Cappadocia Green Tour With Famous Underground Cities And Valleys

Cappadocia’s most memorable surprise may be underground: a whole city cut into volcanic rock, with narrow passages, living rooms, kitchens, cellars, air shafts, and huge stone doors. This tour pairs that remarkable site with a riverside walk in Ihlara Valley, a good mix of archaeology and open-air scenery in one long day.

I like the small group of up to 16 people, which makes it easier to hear a guide such as Gigi, Mert, Mustafa, or Huseyin. I also like the practical setup: hotel pickup, an air-conditioned minibus, and lunch included. The main caution is important: some departures have replaced Selime Monastery with leather, jewelry, candy, or other shopping stops, so confirm the exact route before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• Kaymakli or Derinkuyu: The advertised wording refers to both underground cities, but the actual stop can vary. Confirm which one your departure will visit.
• A 3.5-kilometer valley walk: Ihlara Valley is the active part of the day, with a river trail and a cave church.
• Selime Monastery is not guaranteed in practice: It is part of the planned route, yet some departures have skipped it.
• Extra entrance fees apply: The underground city and Ihlara Valley access are not included in the $43.48 tour price.
• Lunch is included beside the river: Expect soup, salad, and a choice of trout, chicken, meatballs, or a vegetarian dish.
• Shopping stops can take time: Onyx, leather, jewelry, spice, and candy stops have appeared on some departures.

Why the Green Tour is worth considering

The Green Tour covers a different side of Cappadocia from the familiar Göreme valleys. Instead of spending the whole day among the rock formations near town, you travel south to see a giant underground refuge, a canyon cut by a green river, and churches and monasteries carved into cliffs.

That range is the tour’s best feature. In the morning, you are squeezing through tunnels below ground. Later, you are walking beside water beneath steep canyon walls. After lunch, you climb around a rock-cut monastery. For a first visit or a short stay, this gives you several of Cappadocia’s main experiences without arranging separate transport.

The price of $43.48 per person looks strong because it includes pickup, return transport, a guide, and an open buffet lunch. It is not the complete cost, though. Personal purchases, drinks, and entrance fees are excluded. Some people have paid about 15 euros for the underground city and another 15 euros for Ihlara Valley access, while another account cites 13 euros for the underground site. Fees can change, so budget roughly 30 euros per person and verify the current amount before departure.

At this price, the tour can be good value if the day follows its intended route. It becomes less attractive if you lose Selime Monastery and spend the saved time at sales stops. That is the central question to settle before booking.

Starting in Göreme at 9:30

Pickup begins in the morning, with the stated start time at 9:30 a.m. Most hotels in the Göreme area are collected from the main entrance gate rather than the reception desk. That detail matters in Göreme, where some properties have strict vehicle access rules and a driver may not come all the way to the lobby.

The meeting point is also listed near the Göreme bus terminal on İçeridere Sokak. If you are staying outside the usual pickup area, check the arrangement in advance. The activity ends back at the meeting point or at your hotel, depending on the pickup plan.

The vehicle is described as modern, air-conditioned, and comfortable. A maximum of 16 people keeps the group smaller than a large coach tour, though the exact vehicle and seating position still matter. One useful practical tip: try not to sit at the very back if you can avoid it. A passenger seated there had trouble hearing the guide, which can make a full day feel much less rewarding.

Göreme Panorama and the first look at the region

The first sightseeing stop is Göreme Panorama, about 45 minutes after leaving town. You get around 30 minutes here to look across Göreme and photograph the fairy chimneys from above.

This is a short stop, but it sets the scene well. The town, valleys, and pale volcanic formations make more sense when viewed as one connected area. I would use the time for photos, then listen closely to the guide’s introduction to how Cappadocia’s volcanic rock was shaped and occupied.

Do not expect a long walk here. It is a viewpoint and orientation stop, not a major hike. That is fine early in the day, when the main attractions still lie ahead.

Kaymakli Underground City: the day’s strongest stop

The underground city is usually the tour’s headline attraction. The itinerary names Kaymakli, while part of the description refers to Derinkuyu, another large underground city. These are not the same place, so ask the operator which site is planned for your date.

