From Cappadocia: Green Tour with Hikes and Caves with Lunch

Experience Cappadocia’s Green Tour: Hikes, Underground Cities, and Authentic Turkish Cuisine

If you’re exploring Central Anatolia, the Green Tour in Cappadocia offers a full day of natural beauty, cultural insights, and outdoor adventure. For just $37 per person, you’ll visit Ihlara Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, walk through Pigeon Valley, and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch. The tour typically starts around 9:00 AM, with transportation provided from your hotel, making it a convenient way to see some of the region’s best-kept secrets.

What we love about this experience is how it provides a well-rounded mix of hiking, history, and local flavor. The less-crowded spots like Ihlara Valley and some hidden gemstones make for a more intimate and authentic experience. Plus, the knowledgeable guides dedicated to sharing their insights make every site come alive, turning mere sightseeing into meaningful moments.

A potential consideration is the variety of stops—some reviews mention unexpected visits to shops or longer-than-necessary outlooks, which might feel like filler if you’re expecting a pure outdoor adventure. However, if you’re open to a mix of sightseeing and cultural stops, this tour offers great value.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of outdoor activity, culture, and good food without the crowds. It’s perfect if you prefer a more relaxed pace and want to dig into the region’s hidden corners, away from the busiest tourist spots.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines hikes, underground cities, and scenic views for a comprehensive experience.
• Authentic Local Food: Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch in a traditional setting.
• Smaller Crowds: Less busy than some other tours, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are enthusiastic, well-prepared, and bilingual, significantly enriching the experience.
• Value for Money: At $37, it offers fantastic access to key sites along with transportation and lunch.
• Flexible Cancellation: You can book now and pay later, with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Green Tour in Cappadocia

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins early, with a pickup from your hotel in Cappadocia. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable start, especially if the weather is warm. The group size is typically manageable, allowing for a more personal experience. The ride sets the tone for the day—smooth, efficient, and ready for the adventure ahead.

Ihlara Valley: A Natural and Cultural Gem

The tour kicks off with a visit to Ihlara Valley, which is renowned for its stunning natural landscape and rock-cut churches. We loved the leisurely walk along the Melendiz River, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. It’s a place where nature and history intertwine; the valley has been a habitat and a place of worship for centuries.

Expect to walk at a relaxed pace, soaking in the scenery and exploring some of the ancient churches carved into the rocks. The cool breeze and the sound of running water make it a perfect spot to unwind amid natural beauty. Many reviews highlight this as a highlight—a peaceful contrast to more crowded, commercial sites elsewhere in Cappadocia.

Lunch in a Traditional Cappadocian Village

After a morning of walking and exploring, you’ll enjoy a Turkish lunch in a local village setting. The meal typically includes kebabs, mezes, and freshly baked bread—authentic dishes that let you taste the region’s flavors. Travelers have appreciated the delicious food and the chance to experience local hospitality.

One review mentions that the lunch was “lovely with a nice cool breeze,” emphasizing the relaxed environment. For many, this is a charming highlight, offering a taste of everyday life in Cappadocia beyond the tourist hotspots.

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Kaymakli Underground City: An Underground Labyrinth

The tour then takes you to Kaymakli Underground City, one of the most impressive subterranean complexes in the region. Descending into the tunnels, you’ll see intricate networks of rooms, tunnels, and chambers carved into volcanic rock. It’s both fascinating and slightly surreal to think of entire communities living underground.

While some reviews note that the original plan was for Kaymakli, others mention visiting Derinkuyu instead. Either way, you’ll get a sense of how people historically used these tunnels for safety and community life, adding a layer of historical depth to your day.

Pigeon Valley: Scenic Walks and Views

Next, you’ll walk through Pigeon Valley, famous for its carved pigeon houses into the cliffs and the breathtaking vistas. The walk offers a serene outdoor experience, allowing you to appreciate the landscape’s natural contours. Many reviewers highlight how stunning the views are and how the guide’s explanations help you understand the significance of the carved pigeon holes.

Some guests mention that the walks are not overly strenuous, making it suitable for most fitness levels. The valley’s peaceful ambiance offers a perfect setting for photos and reflection.

Optional Shopping and Side Stops

Some reviews point out that the tour includes stops at shops or outlooks not explicitly mentioned in the promotional material. For example, a reviewer complained about visiting an onyx shop and a crater, which they found unnecessary or too long. If you’re not interested in shopping or extended outlooks, it’s worth asking your guide if these stops can be brief or skipped.

End of the Day and Return

After a full day of exploring, you’ll be transported back to your hotel. Many reviewers comment on how comfortable and punctual the transportation is, making the day smooth from start to finish. The experience ends with a sense of having seen some of the region’s hidden gems, away from crowded tourist routes.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

The reviews offer a broad spectrum of impressions, but the overall consensus is positive. Several guests praised the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Akif, Ugur, Osman, and Onurcan. Their ability to explain in multiple languages and answer questions is highly valued.

The value-for-money aspect is clear— for $37, you get transport, guide, lunch, and multiple site visits—which many consider a great deal. Conversely, some express disappointment about extra stops or longer-than-expected outlooks, so manage expectations accordingly if you prefer a more straightforward outdoor hike.

What We Think

While some may find the itinerary a bit packed or the shopping stops unnecessary, the tour’s highlights—Ihlara Valley, underground city, and Pigeon Valley—are genuinely memorable. The local guide’s insights make these sites come alive, and the lunch is a nice touch, giving you a taste of regional cuisine.

This tour would suit travellers who love outdoor activities, are interested in local culture and history, and prefer avoiding the busiest crowds. It’s particularly good if you want a comprehensive day out without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The Sum Up

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a balanced itinerary that combines natural beauty, underground mysteries, and authentic Turkish food. At a modest price, you gain access to some of the region’s lesser-known sites, away from the throngs of travelers. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

If you’re someone who appreciates scenic walks, historic underground cities, and local flavors, this tour provides a well-structured, value-packed day. It’s especially appealing if you favor smaller crowds and want to see more than just the typical postcard sites.

However, if your priority is a more straightforward outdoor experience without shopping stops or unexpected detours, you might want to clarify the itinerary beforehand. Still, the overall experience is highly regarded and offers a meaningful way to deepen your understanding of Cappadocia’s landscape and history.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price of $37 covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, fuel, parking fees, and lunch.

Are entrance fees to the attractions included?
No, entrance fees for museums and sites like the underground city are not included. You’ll need to pay these separately if you wish to explore inside.

How much walking is involved?
Expect a good amount of walking, especially at Ihlara Valley and Pigeon Valley. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as the terrain can be uneven.

Can I expect to visit specific sites like Kaymakli or Derinkuyu?
The tour generally visits Kaymakli Underground City, but some reviews mention a visit to Derinkuyu instead. Both are impressive underground complexes, and your guide will clarify which one you’ll see.

Is the tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Most likely yes, as the walks are described as relaxed and scenic. However, if you have mobility issues, it’s best to check with the tour provider about the terrain and walking distances.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You also have the option to reserve now and pay later, adding flexibility to your plans.

In short, the Green Tour in Cappadocia offers a well-rounded, engaging day that balances outdoor adventure, cultural insight, and authentic regional cuisine—all at a very reasonable price. If you’re eager to explore beyond the crowds and enjoy some of Cappadocia’s quieter, more authentic corners, this tour is a solid choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: