Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour. Lunch incl.

Explore the Best of South Cappadocia with an 8-Hour Guided Tour

The Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour offers a comprehensive look at some of the region’s most iconic sights, all within approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. Priced at $40.55 per person, this tour is an excellent choice for those short on time but eager to see underground cities, spectacular valleys, and historic monuments. It departs from Goreme with hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple and convenient. The small-group setting, limited to 15 participants, ensures an intimate experience, guided by knowledgeable local experts.

This tour covers a range of highlights, including Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery. With lunch included, you can enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine at a scenic riverside restaurant. Several reviews praise the expert guides and stunning views, though some note that long walks and crowd management require moderate fitness. This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized day with diverse sights packed into a manageable schedule.

Key Points

• Full-day tour (approximately 7 hours 45 minutes) covering south Cappadocia’s top sights.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Goreme.
• Visits Derinkuyu Underground City, Ilhara Valley, and Selime Monastery.
• Lunch at a recommended restaurant along the route.
• Small group limited to 15 travelers for a more personal experience.
• Guides are praised for being kind, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Starting with Goreme Hotel Pickup and Scenic Panorama Views

The tour begins at 9:30 am with hotel pickup from Goreme, making the start seamless for visitors staying in the town. After a 30-minute drive, the first stop is at the Goreme Panorama, just 2 km from the town center. Here, panoramic views reveal Erciyes Mountain and the Pigeon Valley, perfect for photos. This stop offers a magnificent vista of Cappadocia’s unique landscape, including rock formations and valley vistas.

The viewpoint is well-regarded for its breathtaking scenery, giving a first taste of the area’s geological wonder. Travelers can enjoy a short break on a bench or chair while soaking in the harsh yet beautiful lunar landscapes that define Cappadocia. The Erciyes Mountain, standing at 3917 meters, dominates the horizon, adding to the dramatic scenery.

Discovering Cappadocia’s Unique Onyx Craftsmanship

Next, a visit to Kapadokya Onyx showcases the region’s characteristic black onyx stone. This stop lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on the craftsmanship that has made Cappadocia famous. The hardness of the onyx determines its value for jewelry and decorative items.

While this stop is free of charge, it offers an opportunity to view local artisans’ work and perhaps purchase a souvenir. It provides a quick cultural insight into the region’s artisanal traditions before heading into the underground depths.

Exploring the Vastness of Kaymakli Underground City

A highlight of the tour is the Kaymakli Underground City, a massive subterranean complex that extends deep into the earth. Lasting about one hour, this underground settlement can house up to 5000 people and includes churches, kitchens, and water wells.

Visitors get a guided walk through narrow tunnels, low ceilings, and rooms carved into volcanic rock. While impressive and well-preserved, the city’s claustrophobic passages and stairs make it suitable for those with moderate physical fitness. The guide’s explanations help contextualize the ancient engineering that allowed early inhabitants to hide and live underground.

Visiting Selime Monastery’s Monumental Rock Carvings

Next, the tour takes you to Selime Monastery, the largest of its kind in Cappadocia. The site, believed to date back to the 8th or 9th century, took over 200 years to carve out of rock. It has churches, stables, and living quarters that once sheltered up to 5000 people.

Spending about 45 minutes here, visitors can explore the rock-carved churches and monastic rooms. The Selime Monastery stands out for its size and historical significance, and the views from the site over the surrounding landscape are striking. A warning: time for photos is limited, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Turkish Lunch in Belisirma Village

Midday, the tour stops in Belisirma, a scenic village on the banks of the Melendiz River. Here, lunch is included, served at a recommended restaurant. The meal features local Turkish cuisine, allowing travelers to enjoy a relaxed break with scenic views.

This stop provides time to rest and recharge after the morning’s sightseeing, with some reviews noting that the food is tasty and the restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere. Visitors also have free time to stroll along the river or browse nearby shops.

