Cappadocia Green Tour With Famous Underground Cities And Valleys

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s captivating underground cities and picturesque valleys. Travelers can descend into the ancient Derinkuyu City, marvel at the serene Ihlara Valley, and discover the architectural wonder of Selime Monastery. With a small group and inclusive lunch, this tour promises an enriching experience of Cappadocia’s natural and cultural gems. Those seeking to uncover the unique wonders of this remarkable landscape won’t want to miss this opportunity.

Key Points

• The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a full-day guided adventure through south Cappadocia, showcasing the region’s natural and cultural wonders.
• Key highlights of the tour include Göreme Panorama, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Belisirma village, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an open buffet lunch, and a small group size of up to 16 travelers.
• Visitors can explore the intricate network of underground cities in Cappadocia, such as Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Özkonak, and Mazi.
• The tour also features a visit to the lush Ihlara Valley and the impressive Selime Monastery, offering a glimpse into the region’s history and natural beauty.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a full-day guided adventure through the stunning landscapes of south Cappadocia.

Key highlights include the breathtaking Göreme Panorama, the vast Derinkuyu Underground City, the lush Ihlara Valley, the charming village of Belisirma, the majestic Selime Monastery, and the serene Pigeon Valley.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious buffet lunch, and a small group size of up to 16 travelers for a personalized experience.

With a 4.8 rating from 131 reviews and 92% of travelers recommending the tour, it’s an excellent way to discover the best of Cappadocia’s natural and cultural wonders.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the Cappadocia Green Tour, the inclusions cover hotel pickup and drop-off, a guiding service, and an open buffet lunch.

However, the exclusions include:

1. Personal spending
2. Drinks
3. Entrance fees for the Derinkuyu Underground City (13 euros) and Ihlara Valley (15 euros)
4. Verification of children’s valid passports for age confirmation

Travelers should be aware of these additional costs and plan accordingly.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

It’s also not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or people with serious medical conditions.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers have the option to either meet the tour directly at the Göreme Otobüs Terminal or request hotel pickup.

Meeting at the main entrance gate of hotels is important due to privacy rules. The tour operator ensures a smooth pickup process, with guides waiting at the designated meeting point.

This flexibility allows travelers to choose the most convenient option based on their location and preferences.

Whether meeting at the terminal or getting picked up from their hotel, travelers can look forward to a seamless start to their Cappadocia adventure.

The Underground Cities of Cappadocia

One of the most captivating features of Cappadocia’s landscape is its intricate network of underground cities.

These subterranean marvels offered shelter and protection to the region’s inhabitants for centuries.

Highlights include:

1. Derinkuyu Underground City: An immense multi-level complex that could house up to 20,000 people, complete with living quarters, churches, and even wineries.

2. Kaymakli Underground City: Another sprawling underground metropolis with eight levels, including stables, storage rooms, and a church.

3. Özkonak Underground City: A well-preserved site featuring narrow passages, churches, and meeting rooms.

4. Mazi Underground City: A lesser-known but equally fascinating underground settlement carved into the volcanic rock.

Exploring the Ihlara Valley

The Ihlara Valley, a lush green oasis nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, beckons visitors to explore its serene beauty.

This scenic canyon offers a peaceful hike along the banks of the Melendiz River, with ancient rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes adorning the cave dwellings carved into the cliffs.

Hikers can admire the diverse flora and fauna, including hundreds of bird species.

The 14-kilometer trail leads through the valley, providing a refreshing contrast to the region’s volcanic landscape.

Though an additional entrance fee applies, the Ihlara Valley’s natural splendor and historical significance make it a must-see destination on the Cappadocia tour.

Visiting the Selime Monastery

A standout feature of the Cappadocia Green Tour is the visit to the majestic Selime Monastery. This massive 8th-century monastery, carved directly into the surrounding rock formations, is a sight to behold.

Visitors can explore its cavernous halls, intricate chapels, and even a cathedral-sized church. The monastery offers a glimpse into the region’s historical religious significance.

Key highlights include:

1. Admiring the impressive scale and architectural feats of the monastery.
2. Discovering ancient Christian frescoes and religious symbols adorning the interior walls.
3. Climbing to the rooftop for panoramic views of the Cappadocian landscape.
4. Experiencing the serene, spiritual atmosphere of this well-preserved cultural site.

Discovering Pigeon Valley

Though often overlooked compared to Cappadocia’s famous cave dwellings and underground cities, Pigeon Valley offers a serene respite for visitors.

The valley’s name derives from the thousands of dovecotes carved into the region’s distinctive conical rock formations, which were used for pigeon breeding.

Travelers can explore the valley’s winding paths, taking in the stunning vistas and learning about the historical significance of these unique structures.

While not as renowned as other Cappadocian sites, Pigeon Valley provides a peaceful escape and a chance to take in the area’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Tour Experience and Feedback

Generally, travelers have reported positive experiences on the Cappadocia Green Tour, with many highlighting the knowledgeable guides as a key strength.

Standout experiences include:

1. Exploring the captivating Derinkuyu Underground City, a vast network of subterranean tunnels and chambers.
2. Hiking through the scenic Ihlara Valley, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and lush greenery.
3. Marveling at the Selime Monastery, an impressive Byzantine-era rock-cut structure.
4. Admiring the picturesque Pigeon Valley, home to historic dove houses carved into the cliffs.

However, some travelers expressed dissatisfaction with the additional shopping stops and unexpected changes to the itinerary, such as missing the Selime Monastery visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size on the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 16 travelers, allowing for a more personal experience. This small group size is highlighted as a key feature of the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?

Children must present valid passports for age verification on the tour. The tour has a maximum group size of 16 travelers to provide a more personal experience.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy allows full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the tour. Same-day cancellations and no-shows aren’t eligible for refunds.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences, though travelers should check with the provider. Flexibility may exist around the specific sites visited, but core inclusions like the underground city and lunch are likely fixed.

How Long Is the Travel Time Between Major Sites?

The travel time between major sites on the tour varies, but generally ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour. For example, the journey from Göreme Panorama to Derinkuyu Underground City takes around 45 minutes.

The Sum Up

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s remarkable underground cities, serene valleys, and historic monasteries. Travelers can explore the captivating Derinkuyu Underground City, hike through the scenic Ihlara Valley, and admire the architectural marvel of Selime Monastery. With an inclusive lunch and small group size, this tour provides an enriching and memorable exploration of Cappadocia’s natural and cultural wonders.