Private Day Tour: Hidden Treasures of Cappadocia, from Derinkuyu Underground City to Ihlara Valley

Derinkuyu

Discover the hidden treasures of Cappadocia on a private day tour. Explore the Derinkuyu Underground City, hike through the stunning Ihlara Valley, visit the Selimiye Monastery, and enjoy the scenic Pigeon Valley.

Duration: 7 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Derinkuyu Underground City - It is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey and is one of several underground complexes found throughout Cappadocia. Derinkuyu gives an incredible glimpse into the lives, struggles, triumph and ingenuity of the people there.
Ihlara Valley - The Ihlara Valley consists of 14km along the north-south Melendiz River, which runs from Selime to Ihlara village. The whole canyon is honeycombed with rock-cut underground dwellings and churches from the Byzantine period built by the Cappadocian Greeks. In the Ihlara Valley there are hundreds of old churches in the volcanic rock caves. The best-known churches are Ağaçaltı Church with cross plan, Sümbyüllü Church, Pürenliseki Church, Kokar Church, Yilanli Church, Karagedik Church, Kirkdamatli Church, Direkli Church, Ala Church, Kemerli Church and Egritas Church.
Selime Monastery - One of the most unexpected surprises in Cappadocia is the wonderful rock-cut monastery in Selime, at the end of Ihlara valley. Selime was home to Hittite, Assyrian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Danişment, Seljuk and Ottoman civilizations. One of the most important aspects of Selime fortress-monastery was that many leading clergymen were educated there. The military headquarters of the region was also located there.
Pigeon Valley - Pigeon valley is situated between Göreme and Uçhisar. The name comes from the thousands of pigeon houses that have been carved into the soft tuff.

What's Included

Private transportation
Bottled water provided
Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Additional Information

The experience will be starting with visiting the underground city called Derinkuyu.
After visiting Derinkuyu underground city you will be walking at the Ihlara Valley, which is the second biggest canyon in the world. Ihlara Valley formed by volcanic actions by the Hasan mountain with 50 rock-hewn churches and numerous rock-cut buildings.
You can also have your lunch above the Melendiz river during the trip. (Optional)
After Ihlara Valley, you will be able to see the most fascinating monastery called Selimiye. Then you will walk in the Pigeon Valley and finally go back to your hotel.