Cappadocia Green Tour: Kaymakli, Ihlara, Selime & Lunch

Discover southern Cappadocia’s underground settlements, dramatic canyons and rock-cut monasteries on a full-day small-group Green Tour. Explore Kaymakli Underground City with a licensed local guide, walk beside the Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley and enjoy lunch at a selected restaurant near the valley. Continue to the monumental Selime Monastery before finishing with panoramic views over Pigeon Valley. The experience includes Cappadocia hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional licensed guide, standard admission tickets and lunch. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour offers a more personal experience than a large coach excursion while keeping the sociable atmosphere of a small group.

1. 1

   Goreme Panorama

   30 min

   Begin at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Göreme and the surrounding Cappadocian landscape. See fairy chimneys, rock formations and cave settlements while your guide introduces the volcanic history of Cappadocia and explains the route for the day. This is also a suitable location for photographs before the longer journey toward southern Cappadocia.

2. 2

   Kaymakli Underground City

   1 hour

   Descend into Kaymakli, one of Cappadocia’s extensive underground settlements. Explore tunnels, living areas, kitchens, storage chambers, ventilation shafts and communal spaces carved beneath the ground. Your guide will explain how local communities used underground settlements for everyday life, food storage, religious activity and protection during periods of danger. The visit includes narrow tunnels, low ceilings, steep steps and uneven surfaces.

3. 3

   Ihlara Valley

   1 hour

   Enter Ihlara Valley and enjoy a guided walk through a selected section of the canyon. Follow a route beside the Melendiz River, surrounded by high volcanic cliffs, natural vegetation and rock-cut structures. Your guide will explain how the valley became an important settlement and religious area for early Christian communities. The exact walking route may change according to weather, pathway conditions and group mobility.

4. 4

   Ihlara Valley

   45 min

   Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant in or near Belisirma Village. The menu normally includes Turkish dishes and may vary according to the restaurant and season. Vegetarian meals can be arranged with advance notice. Other dietary requirements are subject to availability. Drinks are not included unless specifically stated in the selected booking option.

5. 5

   Pigeon Valley

   30 min

   Stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Pigeon Valley. See the numerous pigeon houses carved into the cliffs and learn how pigeons once supported local agriculture through the collection of their manure. Enjoy time for photographs before returning to the main Cappadocia hotel areas.

6. 6

   Selime Monastery

   1 hour

   Visit Selime Monastery, a monumental rock-cut complex located near the end of Ihlara Valley. Climb through churches, chambers, tunnels and communal spaces carved into the volcanic rock while your guide explains the historical and religious importance of the site. The elevated position also offers wide views over the surrounding landscape. Selime includes steep, exposed and uneven rocky surfaces. Guests should take care while walking and follow the guide’s instructions.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.