The Green Tour is one of the most popular day trips in Cappadocia, covering the region’s southern sights and is designed for travelers who want to explore nature, history, and unique landscapes.
Unlike the Red Tour, which focuses on sites near Göreme, the Green Tour takes you deeper into the countryside, visiting underground cities, lush valleys, and ancient monasteries.
Many visitors join guided Green Tour, as there’s so much to see and much distance between each site.
This guide shares everything you must know before booking your Green Tour in Cappadocia.
Booking Tip: The Green tour is very popular and often sells out days in advance. During peak time even as far ahead as 25 days, so book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
Top Tickets
# Guided Green Tour with Lunch and Tickets
# Combined Red & Green Tour
# Guided Red TourBook the tickets early, especially in peak season, as the Green tour is extremely popular and is often fully booked 20 days in advance.
Table of Contents
Why Choose the Green Tour?
- It covers Cappadocia’s southern attractions in one day.
- It is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in early Christian history.
- It includes light hiking in Ihlara Valley, making it active but not overly strenuous.
- The tour takes you to sites harder to reach on your own without a rental car.
- It is ideal if you’ve already done the Red Tour and want to explore a different side of Cappadocia.
Green Tour Prices and What’s Included
Prices for the Green Tour in Cappadocia range from €50 to €70 per person, depending on the provider and group size.
Usual inclusions are:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cappadocia
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry fees to main attractions (Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery)
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- All taxes and service charges
Not included: drinks at lunch, personal expenses, and tips.
Book Green TourWant to explore more of Cappadocia? Go for the Red tour to discover the highlights of northern Cappadocia, and try the Blue tour for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
How Long is the Green Tour?
The full-day, all-inclusive Green Tour starts at 9.30 AM and ends at 6:00 PM. This includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, all sightseeing stops, and a lunch break.
Which tour would you want to book? Red Tour or Green Tour or Blue Tour
Best Time to Take the Green Tour
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) is the best time to go on the Green Tour because of the pleasant hiking weather.
Summer can be hot, but the underground city remains cool year-round.
Winter is quieter and less crowded, though hiking in Ihlara Valley can be chilly.
Tips for Enjoying the Green Tour
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the Ihlara Valley hike.
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Bring a light jacket—the underground city can be cool even in summer.
- If you’re claustrophobic, note that some underground passages are narrow.
- Book in advance during high season to secure your spot.
Is the Green Tour Suitable for Everyone?
- It is good for moderately active travelers.
- Families with children can join, but the hiking and underground tunnels might be tiring for very young kids.
- Not recommended for those with mobility issues due to uneven terrain and stairs.
Green Tour or Red Tour – The Difference
Here is a quick comparison between the Green and Red Tours of Cappadocia.
| Feature | Green Tour | Red Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Main Area Covered | Southern Cappadocia | Northern Cappadocia |
| Highlights | Underground city, Ihlara Valley, monastery | Göreme Museum, valleys, Avanos pottery |
| Activity Level | Moderate (some hiking) | Easy (short walks) |
| Nature vs. Culture | More nature and hiking | More cultural and artistic |
| Distance from Göreme | Farther | Closer |
Key stops on the Green tour
Here are the important attractions you will stop to see on your Green Tour.
Göreme panorama
A quick photo stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Göreme and its fairy chimneys. Guides share info about the region’s geology and history while you admire the view.
Check out: Göreme Open-Air Museum – a must-see UNESCO site filled with ancient cave churches, vivid frescoes, and rich history!
Derinkuyu Underground City
The tour takes you through Derinkuyu, the deepest underground city. With a guide, you’ll navigate the tunnels and learn how people lived there. This is a highlight for most – wandering the subterranean maze with expert narration really brings it to life.
Some Green tours may go to Kaymaklı instead of Derinkuyu if crowds are too large, but Derinkuyu is more common.
Want to explore more of the underground city? Don’t miss visiting Kaymaklı—one of the largest and most fascinating in Cappadocia!
Ihlara Valley hike
The Ihlara hiking experience begins with a bus ride to the stunning Ihlara Valley. You’ll usually enter at the village of Ihlara or a midpoint.
The group hikes approximately 3-4 km (1.9 to 2.5 miles) along the Melendiz River at the valley bottom, which is a flat, easy walk shaded by trees.
You’ll pass by and possibly visit one or two cave churches in the canyon walls (like Agacalti Church with frescoes).