Trekking through the Spectacular Ihlara Valley

The route continues with a 2.5-mile (4 km) hike along the Ihlara Valley, a deep canyon formed by volcanic activity and erosion over hundreds of thousands of years. The Melendiz River meanders through the valley, creating a lush contrast to Cappadocia’s typically arid landscape.

The Ihlara Valley offers an interesting walk with rock-cut churches and wildlife. The stop lasts about 50 minutes, giving enough time for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities. A notable feature is the small churches carved into the rocks, some with frescoes still visible. The valley is considered a highlight for its natural beauty and historical sites.

Discovering Pigeon Valley’s Unique Landscape and Origins

The final sightseeing stop is at Pigeon Valley, a heart-shaped valley famous for the rock formations and dovecotes carved into the cliffs. This 15-minute stop offers panoramic views of the valley’s rock formations and hidden cave dwellings.

The name derives from the pigeon houses built into the rocks, historically used by locals for collecting pigeon droppings as fertilizer. Visitors can enjoy spectacular vistas and learn about the geological and cultural significance of the valley.

Concluding the Day with a Gaze at Cappadocia’s Lunar Landscape

The tour wraps up with a lookout point in Goreme, where travelers absorb views of Cappadocia’s lunar landscape and distinctive rock formations. This short stop allows for final photos and reflection on the day’s adventures before being dropped back at your Goreme hotel.

The overall experience emphasizes natural beauty, historic sites, and local culture, all within a well-structured itinerary designed to maximize sightseeing with moderate walking.

Practical Details and Tips for the Green Cappadocia Tour

This tour is designed for people with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking, climbing stairs, and narrow tunnels at underground sites. Shoes suitable for walking are recommended, especially for the longer hikes in Ihlara Valley and underground passages.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, with guides like Emre, Kazim, and Ofuk praised for their kindness and knowledge. Lunch is included at a recommended restaurant, and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.

While most reviews highlight positive experiences, some mention crowd management issues, especially at popular sites like Selime Monastery, and long walks at certain stops. Admission fees for some sites are included, but it’s wise to bring extra cash for souvenirs or drinks.

The Value and Suitability of the Green Cappadocia Tour

Priced at just over $40, this tour offers excellent value for a full day of sightseeing and expert guidance. Its inclusive nature, with pickup, transport, lunch, and entry fees, simplifies planning. The small-group format fosters a more comfortable and engaging atmosphere.

However, travelers should be prepared for moderate physical activity and some walking. The tour is ideal for those who want a rundown of south Cappadocia’s highlights without the hassle of self-organizing multiple sites.

Final Thoughts on the Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour

This tour provides a rich blend of natural landscapes, historical monuments, and local culture. Its affordable price and well-organized itinerary make it a solid choice for first-time visitors or those with limited time in Goreme.

While some reviews note crowd issues and short photo times, the knowledgeable guides and stunning views compensate. The lunch included and pickup service add to the overall convenience.

The Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour offers a balanced, engaging day exploring Cappadocia’s geological and historic marvels with friendly guides and authentic experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, and entrance fees to sites like Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, including site visits, lunch, and transfers.

Is physical fitness required?
Yes, moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking, climbing stairs, and navigating narrow tunnels and rock formations.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, stops at local shops may include jewelry and souvenirs, but shopping is optional.

How is the guide rated?
Guides like Emre, Kazim, and Ofuk receive praise for their kindness, knowledge, and helpfulness.

Is lunch included and what is it like?
Yes, lunch is included at a recommended restaurant serving local Turkish cuisine; reviews describe it as tasty.

Are there any site entrance fees not included?
Most entrance fees, like those for Underground City and Ihlara Valley, are included if the options are selected, but extra expenses may apply for souvenirs or additional activities.

What should I wear on this tour?
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking and outdoor activity are recommended, especially for hiking and exploring underground sites.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 15 participants, fostering a more personal experience.

Are there any negative aspects to consider?
Some reviews mention crowds, long walks, and limited photo time at certain sites, so plan accordingly if these are concerns.