Full Day Green Tour Natural History of Cappadocia Tour

Exploring the Natural Beauty and Hidden Corners of Cappadocia: The Full Day Green Tour

If you’re heading to Goreme, Turkey, and ready to get a real feel for the landscape’s unusual geology and historic sites, the Full Day Green Tour offers a comprehensive dive into Cappadocia’s natural and cultural highlights. For $92.19 per person, you’ll spend roughly 9 hours exploring breathtaking vistas, ancient underground cities, and rock-carved monasteries—all with the convenience of pickup and an included lunch. Guided by experienced local guides like Sunny, Rafik, or Eren (based on reviews), this tour is a well-regarded way to see some of the region’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines spectacular panoramic views, like those at Goreme Panorama and Pigeon Valley, with more immersive visits to world-famous sites such as Kaymakli Underground City and Selime Monastery. These stops reveal both the resilience and ingenuity of early inhabitants of the region. Plus, the visit to a onyx sculpting workshop adds a touch of local craftsmanship that makes the trip more tangible and memorable.

A possible drawback, however, is that the day is quite full, with some stops lasting a bit longer than others. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore at your own speed, this might feel a little rushed. The tour’s group size is capped at 18, which tends to strike a good balance between intimacy and social energy. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a well-organized schedule packed with highlights and don’t mind a busy day.

This tour appeals most to those who want a structured, insightful, and visually stunning day in Cappadocia, especially if you’re eager to learn from knowledgeable guides and see the key sites in one go. It’s also perfect for travelers who value value for money, with entrance fees, transportation, and lunch all included.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Combines natural landscapes, underground cities, monasteries, and crafts.
• Expert Guides: Known for knowledgeable, friendly guides like Sunny and Rafik, who enhance the experience.
• All-Inclusive Price: Entrance fees, transportation, and lunch are included, making it easier to enjoy without surprises.
• Breathtaking Views: Stops at Goreme Panorama, Pigeon Valley, and Ihlara Valley offer some of the best scenery.
• Full Day Experience: Lasts about 9 hours, so be prepared for a busy but rewarding day.
• Group Size: Limited to 18 travelers, balancing intimacy with social energy.

In-Depth Review of the Green Tour Experience

An Action-Packed Day of Discovery

This full-day tour is designed to give you a broad yet detailed look at the natural and historical marvels of Cappadocia. It kicks off early, with pickup at 9 am, ensuring you maximize your day. The first stop at Goreme Panorama offers a stunning view of the town’s fairy-tale-like landscape—perfect for settling into the day with a sense of awe. You’ll have around 30 minutes to soak in the views, snap photos, and take in the vastness of Cappadocia’s volcanic formations.

Next, you visit Pigeon Valley, famous for its cave pigeon houses—small, carved-out homes that once supported local agriculture and bird populations. Around 30 minutes here allows for quick exploration and picture-taking. The cave dwellings are a reminder of how residents ingeniously adapted to the landscape.

Dive into the Depths at Kaymakli Underground City

The highlight for many is the Kaymakli Underground City, where you descend into an 8-storey labyrinth carved from soft volcanic rock. This site is not just a curiosity but a testament to early inhabitants’ ingenuity in defense and survival. The nearly 200 underground cities in the region reveal a remarkable network of tunnels, rooms, storage areas, and even stables. The hour-long visit is a fascinating glimpse into a subterranean world built for protection, with features like gigantic bolt stones and narrow corridors that are easy to miss if your guide isn’t attentive.

The Magnificent Ihlara Valley

After the underground adventure, the tour takes you to Ihlara Valley, one of the most impressive canyons in the world. Stretching 18 kilometers, with walls up to 150 meters deep, the valley carved by the Melendiz River is a lush corridor amid the arid landscape. Here, you’ll hike for 2 hours and 30 minutes, visiting rock-carved churches and monasteries along the way. The scenery is especially lush along the river, making this a peaceful yet awe-inspiring stop.

Multiple reviews praise the depth of history and natural beauty here. One reviewer appreciated how their guide helped them understand the significance of the rock-cut churches, making the walk both enjoyable and educational. The easy terrain makes it accessible for most travelers, and the natural setting offers a refreshing break from the busier sites.

Selime Monastery: A Monumental Feat

Your journey continues with a visit to Selime Monastery, believed to have taken over 200 years to build. This large complex could house up to 5,000 people and features elaborate rock-cut chapels, kitchens, and living spaces. Dating back to the 8th or 9th century, it’s the largest monastery in the region and offers a glimpse into the monastic life of centuries past. Expect about 45 minutes at this site, enough to explore the main areas and appreciate its scale and craftsmanship.

A Touch of Craftsmanship at Kapadokya Onyx

The visit to Kapadokya Onyx is a pleasant stop where you can observe how onyx and other stones like zultanite are sculpted by skilled artisans. This quick 30-minute visit provides a relaxing break and an insight into local crafts, with optional purchases if you’re interested.

Lunch by the River

A highlight is the included lunch by the Ihlara River, which offers a chance to relax and reflect on the morning’s sights. The one-hour break is enough to enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine in a scenic setting—a treat after a busy morning.

Scenic Drives and Transitions

The final segment involves driving between sites, totaling about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It’s a good opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the landscape from the comfort of the air-conditioned vehicle. This also allows the guide to share insights and answer any questions, rounding out the day’s educational experience.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Many reviewers highlight the expertise and friendliness of the guides. One praised Sunny for being “extremely friendly and very informative,” which made the experience more engaging. Others appreciated how guides like Rafik and Eren could share stories and facts in fluent English, making the sites come alive.

The value for money is also a recurring theme. With entrance fees, transportation, and lunch included, most travelers felt they received a comprehensive experience at a reasonable price. The scenery and sites visited are considered well worth the effort, especially by those who enjoy active sightseeing.

However, some reviews mention that the day can be quite long, and if you prefer more leisurely exploration, you might find parts a bit rushed. The group size, limited to 18, generally keeps the experience intimate and manageable.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a full yet structured day of sightseeing without worrying about logistics. If you love natural landscapes, history, and local crafts, this trip offers a satisfying mix. It’s especially suitable if you value guides who are knowledgeable and fluent in English, making the experience educational and engaging.

It’s also perfect for those who don’t mind a full schedule—the day’s packed itinerary is designed to maximize what you see and learn. If you’re short on time but want a broad overview of Cappadocia’s highlights, this tour offers great value.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Green Tour in Cappadocia provides an excellent way to explore some of the most captivating sites in the region. From panoramic views and underground cities to lush canyons and monastic ruins, it covers a lot of ground in a single day. The inclusion of entrance fees, transport, and lunch makes it straightforward and cost-effective, especially with guides praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

While the day can be quite busy, it’s ideal for travelers eager to see the key sights in a curated, informative manner. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing more personal interaction with guides like Sunny or Rafik. If you’re looking for an engaging, value-packed tour that balances natural beauty with cultural depth, this is a solid choice.

In short, this Green Tour is perfect for curious travelers who want to understand the essence of Cappadocia—its geology, history, and local craftsmanship—all in one fulfilling day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9 am with a full schedule of stops and transitions.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for Kaymakli Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery are included in the price.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, which helps maintain an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

Does the tour provide transportation?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is included for all transfers between sites and for the duration of the day.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional lunch by the river in Ihlara Valley is part of the package.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

This detailed review aims to help you decide whether this tour fits your travel style and expectations. With its engaging sites, expert guides, and all-in-one value, the Green Tour in Cappadocia promises a memorable day exploring one of Turkey’s most extraordinary landscapes.