Cappadocia: Green Tour – Ihlara Valley & Underground City

Exploring Cappadocia’s Green Tour: Ihlara Valley & Underground City

If you’re considering a full-day adventure in Cappadocia, the Green Tour offers a comprehensive way to see some of the most iconic spots in the region. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who have, and honestly, it sounds like a pretty solid option if you want to get a taste of everything—from fairy chimneys to hidden underground cities.

What stands out most about this experience is how it packs so many highlights into one day. You get to walk through lush valleys, explore ancient underground dwellings, and visit historical monasteries—all with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. Plus, the price of around $68 per person seems to offer good value considering the variety and depth of sights covered. However, keep in mind that this is a long day, and the pace can be quite full, so it might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer a more relaxed visit.

One thing to consider is that the tour includes a lot of walking and some narrow underground spaces, which might be challenging if you’re not comfortable with tight quarters or hiking. Also, food quality at the included lunch has been noted as only average in some reviews, so don’t go expecting gourmet cuisine, but it’s a decent meal to keep you going. This tour is best suited for curious travelers eager to see the breadth of Cappadocia’s landscapes and history in a single day without fussing over transportation or logistics.

Who’s this for? If you’re a traveler keen on getting a thorough overview of Cappadocia’s highlights, enjoy outdoor walks, and appreciate guided insights, this tour could be a great fit. It’s particularly good for those who want a packed, organized day that hits all the major points, saving you time and effort.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Covers key sites like Ihlara Valley, underground city, and Selime Monastery in a single day.
• Good value for money: At $68, you get guided tours, lunch, and entrance fees (if you choose the ticket-included option).
• Expert guides: Travelers rave about knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides who bring the sites alive.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning views at Goreme Panorama, lush greenery in Ihlara, and the fascinating underground tunnels.
• Moderate physical activity: Walking in the canyon and exploring narrow underground spaces may be tiring but rewarding.
• Mixed reviews on food and stops: Lunch scores are average, and some say the restaurant environment isn’t as scenic as advertised.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Goreme Panorama: Your first stop is a classic viewpoint where you’ll get an overview of Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys. This is a great chance to snap some photos and soak in the landscape while your guide explains how these formations came to be. From a practical standpoint, this is a quick but beautiful introduction, and most reviews mention the views are truly impressive.

Derinkuyu Underground City: About 40 minutes from Goreme, this is a highlight for many. The underground city is a vast network of tunnels, rooms, and caverns that served as a refuge for locals in ancient times. Tourists often find it mesmerizing to walk through the narrow passages, imagining life underground. One reviewer noted, “The Derinkuyu Underground City was fascinating,” which echoes the general sentiment. Be prepared for some tight spaces; if you’re claustrophobic, it might feel a bit overwhelming.

Ihlara Valley: After a drive of approximately 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at this lush canyon carved by volcanic activity. The walk here is around 3.5 km along the river, lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The canyon is dotted with ancient churches and cave dwellings, demonstrating how early Christians carved homes and places of worship into the rocks. The scenery is quite different from the open fairy chimneys—more lush, more green, and peaceful. Reviewers have praised the hike as “breathtaking,” and many have enjoyed the combination of nature and history.

Lunch by the River: The included meal is served at a restaurant next to the river in the valley. The menu typically starts with soup and salad, followed by a main dish choice and seasonal fruit. While some reviews mention the environment isn’t as scenic as expected, most agree the food is “fine” and sufficient for a midday break.

Selime Monastery: Perched at the end of the valley, this complex resembles a castle but is actually a monastery with churches, chapels, bedrooms, and storages. It’s a vast, intriguing site that reveals how monks lived and worked. Visitors often find it impressive, and guides share stories about monastic life that add context. Expect to climb some steps and get a good workout here.

Pigeon Valley: On the way back, you’ll have about an hour of rest before reaching Pigeon Valley, famous for the carved houses on the slopes and the pigeons that were once vital for local life. It’s a quieter, scenic spot where some choose to relax or take photos of the unique dwellings.

