Private Ilhara Valley History, Hiking, and Hidden Spots Tour

Discover the natural beauty of Ihlara Valley, one of Turkey's most stunning natural landscapes, on this full-day private tour. Hike through the striking gorge and uncover ancient churches and underground cities while learning about the history of the area.
Your first stop of the day's adventure is Selime Monastery. This 13th-century monastery was cut directly out of the volcanic mountain and is the biggest religious building in Cappadocia. Wander around the cathedral-sized structure and see the well-preserved kitchens, monks' quarters, stables, staircases, and more.
After marveling at Selime, you'll stop by Belisirma, a popular local establishment where you can have some tea or eat some snacks before we begin your hike. You'll then proceed to Ilhara Valley where you'll go on a 2.5-hour, 7 km hike, exploring the immense area of natural rock formations. We'll stop by hidden churches, see picturesque waterfalls, and observe the breathtaking landscape of the canyon.
Following the hike, you'll have a delicious traditional Turkish lunch. After that, you'll head to Derinkuyu underground city. At its peak, this ancient, multi-level underground city was said to have sheltered almost 20,000 people! Explore the wonders of Derinkuyu's underground before heading back to your accommodations after a day well spent.
Duration: 8 hours