Cappadocia Green Tour

Exploring Cappadocia’s Green Tour: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about experiencing Cappadocia beyond its famous hot air balloons, the Green Tour offers a solid way to see some of the area’s most captivating sights. While we haven’t done it ourselves, reviews suggest this tour balances impressive scenery with a dose of history and local culture. It’s a popular choice for visitors wanting a comprehensive day out, especially if exploring underground cities and scenic valleys sounds appealing.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its all-inclusive approach—admission fees are covered, and a guide is there to help bring the sights to life. Plus, the itinerary includes some of Cappadocia’s most iconic spots like the Underground City and Ihlara Valley. However, a potential downside is that some travelers found the experience a bit “average,” citing room for improvement, especially in terms of comfort and pacing. If you’re after a well-organized, hassle-free day with plenty of highlights, this could be a good fit. It’s particularly suited for those who want a guided experience that covers a lot in just one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary that covers underground cities, scenic valleys, and local crafts
• Family-friendly and stroller accessible, with infant seats available
• Includes lunch, providing a taste of local cuisine
• Guided experience, with knowledgeable guides explaining the history and stories
• Comfortable transportation, in air-conditioned vehicles
• Value for money, with all entrance fees included in the price

The Details of the Cappadocia Green Tour

Starting Point: Goreme Panorama

Right at the outset, you’ll be welcomed with stunning views from the Goreme Panorama. It’s a perfect spot to get a sense of the landscape—featuring the famous fairy chimneys—and snap some photos. The guide will share quick insights about how Cappadocia’s landscape came to be, giving you some context before heading to the more detailed sites. We loved the idea of starting with this broad view, setting the tone for the day.

Underground City: A Hidden Marvel

Next, you’ll visit the Underground City, a place that fascinates many travelers. Originally used as a natural deep freeze, it later served as a shelter for Romans during invasions. Your guide will explain how this complex was built and used, making the experience more meaningful. Expect to spend around an hour here exploring tunnels, chambers, and storerooms.

A reviewer noted that this stop provided “clear explanations” from the guide, which really helps bring the site’s history alive. It’s one of the highlights because it offers a tangible sense of life in ancient times, tucked underground to escape danger. For those interested in history or curious about how people lived in these unique spaces, this is a must-see.

Ihlara Valley: Nature and History Combined

Traveling about 45 minutes from the underground city, you’ll arrive at Ihlara Valley, a deep canyon cut by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years. The hike through the valley is about 3.5 km, taking roughly an hour and 15 minutes, where you’ll see churches carved into the cliffs, along with the Melendiz River flowing at the bottom.

We love Ihlara Valley because it blends natural beauty with history. In the past, it was home to Christian communities who carved churches and painted religious murals into the rock walls. The scenery is peaceful, and walking along the river adds to the sense of tranquility. On the downside, the hike might be considered a bit strenuous for some, but the fact that the tour includes a guided explanation makes it easier to appreciate.

Lunch by the River

After the hike, you’ll enjoy a local lunch at a restaurant right in the valley. The meal is set with a starter of soup and salad, followed by a main dish of your choice, ending with seasonal fruits. Travelers found the lunch tasty, and the setting offers a lovely break amid nature.

Having lunch here is not just about the food—it’s about experiencing a slice of local life. Sitting next to the river, tasting authentic dishes, makes the whole day more memorable. However, it’s good to note that drinks are not included, so if you want anything else, you might need to pay separately.

Yaprakhisar and Star Wars Set

Post-lunch, the guide takes you to Yaprakhisar, famous for its conical fairy chimneys. This area’s landscape resembles a movie set, often compared to scenes from Star Wars, earning it the nickname “Star Wars Movie Set.” It’s a place where the surreal nature of Cappadocia really hits home, and you can take some fantastic photos.

We found Yaprakhisar a highlight because of its otherworldly feel. It’s a relatively quick stop but offers plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of stepping onto another planet.

Selime Monastery: A Rock-Cut Castle

Next, you’ll visit Selime Monastery, which looks like a castle from the outside but is actually a vast religious complex inside. There are churches, chapels, sleeping quarters, storerooms, and a large cathedral. Your guide will share stories about monastic life here, which adds depth to the visit.

Climbing up to the monastery might be tiring, but the views from the top make it worthwhile. It’s an impressive site that showcases the ingenuity of early inhabitants, carving a functioning monastery into the rock. It’s quite an experience to walk through corridors and rooms that have stood for centuries.

