Derinkuyu and Ihlara Green Tour of Southern Cappadocia

The Green Tour, one of Cappadocia's most popular day trips, focuses on the historic sights in the south of the region. This Derinkuyu and Ihlara Green Tour offers a full day that runs from cities hidden deep underground to lush green canyons.

Derinkuyu Underground City

The stop people are most curious about is Derinkuyu, one of the deepest underground cities in Cappadocia. As you descend through its levels you see stables, kitchens, a chapel and ventilation shafts, and your guide explains how thousands of people could live here. The passages are narrow and low, so the tour is not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia.

Ihlara Valley and Selime

Next you head to Ihlara Valley, carved by the Melendiz stream. Walking beside the river you pass churches cut into the rock and enjoy the cool, green air of the canyon. Selime Monastery, at the end of the valley, is one of the most impressive rock-cut structures in the region and a fitting finale to the day.

What is included

An English-speaking professional guide and air-conditioned transport are included. We recommend checking whether lunch and entrance fees are included when you book.

Practical tips

Wear comfortable shoes for the stepped descent and walk in Ihlara Valley, and bring water. The underground city is cool even in summer, so a light cardigan helps. The tour is not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries. For photos, a phone that copes with low light is enough underground, while the light in the valley is most even around midday.

To round off your trip, browse more experiences on our Cappadocia (Göreme) tours page, and find somewhere to stay among our hotels in Göreme.