Cappadocia: Green Tour With Underground City & Lunch

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delight. Visitors can explore the ancient Kaymaklı Underground City, a marvel of early Christian engineering, before savoring traditional Turkish fare along the Melendiz River. This captivating excursion through Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes promises an unforgettable experience, leaving one eager to uncover more of the region’s captivating mysteries.

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Key Points

The Cappadocia Green Tour includes a 3 km walk through the scenic Ihlara Valley, featuring volcanic cliffs and a visit to the historic Agacalti Church.
The tour explores the ancient Kaymaklı Underground City, a multi-level shelter carved into rock that served as a refuge for early Christians.
Lunch in the picturesque Belisırma Village offers an opportunity to savor traditional Turkish cuisine, including meze, kebabs, pide, and baklava.
The tour provides scenic views of Pigeon Valley, known for its unique rock formations called "fairy chimneys" and serene ponds.
The day concludes with a relaxing visit to the volcanic Nar Lake, known for its mirror-like surface and tranquil atmosphere.

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Exploring Ihlara Valley

As part of the Cappadocia Green Tour, visitors get to explore the stunning Ihlara Valley.

The tour includes a 3 km walk along the Melendiz River, offering scenic views of the valley’s steep, volcanic cliffs. Participants will visit the Agacalti Church, a historic rock-cut chapel.

This portion of the tour lasts approximately 1 hour, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of the region.

The Ihlara Valley segment provides a peaceful respite before the tour progresses to the next activity, the Kaymaklı Underground City.

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Discovering Kaymaklı Underground City

After exploring the natural beauty of Ihlara Valley, the Cappadocia Green Tour takes visitors to the Kaymaklı Underground City.

This multi-level ancient shelter was carved into the rock, serving as a refuge for early Christians. Visitors can wander through the city’s tunnels, storage rooms, churches, and living quarters.

The ancient underground city, carved into rock, served as a refuge for early Christians, with its tunnels, storage rooms, churches, and living quarters.

The underground city’s ingenious design includes ventilation shafts, water wells, and food storage areas, allowing residents to live self-sufficiently for extended periods.

Exploring this remarkable subterranean marvel offers a unique glimpse into the region’s fascinating history and the remarkable ingenuity of its inhabitants.

Savoring the Lunch in Belisırma Village

The Cappadocia Green Tour’s lunch stop in Belisırma Village offers travelers a chance to savor traditional Turkish cuisine. Nestled along the banks of the Melendiz River, the village provides an authentic dining experience. Guests indulge in a delectable spread of local specialties, including:

| Dish | Description | Ingredients |

|——|————-|————-|

| Meze | Assorted appetizers | Hummus, dolma, tabouli |

| Kebab | Grilled meat skewers | Lamb, chicken, or a mix |

| Pide | Turkish flatbread | Cheese, spinach, or meat toppings |

| Baklava | Flaky pastry | Phyllo dough, nuts, honey |

The meal is accompanied by fresh salads, warm Turkish bread, and refreshing drinks, allowing visitors to enjoy the regional culinary traditions.

Admiring the Scenic Views of Pigeon Valley

Following the scenic lunch in Belisırma Village, the tour continues to the captivating Pigeon Valley.

Travelers are treated to stunning vistas of the unique rock formations, known as "fairy chimneys," that dot the landscape. The tour guide highlights four key features of this breathtaking locale:

The valley’s name originates from the numerous pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rock.
Visitors can admire the serene ponds and lush vegetation that thrive in this natural setting.
Photographic opportunities abound, with the striking geology and pastoral scenes providing ample inspiration.
The tranquil ambiance of Pigeon Valley offers a peaceful respite from the day’s activities.

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Relaxing at Nar Lake

Capping off the day’s adventure, the tour takes visitors to the serene Nar Lake, a volcanic crater lake nestled in the heart of the region.

Here, guests can relax and unwind while taking in the stunning natural beauty. The lake’s still, mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding hills and dramatic rocky formations, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Visitors can stroll along the lake’s edge or simply sit and enjoy the tranquility. This final stop on the Cappadocia Green Tour provides a serene and calming conclusion to a day filled with exploration and discovery.

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Guided Tour Experience

After enjoying the tranquility of Nar Lake, the Cappadocia Green Tour moves on to the guided experience that brings the region’s rich history and culture to life.

The knowledgeable local guide leads the group through the highlights, providing in-depth commentary:

Exploring the multi-level Kaymaklı Underground City, a maze of tunnels and chambers that once sheltered early Christians.
Trekking through the picturesque Ihlara Valley, admiring the Agacalti Church and scenic views along the Melendiz River.
Savoring a traditional Turkish lunch in the charming Belisırma Village.
Capturing stunning photos at the scenic Pigeon Valley.

The tour’s guided element immerses travelers in Cappadocia’s fascinating heritage.

Preparing for the Excursion

To prepare for the Cappadocia Green Tour, travelers should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. The tour involves a 3 km hike along the Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley, so proper footwear is essential.

Layered clothing is recommended to accommodate varying weather conditions. A hat, sunscreen, and water for hydration are also advisable.

Those prone to motion sickness may want to bring medication, as the tour includes a visit to the volcanic Nar Lake.

Lastly, a camera is recommended to capture the stunning landscapes and historical sites encountered throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Smaller Group Size?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a smaller group size. The tour provider offers flexible bookings, allowing travelers to reserve their spot without requiring full payment upfront. Group size may affect pricing, so it’s best to check with the tour operator.

Is It Possible to Include Additional Stops Along the Itinerary?

Yes, it’s possible to include additional stops along the itinerary. The tour operator may accommodate special requests, subject to availability and feasibility. Travelers should inquire about customizing the tour to suit their interests and preferences.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Underground City?

You’ll need to bring only comfortable shoes, as the underground city can be dark and narrow. No special equipment is required, but visitors with mobility issues or claustrophobia may have difficulty navigating the multi-level shelters.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility. According to the details, it’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments. The underground city and walking may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?

Travelers can’t customize the tour, as it has a set itinerary. However, they can discuss their interests with the tour guide, who may be able to provide additional insights or recommendations during the scheduled stops. The tour isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility.

The Sum Up

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a captivating blend of historical exploration and culinary delight. Visitors explore the ancient Kaymaklı Underground City, then savor traditional Turkish cuisine in Belisırma Village. This unique experience showcases the ingenuity of early Christians and the region’s stunning natural beauty, creating an unforgettable journey through the landscapes of Cappadocia.

You can check availability for your dates here: