Cappadocia’s natural and historical wonders come to life on the captivating Green Tour, also known as the Ihlara Tour. Visitors can expect an immersive 7.5-hour exploration, guided by knowledgeable local experts. From the breathtaking Ihlara Canyon to the remarkable Derinkuyu Underground City, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage that make Cappadocia a truly enchanting destination. With convenient hotel pickups, air-conditioned transportation, and a delightful lunch by the Melendiz River, the Green Tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to delve deeper into the captivating wonders of this remarkable region.
Key Points
- The Green Tour (Ihlara Tour) offers a 7.5-hour exploration of Cappadocia’s natural and historical wonders, including the Ihlara Canyon, Selime, and Derinkuyu Underground City.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable guide to provide expertise throughout the journey.
- Highlights of the tour include a captivating walk through the Ihlara Canyon, a delightful lunch by the Melendiz River, and the exploration of Selime’s cave houses and scenic views.
- Moderate fitness and mobility are required due to walking on uneven terrain, and accessibility may be limited in certain areas depending on weather conditions.
- The tour has received a 3 out of 5 overall rating, with praise for the knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and delicious lunch, but criticism for excessive time spent at shops.
Tour Overview
The Green Tour, also known as the Ihlara Tour, offers visitors to Cappadocia a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural and historical wonders over a duration of 7.5 hours.
With the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, guests will enjoy air-conditioned transportation and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide.
The tour includes visits to the serene Ihlara Canyon, a delectable lunch by the river in Belisirma, and the captivating Selime with its cave houses and scenic vistas.
Plus, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the subterranean marvels of the Derinkuyu Underground City.
While a moderate level of fitness is required, the tour promises an immersive and memorable experience in Cappadocia.
Inclusions
The Green Tour (Ihlara Tour) includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for visitors. It provides hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing travelers to conveniently access the tour with ease. Plus, the tour includes the services of a knowledgeable guide, who’ll share their expertise throughout the journey.
The tour also includes:
- Air-conditioned transportation for a comfortable ride
- Museum tickets to access the historical sites
- A delicious lunch by the river in Belisirma
- Exploration of the Selime cave houses and scenic views
- Access to the Derinkuyu Underground City, a unique subterranean wonder.
Highlights
Adventurous travelers on the Green Tour (Ihlara Tour) can explore the breathtaking Ihlara Canyon, where they’ll embark on a captivating walk through this natural wonder.
After the canyon exploration, they’ll enjoy a delightful lunch by the tranquil Melendiz River in the charming village of Belisirma.
The tour then takes them to the historic Selime, where they can discover the intriguing cave houses and soak in the stunning scenic views.
Finally, the highlight of the day is a visit to the Derinkuyu Underground City, a remarkable subterranean marvel that showcases the ingenuity of Cappadocia’s inhabitants.
Throughout the tour, travelers will be captivated by the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this captivating region.
Important Information
Travelers embarking on the Green Tour (Ihlara Tour) should keep in mind the moderate fitness and mobility required due to the walking on uneven terrain throughout the tour.
The weather can vary significantly, so it’s essential to dress appropriately for the conditions. While certain activities are weather-dependent, visitors should note that some areas have limited accessibility.
The tour is conducted in English, but other languages are available upon request. Lastly, it’s important to notify the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure a pleasant and inclusive experience.
Customer Review
According to the customer review, the overall rating for the Green Tour (Ihlara Tour) in Cappadocia was 3 out of 5.
The review praised the knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and delicious lunch.
However, it also noted the tour spent too much time at leather clothes and souvenir shops, leaving insufficient time to properly explore some of the sites.
The review highlighted that the tour’s highlights, such as walking in Ihlara Canyon, exploring Selime’s cave houses and scenic views, and visiting the Derinkuyu Underground City, were enjoyable.
However, the limited accessibility in certain areas and the weather-dependent nature of some activities were noted as potential concerns for potential customers.
Arrival and Pickup
The tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventures. The air-conditioned transportation provides a comfortable journey, allowing you to sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking landscapes as you travel.
Your friendly guide will greet you at your accommodation, ready to whisk you away to the stunning Cappadocia region.
The pickup process is efficient and hassle-free, with the guide ensuring everyone is accounted for before setting off.
Some key highlights of the arrival and pickup experience include:
- Personalized hotel pickup for a convenient start to the tour
- Knowledgeable guide to provide information and assistance
- Punctual and well-organized pickup process
- Smooth transition from your hotel to the tour’s first destination.
Exploring Ihlara Canyon
After the comfortable journey, the group embarks on the most captivating part of the tour – exploring the remarkable Ihlara Canyon.
Descending into the lush, verdant gorge, they’re immediately struck by the serene beauty of the towering rock formations and the meandering stream below.
As they follow the winding pathway, they marvel at the ancient cave dwellings and Byzantine churches carved into the canyon walls, remnants of a bygone era.
The cool, crisp air and the soothing sound of the flowing water create a peaceful atmosphere, inviting the visitors to enjoy the natural wonder before them.
With each step, the Ihlara Canyon reveals its timeless splendor, leaving a lasting impression on the awestruck group.
Visiting Selime and Derinkuyu
Leaving the tranquil Ihlara Canyon behind, the group’s next stops take them to the captivating Selime and the enigmatic Derinkuyu Underground City.
In Selime, travelers explore the awe-inspiring cave houses and bask in the breathtaking views. The highlights include:
- Marveling at the impressive Selime Cathedral, a massive rock-cut church with intricate carvings
- Wandering through the charming cave dwellings, imagining the lives of the region’s past inhabitants
- Enjoying panoramic vistas from the hilltop, where the ancient structures blend seamlessly with the dramatic landscape
The journey then leads to the mysterious Derinkuyu Underground City, a vast subterranean network that housed thousands of people. Visitors descend into this remarkable labyrinth, uncovering the ingenious engineering and the remarkable resilience of Cappadocia’s people.
Recap
The Green Tour of Cappadocia offers an immersive exploration of the region’s natural and historical wonders.
Visitors can expect breathtaking landscapes, a delightful lunch, and the chance to explore the captivating culture and heritage of this unique destination.
With its moderate fitness requirements and knowledgeable guide, the tour provides an unforgettable experience in the diverse and captivating Cappadocia region.