The Green Tour in Cappadocia covers the Southwest Cappadocia on the Ihlara Canyon side. This tour explores one of Turkey's enigmatic underground cities, the scenic Ihlara Valley, the historic Selime Monastery, a vantage point offering panoramic views, and several other smaller yet captivating stops.
Organized Green Tour Cappadocia
- The tour starts with a convenient pick-up service from your hotel at 09:30 AM, and ends with a drop-off at around 17:00 PM.
- This full-day excursion is approximately 8-9 hours long, accommodating groups of 2 to 33 people.
- These tours can be booked online or through local tour operators. You can also take help of your hotel book to these tours.
- The tour includes exploration of any five sites in Southwestern Cappadocia. Only one of the underground cities would be included in the itinerary.
- The tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
General Inclusions
- Professional tour guide
- Lunch at Belisırma Village.
- Pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel.
- All entrance fees to the various sites are covered.
- Refreshing beverages are provided during the tour.
Prices per person: Starts from EUR 62Tip: If you have a Turkey Museum Pass, it covers the entrance to Kaymakli, Ihlara, and Selime. Inform your Green Tour provider about this and ask for a discount equivalent to the value of these tickets.
Places Included in Cappadocia Green Tour
1. Goreme Panorama
Goreme Panorama offers a breathtaking view of Goreme and Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, with Uchisar Castle in the distance. You'll find benches to relax and take in the scenery. For a quieter experience, explore away from the crowds. Small shops sell Turkish ice cream, golems, and trinkets if you want a souvenir. Feel free to wander and capture some of your best Cappadocia photographs here. The tour guide will give you 20 - 30 minutes to explore the area.
2. Onyx factory or Pigeon Valley
Pigeon Valley is another highlight of the Green Tour. The valley is named after the countless pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, historically used for collecting pigeon droppings as fertilizer. The valley offers panoramic views of Cappadocia's surreal landscape.
3. Kaymakli Underground City
A highlight of the Green Tour is visiting an underground city in Cappadocia, likely Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, both situated in southern Cappadocia just 10 minutes apart. While Cappadocia is renowned for its unique Martian-like landscape and extraordinary fairy chimneys, the numerous hidden subterranean settlements beneath this fascinating region's surface are lesser-known.
4. Ihlara Valley Hike
Following the underground city, the Green Tour typically takes visitors to the Ihlara Valley. This picturesque valley is famous for its lush greenery, towering canyon walls, and the Melendiz River. The tour may include a hike along the valley, allowing participants to explore rock-cut churches and enjoy the serene natural beauty.
5. Selime Monastery
Next on the itinerary is Selime Monastery, a rock-cut monastery that stands as an impressive example of Cappadocia's unique architecture. The monastery complex includes churches, chapels, and living quarters carved into the rock formations.
6. Yaprakhisar
Yaprakhisar is a large rocky area with carved churches and monastic homes. It offers a beautiful view under the clear blue sky and is said to have inspired scenes in Star Wars! Although we only drove by, you can ask your guide to stop for a few minutes if you want to take some pictures.
Cappadocia Green Tour Tips
- Wear good walking shoes for the extensive walk-in Ihlara Valley and some climbing at Selime Monastery.
- Note that underground cities have narrow tunnels; you should skip this part if you're claustrophobic. Check the section on Kaymakli if you're considering it.
- This tour is great for those who love hiking and not suitable for everyone.
Cappadocia Red Tour vs Green Tour
Green Tour: Focuses on the southern part of Cappadocia, with more emphasis on natural landscapes like Ihlara Valley and historical sites such as the Derinkuyu Underground City. It involves more hiking and is great for those who enjoy nature and history.
Red Tour: Covers the northern region of Cappadocia, including highlights such as the Göreme Open Air Museum, Uçhisar Castle, and Çavuşin Village. It’s a bit shorter and focuses more on Cappadocia’s well-known landmarks.
Embarking on the Green Tour in Cappadocia is truly a must, as it guides you to some of the region's most extraordinary attractions that might be challenging to reach by regular transport. This adventure allows you to delve into the mysteries of an underground city, trek through a breathtaking river valley, and marvel at the intriguing rock-cut monastery of Selime – all in a single day, and at a remarkably affordable cost.