Both names are associated with Cappadocia’s remarkable underground settlements. The city was carved into soft volcanic rock and arranged over several levels. You can expect low passages, rooms used for living, kitchens, wine cellars, ventilation shafts, and large rolling stone doors that helped protect the people sheltering inside.

The site gives you a clear sense of the engineering involved. Air circulation allowed large numbers of people to remain below ground, while the maze-like plan made the settlement difficult to enter quickly. Early Christian communities used underground spaces as places of refuge, adding a human story to the stonework.

Allow about an hour inside. The tunnels are not ideal for everyone. You should wear shoes with a firm grip and be comfortable walking and bending through confined spaces. The tour information says most people can participate, but it also advises comfortable footwear. Children need valid passports at museum entrances to confirm their age.

Entrance fees are not included, and ticket queues can be slow. Keep some local currency or an accepted payment method ready, and ask the guide when and where tickets are being purchased. A long wait here can eat into the rest of the day.

Walking the 3.5-kilometer route in Ihlara Valley

After the underground city, the minibus continues to Ihlara Valley, a canyon extending about 14 kilometers along a river. The organized walk covers 3.5 kilometers, ending near a riverside restaurant.

This is the part I would look forward to most if you enjoy walking. The route changes the pace completely: fresh air, water, tall canyon walls, and rock-cut churches replace the enclosed tunnels. It is long enough to feel like a real outing, yet short enough to fit into a day that includes several other stops.

The guide points out Ağaçaltı Cave Church, built in the fourth century and decorated with paintings from the tenth century. The church gives the walk a strong historical purpose. You are not simply taking a scenic stroll; you are moving through a canyon used by religious communities, with places of worship cut into the cliffs.

The trail may be manageable for many people, but comfortable shoes are essential. Bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen. The tour also requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

The entrance charge for the valley or its protected area is extra. Ask exactly what the fee covers, since the cost has been described as about 15 euros on some departures.

Riverside lunch at Belisirma

The walk ends at Belisirma, where lunch is served at a local riverside restaurant. The setting is one of the tour’s more unusual details. Tables may be arranged over or beside the flowing water, with some dining areas decorated with Ottoman-style carpets.

The included meal consists of soup, salad, and one main choice: trout, chicken, meatballs, or a vegetarian dish. Drinks are not included, so bring extra money if you want something beyond the meal.

I would keep expectations practical. The location can be memorable, but the food has received mixed reactions. Some people find it perfectly satisfactory after the walk, while others prefer the lunch served on a separate Red Tour. After a 3.5-kilometer walk, the hour-long break is useful even if the meal itself is only average.

Selime Monastery and the most important itinerary warning

Selime Monastery is supposed to follow lunch. It is built into a cliff and dates from the eighth to tenth centuries. The complex includes a church, living areas, and a missionary school, with high ceilings and balconies carved into the rock. From the lower section, you can also see fairy chimneys and look across toward the twin female monastery on the opposite cliff.

This should be one of the day’s best historical stops. The scale is different from the small cave churches in Ihlara Valley. Selime combines religious spaces, domestic rooms, and dramatic rock architecture, giving you a better sense of how the cave settlements worked as complete communities.

Here is the catch: several departures have not visited Selime Monastery. Instead, the group was taken to a leather factory, a fashion show, a jewelry store, a spice market, or a candy shop. The reasons given for the change have varied, including subcontracting and alterations to the route.

If Selime is a priority, contact Payless before booking and again on the morning of the tour. Ask specifically: Is Selime Monastery included today, and are shopping stops planned? Save the answer in writing. This is not a minor detail, since some people have chosen the tour mainly for this monastery and then missed it.

Pigeon Valley and the return toward Göreme

Pigeon Valley is a short photo stop on the outskirts of Göreme. The valley takes its name from pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. These openings were connected with local farming practices, and the formations make a pleasant final viewpoint after the longer valley walk.

You get about 30 minutes here. It is not a substitute for Selime Monastery, but it is a worthwhile pause if the route is running on time. The guide can explain the carved pigeon houses and point out the views across the surrounding formations.

