Cappadocia: Green Lanterns Tour with Lunch & Guide

The Cappadocia: Green Lanterns Tour with Lunch & Guide offers an engaging full-day experience exploring some of the region’s most iconic sights. Priced with a 7.5-hour duration, this tour is provided by OldTown Travel, which maintains a high 4.8-star rating. With multiple pickup points, including Ürgüp, Göreme, Uçhisar, and others, it offers flexibility for visitors staying in the area. The tour includes lunch in Belisirma village, visits to the underground city of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, the spectacular Ihlara Valley, and stops at notable viewpoints like Göreme Panorama and Pigeon Valley. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a rundown of Cappadocia’s natural beauty and historical sites.

While the tour covers extensive ground and features several highlights, it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with walking and exploring diverse terrains. The inclusion of lunch, guided explanations, and entrance fees makes it good value. However, it is not suitable for visitors with claustrophobia, wheelchair users, or those with visual impairments due to the nature of some stops, like underground tunnels and steep paths.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering the best of Cappadocia’s valleys, underground cities, and historical sites
• Includes lunch in a local village, with the chance to taste fresh regional food
• Guided by an expert English-speaking guide providing detailed explanations at each stop
• Visits to Göreme Panorama and Pigeon Valley offer stunning viewpoints and great photo opportunities
• Hiking through Ihlara Valley near the Melendiz River reveals over 15 churches and 1,000 caves, carved by early Christian monks
• Tour duration is 7.5 hours, with pickup and drop-off from multiple locations

You can check availability for your dates here:

From Göreme to the Pigeon Valley Lookout

The tour begins with a scenic Göreme Panorama stop, where you’ll enjoy expansive views of the volcanic landscape and learn about how the region’s geology shaped its famous formations. The Pigeon Valley lookout follows, offering a fresh perspective of the valley’s carved cliffs, dotted with pigeon houses built by early inhabitants. These views set the tone for the day’s exploration of Cappadocia’s natural artistry.

Exploring the Depths of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City

The underground city visit is a highlight. Derinkuyu is the biggest and deepest discovered so far, with 18 levels connected by narrow tunnels and rock ladders. Visitors explore areas such as animal stalls, storage spaces, a church, winery, oil press, kitchen, and classrooms across 8 accessible levels. The guide explains how early residents used this remarkable structure for security during dangerous times. If Kaymakli is chosen instead, it offers similar subterranean intrigue, with narrow passageways and underground chambers.

Visiting Selime Monastery and Its Monastic Life

Next, the tour takes visitors to Selime Monastery, the largest rock-cut monastery in the region. Climbing up the same paths used by early monks, visitors see kitchens, schoolrooms, stables, an oil-press, and the massive cathedral space, some of which still feature frescoes. The landscape here resembles scenes from Star Wars films, providing fantastic photographic opportunities.

Enjoying Local Flavors in Belisirma Village

After a busy morning of sightseeing, the tour includes a 45-minute lunch break in Belisirma village. The meal features fresh, local ingredients and is included in the tour package, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional regional cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Walking the Scenic Trail in Ihlara Canyon

Post-lunch, the group hikes around 4 km along the Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley. This scenic walk lasts approximately one hour and passes through a canyon that is 14 km long. The valley contains more than 15 churches and approximately 1,000 caves, all carved by early Christian monks. The cool shade and lush surroundings make this a refreshing contrast to the heat of summer, offering a peaceful walk amid striking natural beauty.

Visiting Nar Gölü (Pomegranate Lake)

The tour also features a stop at Nar Gölü, a volcanic crater lake filled partly by hot sulfurous springs. The lake is notable for its climate history research and supposed health benefits, thanks to its thermal waters. It’s a tranquil spot for photos and a moment of reflection.

Discovering Onyx Craftsmanship

The final stop involves visiting a crafts workshop where artisans create beautiful objects from colorful translucent onyx. Here, visitors can see firsthand how traditional craftsmanship continues in Cappadocia and purchase unique souvenirs.

Practicalities: Logistics and Physical Requirements

This tour departs from six different locations, providing convenience for many travelers. The pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour features live English-speaking guides. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and clothes, bring a camera, and prepare for variable weather conditions by dressing in layers. It’s advised to carry water and wear a hat for sun protection.

The tour’s physical demands include walking and climbing in some locations like the underground city and Selime Monastery, making it unsuitable for people with claustrophobia, wheelchair users, or those with visual impairments.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This Green Lanterns Tour is comparable to other Cappadocia day tours, offering a balanced combination of natural beauty, historical insights, and local culture. Its inclusion of lunch, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide makes it a strong value, particularly for visitors wanting an all-in-one experience without extra planning.

Cappadocia: Green Lanterns Tour – A Practical Choice for Exploration

This tour provides a well-rounded look at Cappadocia’s best sights in a single day. The guided explanations help deepen understanding of the region’s geology, history, and culture, while the scenic stops offer plenty of photo opportunities. The lunch in Belisirma and the chance to walk through the Ihlara Canyon add special touches that elevate the experience.

However, the physical nature of some stops means it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and climbing. The absence of accessibility options for wheelchair users or those with claustrophobia is a limitation, but for most active visitors, this tour offers a satisfying glimpse into Cappadocia’s natural and historic wonders.

In summary, the Cappadocia Green Lanterns Tour is a practical, engaging, and value-packed option that suits travelers seeking an immersive day with expert guidance and diverse sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from six designated locations are included, making logistics simple.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, along with a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable during walking and outdoor stops.

Are there any stops unsuitable for certain visitors?
The underground city and Selime Monastery involve narrow tunnels and steep paths, making this tour unsuitable for people with claustrophobia, wheelchair users, or those with visual impairments.

How long is the walking in Ihlara Valley?
The walk in Ihlara Canyon covers approximately 4 km and takes about one hour, through a scenic, shaded environment with historic caves and churches.

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