South Cappadocia Day Tour: Ilhara Valley Hike, Derinkuyu, Selime Monastery, Goreme

Begin this trip with a visit to the famous Derinkuyu underground city. It is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey and the deepest one in Cappadocia. Inside there are found food stores, kitchens, stables, churches, wine production places, ventilation chimneys, water wells and a missionary school. With the depth of 85m, this multi-level city (has up to 18 levels) could accommodate up to 20,000 people at the same time. The underground city could be closed from the inside with the large rolling stone doors. Each floor could be closed off separately. Derinkuyu Underground City was opened to visitors in 1969, about half of it is accessible to tourists.

After Derinkuyu explore Ihlara valley. It begins at Ihlara village and ends with Selime Monastery at Selime village. It was formed by the Melendiz River thousands of years ago. The total length of the canyon is 14 km and depth is approximately 100 m. Ihlara Valley was one of the first areas settled by early Christians. There are hundreds of churches carved into the walls of the gorge and dated from the 7th to 11th centuries. Most of them are decorated with frescoes in bright colours and display scenes dissimilar to the scenes depicted in other Cappadocian churches. In fact, they are reminiscent of the early churches of Syria and the Coptic churches of Egypt. 

Indescribable gorgeousness, pure nature and historical significance of the canyon make it one of the most popular destinations for trekking in Cappadocia. This tour includes 4 km hiking through the Ihlara Valley along the Melendiz River. Walk through the vineyards and pistachio trees, enjoy relaxing sounds of flowing water and all the way observe the rich fauna of an area. After hiking be ready for a delicious lunch at a restaurant over the Melendiz river. Enjoy traditional Turkish foods cooked by the locals.  

Next place to visit is Selime Monastery, amazing huge fairy chimney. It is the biggest religious building in Cappadocia dating back to the 13th century. Selime Monastery is a must-see place while you are in Cappadocia because of its size and interesting structure. Inside the monastery there is a cathedral-size church with amazing paintings, also living quarters, a large kitchen, numerous storages, a stable, a missionary school, etc. Selime monastery could accommodate about 5000 people at the same time.  

After exploring this great place drive to Pigeon valley to enjoy great panoramic views over the area. Pigeon valley is named for the many pigeon houses or dovecotes carved into the rocks. Farmers used these pigeon houses to collect the droppings of pigeons which is an excellent natural fertilizer for the orchards and vineyards. The last stop will be a lookout point in Goreme (Esentepe). Enjoy the unique lunar landscape of Cappadocia, admire the great colour and shape diversity of fairy chimneys. Esentepe provides one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Cappadocia and of Göreme Valley in particular. Finish your South Cappadocia tour with a drop-off at your hotel.

About the Supplier: Tourmania is one of the leading tour operators in Turkey and offer tours and activities in more than 25 destinations in Turkey. Their tours are well-researched and show you the best of Turkey with expert guides at your disposal.