South Cappadocia Tour (Green Tour)

Discover the Best of Cappadocia with the South Green Tour

Planning a trip to Cappadocia can be overwhelming with so many incredible sights to choose from. The South Cappadocia Tour, offered by Rose Tour, promises a well-rounded experience covering some of the most iconic landmarks in the region. With a consistent 5.0 rating based on genuine reviews, this tour provides a solid introduction to Cappadocia’s unique landscape, history, and culture—all packed into approximately 6 to 8 hours.

What really stands out for many travelers is the knowledgeable guides who bring the history of each site to life, making the experience both educational and engaging. You’ll enjoy seamless transportation, included entrance fees, and a local lunch — all for just $62 per person.

However, keep in mind that this is a moderately active tour, with walking at sites like Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with some physical activity. If you’re after a comprehensive yet relaxed day out that captures the essence of Cappadocia, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers major highlights like Derinkuyu underground city, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, enhancing the learning experience.
• Convenient Inclusions: Entrance fees, hotel pickup/drop-off, and lunch included offer great value.
• Balanced Pace: The schedule allows ample time for exploration without feeling rushed.
• Authentic Experiences: Sightseeing stops provide opportunities for photos, learning, and appreciating Cappadocia’s landscapes.
• Moderate Physical Activity: Be prepared for some walking, especially at sites like Ihlara Valley and the monastery.

A Deep Dive into the South Cappadocia Tour

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour is designed to give you a meaningful, in-depth look at Cappadocia’s most famous sites, all within a manageable day. Starting early with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport, it’s clear that comfort and efficiency are priorities. The group size is capped at 16 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and better interaction with your guide, Kasim, who is highly praised for his friendliness and knowledge.

First Stop: Goreme Panorama

The tour kicks off at the Goreme Panorama, the shortest stop but arguably one of the most scenic. Here, you’ll get a sweeping view of Goreme town, perfect for snapping some early photos. As the guide explains the story behind the unusual rock formations, you’ll get a taste of Cappadocia’s geological wonder. Though brief—about 20 minutes—this stop sets the tone for the day and offers a fantastic overview before heading underground.

Second Stop: Derinkuyu Underground City

Next, the tour ventures into the nearly 4,000-year-old Derinkuyu underground city. Discovered in 1963, this subterranean complex is a marvel of ancient engineering, featuring about 8 floors with living spaces, tunnels, and even chapels. Expect about an hour here, exploring narrow passageways and imagining how early inhabitants used this shelter during times of invasion.

Both reviewers highlight the value of the included entrance fee, and one mentions that the underground city is a highlight, especially due to its extensive size and historical significance. The site’s cool, dark corridors provide a stark contrast to the outdoor landscapes, and the guide’s explanations help make sense of this underground labyrinth.

Third Stop: Ihlara Valley

After the underground adventure, you’ll visit Ihlara Valley, the region’s largest canyon. Walking along the Melendiz Stream, you’ll see steep basalt cliffs dotted with ancient caves carved into the rock. This stop offers a visual feast—lush greenery contrasted with the rugged canyon walls. Expect about an hour here, and be prepared for some light walking along the trail.

Reviewers note that this part of the tour is especially memorable, with one mentioning the “unique visual show” provided by the flowing stream and caves. It’s a great spot for photos and imagining life in these hidden dwellings.

Lunch in Belisirma

Midday brings a well-deserved break at Belisirma, where a simple but tasty set menu awaits. The meal includes soup, salad, a main course (with various options), and fresh fruit—enough to keep you energized for the afternoon. The inclusion of lunch is a big plus, especially since some tours charge extra for meals.

Fourth Stop: Selime Monastery

Post-lunch, the group visits Selime Monastery, the largest Byzantine cave monastery in Cappadocia. Carved into a steep hillside, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into monastic life over a thousand years ago. You’ll explore living quarters, chapels, and corridors—about an hour here. One reviewer highlighted the “steep hillside” as a bit of a climb, but the views and scale of the monastery make it worthwhile.

Final Stop: Pigeon Valley

The tour concludes with a short stop at Pigeon Valley, famous for its many caves used for pigeon keeping. It’s a popular viewpoint for panoramic photos of the caves and the valley’s natural beauty. With just 20 minutes here, it’s the perfect last photo opportunity before heading back to your hotel.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

Transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the long day much more comfortable—especially given the warm Turkish sun. The group remains small (up to 16 travelers), which enhances the experience by allowing for better interaction with the guide and more personalized attention.

Kasim, your guide, is consistently praised for his friendly demeanor and wealth of knowledge, turning what could be a standard sightseeing tour into a more engaging experience. The driver Mehmet also earns positive comments for safe, smooth transfers between sites.

Pricing and Value Considerations

At $62 per person, this tour offers good value considering the comprehensive itinerary, included entrance fees, and lunch. Many visitors noted that the guide’s expertise and the small group size significantly enhanced the quality of the experience.

Since the tour includes all major sites and transportation, travelers don’t need to worry about additional costs or logistical planning. The fact that the tour is booked about two months in advance indicates strong interest, and the reviews suggest that the experience lives up to expectations.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While most reviews praise the tour, one mentioned that the itinerary sometimes varies from the published schedule, and lunch arrangements might change due to local closures. This flexibility is understandable but worth noting if you prefer a strict schedule.

Plus, the moderate physical activity involved—mainly walking and some climbing—means travelers should be reasonably fit. The guided commentary is a highlight, but the pace may be less suitable for those with mobility issues.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone wanting a well-rounded glimpse of Cappadocia without the hassle of planning individual visits. The knowledgeable guides make complex histories accessible, and the inclusion of key sites ensures you see the region’s highlights in one day.

It’s also perfect for travelers who value a small, intimate group environment and appreciate comfortable transportation with a clear, efficient schedule. If you’re looking for a relaxed but comprehensive day with plenty of opportunities for photos and learning, this tour suits you well.

The Sum Up

The South Cappadocia Tour by Rose Tour offers a balanced, engaging, and highly-rated experience at a reasonable price. With expert guidance, carefully chosen stops, and inclusions like lunch and entrance fees, it’s a practical way to get a true taste of the region’s wonders.

While it involves some walking and a flexible itinerary, the overall experience is enriched by the passion and knowledge of guides like Kasim. The small group size ensures you don’t feel like just another face in the crowd, allowing for a more personal connection with the sites and your fellow travelers.

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized day that hits all the major highlights with ease, this tour offers excellent value and authentic moments. It’s particularly suited for those eager to learn, explore, and capture stunning views—without the stress of self-guided travel.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore each site without feeling rushed.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics much easier.

What’s the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 16, which helps keep the experience more personal and engaging.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all museum and site entrance fees are included in the price.

Can I expect to do a lot of walking?
Yes, some walking is involved, especially at Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.

Is lunch included?
Absolutely. A set menu with soup, salad, main course, and fruit is provided at Belisirma.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

This South Cappadocia Tour offers a thoughtfully curated day full of inspiring sights, fascinating history, and comfortable travel — a great way to experience the region’s highlights in one go.