Pigeon Valley: The Home of Pigeon Houses

After the monastery, there’s about an hour to rest and enjoy the scenery before arriving at Pigeon Valley. This spot gets its name because of the distinctive homes carved into the cliffs, where pigeons were kept for their droppings, a valuable resource. The guide explains the cultural importance of pigeons here, and you’ll see the carved houses on the slopes.

This stop offers a peaceful moment and a glimpse into the traditional ways of life. The views of the valley are quite scenic, and the pigeons themselves are charming to watch. It’s a quiet end to a busy day of sightseeing.

Onyx Factory in Uchisar

The final stop takes you to a local onyx factory in Uchisar. The volcanic stone is unique to the area, and the master craftsmen demonstrate how onyx is shaped and polished. Watching the process is fascinating, and many visitors appreciate bringing home a piece of this beautiful stone.

This stop is short but informative. If you’re into crafts or jewelry, it’s an interesting experience, and it’s a chance to buy some souvenirs directly from the source. Just remember, shopping here is part of the experience, so it can be a bit sales-oriented.

Tour End and Drop-off

By late afternoon, around 5:00 or 6:00 pm, the tour wraps up with drop-off at your hotel. It’s a full day, but the pacing is generally manageable, especially since transportation is comfortable and air-conditioned.

What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer described the experience as “very average,” mentioning that while the guide was pleasant and interesting, the overall trip lacked some depth, and they felt it could be improved. They also pointed out the lack of air conditioning in the vehicle, which might be uncomfortable in warmer months.

On the flip side, another traveler said it was “beyond expectations,” praising the guide, Furla, for her engaging personality and wealth of information. They appreciated the participation encouragement and felt it made the experience richer.

This mix of reviews highlights that your experience might depend heavily on the guide and your expectations. The inclusion of well-known sites and a knowledgeable guide can make a big difference.

Does It Offer Good Value?

For $86.90 per person, the Green Tour packs in a lot—admission fees, lunch, transportation, and a guide. It’s a convenient way to see many highlights in one day without the hassle of organizing individual tickets or transport. However, some might find it a bit rushed or wish for more personalized attention.

The fee covers entry to multiple attractions, which can add up if you visit them on your own. The included lunch is a nice touch, making this a fairly all-inclusive experience, except for drinks.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves a guided trip that covers the main sights without the fuss of planning logistics, this tour could be a good choice. It’s especially suited for first-timers wanting an overview of Cappadocia’s highlights, including underground cities and scenic valleys.

Travelers looking for a relaxed pace and detailed explanations from a guide will appreciate the experience. It’s also accessible for families, thanks to stroller-friendly spots and infant seats. Keep in mind, if you’re after a more personalized or in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit standard.

Final Thoughts

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a solid mix of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and local crafts. The stops are thoughtfully chosen to give you a well-rounded glimpse of the region, and the included guide helps make sense of the sites.

While it’s not perfect—some travelers wish for better comfort and a more dynamic experience—the highlights like the Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Pigeon Houses are genuinely memorable. For those wanting a manageable, guided day that hits all the main points, it’s a good option.

Just remember that if you’re after a quieter, more leisurely experience, or if you prefer to explore independently, this might not be your ideal choice. But if you love having a knowledgeable guide to point out the details and keep things running smoothly, this tour could be just what you need.

FAQ about the Cappadocia Green Tour

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, you’ll be traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle between the sights, making it comfortable and hassle-free.

Are entrance fees included?
Absolutely. All fees for the attractions visited on the itinerary are covered, so there’s no need to worry about extra costs at each site.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 6 to 7 hours, starting around 9:30 am and finishing late afternoon, giving you a full day of sightseeing.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a local lunch is part of the tour, with soup, salad, a main dish, and seasonal fruits provided.

Can children participate?
Yes, it’s suitable for most travelers, and the tour is stroller accessible with infant seats available.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking, sun protection, and perhaps a camera to capture the scenery.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the tour is stroller accessible, the climb to Selime Monastery might be tiring, so consider physical comfort levels if you have mobility concerns.

If you’re looking for an organized way to see the highlights of Cappadocia without too much hassle, the Green Tour offers a practical and scenic way to do so. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews and plan accordingly based on your preferences for comfort and pace.