Ilhara Valley Hiking: Explore Turkey's Natural Wonders and Ancient Monastery
3.0
2 Ratings
Guzelyurt
Embark on a thrilling adventure through Turkey's Ihlara Valley, hiking through stunning natural trails, discovering hidden churches and waterfalls, and exploring the ancient Selime Monastery and underground city of Derinkuyu.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Selime Monastery - Discover the natural beauty of Ihlara Valley, one of Turkey’s most stunning natural landscapes, in this full-day tour. Hike through the striking gorge and uncover ancient churches and underground cities while learning about the history of the area.

Our 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. We’ll wander around the cathedral-sized structure and see the well-preserved kitchens, monks’ quarters, stables, staircases, and more.

  • Belisirma - After marveling at Selime, we’ll stop by Belisirma, a popular local establishment where you can have some tea or eat some snacks before we begin our hike.
  • Ihlara Vadisi - We’ll then proceed to Ilhara Valley where we’ll go on a 2.5-hour or 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.

  • Derinkuyu - 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.
What's Included
  • Drinking water
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What's Not Included
  • Personal Expenses
Additional Information

Experience the untouched elegance of the Ihlara Valley, a breathtaking natural landscape in Turkey. Admire the grandeur of the old, gigantic Selime Monastery. Trek a 7 km path through the beautiful trails of the canyon. Discover concealed churches, scenic waterfalls, and historic buildings. Delve into the extensive subterranean city of Derinkuyu. Benefit from the closeness of a limited number group tour.

Location
Selime Monastery
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.0
(2 Ratings)
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Daytrip46808305153
Jun 5, 2022
Great day full of history and lovely sites - The green tour is a must do excursion whilst in Goreme. Our tour guide Mr Berk was brilliant he was so knowledgeable and was answer all questions. He was great at explaining about the history of the places we visited. The valley is so worth visiting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vincentv707
Apr 10, 2022
Don’t do it! - This green tour is so touristic, and really not worth it. It is u unfortunately a waste of time, that you can better spend somewhere different. You get picked up by bus and drive to the only nice place which is the panoramic view of Goreme. Afterwards, you visit the pigeon valley but you stop by jewelry place which is not why I want to go for a tour. Long drives in between, visiting an underground city with so many people. The Ilhara valley is just a 10 min walk to see a church in some rocks, and back. Food is ok, but nothing special (what can you suspect). The guide, however, was wonderful!! Please go and visit the valley yourself. You actually don’t even see the valleys with this tour! And last stop is a supermarket!???
Review provided by Tripadvisor