Cappadocia: Green Tour with Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley & Lunch

4.98

(835 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand eight stories underground? I didn’t—until we were already ducking through the narrow stone tunnels of Derinkuyu. Our guide, Aylin, had this way of making history feel like gossip—she pointed at soot marks on the ceiling and said, “People really lived here for months. Imagine hiding from invaders with your goats.” It was cool and a bit musty down there; my shirt stuck to my back but I barely noticed because every corner felt like a secret. I’m not usually claustrophobic, but I did grip my water bottle tighter than usual.

The air changed completely when we reached Ihlara Valley. Suddenly everything was green and noisy with birds—after the hush of the underground city it almost felt too open. The walk along the river took about an hour (not hard, just watch your step on the rocks). We stopped at a tiny cave church where old frescoes peeked out from behind dust. Lunch was simple kebab at a wooden table right beside the water—my hands still smelled faintly of grilled lamb afterwards. There was this moment when a breeze picked up and scattered napkins everywhere; everyone laughed, even the restaurant owner.

I’ll admit, by the time we climbed up to Selime Monastery my legs were tired. But seeing those huge rock halls carved into cliffs—honestly, it made me forget about my knees for a second. Aylin told us monks used to sing here and you could almost hear echoes if you stood still long enough. Last stop was Pigeon Valley for that famous view—soft evening light catching all those tiny pigeon houses in pink stone. Someone handed me a piece of local onyx at the shop nearby; it’s still in my pocket now, smooth as glass.