Green (South) Tour Cappadocia with lunch and ticket

This detailed review covers the highly-rated Green Tour of Cappadocia, a full-day experience designed to take you beyond the popular hotspots and into the heart of this remarkable region. Based on extensive reviews and your potential experience, we’ll explore what makes this tour stand out, what to expect, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

Two things that stand out about this tour are the opportunity to explore less crowded, historic sites like the underground city and Selime Monastery, and the chance to enjoy a beautiful hike through Ihlara Valley. These experiences offer a refreshing contrast to the busy, selfie-stick-filled attractions that often dominate tourist travel.

However, one consideration is the long day of walking and stairs—particularly the descent into Ihlara Valley, which involves a drop of over 300 steps. While the tour is well-paced and informative, travelers with mobility issues or certain health concerns should assess their comfort for this level of activity.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a blend of history, nature, and scenic views, and who appreciate guided commentary that adds context to each stop. It’s a great choice for those looking to see a broad swath of southern Cappadocia in a single day without the stress of planning logistics themselves.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Focuses on less touristy sites like the underground city and Selime Monastery.
• Comfortable Transportation: Travel is in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable guide.
• Active Day: Involves walking, some stairs, and a 3 km hike in Ihlara Valley.
• Authentic Insights: Guided commentary enhances understanding of each site.
• Value for Money: All entrance tickets and lunch are included, making it a convenient package.
• Flexible Options: Multiple pickup and drop-off points allow for easy access.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Essence of the Tour: A Balance of History and Nature

The Green Tour is designed to give travelers a comprehensive snapshot of southern Cappadocia’s most compelling sights. It’s especially appealing if you want to go beyond the crowds and experience sites that are equally impressive but less visited.

The day begins at the Göreme Panoramic Point, which sets a stunning scene with sweeping views of the valley. From there, the journey takes you into history with a guided tour of Kaymakli Underground City. This underground labyrinth, excavated and inhabited by many civilizations over centuries, offers a fascinating look at how people survived underground for extended periods. The underground city isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a testament to human ingenuity and resilience.

Next, the day moves to Selime Monastery, the largest hand-hewn rock structure in Cappadocia. Its size alone is jaw-dropping, and exploring its tunnels and chambers provides a vivid sense of monastic life centuries ago. Reviews often mention how impressive and expansive this site is, with visitors appreciating the chance to walk through ancient corridors and imagine life within those stone walls.

The Nature and Hike: Ihlara Valley

Perhaps the most cherished part of the tour is the visit to Ihlara Valley—a lush, green gorge cut deep into the landscape, with a stream flowing through it. The 3 km hike along the stream is a highlight, offering a peaceful contrast to the rock-hewn sites. Travelers will walk along the river, passing pigeon houses and cave churches, some decorated with frescoes that are unusual and intriguing.

Reviews praise the beautiful scenery as “really beautiful in nature,” and the hike is seen as a pleasant, moderate activity that adds a touch of adventure. Keep in mind, descending into Ihlara involves going down more than 300 steps, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Lunch and Relaxation

A traditional village lunch on the river provides a well-earned break, giving you a taste of local cuisine. While some reviews mention the lunch as modest, many find it both satisfying and authentic. The meal is included in the tour fee, which adds to the overall value, especially considering the entrance tickets and guided commentary.

End of the Day: Pigeon Valley and Uçhisar Castle

The day wraps up at Pigeon Valley, a scenic spot ideal for photos and a last dose of natural beauty. Visitors often comment on the photo opportunities and the chance to see Uçhisar Castle from a distance, with the option to walk down the valley to Göreme if time permits. This provides a relaxed end to an active day, with plenty of chances to take in the views and reflect on the journey.

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Detailed Itinerary Analysis

Start with the Panoramic Viewpoint

Beginning at Göreme, the panoramic point offers a sweeping vista of the valley, perfect for snapping photos and orienting yourself. It gives instant context for the day’s adventure.

