Ihlara Valley And Underground City ( Green ) Tour

Cappadocia boasts a multitude of captivating structures, each with intriguing stories reflecting various civilizations. Some of these narratives date back to ancient periods, including the Chalcolithic era and the Hittites. The region also bears the imprints of Turkish civilizations such as the Seljuk and Ottoman. Furthermore, the cultural heritage of Cappadocia is enriched by the presence of cave churches, monasteries, and underground cities, crafted by the early Christians who sought refuge in the valleys to escape Roman persecution. These represent some of the most significant cultural treasures in Cappadocia. To enhance your day, you can savor the unique dishes indigenous to the region.

The hiking and underground city tour will commence with your hotel pickup, typically between 9:30 and 10:00 am in the morning.

Our first stop will be the Pigeon Valley panoramic viewpoint, offering captivating vistas. From there, we will embark on a 40-minute drive to reach the Derinkuyu Underground City. This subterranean complex boasts all the typical amenities found in other underground structures across Cappadocia, including wine and oil presses, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, and chapels. It is notable for being the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, with a staggering eight floors and a depth extending to approximately 85 meters. It’s worth noting that numerous floors have yet to be excavated.

Following the visit to the Derinkuyu Underground City, we will proceed to the Ihlara Valley for a 4-kilometer trekking adventure. This striking valley has been sculpted by the Melendiz River, creating an impressive canyon within the lush landscape. You’ll enjoy a leisurely 2-hour walk alongside the river, passing by Byzantine rock churches adorned with frescoes. Among these churches, Agacalti Kilise stands out due to its distinctive characteristics, including its harmonious blend of red, green, and yellow colors, intricate paintings, and decorative motifs such as flowers, rosettes, and checkerboard patterns, reflecting a strong eastern influence.

We will make a stop at Belisirma, a quintessential Anatolian village, where you will savor a delightful lunch at a charming riverside restaurant.

The tour will then take you to Selime, providing breathtaking views of the iconic conical fairy chimneys that were featured in Star Wars. This marks the end of the tour, expected to conclude around 5:00-5:30 pm, with convenient drop-off at your hotel.