Cappadocia Green Tour | Ihlara Valley & Underground City €90
Explore Cappadocia’s underground cities, hike through Ihlara Valley and visit Selime Monastery on a full-day guided Green Tour. Hotel transfers, lunch and entrance fees included. €90.
Cappadocia Green Tour | Underground City Tour
The Underground City & Ihlara Valley Expedition
Ready to discover a different side of Cappadocia?
The Cappadocia Green Tour takes you beyond the famous fairy chimneys and into the deeper, greener and more mysterious landscapes of southern Cappadocia.
Explore an ancient underground city, walk through the dramatic Ihlara Valley beside the Melendiz River, visit the impressive Selime Monastery and enjoy panoramic views across the region.
The Green Tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy a combination of history, nature and exploration.
While the Red Tour focuses primarily on the iconic landscapes and fairy chimneys of North Cappadocia, the Green Tour takes you toward the underground settlements and natural valleys that reveal another important part of the region’s history.
What Is the Cappadocia Green Tour?
The Cappadocia Green Tour is a full-day guided sightseeing experience covering some of the most important destinations in southern Cappadocia.
The tour typically includes:
- One Underground City
- Ihlara Valley
- Belisırma Village
- Selime Monastery
- Pigeon Valley
- A local onyx or gemstone workshop
Because Cappadocia covers a large geographical area, the Green Tour involves more driving than the Red Tour.
However, it offers some of the region’s most diverse landscapes and historical experiences.
Important Information About the Underground City
To provide a comfortable daily route and help manage visitor density, the tour visits one of several major underground cities.
Depending on the daily operational plan, your tour may visit:
- Derinkuyu Underground City
- Kaymaklı Underground City
- Mazi Underground City
The selected underground city is confirmed according to the day’s route, operational conditions and visitor density.
Each underground city offers a different experience.
Green Tour Itinerary
Explore Cappadocia Beneath the Surface
Underground City
The first major experience of the day takes you underground.
Cappadocia is famous for its remarkable underground settlements, where generations of communities created living spaces, storage areas, tunnels, ventilation systems and defensive passages beneath the surface.
These underground complexes were used at different periods throughout Cappadocia’s history.
During the tour, you will explore one of the following underground cities.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Derinkuyu is one of the largest and deepest known underground cities in Cappadocia.
The excavated sections extend many levels below ground.
Visitors can see tunnels, living areas, storage spaces, ventilation shafts and other sections of this remarkable underground complex.
Derinkuyu is often the preferred choice for travelers interested in the scale and engineering of Cappadocia’s underground settlements.
Kaymaklı Underground City
Kaymaklı is another important underground city in Cappadocia.
It is known for its interconnected tunnels and extensive underground layout.
The accessible sections provide a fascinating insight into how communities organized daily life below the surface.
Kaymaklı can feel like a labyrinth, with narrow passages connecting different underground spaces.
Mazi Underground City
Mazi offers a quieter alternative to the larger and more frequently visited underground cities.
Located near the village of Mazi, this underground settlement provides another perspective on Cappadocia’s subterranean history.
Depending on the day’s itinerary, it may be selected as an alternative to Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı.
Important: Is the Underground City Claustrophobic?
Underground cities contain:
- Narrow passages
- Low ceilings
- Stairs
- Enclosed spaces
The experience may not be suitable for travelers with severe claustrophobia or mobility difficulties.
If you prefer not to enter the underground city, you can usually wait outside while the rest of the group completes the visit.
Please inform your guide if you have concerns.
Ihlara Valley
Walk Through Cappadocia’s Green Canyon
After exploring Cappadocia beneath the surface, the tour continues toward one of the region’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
Ihlara Valley is a deep canyon shaped by the Melendiz River.
The scenery here is very different from the dry volcanic valleys around Göreme.
Tall canyon walls, trees and the flowing river create a peaceful environment for walking.
The Green Tour typically includes a walk of approximately 3–4 km, depending on the route and operational conditions.
The walking path follows sections of the valley and offers a refreshing change from Cappadocia’s open landscapes.
How Difficult Is the Ihlara Valley Walk?
The walk is generally considered easy to moderate.
However, visitors should remember that the valley may involve:
- Stairs
- Uneven walking paths
- Natural terrain
Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Flip-flops are not ideal for this part of the tour.
Belisırma Village
The walk through Ihlara Valley leads toward the Belisırma area.
Here, you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The peaceful setting beside the Melendiz River is one of the highlights of the Green Tour.
Take a break, relax and enjoy traditional Turkish food before continuing toward Selime.
Lunch typically includes a selection such as soup or salad and a main course.
Specific menu options may vary depending on the restaurant and daily arrangements.
Drinks are not included unless otherwise stated.
Selime Monastery
Cappadocia’s Largest Rock-Cut Monastic Complex
The journey continues toward Selime Monastery.
