Cappadocia Green Tour with Ihlara Valley

Tour Itinerary

Begin the day with a scenic stop at Esentepe, offering a spectacular panoramic view over Goreme Valley and the village below. From this vantage point, take in the full splendor of Cappadocia’s unique landscape, featuring countless fairy chimneys, extraordinary rock formations, and ancient cave houses carved into the hillsides.

Continue your journey with a visit to one of the best-preserved and deepest Underground Cities in Cappadocia. Excavated to a depth of approximately 85 meters, the underground city is an impressive engineering feat, containing numerous stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches, wineries, and communal spaces.

A highlight is the large missionary school on the second floor, complete with study rooms, reflecting the early Christian community’s way of life under constant threat of invasion. Next, drive to the breathtaking Ihlara Valley, one of Cappadocia’s most remarkable natural wonders. This gorge stretches for 16 kilometers and is lined with more than one hundred rock-carved churches and dwellings on both sides.

You will enjoy a guided hike of approximately 4 kilometers along the river, weaving through lush greenery and pausing to explore hidden churches decorated with ancient frescoes. At the end of the walk, a relaxing lunch will be served at a traditional riverside restaurant in Belisirma Village, offering a peaceful atmosphere and local Turkish cuisine.

Before concluding the tour, stop briefly at Yaprakhisar Panorama Point, which provides another stunning view of the dramatic rock formations and monastery complexes. This site is famously known as one of the filming locations for the original “Star Wars” movie, adding a unique touch to your Cappadocia experience.

Return to your hotel after a day filled with natural beauty, ancient history, and unforgettable landscapes.