The Cappadocia Eco Green Tour provides an affordable full-day introduction to southern Cappadocia, combining an underground city, panoramic landscapes, a brief experience of Ihlara Valley and the volcanic scenery surrounding Narlıgöl.
This programme is designed for travellers who want to explore the wider Green Tour route without completing the Classic Tour’s approximately 3.5-kilometre Ihlara walk or climbing through Selime Monastery. Ihlara Valley is experienced through a shorter visit, while selected locations are viewed from accessible panoramic areas. This creates a lighter programme for visitors who prefer less walking or want a more economical alternative.
The day also introduces the defensive architecture of a Cappadocian underground city, the pigeon houses carved into Pigeon Valley and the region’s semi-precious stones during an onyx demonstration. The Eco Green Tour in Cappadocia is best suited to budget-conscious travellers, families and guests who want to explore southern Cappadocia at a more relaxed physical pace.
What to Expect
Hotel Pick-Up and Group Meeting
Pick-up takes place from centrally located Cappadocia hotels between approximately 09:00 and 09:45. Once the guide and other participants have joined, the group begins the journey toward southern Cappadocia.
Göreme Panorama
The first stop offers an elevated view over Göreme and its surrounding valleys. The guide introduces the volcanic landscape and provides context for the locations included in the day’s programme.
Underground City
The tour visits either Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City, depending on the daily programme. Inside, you will explore selected tunnels, rooms, ventilation shafts and communal areas used by earlier inhabitants for shelter and daily life.
Ihlara Valley Visit
At Ihlara Valley, the group experiences the canyon through a short walk or nearby viewing area rather than completing the approximately 3.5-kilometre Classic Green Tour route. The exact access point may depend on weather and operational conditions.
Lunch
A set-menu lunch is served at a local restaurant. Depending on the daily organisation, the restaurant may be located in or near the Ihlara region. Vegetarian alternatives are available when requested, while drinks are paid separately.
Narlıgöl Crater Lake
The tour continues to Narlıgöl, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by distinctive geological scenery. You will have time to enjoy the view and take photographs from the accessible stopping area.
Pigeon Valley Panorama
At Pigeon Valley, you can observe the numerous pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. The guide explains why pigeons once played an important role in local agriculture and how the carved shelters became part of Cappadocia’s landscape.
Onyx Demonstration
At a local stone workshop, you will learn about onyx and other semi-precious stones associated with the region. The demonstration explains how the stones are processed and shaped. Purchasing any displayed product is optional.
Return to Your Hotel
Following the final stop, the group returns to the central Cappadocia hotel area. Drop-off is normally expected between approximately 17:30 and 18:00, depending on traffic and the day’s operation.
What’s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance fees to the attractions
Professional tour guide
Lunch
Air-conditioned transport
Important Notes
Booking and Payment
A 25% deposit payment is required at the time of booking.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash or by card on the day of the tour.
Cancellation and Refund
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour date.
For cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour date, the full booking cost will apply as a cancellation fee.
Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from centrally located hotels throughout Cappadocia.
Pickup takes place between 09:00 and 09:45, depending on your hotel’s location.
Child Pricing
Children aged 8 and under receive a 50% discount.
Children over 8 are charged the adult price.
Tour Languages
The booking price applies to the English-language tour.
The tour is also available in Spanish, Russian, Korean and Chinese, subject to guide availability.
Prices may vary depending on the selected language. Please contact us before booking for prices and availability in languages other than English.
Tour Schedule
The guide may adjust the schedule due to weather, traffic or other operational factors. However, all scheduled stops will be covered whenever conditions permit.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Eco Green Tour and Classic Green Tour?
The Classic Green Tour includes the complete approximately 3.5-kilometre Ihlara Valley walk and a visit to Selime Monastery. The Eco Green Tour follows a lighter programme with a shorter Ihlara experience, panoramic stops and Narlıgöl.
Does the Eco Green Tour include the full Ihlara Valley hike?
No. This tour does not complete the full walking section used by the Classic Green Tour. It includes a shorter visit or panoramic experience depending on the daily route.
Does the tour visit Selime Monastery?
No. Selime Monastery is not part of the Eco Green itinerary. Travellers who want to enter and explore the monastery should book the Classic Green Tour.
Which underground city will we visit?
The programme includes either Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City. The selection is made according to the daily schedule, visitor levels and operational conditions.
Is the underground city suitable for people with claustrophobia?
The underground cities include enclosed rooms, narrow tunnels, low ceilings and stairs. Guests with severe claustrophobia may prefer to wait outside during this part of the tour.
Is the Eco Green Tour easier than the Classic Green Tour?
Yes. It generally requires less walking because it does not include the full Ihlara trail or the climb through Selime Monastery. However, the underground city still contains stairs and narrow passages.
Is Narlıgöl always included?