Selime is one of the most impressive rock-cut religious complexes in Cappadocia.
The site includes large carved spaces, chambers and passages within the volcanic rock.
Its dramatic appearance and large-scale architecture make Selime one of the most memorable stops of the Green Tour.
The monastery is located near the end of the Ihlara Valley region and provides impressive views across the surrounding landscape.
Visitors should be prepared for:
- Walking
- Uneven surfaces
- Stairs
Your guide will explain the history and significance of the site during the visit.
Pigeon Valley
A Classic Cappadocia Panorama
The Green Tour usually includes a panoramic stop overlooking Pigeon Valley.
The valley takes its name from the pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rock.
For centuries, pigeons played an important role in local agricultural life.
Today, the valley is one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful panoramic areas.
It is an excellent location for photographs before returning toward the central Cappadocia region.
Onyx & Gemstone Workshop
Depending on the daily route, the tour may include a brief visit to a local onyx or gemstone workshop.
Learn about local stone craftsmanship and see how natural materials are shaped and polished.
This stop also provides an opportunity to learn about traditional craftsmanship in the region.
There is no obligation to purchase anything.
Your Green Tour Experience
Hotel Pickup
The day begins with pickup from selected hotels in Cappadocia.
Pickup is generally available from:
- Göreme
- Ürgüp
- Uçhisar
- Avanos
The exact pickup time will be confirmed before the tour.
Travel Through Southern Cappadocia
The Green Tour covers a wider geographical area than many other daily tours.
Travel between destinations takes place in an air-conditioned tour vehicle.
Sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel from central Cappadocia toward the underground cities and Ihlara Valley.
Guided Exploration
Throughout the day, your professional guide provides information about:
- Cappadocia’s underground settlements
- Local history
- Volcanic landscapes
- Early Christian heritage
- Rock-cut architecture
- Ihlara Valley
- Selime Monastery
Cappadocia Green Tour Details
Tour Type: Guided Daily Tour
Region: South Cappadocia
Duration: Full Day
Approximate Hours: 09:30–17:30
Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Pickup Areas: Göreme, Ürgüp, Uçhisar and Avanos
Transportation: Air-conditioned tour vehicle
Guide: Professional licensed tour guide
Language: English
Activity Level: Moderate
Walking: Approximately 3–4 km in Ihlara Valley, depending on the route
What Is Included?
Your Cappadocia Green Tour includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Entrance fee to one underground city
- Ihlara Valley entrance fee
- Selime Monastery entrance fee
The underground city visited will be selected according to the daily itinerary.
It may be:
- Derinkuyu
- Kaymaklı
- Mazi
What Is Not Included?
Unless specifically stated in your booking confirmation:
- Drinks during lunch
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Cappadocia Green Tour Price
€90 Per Person
The Green Tour includes transportation, hotel transfers, professional guiding, lunch and entrance fees to the scheduled attractions.
Why Is the Green Tour More Expensive Than the Red Tour?
The Green Tour covers a larger geographical area and includes several major attractions, including an underground city, Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery.
It also involves a longer daily route and additional entrance fees.
Who Is the Green Tour Best For?
History Lovers
The Green Tour is an excellent choice for travelers interested in Cappadocia’s underground history.
Explore one of the region’s remarkable underground cities and discover how communities created complex spaces beneath the earth.
Nature Lovers
Ihlara Valley offers one of the most distinctive natural environments in Cappadocia.
Walking beside the Melendiz River provides a completely different experience from the fairy chimney landscapes around Göreme.
Adventure Travelers
The Green Tour combines:
- Underground exploration
- Walking
- Natural landscapes
- Historic sites
It is an active and diverse way to experience Cappadocia.
Travelers Visiting Cappadocia for Several Days
The Green Tour works particularly well alongside the Red Tour.
Together, the two tours provide a broader introduction to the different landscapes and historical sites across Cappadocia.
Red Tour vs Green Tour
Which Cappadocia Tour Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on what you want to experience.
Choose the Red Tour If You Want:
- Famous fairy chimneys
- Paşabağ
- Devrent Valley
- Love Valley
- Uçhisar
- Göreme or Zelve Open-Air Museum
- Avanos pottery
Choose the Green Tour If You Want:
- Underground cities
- Ihlara Valley
- Walking and nature
- Selime Monastery
- Pigeon Valley
- A wider exploration of southern Cappadocia
Can I Do Both Tours?
Yes.
Many travelers choose the Red Tour and Green Tour on separate days.
The two itineraries complement each other well.
The Red Tour focuses primarily on the iconic landscapes of northern Cappadocia.
The Green Tour explores the underground cities and southern valleys.
Together, they provide a more complete introduction to the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cappadocia Green Tour?
The Cappadocia Green Tour is a full-day guided sightseeing tour focused on southern Cappadocia.
