Cappadocia Green Tour (South of Cappadocia Tour)

If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia and want to see the highlights without feeling rushed, the Cappadocia Green Tour could be just what you’re looking for. This full-day excursion takes you through some of the most captivating sights south of Göreme, blending natural beauty, ancient ruins, and a taste of local life. With a solid reputation—rated 5.0 with 120 reviews—this tour seems to deliver a well-rounded, memorable experience.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines beautiful scenery with fascinating historical sites, all led by a knowledgeable guide who makes the complex history accessible and engaging. Plus, the included lunch in a traditional restaurant adds a nice touch, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the local atmosphere. On the flip side, some travelers mention that the day can feel a bit tiring, especially if you’re not used to lots of walking.

This tour is ideal for those who want to see a variety of Cappadocia’s top sights in one day—things like the underground city, Ihlara Valley, and fairy chimneys—without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets on your own. If you’re a bit adventurous but prefer a guided experience, or if you’re traveling with a group, this might be a perfect fit. Just keep in mind that it’s an active day, so some stamina is required.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major attractions from valleys to underground cities
• Expert guide enhances understanding and appreciation of each site
• Includes lunch and all tickets, making it a convenient all-in-one experience
• Group size limited to 18, ensuring a more intimate atmosphere
• Some walking involved, so good shoes and moderate fitness help
• Free cancellation available if plans change unexpectedly

What to Expect from the Cappadocia Green Tour

This tour offers a fantastic way to get a broad sense of Cappadocia’s diverse landscapes and historical sites without the stress of planning every detail yourself. We’ll walk through lush valleys, explore ancient underground cities, and admire stunning vistas—all within approximately 8 to 9 hours.

The Itinerary Details

Start Point: Goreme Panorama
The day kicks off with a view of Goreme, where you’ll get a quick but breathtaking look at the town from the panorama. It’s a great way to set the scene and get your bearings. Expect a guided lecture here, which helps you understand the significance of this famous vista. This stop is quick but impactful—perfect for snapping a few photos and getting excited about what’s ahead.

Pigeon Valley
Next, you’ll visit Pigeon Valley. Named for the dovecotes carved into the rocks, it’s one of Cappadocia’s most iconic spots. The views here are stunning—imagine soft rock formations and ancient pigeon houses. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, giving you just enough time to soak it in without feeling rushed.

Kaymakli Underground City
A highlight for many, this underground city offers a glimpse into ancient life beneath the surface. Your guide will accompany you, explaining how these tunnels and chambers were used for centuries. Since the walking here isn’t described as overly strenuous, it’s accessible for most, though some parts might be narrow or dark. Expect about 45 minutes exploring this fascinating underground world.

Ihlara Valley
This is the longest walk of the day, around an hour and a half, but it’s well worth it. The valley’s lush greenery and the church carved into the rocks make for a memorable experience. Your guide will describe the sights along the way, combining nature with history. Reviewers rave about this part, with one noting it as a highlight, especially the blend of natural beauty and historical ruins.

Belisirma Village and Lunch
After the walk, you’ll stop at Belisirma for a traditional lunch included in the tour price. The setting is relaxed, and it’s a good chance to chat with fellow travelers and enjoy local cuisine. Some reviews mention the lunch as decent but not outstanding, so don’t expect gourmet meals but rather a hearty, authentic Turkish meal.

Selime Monastery
The day wraps up with a visit to the impressive Selime Monastery. The site’s vast structure and commanding views offer a fitting end to your exploration. The guided tour here helps bring the ancient monastery to life, highlighting its significance and architecture.

The Experience: What’s Included and What’s Not

All transportation, parking fees, tickets for museums and ruins, and lunch are covered, which is a big plus for convenience. The group size is capped at 18, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the private transportation makes movement between sites smooth and comfortable.

Not included are alcohol, soda, personal expenses, and tips. This means you can budget accordingly and focus on soaking up the experience without surprise charges.

The Pros and Cons

As one reviewer pointed out, the tour can be tiring, especially with a long walk in the valley and multiple sites. However, most found the guide’s expertise and the beautiful scenery made it worth the effort. The guide, Ferhan, earned praise for his personal attention and thoughtful approach, which really enhances the experience.

The price, at about $73 per person, offers good value considering all tickets and lunch are included. It’s a solid option for those who want a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of doing it on your own.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a balanced mix of natural beauty, ancient sites, and local flavor, this tour hits most marks. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy guided trips that take care of the logistics, leaving you free to focus on the scenery and stories. Active travelers will appreciate the walking involved, but there’s enough variety to keep it engaging.

While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, the manageable pace and fascinating sites could appeal to older children or teenagers interested in history and adventure. Just ensure everyone’s prepared for some walking and a full day out.

Final Thoughts

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to explore the south of this unique region. You’ll visit the awe-inspiring underground city, stroll through lush valleys, and enjoy the stunning views that make Cappadocia so special—all with the guidance of a knowledgeable, friendly guide.

For travelers who value convenience, informative narration, and a touch of adventure, this tour really delivers. The included lunch, tickets, and transportation make it a straightforward choice for making the most of your day. The only caution is that it’s a full, active day, so pack comfortable shoes and be ready for some walking.

In the end, this tour is best suited for curious explorers eager to see a wide slice of Cappadocia’s highlights, without sacrificing comfort or organization. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, it’s likely to be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy all the stops without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
All tickets to museums and ruins, parking fees, private transportation, and a traditional lunch are included, simplifying your planning.

Is there much walking involved?
Yes, especially in Ihlara Valley and the underground city. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and some walking fitness is helpful.

What is the group size?
The group is capped at 18 travelers, which means a more personal experience and less crowding.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. You’ll get a full refund if you cancel within that window.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically geared toward families, the manageable pace and interesting sites might appeal to older children or teenagers interested in history and outdoor activities.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins in Goreme at 9:30 am, with pickup included, so you won’t have to worry about finding your way.

If you’re looking for a full day of engaging sightseeing with knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics, the Cappadocia Green Tour seems like a reliable choice. It balances scenic beauty and historical intrigue, all while keeping things reasonably comfortable and well-organized.