Selime is a treasure trove for travelers eager to explore Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and historical sites. Its location makes it an ideal starting point for guided tours that reveal the area’s famous rock formations, underground cities, and monastic sites. What makes Selime particularly appealing is its proximity to major attractions like Kaymaklı Underground City and Ihlara Valley—both highlights for any visit. We’re especially fond of tours that combine authentic local experiences with comfortable logistics, such as the Cappadocia Green Tour with Optional Lunch & Tickets, which offers a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the Kaymaklı Underground City and stunning panoramic stops.
For those who prefer a more intimate experience, the Cappadocia Blue Tour with Small Group and Expert Guide provides a more personalized touch, with a focus on less crowded sites like Selime Monastery and Ihlara Valley. And if you’re excited by discovery and learning, the Cappadocia :Underground City Guided Green Tour & Lunch offers a well-rounded itinerary that combines monastic ruins, underground tunnels, and scenic hikes.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top tours—what they include, what makes them special, and who they’re perfect for. Whether you’re after a comprehensive full-day adventure or a focused underground city visit, this guide will help you pick the best experience in Selime.
1. Cappadocia: Green Tour with Optional Lunch & Tickets
At number 1 on our list, the Cappadocia Green Tour with Optional Lunch & Tickets offers a full day of exploration, perfect for travelers who want to see Cappadocia’s highlights with minimal hassle. This tour includes visits to the Kaymaklı Underground City, Narlığöl Crater Lake, and panoramic stops at Göreme and Pigeon Valley. The itinerary is flexible, offering either an all-inclusive option or just guided transportation and sightseeing, which makes it accessible for different budgets.
What sets this tour apart is the diverse mix of experiences. You’ll admire spectacular views from Göreme Panorama, learn about local stone carving at an Onyx Workshop, and enjoy a scenic lunch at Yaprakhisar Panorama with incredible vistas. The tour’s structure includes photo stops, guided tours, and free time for shopping and snacks, making it ideal for travelers who want an organized, comprehensive day without feeling rushed. With a 4.8-star rating from 370 reviews, visitors praise the well-chosen sites and the flexibility of options.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for a full, well-organized day with enough variety to satisfy most interests—perfect for first-timers or those looking to cover the essentials comfortably.
2. Cappadocia Blue Tour with Small Group and Expert Guide
Number 2 is the Cappadocia Blue Tour with Small Group and Expert Guide, which provides a more personal experience over about 8 hours. This tour includes a visit to the underground city of Derinkuyu, Selime Monastery, and Ihlara Valley, along with scenic views at Narlığöl Crater Lake. It’s designed for travelers who prefer a smaller group—usually with an expert guide—that allows for more interaction and flexibility.
What makes this tour special is the focus on history and natural beauty. The guide’s expertise makes the stories behind the underground tunnels and monastic ruins come alive. Guests rave about the 75-minute guided tour of Selime Monastery, which offers insight into monastic life and rock-cut architecture. The tour also features hiking in Ihlara Valley, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the canyon’s scenic beauty.
This tour is well-suited for travelers who value more in-depth information and a less crowded atmosphere. Its reviews note the knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics. The main downside is the duration—at 8 hours, it’s a full day, but the intimate format makes it worthwhile.
Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs and those seeking a more personalized, immersive experience that combines natural scenery with archaeological insights.
3. Cappadocia: Underground City Guided Green Tour & Lunch
Number 3 on our list is the Cappadocia: Underground City Guided Green Tour & Lunch. Priced at $70 per person and lasting around 8.5 hours, this tour emphasizes the underground city of Kaymaklı along with Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and other highlights. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a deep dive into Cappadocia’s underground and monastic history.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on educational storytelling. The guide walks you through the natural history of rock formations and monastic life at Selime Monastery. Plus, walking through the Ihlara Valley offers a chance for a scenic trek in a lush canyon, contrasting with the volcanic landscapes elsewhere.
Guests appreciate how the tour balances walking tours, sightseeing, and cultural insights in a manageable day. The highlight quote from reviews? “The guide made the history come alive, and the lunch was delicious with scenic views.” The main drawback might be the physical activity involved, as hiking in the valley requires some walking.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers interested in history, archaeology, and scenic hikes, especially those who enjoy engaging guides.
4. Cappadocia Green Tour (Guide + Lunch + Transfer)
Number 4, the Cappadocia Green Tour (Guide + Lunch + Transfer), offers a comprehensive 8-hour itinerary that covers Ihlara Valley, the Underground City, and Selime Monastery. It’s perfect for travelers who want a structured, all-inclusive experience with pickup and drop-off included, making logistics a breeze.
What makes this tour distinctive is the balanced combination of scenic drives, guided walks, and cultural stops. It features a stop at Van Lake, a photo stop at Cappadocia, and a workshop, making the day both educational and visually stimulating. The tour’s reviews highlight the value for the price, noting the smooth organization and well-chosen sites.
Ideal for visitors who want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal planning or those with limited time in Selime, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for around $90 per person.
Bottom line: Great for travelers wanting a full-day, guided experience with convenient transportation and a mix of sites.
5. Cappadocia’s Green Tour
Rounding out our list, the Cappadocia’s Green Tour is an all-time favorite, receiving a perfect 5-star rating. Lasting about 8 hours and costing around $120, it’s designed for those who want a detailed, guided exploration of Cappadocia’s highlights.
This tour includes exploring Fairy Chimneys, learning about underground cities, and a trekking experience in Ihlara Valley with scenic lunch options by the river. The focus on authentic sites and expert guidance makes it a hit among travelers seeking depth without sacrificing comfort.
Guests often comment on the comprehensive itinerary and the delicious local food, which enhances the authentic experience. It’s suited for travelers who want an immersive day with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
Bottom line: It’s a premium option for those who want to see the best of Cappadocia with expert guidance and a relaxed pace.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Selime
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a full, flexible day with options, the Cappadocia Green Tour with Optional Lunch & Tickets offers great value. If you prefer a more personalized experience, the Small Group Blue Tour is ideal. For those passionate about history and hiking, the Underground City Guided Green Tour & Lunch provides an informative and scenic adventure.
Think about your part of Cappadocia you’re staying in—most tours offer pickup from key towns like Göreme, Uçhisar, and Nevşehir. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Selime offers a wealth of options for travelers eager to explore Cappadocia’s unusual landscapes, underground tunnels, and monastic ruins. Choices range from full-day guided tours with transportation and meals to small-group explorations focused on history and scenery. If you’re visiting for the first time, a comprehensive tour like the Green Tour provides an excellent overview. For those with more time or specific interests, the Blue Tour or the Underground City adventure might be better suited.
No matter which you pick, remember that early booking helps secure your spot, especially in the busy seasons. Each tour provides a different angle on Cappadocia’s fascinating world, so pick the one that best matches your travel style and curiosity. Happy exploring!
