Cappadocia Green tour Underground city and Selime monastery

Cappadocia Green Tour: Underground City and Selime Monastery Review

Exploring Cappadocia with the Green Tour promises a full day of discovering some of the most iconic sights in this otherworldly region. From panoramic vistas to ancient underground complexes, it offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. While it’s a packed itinerary, the tour’s well-organized flow helps you make the most of every stop.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the chance to get a comprehensive look at Cappadocia’s diverse landscapes, the opportunity to walk through centuries-old underground cities, and the chance to sample authentic Turkish cuisine in Belisirma Village. Plus, the panoramic views from Goreme are truly unforgettable. On the flip side, the tour’s busy schedule might feel rushed for those wanting a more relaxed pace.

This tour is perfect for travelers eager to see a broad slice of Cappadocia in a single day, especially those who appreciate history, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences. If you enjoy guided tours that cover multiple highlights without the hassle of planning, this one could be a great fit.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers major sights like underground cities, valleys, and monasteries.
• Value for Money: At $56, it includes transportation, guiding, entrance fees, and lunch.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, offering a more personalized touch.
• Stunning Views: Panoramas from Goreme and scenic valley walks are highlights.
• Time-Optimized: Busy but well-structured to maximize sightseeing.
• Cultural & Natural Blend: Combines historic sites with natural beauty, perfect for varied interests.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discovering the Highlights of Cappadocia on the Green Tour

This 8-hour journey is a whirlwind through some of Cappadocia’s most captivating sites, carefully curated to give you a taste of the region’s natural wonders and historical marvels. The tour starts early with a pickup from your hotel, making it easy to jump straight into the adventure without worrying about logistics. The timeline is tight but thoughtfully organized, so you get a good balance of sightseeing, walking, and relaxing.

Goreme Panorama – The Perfect Starting Point

The tour kicks off with Goreme Panorama, which provides a breathtaking lookout over the fairy chimney landscape. Here, you’ll get a sweeping view of Cappadocia’s signature rock formations, which look like they belong on a different planet. The photograph opportunities are endless, and guides often share interesting facts about the geology and formation of these surreal structures. Expect about 20 minutes here, enough to absorb the view and snap some photos.

Underground Cities: Kaymakli or Derinkuyu

Next, you’ll explore either Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City. Both are extensive subterranean complexes carved into soft volcanic rock, used historically for refuge and defense. Travellers have described these sites as “fascinating” and “full of mystery,” with the chance to walk through tunnels and rooms that once sheltered entire communities.

One guide mentioned that the underground city tour lasts around an hour, giving enough time to explore key areas without feeling rushed. Visitors often comment on the cool, slightly claustrophobic atmosphere—so those with claustrophobia should consider this aspect. Yet, many also find it an eye-opening peek into ancient ingenuity.

Ihlara Valley: Nature and History Combined

From underground depths, you ascend into Ihlara Valley, a green, lush canyon dotted with cave churches and old dwellings. About an hour is spent on a guided walk along the Melendiz River, where towering cliffs frame the trail. The natural beauty here, combined with the historical cave churches, makes it a favorite among travelers. Several reviews note that the walk is a lovely way to experience Cappadocia’s natural side, with some mentioning that the terrain is gentle enough for most.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Belisirma Village Lunch

Midday, the tour stops in Belisirma Village for a Turkish lunch. Guests often praise the meal as a highlight—the chance to taste local flavors in a peaceful riverside setting. The tour allocates about an hour for this meal, giving enough time to relax and enjoy the hospitality. A recent reviewer appreciated that the lunch is included in the price, making this a good value for a full-day trip.

Selime Monastery: Architectural Marvel

After lunch, the journey continues to Selime Monastery, a striking rock-cut complex perched high above the valley. The intricate carvings, tunnels, and cathedral-like chambers showcase the impressive craftsmanship of ancient inhabitants. Visitors typically spend around 45 minutes here, with many remarking on the panoramic views from the monastery’s vantage point. Exploring the site offers a tangible sense of history, and the guides often highlight the monastery’s significance.

Pigeon Valley – Nature’s Quirky Art

The next stop is Pigeon Valley, famous for the carved pigeon houses and unusual rock formations. It’s a short visit but packed with photo ops. Travelers love the sight of these tiny dwellings scattered into cliffs—an ingenious way of harnessing pigeons for communication and fertilizer. The guided walk here is easy, lasting about 20 minutes, and offers a peaceful contrast to the earlier busy sites.

Onyx Workshop: Art and Souvenirs

The tour concludes with a visit to an Onyx Workshop, where artisans craft jewelry and decorative items from semi-precious stones. This part of the trip is as much about cultural insight as shopping—learn about traditional craftsmanship and see beautiful pieces up close. Many reviewers mention that the shop offers a good range of items, and the added time (around 105 minutes) allows for browsing without pressure.

Returning Home

After a full day of sightseeing, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, tired but enriched with memories of Cappadocia’s landscapes and history. The small group size (limited to 10) often ensures a friendly, intimate atmosphere, and guides like Mustafa and Elif are noted for their engaging storytelling and attention to detail.

What to Keep in Mind

While this tour packs in a lot, it’s worth noting that it’s quite active and on a tight schedule. Walking in underground tunnels or along canyon paths may not be suitable for everyone—especially those with mobility issues or back problems. The tour also prohibits high-heeled shoes, sandals, slippers, and flip-flops, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

The price of $56 per person offers good value, considering it covers transportation, entrance fees, guidance, and lunch. The small group setting elevates the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention from guides.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers seeking a well-rounded, efficient way to see Cappadocia’s highlights will find this tour appealing. It suits those interested in history, stunning vistas, and engaging cultural experiences, all in a manageable day. It’s particularly ideal if you prefer guided excursions that handle all logistics and want a chance to meet fellow travelers in an intimate group.

The Sum Up

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers an excellent way to cover a broad range of the region’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning. The balance of natural beauty, archaeological marvels, and local culture makes it suitable for a variety of travelers. If you’re looking for a value-packed, thoughtfully organized day that leaves you with lasting memories of Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape, this tour is worth considering.

While it’s a busy itinerary, the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and cultural insights make every moment worthwhile. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for some walking and exploring—your future self will thank you.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $56 fee covers transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, guidance in English, entrance fees to all sites, and a traditional Turkish lunch.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting around 9 AM (check availability for exact times). The schedule is full but well-structured.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you’ll be exploring caves, valleys, and uneven terrain. High heels, sandals, and slippers are not allowed. Also, consider bringing a hat, water, and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It’s best suited for those without mobility issues, given some walking and underground tunnels. Elderly travelers or those with back problems should assess their comfort with the activities.

What makes this tour a good value?
The price includes a variety of highlights that would cost more if booked separately—entrance fees, guided commentary, transportation, and a substantial lunch. The small group size enhances the experience.

Can I customize the tour or select specific sites?
This particular tour follows a fixed itinerary, but its structure is designed to maximize coverage of key sights in one day.

What are the transportation arrangements?
You’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan with other small-group participants, making for a relaxed and intimate journey.

In summary, the Cappadocia Green Tour offers a practical, engaging, and beautifully curated introduction to this incredible region. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the combination of natural wonders and historical sites promises an unforgettable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: