Cappadocia Green Tour

Cappadocia Green Tour - Southern Wonders

While Cappadocia’s Red Tour shows you the surface the fairy chimneys, the panoramic viewpoints, the open air museums - the Green Tour takes you deeper. Underground. Into canyon floors. Into the shadows of colossal rock-carved monasteries. If you think Cappadocia is only about fairy chimneys, this tour will completely change that perception.

Your day begins between 09:00 and 09:45 with a hotel pickup. The first stop is Göreme Panorama, where the region’s iconic fairy-chimney skyline stretches out beneath you - a spectacular way to start the day. From there, you’ll visit Pigeon Valley, where hundreds of pigeon houses carved into the cliff faces reveal thousands of years of human interaction with this landscape.

At an onyx and sultanite stone workshop, you’ll watch local artisans craft jewellery and decorative pieces from volcanic stone. Then comes one of the day’s most powerful experiences: Kaymakli Underground City. You’ll descend into a multi level subterranean settlement that sheltered thousands of people in ancient times, walking through tunnels, living quarters, churches, and storage rooms that demonstrate the remarkable engineering of early civilisations. After emerging from underground, a set-menu lunch of regional Turkish cuisine is waiting.

The afternoon introduces you to Cappadocia’s greenest face: Ihlara Valley. You’ll hike approximately 3.5 to 4 kilometres along the Melendiz River, flanked by cliff walls rising over 100 metres on either side. Birdsong, the rhythm of flowing water, and hidden rock-cut churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes accompany you along this trail a nature experience that stands in vivid contrast to the volcanic landscapes you’ve seen elsewhere in the region. At the far end of the valley, Selime Monastery awaits: the largest rock-carved structure in Cappadocia, featuring cathedral-scale halls, monks’ quarters, and multi-level chambers that took centuries to complete.

On the return journey, you’ll stop at a traditional Turkish products store to sample pumpkin seeds, Turkish delight, baklava, and freshly brewed Turkish coffee. You’ll arrive back at your hotel between 18:30 and 19:00, having experienced a side of Cappadocia that goes far beyond the surface.

Itinerary

09:00–09:45  Hotel Pickup - Collection from your hotel in Göreme, Ürgüp, Avanos, or Uchisar.

10:00  Göreme Panorama - Take in Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimney skyline and enjoy a photo stop. Approximately 20 minutes.

10:30  Pigeon Valley - See hundreds of pigeon houses carved into the cliff faces and enjoy 15 minutes of panoramic views.

10:45  Onyx & Sultanite Stone Workshop - Watch local artisans shape regional volcanic stones into jewellery and decorative pieces. Optional shopping. Approximately 1 hour.

12:15  Kaymakli Underground City - Descend into one of Cappadocia’s largest underground settlements. Explore tunnels, living quarters, churches, and storage rooms across multiple levels. Approximately 1 hour.

14:00  Lunch - Set-menu lunch at a local restaurant: soup, salad, and a main course (meatballs, chicken, beef, fish, or vegetarian option). Meal included; beverages extra. Approximately 1 hour.

15:00  Ihlara Valley Hike - Walk approximately 3.5 - 4 km along the Melendiz River through a lush canyon flanked by 100 metre cliffs and hidden rock-cut churches. Approximately 1 hour.

16:15  Selime Monastery - Visit Cappadocia’s largest rock-carved monastery: cathedral-scale halls, monks’ quarters, and Byzantine frescoes. Guided visit, approximately 45 minutes.

18:10  Turkish Products Tasting - Sample pumpkin seeds, Turkish coffee, Turkish delight, baklava, and spices. Optional shopping. 20 - 30 minutes.

18:30 - 19:00  Hotel Drop-off  - Return transfer to your hotel. Tour ends.

Tour Details

Duration: Approximately 9 - 10 hours (09:00 – 18:30/19:00)

Departure: 09:00 - 09:45 - Hotel pickup

Return: 18:30 - 19:00 - Hotel drop-off

Pickup Areas: Göreme, Ürgüp, Avanos, Uchisar, and surrounding area

Group Type: Small group tour

Guide: Professional licensed English-speaking tour guide

Transport: Air-conditioned, insured, comfortable touring vehicle

Difficulty: Moderate-high (3.5 - 4 km hike in Ihlara Valley, stairs in underground city)

Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

Seasonal Note: Operates daily, year-round. Minimum 2 participants required.

Important Information

• Comfortable hiking or walking shoes are essential (required for Ihlara Valley).
• Dress in layers: the underground city is cool, outdoor areas can be warm.
• Bring a water bottle for the valley hike.
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is recommended.
• Bring a fully charged camera or phone there are countless photo opportunities.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility limitations.

Highlights

• Explore the ancient tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City: Descend into a subterranean world where early Christians carved eight levels into the volcanic rock - complete with living quarters, wineries, stables, and churches that housed thousands.
• Hike through the stunning Ihlara Valley: Walk 3.5 - 4 km along the Melendiz River through a lush canyon oasis, discovering hidden rock-cut churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes while flanked by 100-metre cliffs.
• Discover the magnificent Selime Monastery: Cappadocia’s largest rock carved structure: cathedral scale halls, monks’ quarters, and a multi level complex that took centuries to build.
• Authentic Turkish cuisine and traditional tastings: Set menu lunch of regional dishes followed by complimentary tastings of baklava, Turkish delight, Turkish coffee, pumpkin seeds, and aromatic spices.
• Experience local craftsmanship at an onyx workshop: Watch artisans transform volcanic onyx and sultanite stone into handmade jewellery and decorative pieces. Authentic souvenirs available for purchase.
• Göreme Panorama and Pigeon Valley viewpoints: Start your day with Cappadocia’s most iconic skyline, then explore the historic pigeon houses carved into the cliff faces.
• Fully organised with everything included: All entrance fees, air conditioned vehicle, hotel transfers, and an expert guide. You focus on the experience - we handle the logistics.