Full Day Green Tour Natural History of Cappadocia Tour

Travelers eager to explore the captivating landscapes and ancient sites of Cappadocia will find this Full Day Green Tour a compelling option. It offers a well-rounded journey through the region’s most iconic locations, with knowledgeable guides, accessible transportation, and a good mix of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery.

What sets this tour apart are the stunning panoramic views, the chance to explore underground cities that feel like stepping back in time, and the opportunity to learn about local craftsmanship—especially onyx carving. The value for money appears solid, given the inclusion of entrance fees, a hearty lunch, and a full day’s itinerary.

However, as with any group tour, the long hours and packed schedule might be a consideration for those looking for a more relaxed experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Cappadocia’s natural and historical highlights in one day, especially those who enjoy a bit of adventure and storytelling along the way.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to underground cities, valleys, monasteries, and scenic viewpoints
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, engaging guides like Sunny, Rafik, and Serpil enhance the experience
• All-Inclusive Value: Entrance fees, lunch, and transportation included in the price
• Authentic Experiences: Opportunities to learn about monastic life, rock carving, and local craftsmanship
• Duration and Group Size: Around 9 hours with a maximum of 18 travelers for a more intimate feel
• Practical Details: Pickup offered, mobile tickets, and confirmed bookings enhance convenience

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Goreme Panorama

This starting point offers a sweeping view of Goreme itself. It’s a quick 30-minute stop, perfect for snapping photos and getting your bearings before heading deeper into the region. Reviewers loved the view here, noting it as an ideal start to the day. Since admission is free, it’s a great way to ease into the tour with minimal fuss.

Pigeon Valley

Next on the list is Pigeon Valley, where you’ll see caves used as pigeon houses—an unusual sight that reflects local farming ingenuity. The 30-minute stop provides a close-up look at cave dwellings and an opportunity for photos. It’s a favorite among visitors for its quirky charm, with one reviewer remarking how the caves make for memorable photos and a fun insight into traditional pigeon husbandry.

Kaymakli Underground City

Arguably the highlight for many, the underground city of Kaymakli offers a glimpse into ancient defensive architecture. This eight-storey subterranean network was built to shield its residents from invaders, with nearly 200 underground cities in the region. The enormous bolt stones and narrow corridors are both impressive and a little claustrophobic—be prepared for some tight spaces.

One reviewer called it “gigantic,” praising the protective design, while others appreciated the guided narration, which made understanding the purpose of each chamber much easier. The entrance fee is included, making it a hassle-free visit.

Ihlara Valley

For outdoor lovers, the Ihlara Valley is a standout. Stretching 18 kilometers, with walls up to 150 meters high, it’s an expansive canyon with a river running through its floor. This stop is a favorite, with many reviewers describing it as “the most worthwhile” part of the tour. The rock-carved churches and thousands of habitation sites tell stories of ancient monastic life.

Expect to hike along the river, with the option to enjoy a leisurely walk or just soak in the views. The 2.5-hour stop includes entry to the valley, and the scenery offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Selime Monastery

This massive monastery complex took over 200 years to build and housed up to 5,000 monks. Its size and historical significance make it a must-see. Visitors are often surprised by its scale—it’s both a religious site and a fortress.

Reviewers frequently mention the fascinating history and the impressive architecture, which includes tunnels and chapels carved into the rock. The 45-minute visit is enough to explore the main areas and appreciate the engineering involved.

Kapadokya Onyx

A visit to the onyx workshop offers insight into local craftsmanship. Here, you can see how zultanite and other stones are sculpted by master artisans. While this stop is free, it’s also an opportunity to purchase souvenirs if you’re interested. Travelers have found it interesting to see the stone carving process firsthand, making it a worthwhile cultural addition.

Lunch by the River in Ihlara

The included lunch is served next to the Melendiz River within Ihlara Valley. Many reviewers appreciated the opportunity to relax and enjoy regional dishes amid beautiful natural surroundings. It’s a good chance to recharge before the afternoon’s driving segment.

Scenic Drive Through Cappadocia

The final part of the tour involves a 2-hour 15-minute drive connecting various sites, giving you a chance to rest and reflect on what you’ve seen so far. The views during this drive are often highlighted as spectacular, with some reviewers noting how the landscape changes as the day progresses.

The Practical Side

This tour is priced at $92.19 per person, which includes all entrance fees, a hearty lunch, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. This all-in-one approach offers good value, especially considering the number of sites covered.

The group size is limited to 18 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience. Pickup is offered, which is a big help in getting started without extra hassle. The tour runs roughly 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am, making it a full but manageable day.

Most travelers find the pace reasonable, with enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. The use of knowledgeable guides like Sunny, Rafik, and Serpil was a common theme in reviews—many appreciated their enthusiasm, humor, and fluency in English, which brought the sites to life.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer called the tour “amazing,” praising their guide Sunny for his friendliness and depth of knowledge. Another highlighted the superb storytelling of Rafik, who kept everyone engaged with fun facts and humor. Many reviewers also appreciated the well-organized logistics and the ability to see a lot in one day without feeling overwhelmed.

A few mentioned that long hours could be tiring, but most felt that the experience was worth the effort. A common sentiment was that this tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Cappadocia’s natural and cultural landscape, making it perfect for first-time visitors.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Green Tour in Cappadocia offers a balanced mix of outdoor adventure, historical exploration, and cultural experiences—all within a well-organized framework. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to get the most out of a single day, especially if they enjoy learning from engaging guides and seeing a variety of sites in one go.

If you’re looking for a tour with good value, includes all entrance fees, and offers personalized attention in a small group, this is a solid choice. It’s great for those eager to learn about Cappadocia’s geological marvels, ancient underground cities, and monastic history, all while enjoying scenic landscapes and local craftsmanship.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns due to the walking involved, you might want to consider a slightly less packed day or smaller, specialized tours.

FAQs

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am and covering multiple sites.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees to sites like Kaymakli Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery are included.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a traditional meal is served next to the Melendiz River within Ihlara Valley as part of the tour.

Can I participate if I have limited mobility?
Most travelers can participate, but note that some sites involve walking and navigating uneven terrain.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers, for a more intimate experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 8 days ahead on average, and confirmation is received at booking.

Who are the guides?
Guides like Sunny, Rafik, and Serpil are known for their enthusiasm and fluency in English, enhancing the overall experience.

In summary, the Full Day Green Tour in Cappadocia offers a detailed, engaging look into the region’s natural formations, underground cities, and cultural sites, all with great value for the price. It’s a fantastic option for travelers who want a thorough exploration without the hassle of planning each detail themselves, especially if they appreciate lively guides and a well-paced itinerary.