hour at a restaurant next to the river in Ihlara Valley. The meal begins with soup and salad, followed by a main dish of your choice from a provided list. The lunch concludes with seasonal fruits, offering a satisfying and local culinary experience.

This relaxed meal provides a welcome pause amid a busy day. The scenic riverside setting enhances the experience, allowing travelers to unwind and enjoy regional flavors before resuming sightseeing.

Exploring Selime Monastery and the “Star Wars” Set

After lunch, the tour proceeds to Yaprakhisar, known as the “Star Wars” movie set, due to its otherworldly conical fairy chimneys. The guide explains the area’s geology and its cinematic fame, giving it a whimsical touch.

From there, the group visits Selime Monastery, a castle-like complex that served as a monastic center. It features churches, chapels, bedrooms, storages, and a large cathedral. The guide discusses monastic life here and highlights the structure’s impressive size and design.

Both stops last about an hour, and the entrance fees are not included. The views of the fairy chimneys and the monastery’s architecture make these sites visually striking and historically engaging.

Rest at Pigeon Valley and Cultural Insights

Climbing back from Selime Monastery, travelers get a chance to rest at Pigeon Valley for around 30 minutes. This area is known for its housed pigeons, which played a vital role in local culture. The houses carved into the slopes are a distinctive feature, visible during this stop.

While here, the guide shares stories about local traditions and culture, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing. The pigeons and their carved homes showcase the harmony between people and nature in Cappadocia’s history.

Visiting the Onyx Factory in Uchisar

The tour concludes with a visit to an onyx factory in Uchisar, where a master demonstrates onyx shaping and carving techniques. Onyx, a volcanic stone with various colors, is abundant in Cappadocia, and this visit provides insight into local craftsmanship.

Travelers have the chance to watch a shaping show and purchase handmade onyx pieces if they wish. The factory visit lasts about 30 minutes, offering a practical look at regional artisan skills.

Returning to Goreme and Tour Closure

The tour wraps up around 5:30 pm, with drop-off at the hotel. The comfortable transportation and timely schedule allow travelers to reflect on the day’s highlights without feeling rushed. This well-structured plan ensures a balance of active sightseeing and rest, suitable for most fitness levels.

Final Thoughts on the Cappadocia Underground City and Ihlara Valley Tour

This full-day tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining natural beauty, history, and local craftsmanship. The guides’ expertise, especially noted for descriptive storytelling, enhances the visits to Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery. The scenic views and unique sites like the Star Wars set at Yaprakhisar add a memorable touch.

While entrance fees are not included, the lunch and hotel transfers provide good value considering the comprehensive itinerary. This tour suits those who are comfortable with some walking and look for a structured, guided exploration of Cappadocia’s top attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees are not included in the $100.88 price. Travelers should budget additionally for site entry.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting around 9:30 am and ending around 5:30 pm.

Does the tour include lunch?
Yes, a lunch is included, served next to the river in Ihlara Valley, with options for soup, salad, a main dish, and seasonal fruits.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off in Goreme in an air-conditioned minivan.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

What are some notable stops on the tour?
Stops include Goreme Panoramic View, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, Yaprakhisar, Pigeon Valley, and Uchisar Onyx Factory.

Are there any physical requirements?
Some walking and light hiking, especially at Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery, are involved. Travelers should be prepared for steps and uneven terrain.

What makes this tour different from others?
This tour combines Cappadocia’s underground city, scenic canyon hike, and cinematic fairy chimneys, all with guided commentary and lunch included, offering a complete day of exploration.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate; children sharing with two paying adults qualify for a child rate. The physical parts are manageable for most.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility if plans change.