Cappadocia: Private South Cappadocia (Green) Day Tour

Göreme , Turkey

Cappadocia: Private South Cappadocia (Green) Day Tour

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About this experience

The private South Cappadocia tour explores the region's highlights, including ancient underground cities and stunning valleys.

Available options

Guide: English

Pickup included

Guide: Spanish

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off

Professional English-speaking tour guide

All entrance fees

Lunch

Detailed itinerary

The Meskendir Valley trek, located near Ortahisar, is 4.4km long. The valley houses the Meskendir Church, which is adorned with stunning red decorations and has a ceiling engraved with a large cross. There's a dining hall located in the north of the church.

One of the most remarkable valleys in the region is Rose Valley, known for its pink rock walls that change color depending on the time of day. This valley offers endless opportunities for exploration, with orchards, vineyards, rock churches, and fairy chimneys scattered throughout the area.

Cavusin Village is an ancient settlement featuring cave houses, which is among the oldest of its kind in the area. The old cave houses are situated away from the modern city, and they are a maze of ruins carved into the rock face. The Church of John the Baptist, which dates back to the fifth century, is the largest cave church in all of Cappadocia.

Stop 4

Cappadocia is home to 36 underground cities that were created during the time when Christians sought refuge from persecution. These cities are a testament to the historical significance of the region. Among them, Kaymakli is the widest city, consisting of eight levels in total, out of which four are open for exploration. Inside, you can find kitchens, wineries, and storage spaces that were used during the time when people lived there. The beauty and uniqueness of these underground cities are truly breathtaking.

Stop 5

A stop on the outskirts of Goreme reveals Pigeon Valley, with centuries-old pigeon houses carved from the cliffs. In those times, many farmers used pigeon manure as fertilizer for their crops.

Stop 6

Uchisar is a troglodyte town located at the heart of Cappadocia. The town got its name from an immense rock in the center of the town that was used as a castle. This exceptional rock is the highest point in the area, offering panoramic vistas of Cappadocia and the Erciyes (Argeus) Mountain.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Göreme

Göreme is a small town in the heart of Cappadocia, renowned for its unique rock formations, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides. This enchanting region offers a blend of natural wonders, ancient history, and cultural experiences that make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Göreme Open-Air Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches and monasteries with stunning frescoes dating back to the Byzantine era.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours Approximately 50 TRY

Love Valley

A scenic valley known for its phallic-shaped rock formations and hiking trails offering panoramic views of the region.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Uçhisar Castle

A towering rock castle offering the highest panoramic view of the Cappadocia region.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Approximately 20 TRY

Derinkuyu Underground City

An ancient multi-level underground city carved into volcanic rock, used as a refuge during times of invasion.

Historical 2-3 hours Approximately 30 TRY

Hot Air Balloon Ride

A must-do experience in Cappadocia, offering breathtaking aerial views of the unique landscape.

Adventure 1-2 hours Approximately 150-250 EUR

Must-Try Local Dishes

Testi Kebab

A traditional dish cooked in a sealed clay pot, containing meat, vegetables, and spices.

Dinner Non-vegetarian

Pide

Turkish flatbread with various toppings, similar to pizza.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Göreme Salad

A fresh salad made with local vegetables, cheese, and herbs.

Lunch Vegetarian

Manti

Small dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce.

Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon ride Hiking ATV tours Horseback riding Spa and wellness treatments Wine tasting Picnicking in the valleys Visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

The weather is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Turkish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Göreme is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on prices before starting your journey in taxis or shared vehicles

Getting there

By air

Kayseri Erkilet Airport • 75 km (47 miles)
Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport • 35 km (22 miles)

By bus

Göreme Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are infrequent and not very reliable. They are best suited for short distances.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Göreme Town Center Uçhisar Çavuşin

Day trips

Derinkuyu Underground City

30 km (18.6 miles) • Half day

Explore the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu, a multi-level subterranean refuge dating back to ancient times.

Ihlara Valley

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A scenic valley with lush greenery, ancient churches, and hiking trails along the Melendiz River.

Avanos

20 km (12.4 miles) • Half day

A traditional town known for its pottery workshops and pottery-making demonstrations.

Festivals

Cappadocia International Music Festival • September Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival • April Çavuşin Culture and Art Festival • July

Pro tips

Book your hot air balloon ride well in advance, as they often sell out during peak season
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the rocky terrain
Bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day
Learn a few basic phrases in Turkish to enhance your interaction with locals
Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat