Ihlara Valley & Derinkuyu Underground City Tour - CAP15 [106498P31]
The 6 km hike in the Ihlara Valley will be the highlight of our day. The Melendiz River has carved an impressive canyon through the verdant valley and we will walk about two hours along the river, passing Byzantine rock chapels decorated with frescoes. Especially the first half of the hike where we will be the only tourists walking, is totally peaceful.
After lunch, we stop at the biggest rock-cut monastery of Cappadocia, Selime Monastery and Cathedral. Selime is the biggest rock-cut cathedral of Cappadocia and located at the end of Ihlara Valley. It has has been used as a fortress by both Byzantine and Seljuk armies during 10th to 12th centuries.
Derinkuyu Underground City. Previously known as Melagobia, this was one of the biggest settlements in Cappadocia and its 8 level underground city is the deepest of the region today. With its floors extending to a depth of about 60 m, it was large enough to shelter approximately 20,000 people together with their livestock and food stores.
After lunch, we stop at the biggest rock-cut monastery of Cappadocia, Selime Monastery and Cathedral. Selime is the biggest rock-cut cathedral of Cappadocia and located at the end of Ihlara Valley. It has has been used as a fortress by both Byzantine and Seljuk armies during 10th to 12th centuries.
Derinkuyu Underground City. Previously known as Melagobia, this was one of the biggest settlements in Cappadocia and its 8 level underground city is the deepest of the region today. With its floors extending to a depth of about 60 m, it was large enough to shelter approximately 20,000 people together with their livestock and food stores.
ADDITIONAL INFO
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
INCLUDED
- Professional experienced and licensed local guide during the tour.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Transportation by a comfortable, AC, non-smoking, luxurious van.
- Parking fees and all taxes.
NOT INCLUDED
- Drinks
- Tips to guide and driver
- Personal expenses and optional tours
CANCELLATION POLICY
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
ITINERARY
- Our tour starts at 09:30 by pick-up from your hotel. After our guide’s introduction to Cappadocia at the Goreme panoramic view point, we drive about 1 hour and visit the most spectacular gorge of Turkey: Ihlara. The 6 km hike in the Ihlara Valley will be the highlight of our day. The Melendiz River has carved an impressive canyon through the verdant valley and we will walk about two hours along the river, passing Byzantine rock chapels decorated with frescoes. Especially the first half of the hike where we will be the only tourists walking, is totally peaceful. We end the hiking portion of the tour near Belisirma village, where we will have lunch in a quaint riverside restaurant. After lunch, we stop at the biggest rock-cut monastery of Cappadocia, Selime Monastery and Cathedral. Derinkuyu Underground City. We will explore the caves of this interesting city and your guide will explain about the life here. We will then drive back to your hotel and finish the tour around 17:00.
