Full Day Green Tour with Lunch

Discover the Best of Cappadocia on the Full Day Green Tour with Lunch

This full-day guided tour in Cappadocia promises a comprehensive look at some of the most iconic sights in Central Anatolia, from underground cities and fairy chimneys to lush valleys and historic monasteries. Spanning approximately seven hours, it’s an excellent way to see multiple highlights in a single day, especially if your time in the region is limited.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the thoughtful itinerary, blending culture with natural beauty, topped off with the chance to enjoy a delicious local lunch. However, it’s worth noting that this tour involves quite a bit of walking and narrow tunnels, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with some physical activity. Overall, it’s an appealing choice for those eager to explore Cappadocia’s diverse landscape and history without the hassle of planning individual visits.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers who want an organic dose of history, geology, and local flavor—all wrapped into one day. If you love sightseeing with knowledgeable guides, scenic hikes, and cultural stops, you’ll find this tour a balanced and rewarding experience.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering underground cities, valleys, monasteries, and local factories
• Includes a traditional Turkish lunch in a scenic village setting
• Expert-guided with insights into geology, history, and local crafts
• Active day with walking and light hiking, suitable for most fitness levels
• Small group feel often praised for personalized attention
• Value for money at $121, considering the extensive sights and included lunch

Exploring Cappadocia’s Highlights

When you think of Cappadocia, images of fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings come to mind. This Green Tour encapsulates these iconic features while also taking you deeper into lesser-known sites like Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley. The carefully curated stops mean you’ll experience a layered understanding of the region’s natural and cultural history, making it more meaningful than just ticking boxes.

Starting with the Göreme Panorama

Your day begins with a stop at the Göreme Panorama—a perfect spot to get your bearings. From here, you’ll admire expansive views of Cappadocia’s signature fairy chimneys and volcanic formations. The guides often share fascinating stories about how these formations came to be, which is a good primer for the rest of the day. Expect to hear about the region’s volcanic past and its impact on local architecture.

Pigeon Valley and Pigeon Feed

Next, we visit Pigeon Valley, renowned for its thousands of dovecotes carved into the cliffs. Interestingly, pigeons served as vital messengers and sources of fertilizer for ancient agriculture. Travelers have noted that feeding the pigeons here offers a charming, leisurely moment—it’s a simple pleasure that adds a personal touch to the tour. One reviewer mentioned that “feeding the pigeons felt like connecting with the land’s history in a fun, tangible way.”

The Onyx Show Factory

A visit to the Onyx Show Factory provides a break from sightseeing and an opportunity to learn about Turkey’s dazzling gemstones. The highlight? The zultanite stone, known for its remarkable color-changing abilities. The guides’ explanations about how these stones are mined and polished are engaging, especially for jewelry lovers. Many travelers appreciated the chance to see artisans at work and even purchase unique souvenirs.

Derinkuyu Underground City

One of the tour’s stars is the Derinkuyu Underground City—a sprawling subterranean network that once sheltered thousands of people. Walking through its narrow tunnels, you’ll encounter wine production facilities, food storage rooms, and defensive architecture. This site offers a tangible sense of how ancient civilizations adapted to their environment. One visitor remarked, “The underground city was surprisingly spacious, and walking through it felt like stepping back in time.”

Narl Lake and Scenic Nature

The tour also includes Narl Lake, a volcanic lake that shifts hues throughout the year. The reflections and changing colors make for fantastic photo opportunities and a peaceful pause amid the busy day.

Belisrma Village Lunch

No trip to Cappadocia is complete without enjoying the local cuisine. The stop at Belisrma Village offers a hearty, well-prepared lunch beside the Melendiz River. Many reviewers praise the meal for its authenticity and flavor, emphasizing that it’s a great chance to relax, refuel, and take in the rural scenery. It’s a moment to savor Turkish dishes in a scenic setting.

Ihlara Valley Hike

Post-lunch, you’ll hike in the Ihlara Valley, a lush canyon lined with rock-cut churches and monasteries. The walk is quite scenic, with the Melendiz River flowing beside you, and offers a break from the busier archaeological sites. The gentle hike is manageable for most, and the vibrant greenery contrasts nicely with the rocky terrain.

Selime Monastery

The tour concludes at the Selime Monastery, a massive cave complex carved into the rock. Its cathedral-sized church, kitchens, and stables reveal the troglodyte lifestyle that persisted here centuries ago. We loved the way the complex’s architecture intertwined with the landscape, creating a dramatic end to the day.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from four main locations—Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, and Çavusin—making it quite flexible for most travelers. Expect a guided experience with a live guide fluent in English and Turkish, which helps clarify the historical and geological significance of each site.

The day is structured into roughly one-hour stops at major sites, with some walking involved—mostly on relatively even terrain, but the underground tunnels and monastery steps can be narrow and uneven. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a hat and sunscreen, and staying hydrated.

The tour costs $121 per person, which we find quite reasonable given the extensive itinerary, expert guides, and included lunch. You won’t need to worry about entry fees for most sites, as these are included in the tour, but keep in mind that Selime Monastery’s entry fee is paid separately.

What We Liked and Considerations

One of the tour’s strengths is the balance between cultural, natural, and artisanal experiences. The guides are knowledgeable and provide context that elevates the visits beyond mere sightseeing. The inclusion of a local factory and artisan demonstrations adds a personal touch, making the experience more memorable.

However, it is a full day of activity, and some parts involve walking or climbing stairs—so it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues or pregnant women. Also, while the tour is well-paced, travelers who prefer more leisure time at each stop may find it a bit packed.

In terms of value, the lunch and transportation are included, saving additional costs, and the variety of sites seen makes this a good overall package for travelers wanting a comprehensive Cappadocia experience without organizing multiple trips.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Green Tour with Lunch offers a thoughtfully curated exploration of Cappadocia’s most captivating sites, from underground cities to scenic valleys. It strikes a balance between guided storytelling, hands-on experiences, and natural beauty, making it a great choice for curious travelers who want an immersive, well-organized day.

Given its reasonable price point and extensive itinerary, this tour provides excellent value—especially for those who enjoy a mix of history, geology, and local culture. The included meal and convenient pickup/drop-off make it a stress-free way to see Cappadocia’s highlights in just one day.

If you’re after an authentic, engaging, and diverse experience in Central Anatolia, this Green Tour caters well to first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. It’s suited for active travelers comfortable with walking and exploring but offers enough comfort and structure for a smooth and informative adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $121 fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour of key sites, and lunch at Belisrma Village. You’ll also enjoy the entrance to most sites and expert commentary during stops.

Are drinks included in the lunch?
No, drinks are not included. You might want to bring water or purchase beverages separately during the stop at the restaurant.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While generally suitable for most ages, the tour involves walking and some narrow tunnels, which may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

How long are the stops at each site?
Most stops last about an hour, including transportation time. The underground city and monastery may involve some narrow walkways and stairs, so plan accordingly.

Does the tour operate year-round?
Yes, but check availability in advance. The landscape and weather may change seasonally, with the Narl Lake’s colors shifting throughout the year.

Will I have free time during the tour?
The tour is quite structured with scheduled stops, but there’s enough time at each site to explore and take photos. The lunch break offers a relaxing pause.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility limitations?
Not really. The underground tunnels, monastery stairs, and uneven terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility impairments or severe health issues.

Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are not included and are at your discretion, often appreciated for guides and drivers if you’re satisfied with the service.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts unexpectedly.

This Green Tour in Cappadocia offers a fantastic blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural insight, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers wanting a full, enriching day in this unique region.