Cappadocia Green Tour
Overview
While Cappadocia's Red Tour reveals the beauty on the surface, the Green Tour takes you deeper: underground, to the floor of canyons, into the shadow of colossal rock-carved structures. If you think Cappadocia is only about fairy chimneys, this tour will change that perception entirely.
Your day begins between 09:00 and 09:45 with a pickup from your hotel. The first stop is Goreme Panorama, where Cappadocia's iconic fairy-chimney skyline stretches out beneath you, giving the day a visually powerful start. At Pigeon Valley you see hundreds of dovecotes carved into the cliff faces, a testament to thousands of years of human interaction with this landscape.
At the onyx and sultanite stone workshop you watch local artisans shape regional precious stones, and then you descend into one of the day's most striking stops: Kaymakli Underground City. Walking through the tunnels, living quarters, churches and storage rooms of this multi-level settlement that sheltered thousands of people in ancient times, you witness the engineering brilliance of early civilisations firsthand. When you emerge from underground, a set-menu lunch of regional dishes is waiting for you.
The afternoon introduces you to Cappadocia's greenest face: Ihlara Valley. You walk approximately 3.5 to 4 kilometres along the Melendiz River, flanked by cliff walls rising over 100 metres on either side. Birdsong, the rhythm of flowing water and hidden rock churches accompany you along a trail that offers a nature experience in stark contrast to the volcanic landscapes elsewhere in the region. At the far end of the valley, Selime Monastery awaits: Cappadocia's largest rock-carved structure, featuring cathedral-scale halls, monks' quarters and Byzantine frescoes.
On the return journey you stop at a traditional Turkish products tasting point to sample pumpkin seeds, Turkish delight, baklava and Turkish coffee, with the option to shop. You arrive back at your hotel between 18:30 and 19:00, having experienced a side of Cappadocia that goes far beyond the surface.
You can also book this tour through Viator.
Tour Details
Duration: Approximately 8 to 9 hours (09:00 to 18:30/19:00)
Departure: 09:00-09:45 Hotel pickup
Return: 18:30-19:00 Hotel drop-off
Pickup Areas: Goreme, Urgup, Avanos, Uchisar, Cavusin, Ortahisar
Group Type: Small group tour, maximum 14 people
Guide: Professional licensed tour guide (English-speaking)
Transport: Air-conditioned, insured, comfortable touring vehicle
Difficulty: Moderate to high (approximately 3.5-4 km hike in Ihlara Valley, narrow tunnels in underground city)
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 36 hours before the tour.
Seasonal Note: Operates daily, year-round. Route may vary depending on weather and road conditions. Minimum 2 participants required.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City: Living quarters, wineries, stables and churches carved eight levels deep into volcanic rock by early Christians. A subterranean civilisation that sheltered thousands.
- Hike through Ihlara Valley surrounded by nature: A 3.5 to 4 km trail along the Melendiz River. Cliff walls rising over 100 metres, hidden rock churches and Byzantine frescoes in a peaceful natural setting.
- Discover the monumental rock architecture of Selime Monastery: Cappadocia's largest rock-carved structure. Cathedral-scale halls, monks' quarters and a multi-level complex.
- Authentic Turkish cuisine and traditional tastings: Set-menu lunch followed by tastings of premium baklava, Turkish delight, Turkish coffee, pumpkin seeds and aromatic spices.
- Local craftsmanship at the volcanic stone workshop: Watch artisans shape onyx and sultanite into handmade jewellery and decorative pieces. Authentic souvenir shopping available.
- Goreme Panorama and Pigeon Valley viewpoints: Start your day with Cappadocia's most iconic skyline and explore the historic carved dovecotes.
- Professional local guide and full organisation: All entrance fees, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel transfers and lunch included. You just enjoy the experience.
Itinerary
09:00-09:45 Hotel Pickup: Collection from your hotel in Goreme, Urgup, Avanos, Uchisar, Cavusin or Ortahisar.
10:00 Goreme Panorama: Take in Cappadocia's iconic fairy-chimney skyline with a photo stop. Approximately 20 minutes.
10:30 Pigeon Valley: See hundreds of dovecotes carved into the cliff faces and enjoy the panoramic valley view. 15 minutes.
10:45 Onyx and Sultanite Stone Workshop: Watch local artisans shape regional precious stones. Optional shopping available. Approximately 1 hour.
12:15 Kaymakli Underground City: Explore the tunnels, living quarters and churches of one of Cappadocia's largest underground settlements. Approximately 1 hour.
14:00 Lunch: Set-menu lunch at a local restaurant: soup, salad and a main course (meatballs, chicken, beef, fish or vegetarian option). Meal is included, beverages are extra. Approximately 1 hour.
15:00 Ihlara Valley Hike: Walk approximately 3.5 to 4 km along the Melendiz River through a canyon flanked by towering cliff walls and hidden rock churches. Approximately 1 hour.
16:15 Selime Monastery: Cappadocia's largest rock-carved monastery. Cathedral-scale halls, monks' quarters and Byzantine frescoes. Guided visit, approximately 45 minutes.
18:10 Turkish Products Tasting: Sample pumpkin seeds, Turkish coffee, Turkish delight, baklava and spices. Optional shopping. 20-30 minutes.
18:30-19:00 Hotel Drop-off: Return transfer to your hotel. Tour ends.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off transfer
- Professional licensed tour guide (Türkçe, English, French, Spanish, Russian)
- Air-conditioned, insured touring vehicle
- Kaymakli Underground City entrance fee
- Ihlara Valley entrance fee
- Selime Monastery entrance fee
- Set-menu lunch
- Turkish products tasting (pumpkin seeds, Turkish delight, baklava, Turkish coffee, spices)
- Onyx and sultanite stone workshop visit
What's Not Included
- Beverages during lunch
- Personal expenses
- Guide and driver gratuities (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
All taxes and fees included
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