Deep Green Zone (Ilhara Valley): History, Hiking & Hidden Spots – Full Day Tour

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.

“This is a must-see place. The monastery is so beautiful and reaching it will reveal so many beautiful scenes.” – Mohamed, Bahrain

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. 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.

“The Ihlara is like an open-air museum, with its historical and natural beauty. The valley has a stunning landscape and you’ll see famous dwellings, hidden cave churches decorated with frescoes, and houses located in the hills. Worth it!” – Furkan

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.