Cappadocia Green Tour (South of Cappadocia)

Exploring Cappadocia’s South with the Green Tour

When it comes to uncovering the magic of Cappadocia, the Green Tour (South of Cappadocia) offers a well-rounded, engaging way to see some of the region’s most iconic sites in just a single day. While we haven’t experienced it personally, extensive reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a fantastic option for travelers eager to explore the region beyond hot air balloons and fairy chimneys.

What really stands out about this tour is its combination of history, natural beauty, and cultural insights. We love the way it seamlessly blends visiting ancient underground cities with breathtaking scenic walks, all accompanied by knowledgeable guides. Plus, the included traditional lunch and convenient hotel pickup make it a hassle-free experience. That said, the tour’s pace might feel a little rushed if you prefer longer walks or extra time at each site. Overall, it’s best suited for curious travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable day of exploration.

Key Points:

Comprehensive itinerary: Visit major highlights like Kaymakli Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery.
Expert guides: Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, adding context and making history accessible.
Stunning vistas: From panoramic viewpoints to scenic valleys, you’ll get plenty of picture-worthy moments.
All-in-one package: Includes transportation, entrance fees, and a traditional Turkish lunch for convenience.
Time-efficient: The 7-hour tour fits a lot into a single day, ideal for those with limited time.
Potential for a quick pace: Longer walks or extra time at each stop are limited, so pace yourself accordingly.

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The Itinerary in Detail

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Pickup and first impressions

Most travelers are picked up from their hotels between 9:30 and 9:50 am, with options in several towns including Göreme, Ürgüp, Uçhisar, and Avanos. This flexibility makes it easy to join from different parts of Cappadocia. The day kicks off with a drive to the Göreme Panorama, which offers arguably the best view of the region’s surreal landscape. Here, your guide will explain how this strange yet beautiful terrain came to be, setting the tone for the day ahead. Expect to spend about 20 minutes here, soaking in the sweeping vistas of fairy chimneys and volcanic formations.

Looking for more options in Avanos? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Kaymakli Underground City

Next, the tour takes you to Kaymakli Underground City, a marvel of ancient ingenuity. Originally built by the Phrygians in the 8th or 7th centuries BC, this subterranean network was expanded during the Byzantine era to serve as a refuge from Arab invasions. Guides, like Emre noted in reviews, are often friendly and knowledgeable, explaining how these caves served as homes, stables, and even churches.

One reviewer mentioned, “Green tour was very interesting. We did more than it was noted in the description of the tour. Emre, our tour guide, was very friendly, funny, and knowledgeable.” This highlights that guides often go beyond the standard script, adding personal touches and extra insights. Expect about an hour exploring the tunnels, discovering how residents once navigated their underground world, and marveling at the engineering feat.

The Majestic Selime Monastery

After the underground city, the group heads to Selime Monastery, the largest rock-carved monastery in the region. This site’s history spans multiple civilizations—Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman—each leaving their mark. Carved directly into a volcanic mountain, walking through Selime feels like stepping into a giant, open-air museum. You’ll have time to explore the church, kitchens, and living quarters, all with a backdrop of stunning canyon views.

Lunch and the Ihlara Valley

Post-monastery, a traditional Turkish kebab-style lunch awaits at a local restaurant, offering a chance to relax and refuel. Many reviews note the quality of this meal, which is included in the tour price, adding value and authenticity to the experience.

Following lunch, the tour proceeds to the Ihlara Valley—a lush, 4 km long canyon carved by the Melendiz River. This scenic walk, taking approximately an hour, offers a chance to stretch your legs and take in the peaceful, green scenery. Early Christian monks carved cave churches along the canyon walls, and your guide will point out some of these hidden historical treasures. One reviewer, Amra, expressed a wish for a longer walk, indicating that if you’re a nature lover or history buff, you’d appreciate more time here.

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Pigeon Valley and final viewpoints

The last stop is Uçhisar’s Pigeon Valley, famous for its ancient pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. Here, you can take in spectacular views of the valley and surrounding landscape, perfect for photos and reflection on the day’s sights. The tour wraps up with a drop-off at your hotel around 6:00-6:30 pm, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos.

There's plenty more to explore in Avanos

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

This tour is designed to maximize your sightseeing in a single day without feeling overly rushed. With transportation, entrance fees, and a hearty lunch included, the cost offers good value for those wanting a thorough overview of southern Cappadocia. The guided element adds richness to the experience, as you benefit from expert explanations and local insights, making the historical sites more meaningful.

On top of that, the visit to Kaymakli Underground City and Selime Monastery reveals layers of history that many visitors might miss if exploring independently. The scenic walk through Ihlara Valley offers a peaceful contrast to the more archaeological sites, giving a well-rounded experience of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

Wear comfortable shoes: The terrain involves walking on uneven, sometimes steep surfaces, especially in the underground city and valley.
Bring a sun hat and sunscreen: Expect direct sunlight, especially during the summer months.
Pack a water bottle: Hydration is key, particularly on warm days.
Prepare for a quick pace: While the itinerary covers many sites, some stops are brief, so arrive ready for a busy day.
Camera is essential: The panoramic views, cave churches, and valleys make for stunning photo opportunities.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in history, geology, and nature combined, this tour hits all those marks. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore deeply without dedicating multiple days. The guided element means you’ll gain contextual knowledge, making each site more meaningful. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time in Cappadocia or anyone who prefers a carefully curated, organized day.

This adventure might feel a bit quick for hikers or those who love lingering at each site, so if you prefer a slower pace, consider extending your stay or choosing bespoke options. Also, because it involves a lot of walking and some narrow spaces, it’s less suitable for pregnant travelers or wheelchair users, as noted in the tour restrictions.

Final Thoughts

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a rewarding glimpse into the region’s layered history, stunning landscapes, and cultural richness. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides like Emre, you’ll uncover stories and secrets behind the underground cities, monasteries, and valleys that define Cappadocia. The combination of scenic viewpoints, historical sites, and authentic Turkish cuisine delivers a balanced, memorable day that’s hard to beat for value.

For those seeking a hands-on, educational experience that covers all the major highlights of southern Cappadocia, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s particularly ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to explore the region’s most impressive sites in just one day.

FAQ

What is included in the Green Tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned van, entrance fees to the sites, a guided tour, and a traditional Turkish lunch.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, with pickup between 9:30 and 9:50 am, and concludes around 6:00 to 6:30 pm.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a traditional kebab-style lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour fee.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and narrow spaces, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, water, a camera, and suitable clothing for variable weather conditions.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour date, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

In summary, the Cappadocia Green Tour (South of Cappadocia) offers a well-balanced, engaging day out that showcases the best of the region’s history, scenery, and culture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply eager to tick off major sights, this tour will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Cappadocia’s unique landscape and stories.