South of Cappadocia Tour – Green Tour is a well-known day trip that whisks you through some of the most captivating sights in the southern part of this enchanting region. For $92 per person, you’ll spend roughly seven hours exploring a landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions, early Christian monks, and ancient civilizations. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits key highlights like Derinkuyu Underground City, the scenic Ihlara Valley, and the impressive Selime Monastery.
We particularly appreciate the inclusion of all entrance fees and hotel pickup, which makes it a relatively hassle-free way to see some of Cappadocia’s best-known sites without the stress of planning each detail yourself. The comfortable transportation in a modern minivan helps keep the long day manageable, while the full-day itinerary ensures you get a rich taste of history, nature, and local culture.
One possible consideration is that some travelers might find the schedule a bit tight, especially if they prefer a more relaxed pace or want to linger longer at each site. Also, since the reviews mention a mix of experiences—ranging from highly positive to some frustrations—it’s worth knowing that your experience may vary depending on your guide and expectations.
This tour suits travelers who value comprehensive sightseeing, enjoy walking through historical sites, and want a guided overview of Cappadocia’s southern highlights. It’s especially good for those who appreciate a balanced mix of outdoor activity, cultural insights, and scenic views.
Key Points
- In-Depth Itinerary: Visits to underground cities, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery make this a well-rounded day.
- Comfortable Transport: Modern minivan ensures a smooth ride and ease between sites.
- All-Inclusive Entry: Entrance fees and guide service included, providing good value.
- Walking & Exploration: Involves a 4km walk in Ihlara Valley plus guided tours at key sites.
- Flexible Pickup/Drop-off: Multiple hotel options available for convenience.
- Mixed Reviews: Guides are generally praised, but some travelers mention scheduling issues or stops at stores.
Detailed Review of the Green Tour in Cappadocia
The Highlights and Why They Matter
The Green Tour covers a series of iconic sites that encapsulate Cappadocia’s history, geology, and religious past. Starting from your hotel, the first stop at the Goreme Panorama viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of the fairy chimneys and volcanic formations that make the landscape famous. Here, your guide will explain how these formations came into existence, giving you an essential context for everything you’ll see later.
Next, the journey takes you into Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City—massive subterranean complexes carved out centuries ago to serve as safe havens for early Christians. Walking down into these tunnels, you’ll descend through 6-8 interconnected levels, passing through narrow tunnels, stone stairs, and chambers used for kitchens, wine storage, and even animal stalls. The size and depth of these underground labyrinths are impressive, and your guide will share stories of how early inhabitants lived underground during times of invasion.
Ihlara Valley is a highlight that combines natural beauty with history. The 4km (about an hour) walk along the river takes you through a deep canyon, dotted with cave churches carved into the soft volcanic rock by monks. The scenery is lush, with greenery contrasting sharply against the stark cliffs, and the peaceful sound of flowing water adds to the serenity. Many visitors find this a refreshing change from the more built-up sites. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a lunch at a riverside restaurant, offering a chance to sip Turkish tea or try local specialties before continuing.
Selime Monastery, carved into a massive rock formation, is another standout. This largest rock-cut monastery in the region served multiple civilizations over the centuries, from Hittites to Byzantines. The scale of the structure, with its churches, tunnels, and courtyards, is awe-inspiring, giving you a tangible sense of the ancient monastic life.
Your day ends with a visit to a viewpoint in Uçhisar, overlooking Pigeon Valley. The stone-carved pigeon houses here are a testament to how locals used dovecotes for communication and fertilizer—simple but effective solutions that reflect a deep connection between people and their environment.
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The Itinerary Breakdown
Pickup and Early Sights
The tour begins with a pickup from five key locations, including Nevehir, Uçhisar, Avanos, Göreme, and Ürgüp. This flexibility means you can choose a convenient starting point. The initial stop at Goreme Panorama sets the tone with breathtaking views and insightful commentary, perfect for photo opportunities.
Underground Cities
The visit to Kaymakli Underground City lasts about an hour. The narrow tunnels and interconnected levels can be tight, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with confined spaces. The guide will point out features like churches, kitchens, and animal stalls, giving a vivid picture of underground life.
More Great Tours NearbyNature and Walking
The Ihlara Valley walk is approximately 75 minutes, involving some light hiking. It’s relatively easy terrain, but good shoes are advised. The scenery and cave churches provide a glimpse into early Christian life, making this the most atmospheric part of the tour.
