South of Cappadocia Tour-Green Tour

The South of Cappadocia Green Tour offers an engaging full-day exploration of some of the most iconic sights in Central Anatolia. Priced at $92 per person and lasting approximately 7 hours, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that covers underground cities, scenic valleys, and historic monasteries. It departs from popular locations such as Göreme, Uçhisar, Nevşehir, Avanos, and Ürgüp, making it accessible for many travelers staying in the region.

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the guided walking experience, which includes a 4 km walk along the Ihlara River through the canyon, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and cave churches carved by early Christian monks. The tour also features visits to Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City, where you can see the extensive tunnel systems and underground rooms. While the tour offers impressive sights and knowledgeable guides, potential participants should consider that some reviews mention logistical issues, such as last-minute schedule changes.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour covering southern Cappadocia highlights in 7 hours.
• Includes entrance tickets to underground cities, monasteries, and natural sites.
• Walk 4 km along the Ihlara River through the scenic canyon.
• Visits to Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City reveal underground tunnels, churches, and food storage.
• Lunch at a riverside restaurant in Ihlara Valley (drinks not included).
• Comfortable transportation in a modern minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Guided experience led by a professional English-speaking guide.
• Price point of $92 offers a practical way to see key sights in a single day.
• Potential for schedule changes or store visits, as noted in some reviews.

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Exploring Cappadocia’s Scenic Panorama from Uçhisar

The tour begins at the Goreme Panorama viewpoint, where breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s unique landscape unfold. The guide explains how the region’s landscape formed, giving visitors insight into the area’s geological features. This spot provides a perfect photo opportunity and sets the tone for the day.

Next, the tour proceeds to Pigeon Valley, with a brief 15-minute stop to admire the stone-carved pigeon houses and the verdant valley. This location offers scenic vistas and allows for some quick photos before moving on to the next attraction.

Visiting the Underground Cities: Derinkuyu or Kaymakli

A key highlight of this tour is the visit to Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City. These sites date back to the 7th-8th centuries and are among the biggest and deepest underground settlements in the area. Visitors walk down 6-8 interconnected levels through narrow tunnels and stone stairways, experiencing what life was like underground.

Within these underground complexes, you’ll see a church, kitchens, food storage areas, animal stalls, and even a winery. Your guide provides insights into the daily routines of the ancient inhabitants. Some reviews mention that last-minute changes or scheduling issues have impacted the overall experience, so flexibility might be beneficial.

Walking Through Ihlara Valley and Cave Churches

After exploring underground sites, the tour takes an easy 4 km walk along the Ihlara River, passing through the deep canyon of Ihlara Valley. The walk lasts about one hour and offers a close-up view of the cave churches carved into the canyon walls by early Christian monks.

The natural beauty of the valley combines with the historical intrigue of the cave churches, making this one of the most memorable parts of the day. The walk ends at a riverside restaurant where a Turkish kebab-style lunch awaits (drinks not included). The relaxed pace and scenic surroundings are highlights here, and the lunch provides a welcome break.

Exploring Selime Monastery’s Historic Monastic Complex

Following lunch, the tour visits Selime Cathedral, the largest rock-carved monastery in the region. This site was once home to Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilizations, showcasing a blend of historic eras.

The guided tour of Selime Monastery lasts around 45 minutes, revealing carved chapels, tunnels, and living quarters. Its impressive scale and the history embedded in its stone architecture make it a standout stop for history enthusiasts.

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Final Panoramic View from Uçhisar and Pigeon Houses

The tour concludes with a visit to a viewpoint in Uçhisar, overlooking Pigeon Valley. Here, visitors see the stone-carved pigeon houses that ancient inhabitants used for communication and farming. This final stop offers panoramic vistas of Cappadocia’s landscape, providing a perfect backdrop for photos and reflection on the day’s exploration.

Practical Aspects and Logistics

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a stress-free day. Transportation takes place in a comfortable, modern minivan, making the long day more enjoyable. The English-speaking guide leads the group, providing informative commentary throughout the day.

All entrance tickets are covered, so there are no extra costs for the underground city, monastery, or valley visits. Lunch at a riverside restaurant is included, but drinks are not.

Travelers should note that some reviews mention schedule changes or visits to stores, which could affect the experience. Therefore, flexibility and patience can enhance the overall enjoyment.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

The South of Cappadocia Green Tour is well-suited for those wanting an in-depth yet manageable overview of the region’s highlights. It suits history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone eager to experience Cappadocia’s landscapes and underground marvels in one day.

However, travelers who prefer highly flexible itineraries or dislike scheduled group activities might find the experience less satisfying, especially considering some reviews mention unpredictable schedule changes.

Final Thoughts on the Green Tour in Cappadocia

This 7-hour guided tour offers a practical and comprehensive way to see some of Cappadocia’s most famous sights. With entrance tickets included, a scenic walk, and historic sites, it delivers good value for $92.

The guide’s expertise and the mix of natural beauty with archaeological sites make this tour appealing. Still, potential schedule adjustments and store visits are points to consider. It’s particularly suitable for visitors with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing experience in a single day.

If you enjoy stories about history, nature, and panoramic views, this tour will likely meet and even exceed expectations. Just remember to keep flexible and be prepared for a busy but rewarding day exploring southern Cappadocia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Nevehir, Uçhisar, Avanos, Göreme, and Ürgüp.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transportation is provided in a modern, comfortable minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are entrance tickets included?
All entrance tickets for underground cities, monasteries, and sites are included in the price.

What will I eat during the tour?
A lunch at a riverside restaurant in Ihlara Valley is included, but drinks are not.

Are there any reviews about the guide?
Yes, reviews mention the guide’s attentiveness and efforts to stay with the group positively, with some praise for the knowledgeable guidance.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for all physical levels?
The tour involves walking, including a 4 km walk in Ihlara Valley, so some physical activity is required.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Highlights include Goreme Panorama, Pigeon Valley, Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City, Ihlara Valley walk, and Selime Monastery.

Is the tour good value for the price?
At $92, with all entrance fees and lunch included, it offers a solid experience for those wanting to see key Cappadocia sights in one day.

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