Cappadocia: Green Tour – Ihlara Valley & Underground City

Cappadocia’s dramatic landscapes have captivated visitors for centuries. The Ihlara Valley, carved by the Melendiz River, offers a lush respite from the region’s iconic lunar terrain. Descending into the Derinkuyu Underground City, one can’t help but marvel at the engineering prowess of its 8th-century BCE inhabitants. Yet, the tour’s true highlight may well be the Selime Monastery, a rock-cut architectural wonder that stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable land. For those seeking to uncover Cappadocia’s hidden gems, this green tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• The Green Tour in Cappadocia offers a full-day exploration of the region’s natural and historical wonders, including the Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground City.
• Prices start from €55.00 per person and include hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, and lunch.
• The Ihlara Valley hike offers a scenic, moderate-difficulty walk through ancient rock-cut churches and cave dwellings along the Melendiz River.
• The Derinkuyu Underground City is an 8th-century BCE sprawling metropolis with an intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and ventilation shafts.
• The Selime Monastery, a rock-hewn 8th-century structure, provides a glimpse into the region’s religious heritage and architectural ingenuity.

Overview

This tour offers a full-day exploration of Cappadocia’s natural and historical wonders, with prices starting from €55.00 per person.

Guests will hike through the stunning Ihlara Valley, visit the impressive Derinkuyu Underground City, and marvel at the Selime Monastery. The 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, and lunch.

Pickup locations range from Ürgüp to Nevşehir, with a start time between 8:45 AM and 10:00 AM.

Additional activities include a panoramic view of Göreme and a visit to an onyx factory in Uçhisar. Suitable for most travelers, the tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users.

Visitors should bring their passport, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes.

Pickup and Drop-off

The Green Tour offers pickup and drop-off from various locations in the Cappadocia region, including Ürgüp, Avanos, Ortahisar, Göreme, and Uçhisar.

Pickup times range from 8:45 AM to 10:00 AM, while drop-off locations cover Ortahisar, Ürgüp, Avanos, Göreme, Uçhisar, Nevşehir, and Çavuşin.

This flexibility ensures that travelers can easily access the tour, regardless of where they’re staying in Cappadocia. The pickup and drop-off service is a convenient feature that adds to the overall accessibility and seamlessness of the Green Tour experience.

Ihlara Valley Hike

One of the highlights of the Green Tour is the hike through the Ihlara Valley, which offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty.

The hike lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and takes guests through a lush, green canyon carved by the Melendiz River. Along the way, they’ll see ancient rock-cut churches, cave dwellings, and a variety of flora and fauna.

The moderate difficulty level of the hike makes it accessible to most travelers, and the breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a truly memorable experience.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to explore Cappadocia’s natural wonders, the Ihlara Valley hike isn’t to be missed.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Beneath the surface of Cappadocia’s rugged landscape lies the sprawling Derinkuyu Underground City, a marvel of ancient engineering that once provided shelter and sustenance for thousands of people.

This subterranean metropolis, dating back to the 8th century BCE, extends as deep as 85 meters and features an intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and ventilation shafts.

The underground city could accommodate up to 20,000 people.

It had amenities such as living quarters, kitchens, churches, and stables.

The city’s ventilation system was innovative, allowing for air circulation and natural lighting.

Exploring the underground city provides a unique glimpse into Cappadocia’s rich history and culture.

Selime Monastery

After exploring the remarkable Derinkuyu Underground City, visitors can continue their journey through Cappadocia’s rich history by visiting the impressive Selime Monastery.

Perched atop a commanding cliff, this 8th century rock-hewn monastery offers a glimpse into the region’s religious heritage and architectural ingenuity. Visitors will be awe-struck by the grand scale of the monastery’s cathedral-like interiors, decorated with intricate carvings and frescoes.

The site also features a diverse array of structures, including chapels, storerooms, and living quarters, all meticulously carved into the surrounding rock formations. Selime Monastery stands as a testament to the remarkable engineering and devotion of Cappadocia’s early Christian communities, providing a captivating conclusion to this comprehensive ‘Green Tour’ experience.

Pigeon Valley

Nestled amidst Cappadocia’s dramatic landscapes, Pigeon Valley captivates visitors with its unique geological formations and historical significance.

Dotted with hundreds of ancient pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rock, this scenic valley provides insight into the region’s agricultural heritage and the symbiotic relationship between humans and the humble pigeon.

The pigeon houses, known as ‘dovecotes,’ weren’t merely for decorative purposes, but served essential functions such as:

• Providing a reliable source of fertilizer for the region’s crops
• Enabling the collection of pigeon guano, a valuable commodity
• Offering a steady supply of meat and eggs for the local population
• Facilitating long-distance communication through the use of homing pigeons

Onyx Factory Visit

As part of the tour, visitors get the chance to explore an onyx factory in Uçhisar, where skilled artisans showcase the intricate process of transforming this semi-precious stone into exquisite works of art. Onyx, a type of chalcedony, is known for its unique banded patterns and vibrant colors. The factory visit allows guests to witness the meticulous carving, polishing, and crafting techniques used to create a wide range of onyx products, from decorative vases and sculptures to intricate jewelry and trinkets. This behind-the-scenes experience offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions of Cappadocia.

Step	Description	Duration
1	Quarrying and extraction of raw onyx blocks	30-45 minutes
2	Cutting and shaping the onyx using specialized tools	45-60 minutes
3	Polishing and finishing the onyx pieces to a high gloss	30-45 minutes

Additional Information

The tour offers two options for visitors – one with museum tickets included and another without.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain encountered during the hike through Ihlara Valley.

Visitors are advised to bring their passport, sunglasses, and hiking shoes to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The tour’s additional information highlights the importance of being prepared:

• Passport for identification purposes
• Sunglasses to protect against the bright Cappadocian sun
• Hiking shoes to navigate the rugged terrain of Ihlara Valley
• Comfortable clothing to maximize enjoyment during the full-day excursion

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may be suitable for children, but it depends on the age and ability of the child. Some activities, such as the underground city and hiking, may be challenging for younger children. Parents should consider the child’s comfort and interests before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour itinerary allows for this, and it’s a common practice for many tour groups to bring their own provisions to save money and have more flexible meal options.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

There are restroom facilities available at various stops along the tour. Participants can use the restrooms at the Derinkuyu Underground City, Selime Monastery, and other designated rest areas during the tour.

Can I Take Photos or Videos at the Sites?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos at the sites, but they should follow any specific rules or restrictions set by the attraction. It’s best to check with the tour guide or staff before taking any photos or videos.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Participants of all ages can join, though the hike may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. Advance notice of any special needs is recommended.

Recap

The Cappadocia Green Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural and historical wonders. Visitors can enjoy the lush Ihlara Valley, the intricate Derinkuyu Underground City, and the remarkable Selime Monastery, all while enjoying hotel pickup and drop-off, knowledgeable guides, and a delicious lunch.

This tour provides a seamless way to discover the captivating highlights of Cappadocia.