Because the stop is brief, have your camera ready and keep track of the departure time. A full-day tour has several moving parts, and delays earlier in the day can shorten later stops.

The onyx stop and the risk of sales pressure

Onyx is listed as the final stop, with about 30 minutes at a jewelry factory before returning. In practice, this generally means a short presentation followed by a shop with onyx jewelry and other goods.

Some departures have also included a leather factory and fashion show. The products can be interesting if you are curious about Turkish craft, but the sales pitch may feel out of place after a day built around archaeology and walking. Leather jackets priced near $1,000 have been presented, and some people felt pressured or simply wanted more time at the historic sites.

I would treat any shopping stop as optional in spirit, even if it is part of the group schedule. You are not required to buy anything, and you should not feel obliged to spend because the group has been brought into a store. The real issue is time. Thirty minutes here can mean the difference between seeing Selime and skipping it if the schedule has changed.

Guides, group size, and the human side of the tour

The guide can make or break this experience. Gigi is praised for clear explanations, calm attention, and adjusting the route around weather and crowds. Mert is described as energetic and good at explaining Turkish traditions. Mustafa is frequently noted for strong English, safety-conscious driving arrangements, and clear information. Huseyin Doygun is described as calm, respectful, and easy to understand.

Those qualities matter because the tour moves quickly between different kinds of places. A good guide connects the underground city to early Christian life, explains the cave churches, points out details you might miss, and keeps a group of up to 16 people moving.

Guiding quality does not always solve an operator problem. Several guides have been praised even when the assigned route changed. If your main goal is Selime Monastery, the guide may not have authority to restore a canceled stop. Confirm the route with the booking company, not only with the guide after the tour starts.

Who should book this Green Tour?

I would recommend it to you if you have one full day in Cappadocia and want a broad introduction to the southern part of the region. It suits people who value a mix of underground archaeology, cave churches, canyon walking, viewpoints, and a simple included meal.

It also works well for a small group that prefers organized transport. You avoid arranging separate rides to Ihlara Valley and an underground city, and hotel pickup makes the early start easier.

I would be cautious if you dislike shopping stops, need a slow schedule, or are booking specifically for Selime Monastery. The 7 to 8 hour day can feel rushed when extra stores are added. If the company cannot confirm the monastery, compare this tour with another South Cappadocia option that lists fixed stops and no commercial visits.

The walking and underground sections also deserve attention. You should be ready for 3.5 kilometers in Ihlara Valley and uneven, confined routes underground. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and comfortable shoes. The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is sent at booking.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the operator confirms the intended historical route and you want good coverage for $43.48 plus entrance fees. The underground city and Ihlara Valley are the strongest pair, and the combination is hard to arrange as cheaply with private transport.

Before you commit, ask two direct questions: Which underground city will we visit, and will we definitely enter Selime Monastery? If the answers are vague, I would choose another provider. The tour can deliver a memorable day with guides such as Gigi, Mert, Mustafa, or Huseyin, but its value depends heavily on keeping the historic stops ahead of the shopping stops.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the Cappadocia Green Tour start?

The listed meeting point is near the Göreme bus terminal on İçeridere Sokak. Hotel pickup is offered in the Göreme region, and you should wait at your hotel’s main entrance gate rather than the reception.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:30 a.m. Pickup begins in the morning, so check the exact collection time for your hotel.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours and returns to the meeting point or hotel at the end of the day.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An open buffet lunch is included at a riverside restaurant in Belisirma. The meal includes soup, salad, and a choice of trout, chicken, meatballs, or a vegetarian dish.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are excluded from the tour price. Drinks and personal spending are also not included.

Which underground city will the tour visit?

The stop is listed as Kaymakli Underground City, but the description also refers to Derinkuyu. Since these are different sites, confirm the exact underground city with the provider before departure.

Is Selime Monastery included?

Selime Monastery is part of the planned route, but some departures have skipped it and substituted shopping stops. Ask Payless to confirm this stop before booking.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes for the 3.5-kilometer walk and underground passages. Bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Children should carry valid passports for age verification at museum entrances.