West Turizm İstanbul

DAILY TOURS: People and Nature

Tour Code :PER031CAP
City :CAPPADOCIA
Tour Name :People and Nature
Tour Dates :DAILY
Duration :FULL DAY  | 09:15 - 17:00
Available Languages :EN

VISIT OF UNDERGROUND CITY OF DERINKUYU, REMOTE VALLEY OF IHLARA, SELIME MONASTERY

The tour starts by picking-up from the hotel and the guests are transported to the tour meeting point.

Tradition says that the name Cappadocia was derived from Persian Katpatuka, which means "the land of beautiful horses". 
This vast area of plains, valleys and mountains around the upper and middle reaches of the River Kizilirmak (Red River) for thousand year was a crossroad of migrating tribes and trade routs; the melting point of different cultures that clashed and assimilated, creating new cultures and new nations. 

DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY

We will start our tour enjoying an amazing panorama of Göreme, watching the fairy chimneys while the guide gives you information about history and formation of Cappadocia. 
Then, you will drive to visit one of the highlights, the Underground city of Derinkuyu, the widest underground city of Cappadocia region; it was carved out underneath a rock hill. The first three floors were probably carved out by Hittites about 2000 B.C. After that; Assyrians, Lycians, Persians, Kimmerians settled down in the region. The Romans occupied the region in the beginning of the 1st Century B.C. Roman empire accepted Christian Religion in 376 A.D. In the underground city there are some main galleries and inside them same sub division were carved out make the city very complicated to make the enemies confused. There were also some wide areas where some of the important matters were talked and ceremonies were hold. The ventilation shaft is vertical and passes all floors down like on the elevator in an apartment. The depth of the ventilation shaft is about 120 meters in total. The underground city was originally carved out as eight floors; however four floors are visit able. In war time about 5000 people found refuge in.

HIKING IN IHLARA VALLEY

Then, continue to one of the remote valleys to Ihlara Valley (Ancient Peristrema). The Valley was formed by the volcanic actions of Mt. Hasan and later, the Melendiz River eroded the valley for millions of years. What is unique about this valley is the ancient history of its inhabitants. The whole canyon is honeycombed with rock-cut underground dwellings and churches from the Byzantine period. Due that the richness of the watering possibility and its hidden form and easily to hide structure it was the first settlement place of the first Christians escaping from the Roman soldiers. In the Ihlara Valley there are hundreds of antic churches caved in the volcanic rocks and we will visit one of them, the Church of St. Daniael. We will hike about 3,5 - 4 km (2 - 2,5 miles) for 1h30m - 2h 
At the river bank, near the refreshing stream we will stop for a lunch at one of the local Turkish restaurants. 

YAPRAKHISAR PANORAMA & SELIME MONASTERY

After the lunch, the guide will surprise you by an unique place called Yaprakhisar, recently became known as Star Wars Movie Set due to the landscape very much similar to that of Star Wars Film Set with the best examples of conical fairy chimneys.
From here, a short drive take you to another movie-set-like place, the Selime Monastery dated back to the 13th century.
At the first sight the monastery looks like a castle but it was a monastery complex of cave rooms, chapels and classrooms, all creating a fascinating and formidable structure. Return to the hotel

INCLUDES

- Transportation by fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
- Pick-up/ drop-off the hotel
- Professional English speaking guide
- Entrance fee to the museums featured on the itinerary
- Lunch at the local Turkish restaurant

EXCLUDES

- Any personal expenses
- Any kind of drinks unless specifies
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities cost

NOTES

Disclaimer
- This is a scheduled motor-coach tour
- Group might consist of up to 20 people
- Group might include the people of different nationalities, cultures, ages and interests
- The regular tour is of a good value, but may not be the best choice for those who have special interests and/or concerns about keeping up with, or being held back by, a group.
- Touring is paced to allow the average traveler reasonable time to enjoy each site 
- Guest must be able to walk approx. 2,5 km (1,5 miles) over uneven and cobblestone surface; comfortable shoes are recommended. 
- In summer a hat and plenty of sunscreen will help as a shade is limited.  

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Kaktüs Tourism Travel Agency - Pera Air and Tourism
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