Ihlara Valley & Derinkuyu Underground City Tour

This excursion lets you marvel at creations of both nature and man. Awe-inspiring views of the Ihlara Valley showcase the beauty of Turkey’s Cappadocia region, while the underground city of Derinkuyu offers a peak into Byzantine-era civilisation.

After pick-up from your hotel, travel to the Secret Garden panoramic viewpoint, which serves as a captivating visual introduction to the sprawling Cappadocian landscape. The journey continues with a scenic 1-hour drive to the Ihlara Valley.

One of the deepest canyons in the world, the Ihlara Valley is a place of outstanding natural beauty blanketed by rich green vegetation. This remote setting once served as an ideal shelter for the establishment of monastic retreats – the remnants of which are still visible in churches that dot the valley. After a brisk walk through the Melendiz River Valley, enjoy lunch at the quaint Belisirma Village.

A place of refuge for early Christians fleeing the wrath of the Romans, the Derinkuyu underground city descends 98 feet (30 m) beneath the surface. Explore caves and discover what life was like for the 20,000 residents and their livestock who once inhabited Derinkuyu, which was once one of the largest settlements in Cappadocia.

Next, travel to Uchisar and view Pigeon Valley, just outside Goreme, from atop Uchisar Castle. Learn how beautiful onyx stones are made, before being taken back to your hotel.