Cappadocia Green Tour: Is It Worth It? A Detailed Review
So, you are thinking of seeing Cappadocia, and maybe the Green Tour is catching your eye, right? I get that. It’s just that with all those tours, deciding what’s a good fit, well, that can feel really confusing, and perhaps even overwhelming. A lot of people seem to gravitate to the famous hot air balloon rides (and rightfully so!), that being said, the region’s actually got a great deal more to offer than just the early morning glow of the balloons. The Green Tour is actually a way of seeing a totally different, super interesting, side of Cappadocia. So, let’s have a look at what this trip involves and if it is worth it for you.
What the Cappadocia Green Tour Covers
The Cappadocia Green Tour usually covers quite a few key spots in the southern part of the region. One highlight is definitely Derinkuyu Underground City, which is super cool to witness, and a chance to sort of, feel the ancient history around you. You also are likely to get the chance to go to the Ihlara Valley for some lovely, beautiful walking trails among rock-cut churches. Selime Monastery, that is almost like a scene from Star Wars, and a spot or two with excellent landscape viewpoints, that almost goes without saying, they all help complete this fantastic day out. As I was saying, most tours do include lunch as a part of the fee, and that can be a truly nice touch when you’ve been out and about sightseeing all day, isn’t it?
Digging Deep into Derinkuyu Underground City
You see, Derinkuyu isn’t just any old underground city; that’s just not doing it justice. Very few folks actually realize it goes down approximately 85 meters (that’s like 279 feet!) and had space for thousands, perhaps upwards of twenty thousand people. I mean, that’s just remarkable! That must have taken some time to build. The early Christians are said to have built this city way back when to hide from persecutors. Very impressive isn’t it, that a place of this size could be built back then? As a matter of fact, exploring Derinkuyu is really like stepping directly back into history. It’s hard to even explain! You almost get a true feel for what life must have been like for the people who hid here. What I am saying is, be ready for pretty tight corridors and be aware that it might not be for you if enclosed spaces aren’t your cup of tea.
Hiking through the Gorgeous Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley offers something entirely unique: a gorge that is brimming with lush vegetation plus ancient churches cut directly into the rock. So, the Melendiz Stream runs through the valley’s center, that almost provides a really peaceful background noise as you walk. The hike itself, anyway it tends to be fairly straightforward, is often around 3 to 4 kilometers (about 2 miles), and that takes you past many different historical churches. Those include the Ağaçaltı Church (Church Under the Tree) and the Sümbüllü Church. Honestly, seeing those paintings and the buildings, it really makes you sort of ponder how important this area used to be in the history of Christendom. When you consider the heat, and sun in summer, taking this walk during spring or fall might be something you want to think about. Or, it’s almost a better option if you’d prefer that, in any case.
Marveling at Selime Monastery
I would argue that Selime Monastery is one of the most unforgettable parts of the Green Tour. You see, it’s cut into a hillside, so, too it gives the impression of being straight from a science fiction movie, perhaps that’s just me, but it sort of looks like that. This old religious complex is actually enormous. Very few folks realise how large this place really is! You’ll get the opportunity to investigate the church, the kitchens, and, in some cases, even the stables. You’ll basically scramble over the rocks a little bit to see around. That is quite usual! Is that something that suits you? I’m just asking. If that doesn’t sound like fun, I would bear that in mind. What I will say is, remember that it is always hot during the middle of the day in Cappadocia, or seemingly at least! When the weather is sunny and hot you may be struggling a bit, and need sun protection. Just a quick thought for you. Basically, in essence this spot is ideal for taking those wow pictures.
The Lunch and Ticket Situation
Most Green Tour deals, in any case in the high season, frequently cover the expense of lunch. It could be worth looking to see if your specific tour does as a part of your due diligence! That could affect things if you have diet restrictions or allergies. Just you being aware. So, lunch usually, just so you’re aware, happens at a restaurant in the Ihlara Valley area, so, too that features typical Turkish meals. That being said, I’ve heard some people who are not as impressed with the food from time to time. I suspect the operator you go with may play a part in that, could be wrong. That could influence how enjoyable the dinner turns out to be, and honestly how the overall day pans out. Very, very different operators use totally different restaurants, anyway I’ve noticed. Just thought I should let you know that really. Is that something to factor into your thinking? Almost definitely. Also, many tours cover entry fees for all sites as well. Be sure to see whether that’s mentioned when you’re choosing a tour so you aren’t getting some unexpected costs cropping up during your visit.
Is the Cappadocia Green Tour Right for You?
Alright, how do you know if the Green Tour really is an appropriate plan for your trip to Cappadocia? What is worth pondering I’d say, is this tour suits individuals who like to discover history. Those people interested in a decent quantity of walking are usually pretty pleased they did the trip, I have noticed. It also, incidentally, can be appealing in contrast to other tours like the Red Tour (also super cool, don’t get me wrong), anyway which have a tendency to center on more rock formations and churches in a small area, close together. Now if that isn’t what you want, you’d likely do best with the Green tour instead of the Red tour. Basically, consider if you might struggle in confined underground areas prior to picking. I would advise to make sure it’s physically something you’ll like, is that, really, something you are considering. Don’t let me sway you, just think about what kind of tour suits you.
The Green Tour usually runs for about 8 hours, or longer, so do consider this for a factor. Is that going to suit you? Just a thing to consider! Anyway, in terms of timing, starting very early (for example, 8 am) to beat the crowds might just mean you are pleased when it gets to the locations. You are avoiding those crowds too. During the high season, crowds and tour busses are more prominent. If you are choosing to book in spring and fall, these things may have no real impact on you though!
Getting the Best Value from Your Green Tour
What makes it the perfect, excellent adventure? What do you think, right? Well firstly, put on comfy walking shoes, especially when the Ihlara Valley walk comes up. Remember the climate; hats, sunscreen, and a water bottle come in useful, particularly if you go during the hot months. If you are prone to claustrophobia, is that something you think about, maybe you could get yourself ready emotionally for visiting Derinkuyu; keep in mind that the spaces are, well, small, certainly smaller than most buildings and spaces. Do listen to your guide, as I am saying. Because that seems obvious, yes? It might be surprising that that just improves the experience and it just increases that general quality feel about the visit.
The price range for these tours can change dependent on the company, just so you are fully informed. To get the absolute best, highest quality trip, is that you, for example, choose ahead. I would check the reviews! It would perhaps be a valuable thing to look at, prior to putting your money down! Don’t go with something you have reservations about based on other traveller stories. Is that fair? Basically, checking all the small print and what that actually entails should be near the very top of your priority list. Be clear on what the provider promises.
Essential Packing List for the Green Tour
Alright, planning well makes all the difference, I am very sure! This quick list may be valuable to remember while you are preparing yourself. So, you’ll wish to bring cozy footwear, because you will do a bit of walking. Think comfortable running trainers! This would be so useful, for sure. Be ready with sunscreen, shades, plus a hat to ensure that you are fully ready to fend off the harsh, brutal midday sun. Or just sunny days for those lucky travelers with temperate climates!
Carry drinking water always; that can truly get very, very essential to help keep yourself nicely hydrated, specially during those hotter times, as I mentioned a little while ago. Bringing a camera might, probably, be valuable for memorizing those incredible sights, I reckon. A camera (or good cell phone) goes without saying! In the end, carrying some money to cover tipping your guide, anyway if you reckon they offered you outstanding value and helped show you what Cappadocia really involves. A guide can have a true and undeniable impact, when it’s worth it, show them you are delighted.
Top Tips: Booking, What to Expect, and Safety Advice
What would I want people to know, ahead of a visit? What sort of little ideas would be worth highlighting? Okay, let me think… In many ways, pre-booking will save you lots of stress; it is virtually always better to deal with it beforehand and get that secured. To stay secure on these trips, stay with your group at all times, I’d suggest that really! In particular if visiting an underground city or those more remote locations. Listen up to all the instructions from the tour people, that’s what they are there for! Stay secure by taking note of what they are telling you. What can they offer, as real seasoned and qualified experts?
Bear in mind when the most appropriate period of the year will be for heading out; think about planning the excursions for those periods beyond the middle of summer in case that does not suit you, to possibly dodge the largest temperatures. This is just generally true, across different parts of the world, isn’t it? Almost. And there are fewer tourists in those quiet months. This just often improves your experiences!