Cappadocia Cave Churches & Underground Cities (3 Days)

Overview

Descend into the underground world of early Christian Cappadocia on this three-day tour from Istanbul. Here, in soft volcanic rock, early Christians carved entire churches, monasteries and astonishing multi-level underground cities where thousands could shelter. We explore the frescoed rock churches of the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum, the deep tunnels of Derinkuyu and the green canyon of the Ihlara Valley. Round-trip flights from Istanbul, a 3-4 star hotel, transfers and an expert guide are included.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul to Cappadocia

We fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia and begin at the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a remarkable monastic settlement of rock-cut churches whose Byzantine frescoes still glow after a thousand years. We continue to the panoramic viewpoints of the valleys and check in to our 3-4 star hotel.

Day 2 - Underground city and Ihlara Valley

We go underground at Derinkuyu, the deepest excavated underground city in Cappadocia, descending through narrow passages past ventilation shafts, wells, stables, kitchens and chapels carved many levels into the earth. We then walk part of the Ihlara Valley, a lush canyon lined with rock churches along a flowing stream.

Day 3 - Valleys and return to Istanbul

A final morning exploring fairy chimneys at Pasabag and Devrent and the castle-town of Uchisar, before we transfer to the airport for the flight back to Istanbul.

Tour highlights

The frescoed cave churches of the UNESCO Goreme Open-Air Museum
The multi-level underground city of Derinkuyu
A walk in the rock-church canyon of the Ihlara Valley
Fairy chimneys and the viewpoints of Uchisar
Flights from Istanbul, 3-4 star hotel, transfers and an expert guide included

Frequently Asked Questions

In the early Christian centuries Cappadocia was a major monastic centre. Believers carved hundreds of churches and chapels into the soft rock and built vast underground cities where whole communities could shelter in times of danger.

Derinkuyu is the deepest excavated underground city in Cappadocia, descending many levels into the earth with tunnels, ventilation shafts, wells, stables, kitchens and chapels capable of sheltering thousands of people.

The underground city has narrow, low passages that some visitors find challenging. If you prefer, your guide can arrange an alternative above ground while the group explores the tunnels.

Round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul, a 3-4 star hotel with half board, all transfers, site entrance fees and an expert guide. The optional hot air balloon flight, lunches and personal expenses are not included.

Yes. A sunrise balloon flight can be added on request for an extra charge, subject to weather and availability. Ask us and we will include it in your personalised quote.