Cappadocia Green Tour

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Captivating Cappadocia provides a detailed description of the Green Tour if you don't mind spoilers. Theirs is a rosy account, but if you want some practical pointers, read on. As independent travellers who usually avoid tours like this, we had mixed feelings. On one hand:
  • It transported the group to places around Göreme that are difficult to reach independently
  • It is good value, including lunch (drinks extra) and all entry fees
  • Almost all the stops were worthwhile attractions
  • Minimal market stops

    Selime Monastery was a highlight; you can climb all over the site. Image courtesy Ephesus Tours Guide

    On the other hand:
    • It is a typical tour group activity with time limits and crowds
    • Did I mention crowds? The underground city stop was spoiled by cramming a dozen groups into it
    • The lunch, while tasty, was a relatively small portion by Turkey standards

    If you are interested in this popular tour


    Ensure you have some level of fitness!
    • There are a lot of steps, going up and going down: people with crook knees or poor exercise tolerance be aware!
    • There is a 3.5km walk on uneven surfaces that is in one direction (i.e. you can't give up 200m in and return to the start because the mini-bus won't be there)

    Be honest with your claustrophobic tendency (underground city stop):
    • There are narrow and low-ceiling tunnels
    • The crowds in the underground city can make your "mild" claustrophobia turn into a panic attack. 
    • Think small dim stone rooms 20m underground connected by narrow tunnels and staircases and a literal conga line of tourists preventing you from back-tracking the hell out of there.

    Now you are well-informed. Enjoy the amazing Cappadocia region!

    One of the rooms in Derinkuyu Underground City, without the crowds. Image courtesy Ephesus Tours Guide

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