Full-Day Tour in Cappadocia With Ihlara Hiking and Underground City

Cappadocia’s captivating landscapes and historical treasures have long enchanted visitors. This full-day tour promises an immersive exploration of the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Guided by knowledgeable experts, travelers will explore the mysteries of an underground city, hike through the picturesque Ihlara Valley, and tour the well-preserved Selimiye Monastery. With comfortable transportation and a moderate level of physical activity, this tour caters to a range of travelers seeking an enriching and memorable experience. But what secrets await discovery in the depths of Cappadocia’s underground realms and along its winding trails?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best City Tours In Goreme.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour exploring the Cappadocia region, including visits to an underground city and the Ihlara Valley hiking trail.
• Air-conditioned transportation, guided by a knowledgeable guide, and inclusion of lunch make for a comfortable and informative experience.
• Opportunity to discover ancient history, unique geological formations, and hidden gems of the Cappadocia region.
• Guided tour of the intricate underground city, providing a glimpse into the resourcefulness and ingenuity of historical inhabitants.
• Moderate hike through the Ihlara Valley, featuring stunning views, ancient rock-carved churches, and lush vegetation.

Tour Overview

The full-day group tour explores the Cappadocia region, with travelers transported in an air-conditioned vehicle guided by a knowledgeable guide.

During the tour, visitors will have the chance to discover an underground city, the Selimiye Monastery, and the stunning Göreme landscape.

One of the highlights is a hike through the Ihlara Valley, a picturesque canyon carved by the Melendiz River.

The tour provides a rundown of the region’s unique geological formations, historical sites, and natural wonders.

With lunch included, it’s an efficient and enjoyable way to experience the best of Cappadocia in a single day.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the full-day tour are lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, and parking fees, providing a convenient and inclusive experience.

Conversely, alcoholic beverages and all other drinks are excluded from the tour package. This allows the tour to offer a comprehensive exploration of Cappadocia’s highlights while keeping costs manageable.

The inclusion of the air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey, while the parking fees cover the necessary access to the various sites.

Pickup and Start Time

The tour offers convenient pickup from hotels in Ürgüp, Göreme, Mustafapaşa, Avanos, Ortahisar, Nevşehir, and Çavuşin, with a start time of 9:30 AM. This ensures that travelers can easily join the tour from their accommodations in the Cappadocia region.

The early morning start allows for a full day of exploration, maximizing the time spent experiencing the stunning landscapes and historical sites. With a maximum group size of 17, the tour provides a personalized and intimate experience for all participants.

This pickup and start time arrangement caters to the needs of travelers, making the tour accessible and efficient for those eager to discover the wonders of Cappadocia.

Exploring Cappadocia Region

This full-day tour takes travelers on an immersive journey through the captivating Cappadocia region, showcasing its ancient history, unique geological formations, and hidden gems.

The tour begins with a visit to an underground city, providing a glimpse into the ingenious troglodyte dwellings that once sheltered local communities.

Next, the group will explore the serene Selimiye Monastery, admiring its stunning Byzantine architecture and learning about its spiritual significance.

The highlight of the day is a hike through the Ihlara Valley, where visitors can marvel at the dramatic volcanic landscape, lush greenery, and hidden churches carved into the rock formations.

Throughout the journey, the guide will share fascinating insights, making this a truly enriching and memorable experience.

Visiting Underground City

One of the first stops on the tour is an underground city, where visitors can explore the intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and living spaces that were once home to ancient Cappadocian communities.

These subterranean cities were built for protection and defense, with multiple levels that could accommodate thousands of people.

Visitors will descend into the cool, dark passageways, marveling at the engineering feats required to construct such an extensive underground network.

They’ll see storage rooms, churches, living quarters, and even wineries, all carved directly into the rock.

It’s a unique and fascinating glimpse into the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the region’s historical inhabitants.

Hiking Through Ihlara Valley

After exploring the underground city, the tour group then embarks on a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley, a picturesque gorge carved by the Melendiz River.

This moderate trek allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, passing by ancient rock-carved churches, lush vegetation, and the rushing waters below.

The hiking trail winds along the valley floor, offering stunning views of the towering cliffs on either side. Throughout the hike, the guide shares insights about the history and geology of the area, enriching the experience.

With a moderate level of fitness required, this portion of the tour provides an ideal opportunity to stretch one’s legs and appreciate Cappadocia’s breathtaking natural landscapes.

Selimiye Monastery Tour

Upon completing the hike through the Ihlara Valley, the tour group then visits the Selimiye Monastery, a historic and well-preserved example of Byzantine religious architecture in the region.

The monastery offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Cappadocia, with its intricate frescoes, stone carvings, and unique architectural features. Visitors can explore the various chambers and halls, each with its own distinctive character and purpose.

The Selimiye Monastery isn’t just a site of historical significance, but also a place of spiritual contemplation and serenity. The tour offers a chance to:

• Admire the exquisite Byzantine frescoes
• Discover the monastery’s unique architectural design
• Learn about the region’s religious history and traditions
• Explore the serene courtyards and gardens
• Gain a deeper understanding of Cappadocia’s cultural legacy

Important Considerations

Travelers must consider their physical fitness level before embarking on this full-day tour in Cappadocia. The hike through Ihlara Valley involves moderate difficulty, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness.

Considerations	Details
Physical Fitness	Moderate level required for the Ihlara Valley hike
Medical Conditions	Not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions
Cancellation Policy	Full refund up to 24 hours before start time

The tour is limited to a maximum of 17 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Participants should also note the exclusion of alcoholic beverages and all other drinks beyond the included lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 17 travelers. The tour operates with a small group to ensure a more personalized experience for each participant.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The maximum group size is 17 travelers, and all participants must meet the moderate physical fitness requirement, regardless of age.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can be customized to include additional activities, but this may incur extra costs. Travelers should discuss any special requests or modifications with the tour operator in advance to ensure availability and pricing.

Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available for Lunch?

The tour does offer accommodations for dietary restrictions. Travelers can request vegetarian, halal, or other special meal options when booking the tour. The provided lunch is tailored to accommodate guests’ dietary needs.

What Should Participants Bring to the Tour?

Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a camera, and any necessary medications. They should also bring extra cash for alcoholic drinks and snacks not included in the tour. Hydration is key during the hikes.

Recap

This full-day tour in Cappadocia offers an unparalleled experience, showcasing the region’s breathtaking natural wonders and captivating historical sites.

Travelers can explore an underground city, hike through the picturesque Ihlara Valley, and tour the Selimiye Monastery, all while gaining fascinating insights from knowledgeable experts.

With comfortable transportation and a moderate level of activity, this tour is perfect for those seeking an enriching and memorable adventure in Cappadocia.