Daily Underground and Ihlara Valley Tour with Lunch

Urgup , Turkey

Daily Underground and Ihlara Valley Tour with Lunch

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About this experience

After Uchisar, we are driving to the Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City, the widest, most enchanting, and one of the over 100 most wonderful underground cities in the Cappadocia Touristic Region. It’s situated on Aksaray province road in southwestern. The miraculously well-protected and maintained structure has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Then, we are going to visit We will have lunch in a local restaurant. After that, we continued to see the Ihlara Valley. Ihlara Valley (often misspelt as Ilhara Valley), near Mount Hasan and Mount Melendiz (two of the three volcanoes of Cappadocia), is a canyon with a depth of approximately 80m and was formed by the Melendiz River thousands of years ago with walking routes inside. As a final point, we are going to see the Pigeon Valley. The valley is named for the many pigeon houses or dovecotes carved into the rocks and cliffs. After the program, we are going back to the hotel.

Available options

Daily Underground and Ihlara Valley Tour with Lunch

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Ihlara Valley (or Peristrema Valley; Turkish Ihlara Vadisi) is a canyon which is 15 km long and up to 150 m deep in the southwest of the Turkish region of Cappadocia, in the municipality of Güzelyurt, Aksaray Province. The valley contains around 50 rock-hewn churches and numerous rock-cut buildings.
Transportation and Lunch time is almost 2 Hours

Stop 2

It is located on the Nevşehir-Niğde highway and 30 km away from Nevşehir in the Derinkuyu district. As in Kaymaklı underground city, there are also places to accommodate and meet the needs of a large community. Derinkuyu Underground City was built in eight floors due to the geological formation of the Cappadocia region. Unlike Kaymaklı Underground City, Derinkuyu also has a school of missionaries, a place of confession, a baptismal pool and an interesting well.

Stop 3

Pigeon Valley is a lovely valley located near Uchisar town named after the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the soft tufa since ancient times and offers another spectacular panoramic view over Cappadocia together with the spectacular views of the dovecotes. The valley takes its name from pigeons and valley ranks first among the popular, most known, and impressive valleys of Cappadocia.

Stop 4

One of the most unexpected surprises in Cappadocia is the wonderful rock-cut monastery in Selime, at the end of Ihlara valley, 28 km from Aksarai. Selime was home to Hittite, Assyrian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Danişment, Seljuk and Ottoman civilizations. One of the most important aspects of Selime fortress-monastery was that many leading clergymen were educated there. The military headquarters of the region was also located there. While the monastery is dated to 8th and 9th centuries, the frescoes in the structure date back to late 10th and early 11th centuries. The depictions include Ascension, Annunciation and Mother Mary.

Nar Lake (Nargolu or Nar Gölü or Pomegranite Lake) is a volcanic crater lake about 36 km southeast of Aksaray in Cappadocia. The view is amazing. You will also see caves in the mountains.

What's not included

Landing and facility fees

Ticket cost is 16,10€ but it is changing every single day in Türkiye

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Urgup

Urgup is a charming town in the heart of Cappadocia, known for its unique rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and vibrant local culture. It serves as a perfect base for exploring the region's natural wonders and historical sites.

Top Attractions

Uchisar Castle

A striking rock formation that served as a fortress in ancient times. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Historical 1-2 hours Budget

Göreme Open-Air Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches and frescoes from the Byzantine era.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate

Love Valley

A picturesque valley known for its unique rock formations that resemble phallic shapes.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Pigeon Valley

A beautiful valley with pigeon houses carved into the rocks, offering hiking trails and scenic views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Urgup Museum

A small museum showcasing the history and culture of the Cappadocia region.

Museum 30-60 minutes Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Testi Kebab

A traditional dish cooked in a sealed clay pot, containing meat, vegetables, and spices.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.

Pide

A Turkish flatbread similar to pizza, topped with various ingredients.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Göğüs Kababı

A local specialty made with minced meat, onions, and spices, grilled on a skewer.

Dinner Contains meat.

Manti

Small dumplings filled with meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hot air ballooning Hiking ATV tours Wine tasting Spa treatments Scenic drives Visiting museums Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are vibrant. This is the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Turkish
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Urgup is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Kayseri Erkilet Airport • 75 km
Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport • 35 km

By train

Kayseri Railway Station

By bus

Urgup Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are available but not very frequent. They are a budget-friendly option for getting around.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Urgup Center Mustafapaşa

Day trips

Göreme

10 km • Half day to full day

A town known for its rock-cut churches and the Göreme Open-Air Museum.

Ihlara Valley

50 km • Full day

A lush valley with hiking trails, rock-cut churches, and a river.

Avanos

18 km • Half day

A town famous for its pottery and ceramic workshops.

Festivals

International Cappadocia Balloon Festival • June Cappadocia Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Book a hot air balloon ride in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture.
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
Try the local wine, as Cappadocia is known for its vineyards and wineries.
Visit the underground cities early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.