Overview

Escape the crowds and dive into Cappadocia’s lush wilderness with the Green Tour! Explore the breathtaking Ihlara Valley, hike alongside the Melendiz River, and uncover underground cities and rock-cut monasteries. Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs, this hassle-free tour includes hotel transfers, guided insights, and a blend of adventure and culture.

 Tour Highlights

Transfer:

• Morning pickup from your hotel in Ürgüp, Göreme, Uçhisar, or Avanos.
• Comfortable 1.5-hour drive to the first stop: Kaymaklı Underground City.

1. Kaymaklı Underground City:

• Descend into Cappadocia’s deepest subterranean maze, carved by Hittites and expanded by early Christians. Learn how thousands lived hidden here during invasions.

2. Ihlara Valley Hike & Lunch:

• Trek through the 4-kilometer canyon, surrounded by 100-meter cliffs and dotted with Byzantine frescoed churches.
• 350-step descent to the valley floor → 1-hour scenic hike → Lunch at a riverside restaurant in Belisırma Village.

3. Selime Monastery:

• Climb into this rock-cut wonder—a massive Byzantine monastic complex with kitchens, churches, and living quarters carved into cliffs.

4. Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik):

• Photo stop amid fairy chimneys and thousands of pigeon houses carved for ancient fertilizer collection.

5. Cappadocia Handicraft Center:

• Discover volcanic stone art and traditional crafts. Watch artisans carve “Cappadocian lace” from soft tuff rock (shopping optional).

Return:

• Evening drop-off at your hotel.

Notes:

• Not suitable for claustrophobic travelers (underground city).