The Green tour is one of the three classic full-day tour routes in Cappadocia (along with Red and Blue).
Many visitors join guided day tours, as there’s so much to see and much distance between each site.
The Green tour focuses on the southern and western parts of Cappadocia and is known for including the Derinkuyu underground city and the Ihlara Valley.
It’s a full-day, all-inclusive tour that includes entry fees and lunch, starts at 9.30 am, and finishes at 6 pm (about 8–9 hours).
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.
Key stops on the 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 actually filmed here, it does look fitting!). Good spot for photos of the valley stretching out.
Want 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.
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.
Why choose the Green tour?
Cappadocia’s Green tour is the easiest way to see far-flung sites like Ihlara and the underground city in one day without renting a car.
Local guides provide rich history, and it’s fun to meet other travelers on the group tour.
With hotel pick-up and drop-off, comfortable transportation, entrance fees included, and a professional guide providing historical context and local anecdotes, the Green Tour ensures a hassle-free and enriching experience.
Early Booking note: The Green tour is in high demand and often booked out, particularly in spring and fall. It’s wise to reserve it in advance online. An organized Green tour will ensure a good guide and experience. Don’t be surprised if you end up in a group of 15-20 people – it’s a minibus full. If you prefer smaller groups, go for a small-group Green tour.
Overall, if you have time for only one guided tour in Cappadocia, the Green tour is fantastic for covering the big must-sees in a fun day.