Underground City Exploration

Guided tours of Kaymakli Underground City last about 50 minutes. Visitors get an inside look at multi-level tunnels, living quarters, and storage areas built to withstand sieges. Reviewers mention that Ali, their guide, provided insightful commentary, helping to bring the site to life. The underground city is both impressive and slightly eerie, especially when imagining how ancient inhabitants managed daily life underground.

Selime Monastery

Another 50-minute guided tour introduces you to the largest rock-hewn monastery in Cappadocia. Its size and complexity are sure to leave an impression. Visitors often comment on how vast and well-preserved it is, with some describing it as more of a small village carved into the rock. The monastery’s tunnels, chapels, and panoramic views from the top make it a highlight.

Ihlara Valley Hike

The 1-hour guided walk through the lush Ihlara Valley is a peaceful yet invigorating experience. You’ll walk along the stream, passing ancient cave churches with frescoes, and enjoy the lush scenery. While the descent involves a significant number of steps, reviews reassure that the walk is worth it and not overly strenuous for most visitors.

Pigeon Valley and Uçhisar

The final stop offers a photo opportunity of Pigeon Valley, famed for its dovecotes carved into the cliffs. From here, you can admire Uçhisar Castle, which provides an excellent vantage point over the region. Some travelers choose to hike down the valley to Göreme, adding a bit more adventure to their day.

Practicalities and Value

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, lunch, and taxes, which makes it very convenient and budget-friendly. The only extra expense you might encounter is drinks during lunch or personal souvenirs.

Transport is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, which is particularly important after long walks or hot days. The multiple pickup locations enhance accessibility, making this tour suitable for various hotel arrangements.

The 7-hour duration means you get a rundown without feeling rushed, but it’s still a full day of activity. The tour’s reviews consistently praise the well-paced nature and expert guidance.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, often mentioning how they make the experience engaging and informative. For example, a reviewer called Ali “funny and friendly,” while others appreciated guides who provided just the right amount of commentary without overwhelming the group.

The value for money is frequently highlighted, especially considering that all tickets and lunch are included. Many reviewers mention that it’s difficult to see such a variety of sites on your own, making this tour a smart choice for those wanting to maximize their time.

A few reviewers note the long day and stairs involved, but most agree that it’s a small price for such a rich experience. The scenery, history, and authentic stops make it worthwhile.

The Sum Up

The Green (South) Tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Cappadocia’s less touristy, yet equally remarkable sites. It’s an excellent way to see underground cities, ancient monasteries, and scenic valleys, all with the comfort of guided commentary and included tickets.

If you’re someone who values authentic experiences over crowded attractions, this tour will serve you well. It’s particularly suited for travelers eager to learn about history and nature without the hassle of planning every detail—with the added bonus of good-value inclusions.

While the itinerary involves some walking and stairs, most visitors find the experience meaningful and rewarding. The positive reviews suggest this tour consistently exceeds expectations, especially with guides who know their stuff and keep the day engaging.

This tour is a fantastic choice for curious, active travelers who want a balanced, insightful, and authentic day in Cappadocia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Green Tour?
It lasts about 7 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets to the Underground City, Selime Monastery, Ihlara Valley, lunch, and all taxes.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so bring some water or purchase beverages during lunch.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
The tour involves a fair amount of walking and stairs, especially descending into Ihlara Valley. It’s best suited for those in good health and mobility.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as the activities include walking and climbing stairs.

Can I hike down from Pigeon Valley to Göreme?
Yes, it’s possible if you wish to extend your day with a scenic hike, but it’s optional.

Is there a guide available in languages other than English and Turkish?
The tour primarily operates in English and Turkish, but check with the provider if you need another language.

How many people are typically in the tour group?
While the exact size isn’t specified, reviews suggest a comfortable group size, allowing for personalized guidance.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Would I enjoy this tour if I’m interested in history and scenery?
Definitely. The mix of historical sites and stunning natural landscapes makes it ideal for those interests.

This Green Tour in Cappadocia offers an enriching, well-paced day packed with sights and stories. It’s an excellent way to deepen your understanding of this remarkable region, all while enjoying the comfort and insight that a guided experience provides.

You can check availability for your dates here: