🌿 Cappadocia Green Tour (Selime Route) – Full Day Cultural & Natural Experience
The Cappadocia Green Tour, also known as the Selime Route, is one of the most comprehensive full-day excursions in Cappadocia. Unlike the Red Tour, which mainly covers the northern part of the region, the Green Tour takes you to the southern highlights, including Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, Kaymaklı Underground City, Pigeon Valley, and more.
Running daily from 09:30 AM to 17:30 PM, this guided tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine nature walks, cultural heritage, and historical discoveries in one unforgettable day. With professional guides, hotel pick-up and drop-off, comfortable transportation, and lunch included, the Green Tour is a hassle-free and enriching experience.
🗺️ Detailed Green Tour Itinerary
The day begins with a stop at Pigeon Valley, a beautiful viewpoint famous for its dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic rock. These pigeon houses were once used by locals for farming purposes, and today they create a truly unique landscape. This is one of the most iconic photo spots in Cappadocia.
📍 Göreme Panorama
Next, enjoy a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, you will see a breathtaking landscape filled with fairy chimneys, cave houses, and rock-hewn churches. This stop is perfect for photography and understanding the unique geography of Cappadocia.
📍 Stone Workshop
At a local stone workshop, discover Cappadocia’s traditional craftsmanship. Artisans shape volcanic stones into ornaments, sculptures, and souvenirs. This short visit provides cultural insight and an opportunity to see local artistry in action.
📍 Ihlara Valley – 3 km Hiking Experience
The highlight of the Green Tour is the Ihlara Valley, a natural canyon carved by the Melendiz River. With lush greenery, towering cliffs, and dozens of cave churches, it is considered Cappadocia’s hidden paradise. You will take a 3 km guided hike along the river, passing by Byzantine-era frescoes and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. This is the perfect balance of nature and history.
📍 Belisırma Village – Lunch by the River
After the hike, you will enjoy a relaxing lunch at a riverside restaurant in Belisırma Village. The tranquil atmosphere of the Melendiz River, combined with delicious Turkish dishes, creates the perfect break before continuing the tour.
📍 Selime Monastery
One of the highlights of southern Cappadocia, Selime Monastery is the largest rock-cut religious complex in the region. Featuring a cathedral-sized church, monk quarters, tunnels, and panoramic viewpoints, it offers a fascinating look into the spiritual history of Cappadocia. The monastery also provides stunning views of the Ihlara Valley below.
📍 Kaymaklı Underground City
The tour continues with a visit to Kaymaklı Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s most impressive subterranean settlements. Spread across multiple levels, Kaymaklı features living quarters, storage rooms, kitchens, wineries, and chapels carved deep into the volcanic rock. Used as a refuge by ancient civilizations, this site reveals how people survived invasions and harsh conditions underground.
📍 Leather Workshop (Deri Atölyesi)
The final stop is a leather workshop, where you will see Cappadocia’s craftsmanship and unique designs. It’s also a chance to browse for quality local products.
📍 17:30 – Return to Hotel
After a full day of exploration, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel.
🌟 Why Choose the Cappadocia Green Tour With Us?
✨ Trusted Local Travel Agency – 13+ Years of Experience
We are a licensed and experienced travel agency based in Cappadocia, trusted by thousands of travelers every year.
🪂 Safe · Professional · Memorable · Worry-Free
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. From secure vehicles to expert guides, everything is designed for a smooth journey.
🗣 24/7 Multilingual Customer Support
We provide 24/7 customer support with Chinese-speaking staff to ensure smooth communication for our guests from China.
In addition, our services are available in English, Chinese, Spanish, French, and Russian, making our tours accessible to travelers from all over the world.
🏆 Self-Operated Service
Direct ticketing and real-time booking status are available. No intermediaries – you book directly with us, and we handle every detail.
💯 Premium Service Experience
From the first inquiry to after-sales assistance, we guarantee excellent support, reliable service, and full transparency.
✅ Included in the Tour Price (Per Person)
- Professional licensed guide
- Comfortable transportation (A/C vehicle)
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
❌ Not Included in the Tour Price
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tips for guide and driver
- Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
ℹ️ Things to Know Before Booking the Cappadocia Green Tour
Before joining the Cappadocia Green Tour (Selime Route), there are several important details that travelers should know. This will help you prepare better and enjoy the tour to the fullest.
🕒 Tour Duration & Schedule
- The tour operates daily between 09:30 AM – 17:30 PM.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included within Cappadocia’s main towns (Göreme, Ürgüp, Avanos, Uçhisar).
👥 Group Size
- The Green Tour is organized as a small-group tour with a maximum of 14 people.
- Private tour options are also available upon request for families, couples, or special groups.
🍽️ Meals
- Lunch is included at a riverside restaurant in Belisırma Village.
- Vegetarian options are available, but please inform us in advance if you have dietary restrictions.
🎟️ Entrance Tickets
- Entrance fees to Kaymaklı Underground City, Selime Monastery, and Ihlara Valley are included in the tour package.
- Optional expenses such as drinks, souvenirs, or tips are not included.
👟 What to Wear & Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended since the tour includes a 3 km hike in Ihlara Valley.
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are necessary during summer.
- Carry a light jacket in spring and autumn, as mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture stunning landscapes.
🌦️ Weather Conditions
- Cappadocia has a continental climate: hot summers, cold winters, and mild spring/autumn seasons.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially in the valleys.
📍 Pick-Up Information
- Pick-up service is available from most hotels in central Cappadocia.
- If your hotel is located outside the standard pick-up area, you may be asked to meet at a designated point.
❌ Accessibility
- Due to walking and uneven terrain, the tour may not be suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
- Families with young children are welcome but should supervise them closely in underground cities and hiking areas.
🛡️ Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour.
- Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.
💳 Payment & Booking Security
- Payments are processed through Stripe’s secure system, ensuring a safe and encrypted transaction.
- Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn), as group sizes are limited.
🎒 What to Bring for the Cappadocia Green Tour
To enjoy your Cappadocia Green Tour (Selime Route) comfortably and safely, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Since the tour includes a 3 km hike in Ihlara Valley, sturdy and comfortable shoes are essential. Sneakers or light trekking shoes are ideal.
🧢 Hat, Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Cappadocia’s sun can be strong, especially in summer. Protect yourself from UV rays during outdoor visits with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
🧥 Light Jacket or Sweater
Weather in Cappadocia can change quickly. Even in summer, mornings and evenings may feel cool. In spring and autumn, a light jacket or sweater is recommended.
💧 Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during the valley hike. Carrying a reusable bottle is both eco-friendly and practical.
📸 Camera or Smartphone
The Green Tour includes some of the best photo opportunities in Cappadocia – from panoramic viewpoints to the Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery. Don’t forget your camera or phone.
💵 Small Cash for Personal Expenses
While lunch and entrance tickets are included, you may want to buy drinks, souvenirs, or leave a tip for your guide and driver. Carrying small cash will be convenient.
🎒 Small Backpack
A small, comfortable backpack is recommended to carry your water, jacket, camera, and personal belongings during the tour.