Green Tour in Cappadocia with Ihlara canyon & Underground city

The Green Tour in Cappadocia offers an engaging full-day experience for those eager to explore the region’s natural wonders and historical sites. Priced at $35.44 per person, the tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, making it a comprehensive option for travelers wanting to see multiple highlights in one day. Starting from Goreme, this tour features pickup and drop-off service, guided commentary in English, and visits to iconic locations such as Ihlara Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and Selime Monastery. With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour maintains a personal touch while covering key attractions.

The tour’s appealing price point and highly positive reviews—rated 5.0 out of 5 with 17 reviews—make it a popular choice. While the itinerary is packed, the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves some walking and exploring, but it’s not designed for claustrophobic individuals due to the underground passages.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting approximately 7.5 hours from Goreme
• Includes transportation, guidance, and entrance fees for major sites
• Visits to Ihlara Valley, Underground City, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley
• Affordable price at $35.44 per person
• Highly rated with perfect reviews and professional guides
• Small group size of up to 15 participants enhances interaction

Starting Point and Transport Logistics in Goreme

This Green Tour departs from Goreme, with included hotel pickup and drop-off ensuring a hassle-free start to the day. The tour is conducted in a comfortable Mercedes bus, ideal for navigating the regional roads and reaching each destination efficiently. Its small group size allows for personal interaction with the guide and easy access at each site.

Visiting Göreme Panorama for Breathtaking Views

The tour begins at the Göreme Panorama, where visitors are greeted with spectacular views of the fairy chimneys and unique rock formations. This 20-minute stop is perfect for photographs and enjoying the landscape’s natural beauty. The free admission makes it an ideal starting point to set the tone for the rest of the day.

Exploring the Subterranean Marvel of Kaymakli Underground City

Next, the Kaymakli Underground City offers a fascinating underground labyrinth carved into volcanic rock. Its interconnected tunnels, rooms, and chambers reveal the ingenuity of early inhabitants, who used this multilevel refuge during times of persecution. The included admission ticket allows full access to explore living quarters, ventilation systems, and defensive features, providing a deep look into Cappadocia’s underground heritage.

Discovering the Natural and Historical Wonders of Ihlara Valley

The Ihlara Valley is a stunning canyon carved by the Melendiz River over millions of years. This one-hour stop features impressive canyon walls adorned with ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes, showcasing Byzantine art. While the natural beauty is a highlight, the historical frescoes add a layer of cultural significance to this picturesque landscape.

Tasting Turkish Cuisine with a River View at Belisirma

A one-hour stop at Belisirma provides an opportunity to sample traditional Turkish dishes while enjoying scenic views over the Melendiz River. This free admission stop offers a relaxed setting to savor local flavors, making the tour a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Visiting the Impressive Selime Monastery

The Selime Monastery, dating back to the 8th century, features rock-cut churches, chapels, and living quarters carved into the volcanic rock. This 45-minute visit offers a glimpse into monastic life and Cappadocia’s historical religious architecture. The admission fee is included, allowing visitors to fully explore this cultural landmark.

Learning about Cappadocia’s Unique Stones at Onyx Workshop

The Onyx Workshop offers a 45-minute visit where visitors can learn about valuable and semi-precious stones native to the region. The free admission provides insights into local craftsmanship and the significance of onyx and other stones in Cappadocia’s artisanal traditions.

Scenic Walk Through Pigeon Valley

The tour concludes with a 20-minute walk in Pigeon Valley, renowned for its rock formations and carved pigeon houses. This scenic overlook offers breathtaking views of fairy chimneys and an opportunity to appreciate the historic use of pigeon houses for fertilizer collection. It’s an easy, relaxing way to soak in the landscape’s charm.

Authentic Turkish Flavor at Beyzade Kuruyemis

The 30-minute stop at Beyzade Kuruyemis is dedicated to sampling local products like pumpkin seeds, rose oil, Turkish delight, and Turkish coffee. This free tasting session provides a delicious, authentic taste of Cappadocia’s regional specialties.

Practical Aspects and Tour Experience

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guidance in English, and all entrance fees for the scheduled sites. The timing is designed to balance site visits and rest, with the tour ending approximately at 3:00 pm. The group size of 15 ensures a personalized experience, and the moderate physical activity involved suits most visitors, except those with claustrophobia.

Highly Praised Guides and Positive Reviews

The guides like Tugba and Osman earn praise for their knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging approach. Visitors consistently highlight the expertise and passion of the guides, especially noting the informative history lessons and entertaining storytelling. Several reviews mention the underground city as a highlight, along with appreciation for delicious local food and well-organized logistics.

Balancing Value and Experience

At $35.44, this tour offers exceptional value considering the multiple sites visited, guided commentary, transportation, and lunch included. The small group size enhances interaction, and the high ratings reflect overall satisfaction. However, guests should be prepared for a busy schedule and some walking at sites like Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This Green Tour appeals most to history buffs, scenery enthusiasts, and those seeking a rundown of Cappadocia’s natural and archaeological treasures. It’s ideal for moderate physically fit travelers who enjoy guided group excursions. Visitors with claustrophobia should note the underground city visit may be uncomfortable.

Final Thoughts on the Green Tour in Cappadocia

For $35.44, this tour provides a well-rounded experience covering major highlights such as Ihlara Valley, Underground City, and Selime Monastery. The professional guides and smooth logistics ensure a memorable day. While it is value-packed, it does involve some walking and standing, making it suitable for most but not all visitors.

This tour excels at delivering a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. It’s perfect for those who want an efficient, guided exploration of Cappadocia’s best-known sites without the hassle of planning. Highly recommended for first-time visitors wanting to see the region’s most iconic landmarks in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Green Tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guidance in English, entrance fees, and lunch. It also features stops at Ihlara Valley, Underground City, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, starting with pickup and concluding in the early afternoon.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
The tour involves some walking and exploring at sites like Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery. It is not recommended for claustrophobic individuals due to underground passages. Physical fitness requirements are moderate.

How much free time do I get at each stop?
Most stops are around 20 minutes to 1 hour, allowing time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
This tour is typically booked 28 days in advance, but last-minute availability may vary depending on the season and demand.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The highly praised guides, value for money, and well-organized itinerary make this tour a standout choice for those wanting a comprehensive Cappadocia experience in one day.