What Is the Green Tour?
The Green Tour is one of Cappadocia's most popular day trips. Unlike the Red Tour, which mainly focuses on the valleys around Göreme, the Green Tour takes you to the southern part of the region, where you'll discover breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and authentic villages.
It is the perfect excursion for travelers who want to experience a different side of Cappadocia, combining nature, history, and culture.
Must-See Highlights
The itinerary may vary slightly depending on the tour operator, but most Green Tours include:
- Derinkuyu Underground City: Explore one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia. Built on multiple levels, it once sheltered thousands of people. Discover tunnels, kitchens, stables, wine cellars, and ancient places of worship.
- Ihlara Valley: Crossed by the Melendiz River, Ihlara Valley is famous for its lush vegetation, towering cliffs, and rock-cut churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes. Most tours include a scenic hike of approximately 3 to 5 kilometers.
- Selime Monastery: Carved directly into volcanic rock, Selime Monastery is the largest rock-cut monastic complex in Cappadocia. From the top, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Pigeon Valley: Named after the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, Pigeon Valley is one of Cappadocia's most beautiful viewpoints. For centuries, pigeons were used to fertilize local farmland.
- Traditional Lunch: Most Green Tours include lunch at a local riverside restaurant in Belisırma, offering a relaxing break surrounded by nature.
What Does the Day Look Like?
The Green Tour is a full-day excursion.
After being picked up from your hotel in the morning, you'll travel in an air-conditioned minibus with a professional guide. Throughout the day you'll alternate between cultural visits, nature walks, and scenic viewpoints before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Who Is This Tour For?
The Green Tour is perfect for:
- Nature lovers
- History enthusiasts
- Families
- Couples
- Travelers staying several days in Cappadocia
Please note that this tour involves more walking than the Red Tour, particularly in Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground City.
How Much Does the Green Tour Cost?
Prices vary depending on the season, whether you choose a private or shared tour, and the services included.
Most tours include:
- Round-trip transportation
- Professional guide
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
Prices generally start from around €50. Feel free to contact us for current availability and the best rates during your stay.
How Can Mozaik Stone Hotel Help?
Our team will be happy to help organize your Green Tour and make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
We can:
- Book your tour with trusted local partners
- Recommend the itinerary that best fits your travel plans
- Answer all your questions before your arrival
- Help organize your other Cappadocia experiences, including hot air balloon flights, horseback riding, ATV tours, and pottery workshops in Avanos.
Our Tips
If you're staying in Cappadocia for three days or more, we highly recommend combining the Green Tour with the Red Tour. While the Red Tour covers the iconic sites around Göreme, the Green Tour takes you deeper into the valleys, nature, and fascinating underground cities of southern Cappadocia. Together, they provide a much more complete experience of the region.
At Mozaik Stone Hotel, we work with an experienced local guide who leads groups of no more than 15 people. This allows you to enjoy a more authentic experience, far from the large tourist buses.
When booking your excursion, don't hesitate to ask about the group size. Smaller groups usually provide a more enjoyable, relaxed, and immersive experience.