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About this tour
This full-day Green Tour covers the southern side of Cappadocia with a guide who explains the history and geology as you go. You'll walk down into the multi-level Derinkuyu Underground City, trek the Ihlara Valley past rock-cut churches painted with old frescoes, and stop at the cliffside Selime Monastery. There's also a look out over Pigeon Valley and time in a traditional village. Hotel pickup and drop-off and an air-conditioned coach are included.
Highlights
- Head down into Derinkuyu, a multi-level underground city carved into the rock
- Trek the Ihlara Valley past rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes
- Visit the cliffside Selime Monastery
- Take in the view over Pigeon Valley
- Learn the region's history and volcanic geology from an expert guide
- See valleys shaped into fairy chimneys and other rock formations
- Step inside ancient cave churches with detailed frescoes
- Visit fascinating underground cities and historical sites
- Learn about Cappadocia's rich history and culture from an expert guide
- Spend time in a traditional Cappadocian village
Included / Excluded
- Live English-speaking guide
- Guided tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned coach transport
Good to Know Before You Go
Pickup from your hotel usually happens between 09:00 and 10:00, and the day runs about 8 to 10 hours once you factor in driving between sites, the guided visits, and a lunch stop. Expect to be dropped back at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening, roughly 17:00 to 18:00. The individual sites keep their own hours, generally 08:00 or 09:00 to 17:00 or 19:00, and exact timings can shift a little by operator and season, so plan on a full day out.
Wear comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots with good grip. There's real walking involved, both on the Ihlara Valley trail and inside the underground city, and the ground is uneven in places. Dress in layers, since temperatures change through the day and between elevations. At the cave churches and monasteries, keep to modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. A hat and sunglasses are worth bringing for the stretches spent outdoors.
Available Days / Times
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FAQs
What does the Cappadocia Green Tour include?
The route generally covers Derinkuyu Underground City, an Ihlara Valley trek, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley, with a guide, hotel transfers, and lunch. Entrance fees are included on some packages and paid separately on others.
How long is the Full-Day Cappadocia Green Tour?
It's a full day, usually 8 to 10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.
What is Derinkuyu Underground City?
It's the largest excavated underground city in Turkiye, a multi-level warren carved into soft volcanic rock that early Christians used for shelter during invasions.
What is special about Ihlara Valley?
It's a 100-meter-deep canyon cut by the Melendiz River, lined with greenery and rock-cut churches still showing Byzantine frescoes, reached on a scenic trek.
Is lunch included in the Green Tour?
Most Green Tours include lunch at a local restaurant, often right beside the Melendiz River in the Ihlara Valley. Drinks are usually extra.
Are entry fees included in the tour price?
It depends on the operator. Some packages cover all entrance fees, including Derinkuyu and Selime Monastery, while others have you pay on the day, so check when you book.
What should I wear for the Green Tour?
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for the Ihlara trek and uneven ground. Dress in layers, and bring a hat and sunglasses for the outdoor stretches.
Is the Green Tour suitable for children?
It works well for active kids, but there's a fair bit of walking, a valley trek, and tight passages in the underground city that can be tough for very young children or anyone with limited mobility.
How strenuous is the Ihlara Valley trek?
The trek runs about 3 to 4 kilometers over uneven paths and some stairs. It's a moderate walk that suits most fitness levels, and good footwear helps a lot.
What is included in a Cappadocia Full-Day Guided Tour?
Typically an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a lunch break. Entrance fees to museums and underground cities may or may not be included, depending on the package.
What kind of sites will I see on the tour?
A mix of fairy-chimney valleys such as Devrent and Pasabag, viewpoints like Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley, rock-cut churches such as the Goreme Open-Air Museum, and often an underground city like Derinkuyu or Kaymakli.
Is lunch included in the tour price?
Most full-day tours here include lunch at a local restaurant. It's still worth confirming the specific inclusions when you book.
What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground and layered clothing for changing temperatures. Cover shoulders and knees if you'll be visiting religious sites.
Is transportation provided for the tour?
Yes. Full-day tours nearly always include round-trip transport from hotels in the central Cappadocia towns.
Are entrance fees to attractions included?
It varies by operator and package. Some tours are all-inclusive, others have you buy tickets at each site, so confirm the detail when booking.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Generally yes, for kids who can handle a full day of sightseeing and walking, including moderate valley trekking. Infants may need special seating arrangements.
What language is the tour guide in?
Most tours are guided in English. Larger group or private options may offer Spanish, German, or French on request or subject to availability.
Can I customize the tour itinerary?
Standard tours follow a set route. To change the stops or add specific sites, a private guided tour is the better choice, at a different price point.
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