Key Points

Price and Duration: The tour costs $90 per person and lasts 8 hours, making it a full-day exploration of Cappadocia’s most notable sites.
Comprehensive Experience: It covers Ihlara Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and Narligol Crater Lake.
Included Services: The package includes entrance fees, guided commentary in English or Turkish, skip-the-line access, and lunch.
Convenient Transfers: The tour departs from five pickup locations and includes round-trip transfer, ensuring easy access to the sites.
Extra Stops: Two brief stops at Van provide opportunities for photos and quick visits, complementing the main sightseeing.
Note on Drinks: Be aware that drinks are not included in the price, so bring water or purchase beverages separately.

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Exploring Cappadocia’s Largest Canyon: Ihlara Valley

The Ihlara Valley is one of the most striking natural features of the region. Stretching 15 km and reaching up to 150 meters deep, this canyon is renowned as one of the largest canyons in the world. The tour includes a guided walk along the valley, where you’ll see around 50 rock-hewn Christian churches and countless rock-cut buildings carved into the volcanic tuff. The lush greenery along the river running through the canyon creates a vivid contrast with the rocky landscape.

This stop offers a mix of nature and history, perfect for those interested in both outdoor scenery and ancient architecture. The walking route can be leisurely and is suitable for most visitors, but comfortable shoes are recommended. The canyon’s size and the quantity of historical churches make it a highlight that impresses with its scale and serenity.

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Cappadocia Green Tour (Guide + Lunch + Transfer)

Discovering the Depths of Kaymakli Underground City

A visit to Kaymakli Underground City reveals a labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and galleries excavated deep into volcanic rock. This largest and best-preserved underground city in the area has eight floors, although only four are open to the public. It’s a fascinating glimpse into early Christian life, as the city was created as a refuge from persecution.

The city can hold up to 3,000 people and extends over 85 meters deep. As you explore, you encounter low, winding passages, steep stairs, and rooms that served various purposes over centuries. This stop offers insight into how ancient civilizations, including Romans and Persians, might have used underground spaces for safety and community life.

Awe-Inspiring Selime Monastery and Rock-Cut Structures

At the end of the Ihlara Valley, the Selime Monastery emerges as an unexpected marvel. This rock-cut monastery dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries and was once home to Hittite, Assyrian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilizations. The structure served both religious and military purposes, functioning as a regional headquarters and education center for clergy.

The monastery’s frescoes depict Ascension, Annunciation, and Mother Mary and date from the late 10th and early 11th centuries. Its impressive size and historical significance make it a key stop for those interested in religious and architectural history. Walking through its carved halls provides a sense of connection to centuries of faith and power.

Scenic Walks and Pigeon Valley’s Man-Made Homes

Pigeon Valley, or Guvercinlik Vadisi, earns its name from the countless dovecotes carved into the volcanic tuff. These man-made pigeon houses date back to ancient times, when pigeons played a vital role in the region for food and fertilizer. Today, the valley still features these rocky homes atop rock pillars and inside caves, offering a glimpse into past practices.

The guide leads a walk through Pigeon Valley, giving opportunities to admire the rock formations and historical dovecotes. While pigeons are no longer used for their original purpose, the valley’s landscape remains a distinctive feature of Cappadocia’s terrain.

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Lunch in Belisirma Village

A highlight of this tour is the lunch at Belisirma Village, where a decent meal is provided for all participants. This village setting offers a break from sightseeing, giving visitors a chance to relax and enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine. The meal is included in the tour price, providing good value for a full-day visit.

The village’s authentic atmosphere complements the historical sites, adding a cultural depth to the day. The lunch is a practical and pleasant aspect of the tour, especially after the morning sites.

Visiting Narligol Crater Lake

Narligol, also called Nar Lake, is a volcanic crater lake located about 45 km from Aksaray. Sitting at 1,363 meters elevation, it covers 0.7 square kilometers and reaches a depth of 21 meters. The lake’s waters are brackish, influenced by nearby thermal facilities, which gives it a unique chemical composition.

This stop offers a peaceful natural setting for photographs and a chance to see a different facet of Cappadocia’s geology. The lake’s high altitude and volcanic origins make it an interesting contrast to the region’s other landscapes.

Easy Logistics with Multiple Pickup Points

The tour starts from five pickup locations: Avanos, Nevşehir, Ürgüp, Uçhisar, and Göreme, providing broad access for travelers staying in different parts of Cappadocia. After the day’s sightseeing, the tour concludes with drop-offs at Uçhisar, Göreme, Ürgüp, Nevşehir, and Avanos.

Transfers are included, removing the stress of navigating between sites. The schedule includes brief stops at Van, both at the start and midway through the day, giving quick opportunities for photos and light sightseeing. The entire process is designed for ease and convenience.

The Itinerary and Pacing

The itinerary balances guided visits with free time for walking and photos. The tour begins with a 20-minute stop at Van, followed by 3 hours of sightseeing in Cappadocia’s main sites, including Ihlara Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and Selime Monastery. After a lunch break, the schedule allows for a 2.5-hour walk and scenic views, with another quick stop at Van before heading back.

This pacing is suitable for most travelers, offering a mix of structured guided exploration and opportunities for personal discovery. The total duration of 8 hours makes it a comprehensive day without feeling overly rushed.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour price of $90 covers all entrance fees, the guided tour in English or Turkish, skip-the-line tickets, and lunch. It does not include drinks, so travelers should prepare to purchase beverages separately.

The guides are knowledgeable and speak both English and Turkish, providing context and answering questions during the site visits. The skip-the-line feature helps maximize time at popular locations like Kaymakli and Selime.

Final Thoughts on the Green Tour Experience

This Cappadocia Green Tour offers a well-rounded day of exploring natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural highlights. The price point of $90 provides good value, considering the included lunch, entrance fees, and transfers.

The tour is ideal for those interested in geology, archaeology, and history, with enough walking and exploration to satisfy curious travelers. It’s a particularly good choice for visitors who want an organized, comprehensive experience without the hassle of logistical planning.

The main limitations are the lack of drinks included and potential crowds at popular sites, but the skip-the-line access mitigates long waits. The tour delivers a balanced, engaging look at some of Cappadocia’s most treasured locations.

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