Narlıgöl is included in the planned route, but access can be affected by snow, heavy rain, road conditions or other operational factors.
Is purchasing onyx or jewellery compulsory?
No. The demonstration is included as part of the programme, but there is no requirement to purchase any product.
Which Green Tour is better for me?
Choose the Eco Green Tour if you want a more economical programme with less walking. Choose the Classic Green Tour if the full Ihlara walk and Selime Monastery are important parts of your Cappadocia visit.
Unreal experience from start to finish. The balloon ride over Cappadocia was incredible and... something we’ll never forget - the views at sunrise were breathtaking. The customer service was also fantastic. When the forecast changed, they went above and beyond to help us rearrange our flight and get us onto the First Ascent flight. We really appreciated how accommodating they were and responsive on WhatsApp. Would highly recommend!read more
You can choose from several balloon companies through a Turkish balloon agency. Initially, I was... worried because it wasn't a booking site like getyourguide, but communication via WhatsApp was smooth, and I was able to get a better price for the balloon ride than what my accommodation quoted!*Payment involves a deposit paid by credit card after a provisional booking, with the remaining balance paid locally. (A 10% surcharge is added if you pay the remaining balance by credit card, so cash payment (Turkish Lira, Euro, or US Dollar) is recommended.)read more
The hot air balloon ride is the best way to experience Cappadocia’s unique and stunning landscape!... Planning, communication, and transportation with this company was a smooth experience.read more
The best experience! We were taken care of very well and the customer service is fantastic. We feel... incredibly lucky!Thank you for this experienceread more
We just had the most incredible experience with Hot Air Balloon Goreme! what a truly magical... experience!Gökhan and the whole team were absolutely magnificent, professional, charismatic, funny, and so welcoming. We had such a laugh while taking in the breathtaking views. Floating above Love Valley was simply stunning, and the entire ride was smooth and comfortable, with a wonderfully graceful landing.I would highly recommend this company to anyone thinking about experiencing a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. From start to finish, everything was incredibly well organised. Booking online was super easy, and the team were always at the end of the phone or WhatsApp whenever we needed them.The little finishing touches were lovely too snacks and drinks before take off and we both received a certificate and a glass of bubbles to celebrate at the end.The transfer was right on time, comfortable, and our driver was friendly and helpful throughout.Absolutely fantastic experience from beginning to end. 10/10 we couldn’t recommend Hot Air Balloon Goreme highly enough!read more
Everything was perfect. The staff was very friendly and attentive. We had a wonderful time. Special... thanks to the balloon pilot, we really enjoyed everything.read more
This experience was incredible and definitely worth doing! The flight was so smooth and the views... were spectacular. Incredibly, the guide would lower the balloon down to get a closer look at the rock formations before rising back up again. We are so glad we did this flight and would absolutely do it again!read more
We had a great experience with Hot Air Balloon Goreme. From the reservation to the pickup at the... hotel, communication through WhatsApp was fast and efficient. Everything was well organized and it was much more affordable than other operators that offer the same package.read more
When I had a problem at the convenience store, the owner happened to be there and kindly helped me... out.I'm truly grateful for his help; I can't thank him enough.Thank you.read more
The experience was amazing. Everything was very well organised and Ashley, the contact person was... so nice.. i was a bit worried as the driver was a little late but she responded immediately and ensured everything was on track! Thank you!read more
Excellent experience. The oick up from the hotel was on time. There was no long waiting time at the... Baloon site. Baloon pilot was good. The drop off at Airport was also swift. Highly recommended.read more
Excellent experience. The oick up from the hotel was on time. There was no long waiting time at the... Baloon site. Baloon pilot was good. The drop off at Airport was also swift. Highly recommended.read more
Wonderful experience overall! Good communication via WhatsApp after booking and after the balloon... ride itself. It delivers on its promises, the views are stunning! It was truly mesmerizing.read more
We were very pleased, especially the gentleman we spoke to on the phone was very helpful, I would... like to thank Mr. Oktay separately. Because he communicated over the phone and explained every detail.read more
I have no fault of this experience from pick up to drop off it was professionally and enjoyably... done. The staff were fun and friendly. The pilot was talented and added some fun aspects shadows on rock faces, commentary etc. It can be a bit daunting to spend this much on an experience but this is one of those that are really worth it. A once in a lifetime experience. Its also the one that friends at home are most interested in.read more
Great. Super good price, good experience. Very experienced pilot. Don't hesitate to book despite... the low price - they are just one of the companies that don't rip you off.read more
A truly positive experience from start to finish, from the prompt and timely hotel pickup to the... flight. The pilot was excellent; he skimmed all the chimneys. We flew mainly over the Valley of Love, but from above, you can see the entire area between Goreme and Uchisar. The price is €70 per person, but the price depends on the weather. Two days earlier, it was €130 per person, and the next day, €55.read more