Cultural and Religious Sites
Selime Cathedral offers an up-close look at ancient rock architecture. The guided tour here lasts about 45 minutes, and you’ll see the monastic complex that once housed many monks. The size and carvings are impressive, and your guide will share stories of its varied history.
Final Views and Shopping
The last stop at Uçhisar offers stunning panoramic views of Pigeon Valley, a fitting end to your day of exploration. Some tours include a visit to a glass factory, but this seems more like a shopping opportunity than an authentic experience—something to keep in mind if you’re not interested in retail.
The Experience and What to Expect
Transportation: The tour uses a modern, comfortable minivan, which is a plus for long days. It helps keep the group movement smooth and allows for quick transitions between sites.
Guide Quality: Reviews are mixed but generally favorable, with some travelers praising guides like Ferhat Akba for their attentiveness and knowledge. One reviewer specifically appreciated the guide’s efforts to keep the group engaged and informed.
Pace and Duration: The 7-hour schedule packs a lot in—be prepared for a full day of walking, climbing, and sightseeing. The 4km walk in Ihlara Valley is designed to be accessible, but it’s still worth wearing good shoes and bringing water.
Value for Money: At $92, the tour includes all entrance fees, a guide, transportation, and lunch (without drinks). Considering how many sites you visit, this is a reasonable price, especially for travelers who prefer guided convenience.
Authentic Experiences: The underground cities and cave churches provide tangible links to Cappadocia’s past. Walking through these ancient tunnels and carved monasteries offers a sense of stepping back in time.
Authentic Insights from Reviews
While the overall rating is 3.8 out of 5, reviews shed more light on what travelers appreciate—and what they don’t.
One traveler was disappointed because of a schedule change made by the owner, which affected their plans, illustrating that issues beyond the guide’s control can impact your experience. They also mentioned that some tours tend to stop at stores to “waste time and money,” which may be a concern if you’re not interested in shopping.
Conversely, other visitors have raved about the guide’s efforts, with one praising the attention to detail and the effort to make the day enjoyable. Another highlighted how great the overall experience was, recommending the tour wholeheartedly.
This variability underscores the importance of managing expectations: if you’re seeking a well-organized, informative day with excellent views and historical insights, this tour generally delivers—especially when guided by a professional like Ferhat Akba.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This Green Tour in Cappadocia is best suited for history enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and those who want an efficient yet rundown of the region’s key sights. If you enjoy walking, exploring ancient underground tunnels, and taking in scenic landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love here.
However, if you prefer a leisurely pace with ample time at each site or dislike tight underground spaces, you might want to consider a different option or customize your experience. Also, be aware that some stops might feel rushed, especially during busy seasons.
Ultimately, this tour offers good value and a chance to see Cappadocia’s most iconic sites in one day. It’s a solid choice for travelers who value guidance, convenience, and a taste of adventure in this surreal landscape.
FAQ
What is included in the Green Tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a modern minivan, a professional English-speaking guide, all entrance tickets, and lunch (excluding drinks).
How long is the tour?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 7 hours, with specific starting times available depending on your booking.
What sites will I visit?
You will visit Goreme Panorama, Pigeon Valley, two underground cities (Kaymakli or Derinkuyu), Ihlara Valley, and Selime Cathedral, among others.
Is walking involved?
Yes, there is about a 4km walk along the river in Ihlara Valley, which takes around an hour. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Can I customize the stops?
This tour follows a fixed itinerary, but some sites like the glass factory may involve shopping or workshops; you can choose to participate or skip these.
What are the reviews like?
Feedback is mixed, with some travelers praising guides and scenery, while others mention scheduling issues or stops at stores. Guides like Ferhat Akba often receive positive comments for their attentiveness.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The walking involved may be manageable for most, but tight underground tunnels and uneven terrain could pose challenges for very young children or those with mobility issues.
How much does the tour cost?
It costs $92 per person, which is reasonable considering the sites visited and inclusions.
Are drinks included with lunch?
No, drinks are not included, so you may want to bring water or purchase beverages during lunch.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. You can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, offering flexibility.
In short, the South of Cappadocia Green Tour offers a well-rounded look at some of the region’s most famous sights. While it’s not without its quirks, the combination of fascinating underground cities, scenic hikes, and impressive monastic sites makes it a worthwhile option for those who want a structured, insightful day. Just keep your expectations in check, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the landscape that has captivated travelers for centuries.
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