Cappadocia: Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley

Discover Cappadocia’s Lesser-Known Wonders with the Green Tour

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a full-day exploration of some of the region’s most captivating sites—perfect for travelers seeking a mix of history, nature, and scenic beauty. Priced with hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets, and a delicious lunch, this 9-hour guided experience is designed to showcase the quieter, more serene sides of Cappadocia.

Starting from five pickup locations, including Göreme and Uçhisar, the tour promises an intimate group size of no more than 14 people, ensuring personalized attention. The English-speaking guide leads you through fascinating underground tunnels, lush canyons, and ancient monasteries, making it ideal for those interested in immersive cultural and natural sights.

While the tour covers a rich itinerary, the physical activity involves moderate walking and some narrow tunnels, so it’s suited to travelers comfortable with a bit of outdoor exploration. The highlight lies in experiencing Kaymakli Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery, with ample time for photos and enjoyment at each stop.

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Key Points

• Full-day guided tour lasting 9 hours, including transportation and lunch
• Explore Kaymakli Underground City, a complex of tunnels and rooms used by early Christians
• Walk 3.5 km in Ihlara Valley, discovering cave chapels with frescoes
• Visit Selime Monastery, a fortress-like, rock-cut religious site from the 8th-9th centuries
• Includes scenic stops at Narlgöl crater lake and Pigeon Valley
• Group size limited to 14, guided by an experienced English-speaking guide

Starting at Göreme Panorama for Iconic Views

The tour kicks off at Göreme Panorama, a viewpoint that offers sweeping vistas of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and rock formations. This setting sets the tone for a day filled with dramatic scenery and historical intrigue. The guide shares insights into the landscape’s formation and history, making it a perfect introduction to the region’s surreal environment.

From here, the journey continues to the Kaymakli Underground City, a sprawling subterranean complex. Visitors walk through narrow tunnels and ancient rooms that once sheltered entire communities. The guide explains how early Christians built these multi-level hideouts to escape invasions, revealing the ingenuity behind their construction.

Exploring the Hidden Depths of Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli stands out as one of the most impressive underground cities in Cappadocia. The site offers a glimpse into underground living with kitchens, stables, and ventilation shafts. Visitors can imagine the daily life of inhabitants who carved out entire cities beneath the earth’s surface.

Navigating the tunnels involves bending and crouching through tight passages, so travelers should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some physical activity. The guide provides explanations along the way, making it easy to understand the strategic and practical features of this underground network.

Strolling the Tranquil Ihlara Valley and Visiting Cave Churches

Next, the tour takes you to the Ihlara Valley, a lush canyon carved by the Melendiz River. Over a 3.5 km guided walk, visitors follow the riverbank, discovering ancient cave chapels decorated with frescoes. The peaceful surroundings and the sound of flowing water create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for appreciating Cappadocia’s natural beauty.

This part of the tour emphasizes serenity and the chance to see hidden churches carved into the soft volcanic rock. The guide points out details about the religious significance and artwork found inside these caves. The walk offers a comfortable pace, with opportunities to pause and admire the scenery.

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Enjoying a Riverside Lunch Amidst Natural Beauty

After the walk, the group enjoys a hearty lunch at a riverside restaurant within the Ihlara Valley. The meal, included in the tour price, provides a chance to relax and recharge while taking in views of the flowing river and greenery. The restaurant serves local dishes, adding to the authentic experience of the day.

A sit-down lunch also offers a break from walking and an opportunity to chat with fellow travelers or the guide about the sites visited so far. The food and setting contribute to the overall sense of peace and immersion in the region’s landscape.

Discovering the Castle-Like Selime Monastery

Post-lunch, the tour visits Selime Monastery, a massive rock-cut religious complex that looks like a fortress. Dating back to the 8th or 9th centuries, it features churches, monks’ quarters, and a large kitchen carved into the mountain. The dramatic position of the monastery offers panoramic views over the valley below.

The guide explains the significance of this site’s architecture and its role in monastic life. Visitors can explore the different sections, marveling at the scale and ingenuity of the carved rooms. The site’s fortress-like appearance makes it a striking highlight of the tour.

Stop at Narlgöl Crater Lake and Pigeon Valley

On the return route, the tour pauses at Narlgöl, a notable crater lake known for its heart-like shape and changing color tones depending on the sunlight. The striking landscape provides excellent photo opportunities and a peaceful moment to enjoy the scenery.

Next, visitors walk through Pigeon Valley, famous for its dovecotes carved into the volcanic rock. These structures, built over centuries, are a fascinating example of traditional rural architecture. The guide shares stories about the role of pigeons in local life and their significance in the area.

Visiting a Local Onyx Workshop for Stone Artisanship

The final stop involves a visit to an Onyx Workshop, where artisans demonstrate stone-cutting techniques using onyx and other semi-precious stones. This visit showcases local craftsmanship and provides an opportunity to purchase souvenirs. It’s an engaging way to end the day, combining cultural insight with a chance to find a unique keepsake.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The Cappadocia Green Tour operates daily between 09:30 and approximately 18:00, with hotel pickup and drop-off included from five locations: Göreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, Çavuşin, and Uçhisar. The group is limited to 14 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

All entrance tickets and a lunch are included, simplifying planning. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide, with options for Turkish as well. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water for hydration.

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users due to some physical constraints and narrow tunnels.

The Experience Provider and Booking Flexibility

Operated by Ariarathes Travel, this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans. The combination of scenic stops, historical sites, and cultural insights makes it a well-rounded choice for exploring Cappadocia beyond its famous hot air balloon rides.

Final Thoughts on the Cappadocia Green Tour

The Cappadocia Green Tour delivers a comprehensive look at some of the region’s quieter yet equally impressive sites. The combination of underground tunnels, canyons, and monastic ruins offers a balanced mix of adventure and tranquility.

It particularly suits travelers interested in history, natural landscapes, and authentic experiences away from crowds. The guided walks and scenic viewpoints make it easy to appreciate Cappadocia’s unique beauty. While the physical demands are moderate, travelers should be prepared for some walking and narrow passages.

This tour adds depth to any trip, emphasizing lesser-known sites that reveal the diverse character of Cappadocia. It’s a value-rich option for those seeking an active, informative, and scenic day in Central Anatolia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting around 09:30 and ending by 18:00.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch at a riverside restaurant within the Ihlara Valley is part of the package.

Can I visit the underground city if I have claustrophobia?
This tour is not suitable for people with claustrophobia due to the narrow tunnels in Kaymakli Underground City.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended for outdoor walking and sun protection.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users because of physical constraints like narrow tunnels and uneven terrain.

Are tickets for the sites included?
Yes, museum entrance tickets are included in the tour price.

What stops are included on the return journey?
Stops include Narlgöl crater lake and Pigeon Valley, offering scenic views and photo opportunities.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 14 people, providing a more intimate experience.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made with Ariarathes Travel, with options to reserve now and pay later or cancel free up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby