Cappadocia: Green Tour with Lunch and Hotel Pickup

Thinking about visiting Cappadocia and wondering how to get the most out of your time? This review covers the Green Tour offered by Zultanite Tours—a full-day journey designed to showcase the highlights of South Cappadocia. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an efficient, well-organized experience, with a small group for a more intimate feel.

Two things we love about this tour are the stunning panoramic views of Goreme and the chance to explore the underground city of Kaymakli—both truly memorable. The Ihlara Valley hike offers a peaceful escape into nature, and the rock-cut Selime Monastery adds a touch of ancient mystique. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and some long drives, so it’s best suited for those in good health and comfortable with a busy itinerary.

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive look at Cappadocia’s highlights without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. It’s especially good if you prefer small-group experiences, local insights, and a well-balanced day of sightseeing, nature, and history.

Key Points

• Small Group Size ensures a more personalized experience.
• All Admission Fees Included means no surprises at entrances.
• Panoramic Views of Goreme provide perfect photo opportunities.
• Visit the Famous Kaymakli Underground City with its maze of tunnels.
• Hike Through the Ihlara Valley for a peaceful, scenic experience.
• Enjoy a Traditional Turkish Lunch at Belisrma Village.
• Hotel Pickup and Drop-off make logistics hassle-free.
• Learn About Onyx Crafting at a local workshop.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Green Tour Experience

The Introduction: A Well-Rounded Cappadocia Day

We’re always on the lookout for tours that combine history, natural beauty, and local culture—and this Green Tour hits all those notes. Offered by Zultanite Tours, it promises a comprehensive look at the southern part of Cappadocia, packed into about 7 to 7.5 hours. The small-group setting (maximum 15 people) means you’ll likely get more attention from your guide and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Two aspects that stand out immediately are the views from the panoramic lookout of Goreme—a perfect start for setting the scene—and the visit to Kaymakli Underground City, which intrigues with its labyrinth of tunnels and hidden chambers. While the day is busy, it’s structured to give you a taste of everything that makes Cappadocia special: history, geology, and local craftsmanship. The tour’s price includes many extras, like entrance fees and a delicious Turkish lunch, making it a good deal for travelers who prefer a seamless experience.

One possible consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and some long drives between sites. For travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a more leisurely pace, this might be a bit demanding. But for most, the combination of sights and stories offers excellent value and memorable moments.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting with Panoramic Views of Goreme

The day kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Göreme. From there, you’ll head to a vantage point where you can admire the unique rock formations of Goreme spread out before you—perfect for snapping photos and getting a sense of the landscape. Our source mentions that travelers appreciated this “spectacular view,” which sets the tone for the day.

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Exploring Kaymakli Underground City

Next, you’ll visit Kaymakli, one of the most famous underground cities in Cappadocia. This site reveals a network of tunnels and rooms carved centuries ago, built to hide early Christian communities from invaders. Visitors love the curiosity of descending into this subterranean world, which offers a glimpse of ancient ingenuity. One reviewer noted, “It’s fascinating to think about how people lived underground for protection.”

Hike Through Ihlara Valley

After the underground adventure, the tour moves to Ihlara Valley, a lush, green canyon carved by a river. Here, you can enjoy a moderate hike along the riverbank, passing Byzantine cave churches and enjoying the natural shade of the trees. The greenery and tranquility of the area provide a stark contrast to the rocky landscape above ground.

Visiting Selime Monastery

Your next stop is Selime Monastery, a striking rock-cut complex that served as a religious center. The cathedral-like interior, with its high ceilings and frescoed walls, offers insight into monastic life. That’s where you’ll learn about its historic significance and marvel at the craftsmanship involved in carving such a site.

Onyx Workshop and Local Culture

Part of the tour includes a visit to a local onyx crafting workshop, where you can observe artisans at work. Travelers find this stop particularly engaging as it offers a hands-on glimpse into local craftsmanship and the chance to purchase souvenirs directly from the source.

Lunch at Belisrma Village

No tour of Cappadocia is complete without sampling traditional cuisine. You’ll stop at a local Turkish restaurant nestled in Belisrma Village, offering a hearty meal. While beverages are not included, the opportunity to relax and enjoy authentic flavors adds a warm touch to the day.

Return and Drop-off

After a full day of sightseeing, your guide will return you to your hotel in Göreme—concluding a well-paced, enriching experience.

The Value of the Tour: What Travelers Say

Some reviews highlight the “stunning views” as a major highlight, emphasizing how the panoramic scenes of Goreme and the unique landscapes left lasting impressions. Others appreciated the small-group setting, which made the experience feel more personal and flexible.

The included admissions and lunch add practical value, saving travelers money and time. The hotel pickup and drop-off service is a definite plus—no need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or arranging transportation.

However, a few travelers mentioned that the long day of walking and driving might be tiring for some, especially if they’re not used to active days. Still, most felt that the richness of the sites made the effort worthwhile.

Practical Details and Tips for Travelers

• Comfortable shoes are a must, given the uneven terrain and walking involved.
• Pack a hat, sunscreen, and water—the sun can be strong, especially during summer.
• Bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas and historic sites.
• The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or pregnant women in early or late pregnancy, due to heat and walking.
• Children under 8 are free, but infants should sit on laps in the vehicle.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Green Tour offers a well-rounded exploration of South Cappadocia’s highlights, perfect for travelers seeking a structured, informative day with plenty of scenic and cultural sights. It balances history and nature, giving you a taste of underground cities, lush valleys, and spiritual sites—all while enjoying the comforts of a small group and included meals.

It’s an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their sightseeing without feeling rushed, and who value authentic experiences like visiting a local workshop and enjoying panoramic views. If you’re after a comprehensive, hassle-free way to experience the best of Cappadocia’s south side, this tour is a solid pick.

For travelers with limited time or those new to the region, it delivers a smooth, insightful adventure—with plenty of photo opportunities and stories to tell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
Admission to all visited sites, lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and taxes.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 are free of charge. Infants should be seated on laps, and the tour involves walking and some long drives, so consider your child’s comfort and activity level.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 7 to 7.5 hours, with several stops and walking involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and a water bottle are recommended.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women in the first or third trimester, or those with claustrophobia.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

What languages are available?
The tour guide speaks English, Turkish, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Portuguese.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Yes, especially for families with children over 8 who enjoy active outings and cultural sites.

Can I customize pickup locations?
Pickup is available from hotels in Göreme; please provide your hotel name and room number when booking.

This Green Tour is a balanced, engaging way to see the highlights of South Cappadocia—offering a taste of adventure, history, and stunning scenery all within a well-organized day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, it provides a comprehensive snapshot of what makes Cappadocia so special.

You can check availability for your dates here: