Green (South) Tour Cappadocia (small group) with lunch and ticket

Explore Cappadocia’s Hidden South with an Expert Guide and Local Lunch

The Green (South) Tour Cappadocia offers an engaging day exploring the region’s less-traveled southern sites, all for $80.69 per person. This 7 to 9-hour small-group experience starts at Goreme, with pickup included and an air-conditioned vehicle ensuring comfort along the way. With a high rating of 5.0 from over 1,800 reviews, this tour is highly recommended, especially for those seeking a mix of outdoor activity and cultural insight.

It’s ideal for travelers who want to go beyond the busy, popular attractions and experience the quieter, more historically significant corners of Cappadocia. The tour features visitations to underground cities, monasteries, scenic valleys, and panoramic views, with a lunch included (drinks extra). The guide’s expertise shines through in the detailed explanations and friendly service, making this a well-organized, value-packed option.

Key Points

• Small-group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace
• Visit five major sites, including the Kaymakli Underground City and Selime Monastery
• Hike 3 km through Ihlara Valley, with cave churches and frescoes
• Enjoy lunch by the river, with extra charge for drinks
• Comfortable transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Flexible cancellation policy: full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance

Starting at Goreme Panorama for Stunning Views

The tour begins at the Goreme Panorama Point, where breathtaking vistas over Goreme Valley set the tone for the day. This stop lasts about 15 minutes and is perfect for taking photos of the fairy chimney landscape. No admission fee applies, making it an ideal introductory scene to Cappadocia’s natural beauty.

From here, the guide leads the group onto the next highlight, providing context about the region’s geography and history. This initial stop helps travelers orient themselves before exploring the more immersive sites ahead.

Descending into the Kaymakli Underground City

The Kaymakli Underground City is a key highlight, with a 1-hour visit included in the itinerary. This ancient subterranean complex has served as a refuge for many civilizations over its 4,000-year history. Visitors will learn how inhabitants lived underground, managing to survive long sieges and invasions.

The tunnels and rooms reveal clever architectural solutions, with many levels underground. The included admission ticket allows free exploration, and the guide’s commentary illuminates the purpose of different areas within the city.

Visiting the Magnificent Selime Monastery

Next, the group visits Selime Monastery, the largest rock-cut structure in Cappadocia. This 45-minute stop showcases a site once central to religious, social, and commercial life. The monastery’s impressive size and carved architecture tell stories of early Christian life in the region.

The site offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and provides a tangible sense of history. The admission ticket is included, and visitors can explore the caves, chapels, and tunnels that make up this fascinating complex.

Walking 3 km Through Ihlara Valley’s Lush Green Canyons

A significant part of the tour is the Ihlara Valley hike. Over 1 hour, travelers will walk approximately 3 km through this green canyon, which reaches depths of up to 100 meters. Along the way, cave churches with frescoes are visible, offering clues to the area’s religious past.

The valley’s natural beauty provides a peaceful contrast to the archaeological sites. Lunch is served by the river here, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. This outdoor activity is suitable for most physically capable visitors, with gentle terrain and manageable distances.

Scenic Pigeon Valley and Onyx Workshop Visit

The last stop features Uçhisar Castle’s views over Güvercinlik Vadisi (Pigeon Valley). This 25-minute visit is perfect for capturing scenic photos of the landscape and the castle perched atop the hill. The gardens offer a picturesque setting, with views across the region.

Plus, the group visits an onyx workshop, where local stones are crafted into jewelry. While the workshop is free to enter, extra purchases are at guests’ discretion. This stop adds a cultural touch, highlighting local craftsmanship.

Practical Details: Transport, Group Size, and Meal

Travel is comfortable with an air-conditioned vehicle that hosts a maximum of 14 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience. The meeting point is set for 9:30 am, and the tour includes all fees and taxes.

Lunch is included, offering a hearty meal by the river, though drinks are an additional expense. The tour is designed to balance sightseeing with outdoor activity, making it suitable for most visitors. Baby seats are available upon request, and the tour operates near public transportation routes for easy access.

Personalized Experiences and Guide Expertise

Based on reviews, the guides are praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendly demeanor. Guides like Melek, Angel, and Malik are noted for providing detailed explanations, humor, and attentive service. The small-group format ensures that questions are welcomed and everyone remains comfortable throughout the day.

Travelers also appreciate the well-organized schedule, with enough time at each site to absorb the history and enjoy the scenery. The driver’s professionalism and the comfortable van contribute to a smooth experience, even in challenging weather conditions such as snow.

Pacing, Accessibility, and Weather Considerations

The tour is designed with a moderate pace, allowing sufficient time at each stop, though some reviews mention a desire for more time at certain sites like the underground city or the river. It’s accessible for most travelers, with baby seats available and manageable walking distances, especially during the valley hike.

Weather can impact the experience—snow or rain might restrict access to certain areas or make paths slippery. However, the tour provider offers flexibility with full refunds if cancellation occurs due to poor weather, and the schedule typically proceeds as planned.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This small-group Green Tour suits visitors interested in outdoor exploration, archaeological sites, and scenic views. It’s particularly appealing for those wanting a rundown of less-frequented sites like the Kaymakli Underground City and Selime Monastery.

The price point of around $80, which includes lunch and entrance fees, offers good value given the diversity of locations covered. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking an active day highlighted by expert guides, cultural insights, and beautiful landscapes.

Final Thoughts on the Green (South) Tour in Cappadocia

The Green Tour offers a thoughtful balance of walking, sightseeing, and cultural discovery, making it ideal for those eager to explore beyond the crowds. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides create an engaging atmosphere, while the lunch and entrance fees are included to streamline the experience.

Despite some reviewers wishing for more time at certain stops, the overall organization, the quality of sites visited, and the personalized touch make this tour stand out. It’s most suitable for outdoor lovers, history buffs, and anyone wanting an authentic glimpse into the region’s quieter corners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Green Tour?
The tour costs $80.69 per person, including entrance fees and lunch.

How long does the tour last?
It typically runs 7 to 9 hours, starting at 9:30 am.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins in Goreme, with pickup included.

What are the main sites visited?
You’ll visit Goreme Panorama, Kaymakli Underground City, Selime Monastery, Ihlara Valley, and Pigeon Valley, plus an onyx workshop.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a local lunch is included, but drinks are extra.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, baby seats are available upon request, and most of the sites are accessible for families.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance; refunds are available then.

What kind of guides lead this tour?
Guides like Melek, Angel, Malik, and Hakan are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The data doesn’t specify accessibility features, but the moderate walking suggests some physical capability is needed.

Are there any additional costs?
Drinks during lunch are extra, and souvenirs or jewelry at the onyx workshop are at your own expense.