Discovering the Hidden Corners of Cappadocia: A Detailed Look at the Green Tour
If you’re visiting Cappadocia and craving more than just hot air balloons and fairy chimneys, the Green Tour with Underground City & Ihlara Valley offers a compelling way to see some of the region’s less-traveled but equally stunning sights. This full-day guided experience, carefully organized by Ariarathes Travel, takes you beneath the earth, along lush riverbanks, and up to historic monastic complexes. It’s a well-rounded way to deepen your understanding of Cappadocia’s layered history, geological wonders, and serene natural beauty.
Two aspects I particularly appreciate about this tour are the balance of underground exploration and scenic nature walks and the inclusion of a hearty riverside lunch. The underground city tour feels like stepping into an ancient labyrinth, offering a tangible connection to early Christian life underground. Meanwhile, the walk through Ihlara Valley’s peaceful canyon is a chance to soak in the sounds of flowing water and birdcalls—an antidote to the busy tourist spots.
The only potential concern I see is the moderate walking involved—about 3.5 kilometers through uneven terrain—so packing comfortable shoes and a hat is essential. Also, since the tour operates daily with limited group sizes (max 14), booking in advance is wise, especially in peak seasons, to ensure you don’t miss out on this enriching experience.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Focus on lesser-known sights like the underground city and Ihlara Valley, perfect for travelers seeking authentic, less crowded experiences.
- Includes a substantial, riverside lunch, adding value and giving you a taste of local cuisine in a scenic setting.
- Guided by knowledgeable local guides such as those from Ariarathes Travel, who bring history and geography alive.
- Comfortable yet practical logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off, making the day seamless and stress-free.
- Limited group size (maximum 14 people), which means more personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
- Additional stops like Narlgöl crater lake, Pigeon Valley, and an onyx workshop enrich the experience with unique sights and artisan visits.
When I first learned about the Green Tour, I was struck by how it promises to unveil some of the most intriguing but often overlooked parts of Cappadocia. It’s designed to go beyond the popular hot air balloon rides and fairy chimneys, offering a deeper dive into the area’s underground and natural wonders. For those who enjoy history, nature, and authentic local scenes, this tour hits all those notes.
Starting the Journey: From Panorama to Underground City
Your day begins with a hotel pickup, which is a real convenience, saving you the hassle of navigating. The first stop is the Goreme Panorama, a viewpoint offering postcard-perfect views of Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys and surreal rock formations. I love how these vistas set the tone—a landscape that feels utterly otherworldly yet rooted in geological processes millions of years in the making.
Next, you’ll head to Kaymakli Underground City, a marvel of ancient engineering. It’s a multi-level complex where early Christian communities carved out entire subterranean villages. As you walk through narrow tunnels, you’ll see kitchens, stables, ventilation shafts, and rooms that once sheltered entire populations from invasions. A guide like those from Ariarathes helps bring the place alive with stories of survival and ingenuity. The tour’s detailed explanation makes you appreciate this underground labyrinth not just as a curiosity but as a testament to resilience. I’ve read reviews where visitors mention how the underground city “really makes you think about how people lived beneath the earth’s surface.”
Want to dig deeper into Kaymakli? We've also reviewed these city tours
Embracing Nature in Ihlara Valley
After the subterranean adventure, you travel to the Ihlara Valley, a lush canyon carved by the Melendiz River. The guided walk along the 3.5 km riverside trail is surprisingly peaceful. It’s a world away from the crowds, with ancient cave chapels decorated with frescoes hidden along the canyon walls. I love the way the sounds of flowing water and bird calls fill the air—an ideal spot for reflection and photography.
One guest noted, “The walk was gentle but fascinating, with lots of little churches and frescoes to spot along the way.” After the walk, you get a well-earned break with a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant, which is included in the tour. The meal provides a hearty taste of local Turkish cuisine, perfect for recharging before the afternoon’s adventures.
Climbing to the Monastic Heights at Selime
Post-lunch, it’s time to visit the Selime Monastery, a sprawling rock-cut religious complex that looks like a fortress perched high above the valley. Built in the 8th or 9th century, it includes churches, monks’ quarters, and a large kitchen. The scale of the site is impressive—imagine monks living and working in this remote, rugged location.
Visitors often remark how spectacular the views are from the monastery—a vantage point overlooking the valley and the Narlgöl crater lake. It’s a chance to connect the past with the landscape, and the guide’s insights help you appreciate how these monastic communities thrived in such a dramatic setting.
Final Stops: Lakes, Valleys, and Artisan Shops
On the way back, the route takes you past Narlgöl, a crater lake known for its heart-like shape and color shifts with the sunlight. It’s a quick but striking stop for photos and some quiet reflection. Then, a visit to Pigeon Valley offers another layer of history—famous for the dovecotes carved into the rocks, used historically for collecting pigeon droppings as fertilizer.
Lastly, the tour includes a visit to a local Onyx Workshop, where artisans demonstrate traditional stone-cutting techniques. If you’re interested in souvenirs or just learning about local crafts, this is a peek into Cappadocia’s artisanal traditions.
How the Tour Fits and Who It’s For
This Green Tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, authentic experience that combines history, nature, and local craftsmanship. It’s ideal for those who prefer a smaller group (max 14) for a more intimate experience and don’t mind a fair amount of walking—though the terrain can be uneven, so comfortable shoes are essential.
It’s also perfect if you’re looking to explore parts of Cappadocia outside the usual tourist spots, like the underground city and Ihlara Valley’s peaceful landscapes. The inclusion of a well-organized lunch and door-to-door pickup makes the day smooth and enjoyable, especially when you want to focus on the sights rather than logistics.
However, if you’re pregnant, have claustrophobia, or require wheelchair access, this tour may not be suitable due to the underground tunnels and uneven terrain.
Price and Value
At a moderate cost, this tour offers good value considering it includes transportation, a guide, entrance fees, and a substantial lunch. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the diversity of stops—from underground to water meadows—justifies the price for those looking for a full, immersive day.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Find This Tour Most Rewarding?
If exploring underground cities, walking in tranquil canyons, and visiting ancient monastic sites appeals to you, this Green Tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to go beyond the common sights and see the quieter, more reflective side of Cappadocia. The focus on authentic experiences, combined with expert guides and careful organization, makes it a worthwhile addition to your trip.
For those who enjoy scenic views and learning about local crafts, the stops at Narlgöl and the onyx workshop add extra layers to your understanding of the region. And with the included lunch and hotel pickup, it’s a convenient, well-rounded way to spend a day.
What are the pickup locations available?
You can choose from five pickup points: Göreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, Çavusin, Uçhisar, making it flexible to start your day close to your accommodation.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting around 09:30 and ending around 18:00, depending on your pickup location and traffic conditions.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While generally friendly, the tour involves walking on uneven terrain and in tunnels, so it’s best for those in good health and capable of moderate walking.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all museum entrance tickets are covered, including the underground city, Selime Monastery, and other stops.
Do I need to bring my own water and sun protection?
Yes, it’s recommended to carry water, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen to stay comfortable during the outdoor segments.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the booking is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to plan ahead or adjust as needed.
In brief, this Green Tour provides a thoughtful way to explore some of Cappadocia’s quieter, yet equally captivating, sites. It’s perfect for those wanting a balanced mix of history, nature, and craftsmanship, all wrapped in a day of comfortable, small-group travel.