Cappadocia: Green Tour and Sunrise Balloon Tour

Exploring Cappadocia means uncovering a landscape filled with extraordinary sights like underground cities, ancient monasteries, and stunning valleys. This Green Tour offers a comprehensive experience lasting around 7 hours, departing from Goreme, Turkey, with a price of $98.90 per person. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entry fees, and a traditional Turkish lunch, making it a convenient choice for visitors who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning.

A notable feature of this tour is the option to add a pre-sunrise hot air balloon flight, though this is not included by default. The tour’s focus on key landmarks like Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley makes it ideal for those seeking a well-rounded day of sightseeing, especially since the small-group setting provides a more intimate experience. However, it’s worth noting that the tour has mixed reviews, with some travelers experiencing cancellations or feeling that certain advertised features were not included. Still, the professional guides and luxury vehicle transportation stand out as definite advantages.

Key Points

• Full-day Cappadocia experience lasting approximately 7 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Includes entry to Derinkuyu Underground City and Selime Monastery.
• Hearty Turkish lunch is provided, and all entry fees are covered.
• Optional hot air balloon ride available for an unforgettable sunrise experience.
• Small-group tour limited to 15 travelers ensures a personalized atmosphere.
• Be aware that drinks are not included, and some reviews mention cancellations or misrepresented features.

Starting from Goreme: Convenient Pickup and Drop-off

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Goreme around 10:00 AM, making it easy to start your day without additional logistics. The luxury vehicle transports you comfortably between stops, allowing you to relax while taking in the scenery. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, offering a straightforward experience for travelers staying in Goreme or nearby.

Since the tour is designed for most travelers, access considerations are minimal, and the group size is capped at 15 people for a more personal touch. The option for pickup at different locations, such as Nevehir, is not explicitly mentioned, but the tour’s location focus remains on Goreme.

Exploring Derinkuyu Underground City: Deep Beneath Cappadocia

The journey to the Derinkuyu Underground City is a highlight, offering a chance to see one of the region’s best-preserved and deepest underground cities. Travelers visit rooms like stables, cellars, churches, and wineries, giving a sense of how ancient inhabitants lived and hid. The admission fee to Derinkuyu is included, and the visit lasts about 1 hour.

This underground city is a fascinating glimpse into Cappadocia’s past, with the tunnels and rooms carved out of volcanic rock. It’s a physically accessible stop but involves some walking and navigating narrow passageways, so travelers should be prepared for a bit of a crawl in certain areas.

Ihlara Valley Trek and Belisirma Village Lunch

After Derinkuyu, the tour takes you to the Ihlara Valley, where a 3.5 km walk down 382 steps leads into the canyon. The hike concludes at Belisirma Village, positioned alongside the river, where a lunch of traditional Turkish cuisine is served.

The lunch is a communal affair, offering hearty dishes and a chance to relax while enjoying scenic views. Following lunch, the tour explores the 13th-century Selime Monastery, carved from rock, and features Yaprakhisar Panorama, a popular spot for photos of the monastery and its Star Wars connection.

Visiting Selime Monastery and Yaprakhisar Panorama

The Selime Monastery stands out as a massive rock-cut structure from the 13th century, originally used by Christian monks. Its impressive size and intricate carvings provide insight into the historical importance of religious sites in Cappadocia.

Yaprakhisar Panorama offers a great photo opportunity, showcasing the monastery’s silhouette against the stunning landscape. Some reviewers note that these stops are visually striking, though there is no detailed critique about the experience here.

The Magic of Hot Air Ballooning: Optional but Memorable

A key feature of this tour is the pre-sunrise hot air balloon flight available as an additional option, starting at 5:15 AM with pickup, and ending around 7:15 AM. This experience promises spectacular views of Cappadocia at sunrise but is not included automatically in the price and must be booked separately.

While the balloon ride is described as an optional extra, the reviews recognize it as a notable highlight when it proceeds as planned. Travelers should be aware that bad weather can cause cancellations, and in some cases, participants are not informed in advance, which can impact plans.

The Green Tour: Practicalities and Inclusions

The Green Tour covers all entry fees and includes professional guiding, making it a convenient way to see the region’s most famous sites without extra hassle. The lunch provided is a traditional Turkish meal, a good opportunity to enjoy local cuisine amidst your sightseeing.

The tour is designed to be comprehensive yet manageable, with the luxury vehicle providing comfort and convenience throughout the day. However, beverages are not included, so travelers should plan for additional drinks if desired.

Tour Reviews: Mixed Experiences with Highlights and Shortcomings

Reviews indicate strong points like the expert guidance and stunning views, with particular praise for a guide named Gigi, who is described as fantastic. The small group size helps create a more personal atmosphere, which many appreciate.

On the downside, some reviews mention cancellations of the balloon ride due to bad weather and a lack of advance communication. Others felt that certain features, like the river experience and monastery tour, were not included or misrepresented in the promotional materials. The lunch has also been described as terrible by some, indicating variability in the dining experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Cappadocia Green Tour

This tour suits travelers who want a rundown of Cappadocia’s most famous sights in one day. The small-group setting appeals to those who prefer a more intimate experience with knowledgeable guides. It is especially well-suited for first-time visitors or those looking to maximize their time with minimal planning.

However, potential participants should be comfortable with a physically active itinerary, including walking, stairs, and cave exploration. The optional hot air balloon ride makes this a flexible choice for those wanting to add a memorable sunrise flight if weather permits.

Cappadocia Green Tour: Final Take on Value and Experience

At $98.90, this tour offers a solid value considering it covers all entry fees, includes lunch, and provides luxury transportation. The guided commentary and small-group format enhance the experience, though travelers should be aware of potential cancellations or disappointments related to the balloon flight or specific inclusions.

It’s best for adventure lovers who are eager to see underground cities, canyons, and monasteries in one day, and who appreciate the chance to add a hot air balloon ride for an extra memorable moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hot air balloon ride included in the tour price?
No, the hot air balloon flight is an optional extra that must be booked separately, and it departs early in the morning before the main tour.

What sites are covered during the Green Tour?
The tour covers Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Belisirma Village, Selime Monastery, and Yaprakhisar Panorama.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch of Turkish cuisine is included, served at Belisirma Village after the hike in Ihlara Valley.

What should I prepare for physically?
Expect a hike of 3.5 km in Ihlara Valley with stairs involved, and some walking at sites like the monastery. The tour is suitable for most travelers but involves some physical activity.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund.

This Cappadocia Green Tour provides a practical, well-organized way to experience the region’s highlights, especially if you’re interested in underground cities, valleys, and monasteries. While it offers a great value, travelers should keep in mind the possibility of weather-related cancellations and manage expectations about certain inclusions.