It typically includes one underground city, Ihlara Valley, Belisırma Village, Selime Monastery and Pigeon Valley.
How long is the Green Tour?
The Green Tour is a full-day experience.
Typical operating hours are approximately 09:30–17:30.
Actual pickup and return times may vary.
Which underground city will we visit?
The tour visits one underground city.
Depending on the daily route, it may be Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı or Mazi Underground City.
Is Derinkuyu Underground City included?
Derinkuyu may be included depending on the daily itinerary.
The exact underground city is selected according to operational planning and visitor conditions.
How far do we walk in Ihlara Valley?
The typical walking distance is approximately 3–4 km.
The exact route may vary.
Is the Ihlara Valley walk difficult?
The walk is generally easy to moderate.
However, there may be stairs and uneven terrain.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Is lunch included?
Yes.
Lunch at a local restaurant is included.
Drinks are usually not included.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes.
The entrance fees for the scheduled underground city, Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery are included.
Is the Green Tour suitable for children?
Yes, but families should consider the activity level.
The tour includes stairs inside the underground city and walking in Ihlara Valley.
Can people with claustrophobia join the Green Tour?
Yes, depending on the individual.
However, travelers with severe claustrophobia may prefer not to enter the underground city.
You can usually wait outside during the underground city visit and join the group afterward.
Is the Green Tour suitable for people with mobility difficulties?
The tour may be challenging for travelers with significant mobility limitations.
It includes stairs, uneven surfaces and walking.
Please contact us before booking so we can provide appropriate advice.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes.
Bring:
- Comfortable footwear
- A light jacket depending on the season
- Sun protection during warmer months
- Water
Which is better: Red Tour or Green Tour?
Neither tour is universally better.
The Red Tour is best for famous fairy chimneys and iconic landscapes.
The Green Tour is best for underground cities, nature and Ihlara Valley.
If you have enough time, we recommend experiencing both.
Go Deeper Into Cappadocia
Cappadocia is famous for what rises above the ground.
The fairy chimneys.
The valleys.
The extraordinary volcanic landscape.
But beneath and beyond these famous views lies another world.
Ancient underground cities.
Hidden tunnels.
Green river valleys.
Rock-cut monasteries.
The Cappadocia Green Tour takes you through this deeper side of the region.
Cappadocia Green Tour
€90 Per Person
Underground Cities. Ihlara Valley. Selime Monastery. One Complete Day of Discovery.
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Welcome to Cappadocia Mart. By browsing this website and booking any tours, activities, transfers, or packages with us, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a reservation.
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We understand that travel plans can change. We aim to be as flexible as possible while respecting the operational costs of our partners. Our cancellation policy is divided by service type:
A. Hot Air Balloon Flights (Important) Ballooning is strictly weather-dependent. Here is how we handle cancellations:
Cancellation by Civil Aviation (Weather): If your flight is cancelled by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority due to unsafe weather conditions (wind, fog, storm), you are entitled to a 100% FULL REFUND. No hidden fees, no deductions. Alternatively, we can reschedule you for the next day, subject to availability.
Cancellation by the Guest:
More than 48 Hours Notice: If you cancel more than 48 hours before the scheduled flight time, you will receive a full refund.
Less than 48 Hours: Cancellations made within 48 hours of the flight are non-refundable due to seat allocation costs and limited capacity.
No-Show: If you are not present at the designated pickup time/location, no refund will be issued.
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Free Cancellation: You may cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.
Late Cancellation: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are subject to a 100% cancellation fee (no refund).
C. Private Tours & Large Group Bookings For private VIP tours or groups larger than 10 people, stricter planning is required:
7 Days Notice: Full refund if cancelled 7 days prior to arrival.
3-6 Days Notice: 50% refund.
Less than 72 Hours: Non-refundable.
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Exclusions: Unless specifically stated in the tour description, personal expenses, beverages during lunch, and gratuities (tips) for guides/drivers are not included in the price.
- Insurance & Liability
Balloon Safety: All hot air balloon operators we partner with hold valid insurance policies covering all passengers in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
Travel Insurance: While our tours cover basic transportation and activity insurance required by Turkish Law, we strongly recommend that all travelers purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance to cover personal health issues, lost luggage, or international flight delays.
Liability: Cappadocia Mart acts as a booking agent. We are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage sustained during the tour, except where such loss is caused by our direct negligence.
- Child Policy
Hot Air Balloons: For safety and legal reasons, children under 6 years old are strictly not allowed to fly in hot air balloons. Children aged 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Land Tours:
0-2 Years: Free of Charge.
3-8 Years: Discounted rates usually apply (varies by specific tour).
- Pick-up & Drop-off Times
Pick-up times provided during the booking process are estimates. The exact time depends on the location of your hotel (Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, Avanos) and seasonal sunrise times. We will confirm the exact pick-up time with you via WhatsApp or Email one day before the tour. - Privacy Policy
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