The walk is refreshing and scenic – sheer cliffs above, the sound of flowing water. It’s a nice change of pace.
Experience other valleys in Cappadocia: Red Valley, Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monks Valley for even more breathtaking views!
Lunch in Belisırma
Midway through the hike, you stop at Belisırma village by the river for lunch (included in the tour).
Many tour lunches are at riverside restaurants where you can sit on low cushions or tables right next to the water – very relaxing.
The usual meal menu: maybe soup, salad, a choice of grilled chicken/fish or vegetarian, and dessert. Enjoy the break with the ambiance of nature.
Want to try flavorful Turkish dishes? Check out top restaurants like Dream Spot, India Gate, Zeferan, and other best restaurants in Cappadocia—perfect for food lovers!
Yaprakhisar panorama
After lunch, a quick stop at Yaprakhisar’s viewpoint. This spot overlooks a picturesque section of Ihlara Valley and interesting pointed rock formations.
Some say it resembles the landscape from Star Wars (though no Star Wars was filmed here, it does look fitting!). It is a good spot for photos of the valley stretching out.
Selime Monastery
Next, you visit the Selime Monastery complex at the end of Ihlara Valley. This is the largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia.
You’ll climb up into a giant cone of rock that contains a multi-level monastery – see the large kitchen with soot on the ceiling, halls, and the basilica church with stone columns.
The scale of Selime is epic. From the top, you get a panoramic view of the area.
It can be a bit steep climbing, but there are steps, and your guide will assist you if needed. This stop impresses people with how people carved such a huge structure by hand.
Onyx or Jewel factory
Many Green tours include a stop at an onyx workshop or jewelry cooperative on the way back. Cappadocia is known for onyx stone and semi-precious gems.
The stop is usually a brief demonstration of how onyx is carved/polished, and then a chance to shop in a showroom.
This is optional – if you’re not interested, you can just observe or wait a bit. (Some tours swap this with a carpet weaving demonstration or local handicraft stop).
Pigeon Valley photo stop
Before returning to the hotel, there’s a quick stop above Pigeon Valley (near Uchisar) to see the pigeon houses and a final panorama.
Sometimes, this is done in the morning, depending on the route. Either way, it’s a nice cap-off to see the classic Cappadocian landscape again.
The Green tour covers a lot of ground – you’ll come back pleasantly tired and filled with new knowledge.
Note: Because it’s such a full day, be prepared: wear comfy walking shoes, bring a hat, and a bottle of water.
FAQs about the Green Tour of Cappadocia
Here are some questions tourists ask before booking their Green Tour.
Is lunch included in Green Tours?
Yes, most tours include lunch at a local restaurant. However, if you plan to order drinks, you will need to pay extra.
Do I need hiking experience?
No, the Ihlara Valley walk is suitable for most people with average fitness.
Can I do the Green Tour on my own?
Yes, but you’ll need to rent a car or hire a driver. Public transport options are limited.
Which underground city is included?
Most Green Tours visit Derinkuyu, but some go to Kaymakli instead—check your itinerary before booking.
Are entry fees included in the price?
Yes, when you book a Green Tour, entry tickets for all main attractions on the tour are included.
How big is the Green tour group?
These tour groups usually range between 15 and 20 people.
Is the Green Tour available year-round?
Yes, but weather conditions can affect the Ihlara Valley hike in winter.
Can vegetarians find lunch options?
Yes, most restaurants in Cappadocia on the route offer vegetarian dishes.
How far are the Green Tour sites from Göreme?
The underground city is about 35 km away, and the rest are spread across southern Cappadocia.
In Summary
- Green Tour Covers southern Cappadocia’s best sights – Includes Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley.
- Ideal for nature and history lovers – Blends scenic hiking with ancient architecture and early Christian history.
- Moderate activity level – The Ihlara Valley walk is easy to moderate, making it accessible for most travelers.
- Expert guidance – Learn fascinating stories and history from licensed local guides.
- Great value for the distance covered – Reaches sites that are far from Göreme and not easily accessible without a tour.
- Small-group comfort – Usually 15–20 people with air-conditioned transport and hotel pickup. If you prefer smaller groups, go for a small-group Green tour.
- Best seasons – Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable hiking weather.
- Book early in peak season – Tours can fill up quickly, especially in April–June and September–October.
