The South of Cappadocia Tour, also known as the Green Tour, offers an immersive 7-hour exploration of the region’s captivating natural and historical wonders. At just $90.90 per person, this tour provides access to stunning sites like the Goreme Panorama, the intriguing underground cities of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, and the scenic Ihlara Valley, complemented by a riverside lunch. Participants will also discover the impressive Selime Cathedral, all while enjoying convenient transportation and insightful guidance in either English or Spanish. With so much to discover, it’s no wonder this tour has become a popular choice for those seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Cappadocia.
This experience made our list of the 9 Best Tours In Derinkuyu.
Key Points
- The South of Cappadocia Tour, also known as the "Green Tour," is a 7-hour sightseeing excursion that explores the natural and cultural highlights of the region.
- The tour includes visits to the Goreme Panorama, an underground city, the Ihlara Valley, the Selime Cathedral, and the Pigeon Valley.
- Participants can enjoy guided hikes, riverside dining, and insights into the historical significance of the sites visited.
- The tour is available in English and Spanish and is rated 4.5/5 based on 2 reviews, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, providing a seamless and comprehensive exploration of the Cappadocia region.
Tour Overview
What’s the South of Cappadocia Tour – Green Tour?
It’s a 7-hour sightseeing excursion through the stunning landscapes south of Cappadocia, priced from $90.90 per person. Available in English and Spanish, the tour boasts a 4.5/5 rating based on 2 reviews and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include panoramic views of Göreme, exploration of an underground city, a guided hike in Ihlara Valley, and a visit to the impressive Selime Cathedral.
Transportation, entrance fees, and lunch are included. While some customers noted concerns about time spent in shops, overall feedback praises the tour’s knowledgeable guides and immersive experiences.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Derinkuyu.
Itinerary Highlights
Beginning with the Goreme Panorama, the tour offers sightseeing for 25 minutes, providing an overview of the region’s captivating landscape.
Next, guests explore the wonders of either Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City, visiting 6-8 levels of interconnected tunnels and stone-carved stairways over the course of an hour.
The tour then moves to the Ihlara Valley, where a guided 75-minute hike along the river through the canyon offers a chance to see cave churches.
Lunch at a riverside restaurant follows before the group visits the Selime Cathedral, the largest rock-carved monastery in the region.
The final stop is the Pigeon Valley viewpoint at Uçhisar.
Goreme Panorama
The South of Cappadocia Tour kicks off with a visit to the Goreme Panorama, where guests spend 25 minutes taking in the captivating landscape of the region.
From this vantage point, they’ll witness the iconic fairy chimneys, rock formations, and valleys that characterize Cappadocia’s unique terrain.
The panoramic view provides an excellent introduction to the breathtaking natural wonders that will be explored throughout the tour.
It’s a chance for guests to orient themselves and get a sense of the scale and grandeur of this ancient, geological wonderland before delving deeper into its hidden marvels.
Underground City
The tour then ventures underground, where guests explore the remarkable Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City. This ancient subterranean complex spans 6-8 interconnected levels, carved from the rock centuries ago. Visitors can wander through the tunnels and stone staircases, discovering the ingenious design that allowed early inhabitants to live and thrive underground.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Levels | 6-8 interconnected levels |
| Tunnels | Extensive network of tunnels and stone-carved staircases |
| Purpose | Allowed early inhabitants to live and thrive underground |
| Duration | 1-hour visit to explore the city |
The Underground City provides a unique and immersive glimpse into the rich history and adaptability of the Cappadocian people.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyIhlara Valley
After exploring the subterranean wonders, the tour moves on to the Ihlara Valley – a stunning natural wonder carved by the Melendiz River.
This 4km hike through the canyon offers visitors a chance to:
- Admire the dramatic landscapes and towering cliffs
- Discover ancient cave churches, some dating back to the 5th century
- Enjoy a riverside lunch at a local restaurant
- Immerse themselves in the tranquility and natural beauty of the region
The easy trek through this lush green valley provides a refreshing contrast to the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the area’s diverse natural and cultural heritage.
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Selime Cathedral
Following the tour of the Ihlara Valley, the group visits the majestic Selime Cathedral – the largest rock-carved monastery in the region. This ancient structure holds historical significance, having been inhabited by various civilizations over the centuries. The guided tour provides insights into the cathedral’s architectural features and religious significance.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Largest rock-carved monastery in the region |
| History | Inhabited by various civilizations over the centuries |
| Architecture | Unique rock-carved design and religious features |
| Tour | Guided tour provides insights into the cathedral’s history and significance |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
The visit to Selime Cathedral offers a deeper understanding of Cappadocia’s rich cultural heritage.
Pigeon Valley
Atop the final viewpoint, the tour group takes in the sweeping vistas of Pigeon Valley.
Carved into the valley’s cliffs, the pigeon houses dot the landscape, a testament to the region’s rich history. These structures, once used to harvest pigeon droppings for fertilizer, now stand as a symbol of Cappadocia’s unique architectural heritage.
The valley offers:
- Breathtaking panoramic views
- Insights into the area’s agricultural past
- Opportunities to photograph the distinctive pigeon houses
- A serene conclusion to the day’s exploration of the region’s wonders
As the tour draws to a close, the group departs with a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural treasures of Cappadocia’s Pigeon Valley.
Transportation and Logistics
The tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off locations throughout the region, allowing participants to easily access the tour from Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, Uçhisar, or Nevşehir.
Participants are transported in a comfortable, modern minivan throughout the day’s activities. All entrance tickets and lunch (excluding drinks) are included in the tour price, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
The tour takes approximately 7 hours to complete, providing ample time to explore the highlights of the region south of Cappadocia.
With its efficient logistics and inclusions, this tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to discover the natural and historical wonders of this captivating area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour seems suitable for children, as it includes stops at an underground city, a hike through a scenic valley, and a visit to a historic rock-carved site. The tour duration and activities appear family-friendly.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a riverside lunch, but participants are welcome to supplement this with their own provisions if they prefer.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes restroom breaks. Participants will have the opportunity to use restroom facilities at the various sites visited, such as the underground city, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Cathedral, providing ample time for necessary breaks throughout the day.
Does the Tour Guide Provide Water/Snacks?
The tour guide doesn’t provide water or snacks, but there are opportunities to purchase them during the tour. Restroom breaks are available at select locations along the itinerary.
Can I Extend the Tour or Customize the Itinerary?
The tour operator doesn’t offer options to extend or customize the standard itinerary. However, guests may be able to request small adjustments by contacting the company directly, though availability and additional fees may apply.
Recap
The South of Cappadocia Tour, or Green Tour, offers an immersive 7-hour exploration of the region’s captivating natural and historical wonders. Priced from $90.90 per person, the tour includes visits to must-see sites like Göreme Panorama, underground cities, and the scenic Ihlara Valley, complemented by a riverside lunch and convenient transportation with insightful guidance in English or Spanish.
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