Onyx Factory Visit: The tour concludes with a stop at a local onyx factory in Uchisar. Here, a craftsman demonstrates how volcanic stone is shaped into jewelry and ornaments. Visitors often enjoy watching the process and browsing the products, although some reviews warn about the sales pressure—so it’s good to be aware and shop wisely.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Dynamics

The tour is organized with hotel pickups from multiple locations, starting early around 8:45-10:00 AM depending on your pickup point. Most groups are kept reasonably small, and the vehicle is described as clean and comfortable with air conditioning, which is a nice touch on warm days.

The full-day schedule stretches from roughly 7:30 or 8 in the morning until around 5 or 6 PM, meaning you’ll be on the move most of the day. The pace is bustling, with some walking involved, especially in the valley and underground spaces. According to reviews, the guides do a good job of keeping the group comfortable and informed, with many travelers praising their enthusiasm and knowledge.

Price-to-value ratio: At $68, including guide, entrance fees (if you select the ticket option), and lunch, many find this to be good value. It’s a way to tick off several must-see sites without the hassle of planning logistics or transportation separately.

What the Reviews Say

Most participants rave about the knowledgable guides and the scenic variety of the sites. One reviewer quipped, “Selim was an entertaining and well-informed guide,” emphasizing how guides can really make or break the experience. Others appreciated the timing and organization, noting everything ran smoothly and on schedule.

A common compliment is the well-curated itinerary—covering underground cities, valleys, monasteries, and a factory all in one day. Several reviews mention the good value, especially when factoring in the guide’s insights and the included lunch.

However, some feedback points to practical aspects: the lunch environment wasn’t as picturesque as expected, and the walks in the canyon and underground areas can be physically demanding, especially for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Also, a few review comments mentioned feeling somewhat rushed at the end of the canyon hike, so if you like taking your time, be prepared for a bit of a pace.

Final Thoughts

The Green Tour in Cappadocia offers a well-rounded, efficient way to see the region’s highlights. It’s particularly suitable if you’re looking for a full-day, guided experience that minimizes planning stress and maximizes exposure to history, nature, and local craftsmanship. The inclusion of an expert guide, scenic viewpoints, and authentic sites makes it a solid choice for first-timers or those wanting a broad overview.

While it might feel a bit packed and physically tiring for some, the overall consensus is that the value and experience are worth it. Expect beautiful landscapes, fascinating underground tunnels, and a glimpse into Cappadocia’s unique historical tapestry—all delivered with enthusiasm and professionalism by the guides.

If you appreciate guided tours that balance education and sightseeing, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this Green Tour will leave you with memorable stories and plenty of photos.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people who don’t like walking?
The tour involves some walking, especially in the valley and underground spaces. If you’re comfortable with moderate activity, you’ll be fine. But if you prefer very relaxed sightseeing, it might feel a bit tiring.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price typically covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the guide, lunch, and museum tickets if you choose that option. Drinks are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?
Pickup points are available from several locations, including Uçhisar, Nevehir, Avanos, Çavusin, Göreme, Ürgüp, and Ortahisar. The tour usually ends back at your hotel by around 5 or 6 PM.

How long is the hike in Ihlara Valley?
The hike lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering approximately 3.5 km along the river, with scenic views and historic churches along the way.

Are the underground tunnels claustrophobic?
Many travelers find the tunnels fascinating, but narrow spaces might be challenging for those with claustrophobia. The underground city is about 800 meters deep, so expect some tight spots.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, the last stop includes a visit to a shop in Uçhisar where you can see onyx being shaped and purchase jewelry. Be aware that there may be some sales pressure.

The Cappadocia Green Tour is a practical, informative, and scenic way to see a broad swath of this unique region. It’s suited for travelers who want to make the most of their day with guided insights and don’t mind a busy schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here: