cappadocia green tour

Discover the Best of Cappadocia with the Green Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia, the Green Tour offers a comprehensive way to see some of the region’s most iconic sights in just one day. While we haven’t personally joined this specific tour, its detailed itinerary and numerous positive reviews suggest it’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of history, nature, and stunning vistas.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the inclusion of underground cities like Derinkuyu gives a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilizations, carved deep into the earth. Second, the Ihlara Valley hike promises a scenic walk along a river with access to historic Orthodox churches. Third, the panoramic stops such as Uchisar Pigeon Valley and Goreme National Park offer picture-perfect moments that are perfect for memories and social media alike.

However, one consideration is the moderate walking involved—if mobility isn’t your strong suit, some parts, like the underground city and canyon trails, might be challenging. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a full day of sightseeing with a mix of walking, history, and scenic views. It’s perfect for those who want a structured, guided experience without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive itinerary: Combines underground cities, valleys, monasteries, and panoramic viewpoints.
• All-in-one value: For $65, the tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.
• Guided experience: Led by a professional guide, enriching the visit with insights.
• Moderate walking: Some stops require walking or climbing; suitable for most but not all travelers.
• Timing: Starts at 09:30 and concludes around 18:00, making it a full, immersive day.
• Limited group size: Max of 16 travelers for a more personal experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Cappadocia Green Tour

Starting the Day: Easy Pickup and Introduction

The tour begins with hotel pickup at 09:30, which means you don’t have to worry about navigating local transport. This is particularly handy if you’re staying in Goreme or nearby, as many travelers find the convenience a significant plus.

Once picked up, your professional guide will lead the group through the day’s agenda. The first stop is the Goreme National Park Panorama, offering a breathtaking view of the fairy chimneys and rock formations that define the region. It’s an excellent way to orient yourself visually and get a sense of the vast landscape that you’ll explore more closely later.

Exploring Pigeon Valley and Uchisar

Next, you’ll visit Pigeon Valley, famed for its wild pigeons living in carved cavities and the striking Uchisar Pigeon Valley Viewpoint. Here, you’ll get sweeping views of Uchisar town and the surrounding landscape—perfect for photos and soaking in the atmosphere.

Our insight from reviewers highlights that these viewpoints are “wonderful,” giving you a chance to relax and enjoy nature’s artistry. The cavities and the eaves of the old pigeon caves also tell stories of their historical use, which adds a layer of real authenticity to the experience.

Descending into Derinkuyu Underground City

One of the tour’s standout features is the visit to Derinkuyu Underground City, which goes down seven levels carved by the Hittite civilization around 1500 B.C. It’s a fascinating journey into ancient ingenuity. Travelers should note that walking and some climbing are involved—if you’re unable to walk extensively or have mobility concerns, this part might be tricky.

Reviews mention that about 20,000 people once lived here, using it as an escape from conflict, which makes it a compelling historical site. The dark tunnels, narrow passages, and rooms used for everything from storage to living spaces create a surreal atmosphere that many find memorable.

Scenic Stop at the Nar Crater Lake

After the underground adventure, the tour takes you to Nar Crater Lake for a gorgeous panoramic view. This spot offers a peaceful moment amid the volcanic landscape, perfect for photos and a brief break from walking. The scenery here seems to impress visitors, with one reviewer noting the “gorgeous view,” making it a highlight for nature lovers.

Hiking through Ihlara Valley and Visiting Orthodox Churches

The next stop is the Ihlara Valley, a lush, green canyon with a river running through it. Here, you’ll walk along the riverbanks and visit a few Orthodox churches dating back to A.D. 300 and A.D. 800. The walk is around the river and involves some light hiking, which adds a gentle adventure element to the day.

The lunch by the river is praised for its tastiness and scenic setting, giving you time to relax while enjoying traditional Turkish cuisine. The restaurant tables on the riverbank are a favorite among visitors, offering a serene backdrop for your meal.

Visiting Selime Monastery and Returning to Goreme

Post-lunch, the tour visits Selime Monastery, an impressive A.D. 800 complex carved into the rock. Its cathedral-like structure and tunnels are worth exploring, offering another glimpse into monastic life centuries ago.

The day wraps up with the drive back to Goreme, arriving around 18:00. This well-paced schedule helps maximize sightseeing while leaving enough time to reflect on the day’s experiences.

What Does the Tour Include and Exclude?

For the $65 price tag, you get all entrance fees, transportation, lunch, and taxes. This is quite reasonable considering the number of sites covered and the full-day experience. The included lunch features Turkish dishes, providing a delicious, authentic taste without the hassle of organizing meals yourself.

Not included are alcoholic beverages and drinks, so if you’re keen to toast your day, bring some cash or plan accordingly. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but if you cannot walk easily, some portions might be challenging—like the underground city or canyon walks.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• The tour starts early at 09:30 and ends around 18:00, so plan your day accordingly.
• Since the group size is limited to 16, expect a relatively intimate atmosphere.
• Confirm your booking ahead of time; free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially for uneven terrain and stairs.
• Prepare for some cool mornings and potential sun exposure—dress accordingly.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights

While the tour’s itinerary is structured, what makes it appealing are the authentic experiences. Travelers appreciate the professional guide who shares insights into the history and significance of each site. One reviewer mentions that, despite the tour’s cancellation (noted as a communication issue), they appreciated the detailed information provided by the agency.

The underground city tour’s “dark tunnels and narrow passages” stand out as a highlight, and many find the panoramic view points to be worth the effort. The lunch on the river is described as tasty, with some noting the scenic setting as a highlight of the day.

The Sum Up

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed way to explore some of the most iconic sights of the region. It balances history, nature, and scenic viewpoints within a manageable full-day schedule. For travelers who enjoy guided tours with organized logistics, this experience provides convenience and access to key sites often missed without a guide.

It’s especially suitable for those interested in history and panoramic photography, but less so for those unable to handle moderate walking or stairs. The inclusion of a local guide, entrance fees, and lunch makes it a practical choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive day out in Cappadocia.

If you’re after an active yet manageable adventure that covers underground cities, valleys, and monasteries, this tour could be just what you need. Just double-check the availability and confirm your reservation, especially since recent reviews mention some communication hiccups.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 09:30 with hotel pickup and returns around 18:00, offering a full day of sightseeing.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from your hotel and during the site visits.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 16 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and manageable.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
All fees and taxes are included, covering sites like Goreme Panorama, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a tasty lunch is included, served at a restaurant on the river, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy local cuisine.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
Since some stops involve walking, climbing, or navigating narrow tunnels, it may not be suitable for people with mobility issues.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the start of the tour for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and bring sun protection and a hat for outdoor stops.

Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic beverages and drinks other than water are not included.

In summary, the Cappadocia Green Tour provides a thorough, engaging way to see the region’s highlights without the hassle of planning each site independently. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to understand Cappadocia’s history and natural beauty within a full, well-organized day.