Tour Detail
The Green Tour is a full-day guided excursion exploring the southwestern wonders of Cappadocia, Turkey. This approximately 8-9 hour journey takes you through a captivating mix of natural landscapes, ancient underground cities, and historic rock-cut sites, offering a deep dive into the region’s rich history and unique geology.
Starting with a morning pickup from your hotel (typically between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM), you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with an expert English-speaking guide. The day kicks off at the Göreme Panorama, a scenic viewpoint showcasing fairy chimneys and distant rock formations. Next, descend into the Derinkuyu Underground City, a fascinating multi-level refuge carved by early Christians, where you’ll explore tunnels, rooms, and churches.
The tour continues with a tranquil 3-4 km hike through the Ihlara Valley, a lush canyon dotted with rock-cut churches adorned with ancient frescoes, followed by a traditional Turkish lunch by the riverside in Belisırma Village. Afterward, visit the Yaprakhisar is located across the river from Selime, to the south. In a massive volcanic rock outcropping that resembles the one at Selime, there are five rock-cut courtyard complexes. The style and execution of Yaprakhisar's façades point to sources and influences from architectural traditions of the Islamic Near East. At Yaprakhisar local villagers use the courtyard complexes from the Byzantine period for dwelling and for storing produce, hay, and farming equipment. The façades suffer not only from natural erosion but also from re-carving by the local population for the purpose of installing doors and locks. The interiors of these complexes have almost entirely been destroyed because of re-use over time.. The day winds down with a stop at Pigeon Valley, known for its cliffside pigeon houses and sweeping vistas, and often concludes with an optional visit to an onyx workshop to see local craftsmanship.
Expect to return to your hotel around 5:00-6:00 PM. The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch (drinks excluded), making it an ideal way to discover Cappadocia’s less accessible southern highlights in one memorable day.