Cappadocia Green Tour

Exploring Cappadocia’s Green Tour: An In-Depth Look

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a comprehensive way to explore some of the region’s most captivating sights. Priced at $86.90 per person, this approximately 6 to 7-hour guided adventure departs from Goreme, Turkey, with pickup and a mobile ticket included for convenience. The tour is particularly suitable for those seeking a balanced mix of scenic views, historical sites, and local culture, all led by a knowledgeable local guide.

While the tour covers many iconic landmarks, one notable limitation is the absence of air conditioning in the vehicle, which might affect comfort during hot days. The tour is designed to be family-friendly, with stroller accessibility and infant seats available, making it an ideal choice for travelers with young children. This tour provides a solid introduction to Cappadocia’s highlights for those wanting an organized experience with all entrance fees included.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $86.90 for 6 to 7 hours, including guided commentary and entrance fees.
• Ideal for Families: Stroller accessible with infant seats available.
• Comprehensive Stops: Visits to Goreme Panorama, Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and an onyx factory.
• Scenic Highlights: Enjoy panoramic views and learn about Cappadocia’s geology and history.
• Local Cuisine: A lunch in Ihlara Valley features local delicacies next to the river.
• Expert Guidance: The tour is led by a local guide who provides detailed explanations at each site.

Starting at Goreme Panorama for a Scenic Introduction

The tour begins at Goreme Panorama, where stunning views of fairy chimneys and the surrounding landscape unfold. Here, the guide provides an overview of how Cappadocia’s famous formations came to be, giving visitors a sense of the area’s natural history. After this, there’s time for photos of the sweeping vistas, making it a perfect spot to appreciate the region’s unique terrain.

This initial stop sets the tone for the day, combining visual beauty with interesting context. The panoramic view is a highlight, especially for those who enjoy scenic photography and want a gentle start before heading deeper into Cappadocia’s sights.

Discovering the Underground City’s Historical Depth

About 40 minutes drive from Goreme, the tour reaches the Underground City, a space that was initially used as a natural deep freeze. Later, it served as a shelter against invasions during Roman times, showcasing its strategic significance. Visitors can explore its labyrinthine tunnels, rooms, and chambers, which span beneath the surface.

The guide offers clear explanations about how the city was built and used, helping visitors understand its complexity and purpose. Spending nearly an hour here allows plenty of time to appreciate the ingenious architecture and historical importance of this subterranean network.

Walking Through Ihlara Valley and its Churches

Traveling approximately 52 km from the Underground City, the tour arrives at the entrance to the Ihlara Valley, a 14 km long canyon shaped by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years. The Melendiz River runs through the valley, carving out 80-meter deep cliffs that once housed early Christian communities.

Visitors hike for about 3.5 km, taking in rock-carved churches and painted walls from past centuries. The hike lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a balance of scenic walking and cultural exploration. The walk is moderate, and the path is suitable for most fitness levels, but it’s worth noting that the terrain involves some uneven surfaces.

Enjoying a Traditional Lunch by the River

After the hike, the tour includes a 1-hour lunch break at a restaurant located in the valley. The meal features soup, salad, and a main dish of your choice, followed by seasonal fruits. This provides a chance to relax and enjoy local flavors in a peaceful riverside setting, a highlight for food lovers seeking authentic Turkish cuisine.

The lunch experience complements the day’s sightseeing, giving visitors a moment to unwind amid natural surroundings. The included meals are part of the overall value, saving time and effort from finding local eateries independently.

Visiting Yaprakhisar: The Fairy Chimneys and Star Wars Connection

Post-lunch, the tour takes visitors to Yaprakhisar, famous for its conical fairy chimneys. The area’s landscape resembles elements seen in the Star Wars films, earning it the nickname Star Wars Movie Set. Here, the guide explains the geological formation and the area’s cinematic appeal.

This stop offers memorable photo opportunities and a chance to see Cappadocia’s otherworldly terrain up close. It’s a visually striking location that enhances the sense of adventure and mystery that characterizes the region.

Exploring Selime Monastery’s Ancient Complex

Next, the tour advances to Selime Monastery, often compared to a castle due to its impressive size. The site contains shelters, churches, chapels, bedrooms, storages, and a large cathedral. The guide discusses monastic life in Cappadocia, shedding light on the spiritual and communal aspects of early Christian life.

Climbing through the monastery’s rock-cut passages can be physically demanding, but it offers a close-up look at medieval architecture and religious history. The site’s vast scale and intricate rooms make it one of the most distinctive stops on the tour.

Pigeon Valley and the Significance of Pigeon Houses

Following the monastery visit, visitors have about 1 hour to rest and enjoy the scenery at Pigeon Valley. Known for its carved houses and pigeon houses, this valley reveals how the local people historically used pigeons for eggs and droppings, which had various practical uses.

On arrival, the pigeons seem to greet visitors, emphasizing their importance in the region’s agricultural and cultural practices. The valley’s unique landscape and historical significance make it a memorable end to the sightseeing part of the day.

Visiting the Onyx Factory in Uchisar

The final stop is a visit to an onyx factory in Uchisar, where volcanic stone deposits are processed into jewelry and ornaments. Visitors observe a shaping show and learn about the steps involved in creating onyx pieces, gaining insight into Cappadocia’s geological resources.

This factory visit offers a hands-on look at local craftsmanship and provides opportunity for souvenir shopping. It neatly caps off the tour with a focus on the region’s natural minerals and artisanal skills.

Practical Details and Group Size

The Cappadocia Green Tour operates with a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. The meeting point is flexible, with pickup offered, and the tour begins at 9:30 am. The vehicle used is air-conditioned, though one reviewer notes that air conditioning was not available in the vehicle, which may impact comfort in warmer weather.

Most stops are well-paced, and the group size allows for attentive guiding. The tour finishes around 5:00 to 6:00 pm, when guests are dropped back at their hotels, making it an efficient way to see multiple highlights without overextending the day.

Overall Value and Suitability

At $86.90, the tour offers all entrance fees and a guide, representing a good value for those eager to explore Cappadocia’s key sights in one day. The lunch included is a bonus, providing a taste of local cuisine without extra planning.

While some reviews describe the experience as “average” due to no air conditioning in the vehicle, others praise the expert guidance and scenic sites. This tour is particularly suited to families, thanks to stroller accessibility and infant seats, and to visitors interested in history, geology, and film-related sights.

Final Thoughts on the Cappadocia Green Tour

The Cappadocia Green Tour delivers a well-rounded snapshot of the region’s natural, historical, and cultural highlights. Its structured itinerary ensures you see the Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and more, with admissions included to save time and money.

While not perfect for those seeking air-conditioned comfort or a relaxed pace, it compensates with expert guiding, diverse stops, and local flavor. This tour is a practical choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Green Tour suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly with stroller accessibility and infant seats available.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 6 to 7 hours, from 9:30 am to around 5:00-6:00 pm.

Are lunch and entrance fees included?
Yes, lunch is provided and all entrance fees are included in the tour price.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Goreme Panorama, Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Yaprakhisar, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and an onyx factory.

Is transportation air-conditioned?
The vehicle is air-conditioned, but one review notes that air conditioning was not available in the vehicle, which could affect comfort.

How many people are in each tour group?
The group size is limited to 18 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Can the tour accommodate people with mobility issues?
Stroller accessibility suggests some level of mobility accommodation, but challenging terrain at stops like the monastery may require additional consideration.

What is the best time to book this tour?
Most bookings occur about 39 days in advance, indicating it’s popular and should be reserved early.

How do I book the Green Tour?
You can book directly with Come to Cappadocia through their contact details or the booking platform.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.