Green (South) Tour Cappadocia with lunch and ticket

If you’re visiting Cappadocia and looking to explore beyond the popular hot air balloons and fairy chimneys, the Green (South) Tour offers a well-rounded day of discovery. This tour takes you into the lesser-trodden corners of Central Anatolia, combining historic sites, stunning natural landscapes, and a delicious local lunch—all in one accessible package.

What we love about this experience are three main things: the chance to see underground cities and Selime Monastery without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets, the scenic hike through Ihlara Valley that’s perfect for nature lovers, and the insightful guides who bring history and stories to life.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll be walking down more than 300 steps to access parts of Ihlara Valley, which might not suit those with mobility concerns. This tour appeals to travelers seeking a balanced mix of history, nature, and authentic local experiences—ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day out in Cappadocia.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive itinerary covering underground cities, monasteries, and scenic hikes
• Expert guides providing informative and engaging commentary
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
• Includes lunch and entry tickets, offering great value
• Flexible pickup and drop-off from multiple locations in Cappadocia
• Suitable for active travelers, with some walking involved

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Cappadocia’s Hidden Corners

This tour is perfect if you want to avoid the crowds at Göreme’s more famous sites. Instead, you’ll visit less touristy, historically significant spots that reveal the region’s deep past and natural beauty. The day starts at the Göreme Panoramic Point, a stunning lookout where you can take in sweeping views of the valley—a perfect way to set the scene for the day ahead. The guide will then lead you into the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the most impressive subterranean complexes in the region.

You’ll learn how ancient civilizations managed to live underground for extended periods, with guided walks through narrow tunnels and rooms. Reviewers praise guides like Ali and Ece for their perfect balance of information and humor, making these complex sites engaging and easy to understand. One traveler mentioned, “Ali had very good English and gave just the right amount of commentary,” which is key for making the experience memorable without feeling overwhelmed.

The Magnificence of Selime Monastery

Next, the tour takes you to Selime Monastery, the biggest hand-hewn rock structure in Cappadocia. Here, you’ll explore a vast complex carved directly into the rock, with tunnels, chapels, and incredible views. The site is especially striking because of its size and the ingenuity of its construction. Expect to spend around 50 minutes wandering through corridors and enjoying the panoramic vistas.

Travelers consistently describe Selime as “impressive” and “exceeding expectations,” with some noting that it’s a highlight of the day. This stop provides an excellent contrast to underground sites and highlights the region’s architecture and religious history.

The Ihlara Valley Hike: Nature and Culture Collide

After exploring ancient structures, it’s time for a scenic 3 km hike through Ihlara Valley. This lush, green gorge is carved by a stream and about 100 meters deep, offering a cool, shaded environment that’s refreshing after the underground and rock-cut sites. We loved the way the trail follows the river, passing by pigeon houses and cave churches decorated with frescoes, some of which are quite unusual.

While the walk is leisurely and about an hour long, it involves descending over 300 steps to reach the valley floor—so be prepared for some moderate activity. One reviewer mentioned, “We will go down more than 300 steps to Ihlara valley but don’t worry, we won’t be back,” implying that the walk is manageable with a bit of effort. The highlight is the peaceful, natural setting and the chance to see how communities historically lived in harmony with the landscape.

Lunch by the River and Free Time

For lunch, you’ll enjoy a village restaurant on the riverbank, serving traditional Turkish dishes. While some reviews mention the meal is modest, many found it very satisfying and filling, especially after the morning’s activities. Several travelers appreciated the honesty of guides in managing expectations, with one noting, “the lunch was modest but very good and filling.”

After eating, there’s some free time to explore the village surroundings or simply relax by the stream. This downtime is appreciated by visitors who want to soak in local life, rather than rushing through.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Final Stop at Pigeon Valley

The tour concludes with a visit to Pigeon Valley, offering spectacular views of Uçhisar Castle and the surrounding landscape. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a peaceful way to wrap up a busy day. If you’re feeling energetic, it’s possible to hike down the valley back to Göreme—an optional walk that adds a bit more adventure for those inclined.

Reviewers comment on how this final stop provides a sense of serenity and a chance to reflect on the day’s sights. One said, “Our guide Aisha made the tour interesting with her knowledge and ensured everyone was okay,” highlighting the value of a caring, knowledgeable guide.

This tour covers a lot of ground in just 7 hours, making it a fantastic value considering it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets for underground city, monastery, and Ihlara Valley, as well as a lunch. The buses are air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the transfers, and guides speak both English and Turkish, so language isn’t a barrier.

The small group size, combined with a flexible pickup from multiple locations—Göreme, Uçhisar, Mustafapaa, Ortahisar, Çavuin, Avanos, Ürgüp—means you’ll enjoy a personalized experience without feeling lost in a crowd.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The guided commentary makes historical sites come alive, especially thanks to guides like Ogie, Aisha, and Ali, who are praised for their knowledge and humor.
• The scenic variety—from underground tunnels to lush green valleys—keeps the day engaging.
• The value for money is high, with all tickets, lunch, and transport included, saving travelers from upfront costs and ticket lines.
• The flexibility to explore sites at your own pace during free times adds a relaxed element to the tour.

Cons:

• The walk down more than 300 steps at Ihlara can be strenuous for some. Travelers with mobility issues are advised to consider this.
• The lunch, while satisfying, may not be lavish, but it’s authentic and filling.
• Some might find the day slightly packed, but that’s the nature of a comprehensive tour.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and active travelers wanting a full day of exploration without the hassle of planning each site individually. It’s ideal if you prefer guided insights and want to see underground cities, rock-cut monasteries, and enjoy a scenic hike—all in one day.

It’s also great for those who want to experience authentic local cuisine and take many memorable photos at iconic viewpoints like Pigeon Valley and Uçhisar Castle.

Final Thoughts

The Green (South) Tour in Cappadocia offers a brilliant way to see some of the region’s most unique sites without the stress of organizing each visit. The combination of historic underground cities, rock monasteries, and a beautiful hike in Ihlara Valley makes it a well-rounded, enriching experience.

With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and all tickets included, you get excellent value for the money. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a structured day packed with history, nature, and authentic Turkish touches.

While the walk down to Ihlara requires some effort, most visitors find it manageable and rewarding, especially after a hearty Turkish lunch. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Cappadocia beyond the balloon views, this tour is a fantastic option.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from multiple locations such as Göreme, Uçhisar, Avanos, and others, making it convenient to start your day.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, with starting times varying based on your pickup location and schedule.

Are tickets for the sites included?
Yes, all entry tickets for the Underground City, Selime Monastery, and Ihlara Valley are included in the price.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a traditional village lunch is included, often served on the riverbank after the hike.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are essential, especially since the tour involves walking and descending steps. An umbrella is recommended if you want protection from rain or sun.

Can I hike back from Ihlara Valley?
Yes, it’s possible to hike down the valley to Göreme if you’re feeling energetic, but this is optional.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak both English and Turkish, ensuring clear and engaging explanations.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The walk involves descending more than 300 steps to reach Ihlara Valley, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility concerns.

You can check if your dates are available here: