Tour Highlights
Ihlara Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, Selime Monastery, Selimiye Village
Cappadocia Mirage Tour
$380,00
Tour Duration: 7 Hours
Tour Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Tour Type: Private Tour
Explore Kaymakli Underground City, hike through Ihlara Valley, visit Selime Village, and step back in time at a 13th-century Silk Road caravanserai on this cultural journey. A la Carte Lunch is included
Service Location: Cappadocia Tours
Service Provider: Argeus
Available languages:
English, Español
Service Details
This enriching full-day tour begins with a visit to Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest and deepest subterranean complexes in Cappadocia. Carved into the soft volcanic rock, this remarkable multi-level structure once provided refuge for thousands of early Christians.
As you descend into its tunnels and chambers, you’ll discover kitchens, wineries, ventilation shafts, and hidden passageways that reveal the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its builders.
From Kaymakli, the tour continues with a scenic drive to the magnificent Ihlara Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Sky.” Here, you embark on a peaceful 4-kilometer hike along the Melendiz River, walking from the entrance down the ancient Steps of Anatolia to the village of Belisirma, historically known as Peristrema.
The valley’s towering cliffs are home to dozens of rock-carved churches dating back to the 9th century, many adorned with striking frescoes that have miraculously survived centuries of erosion. This walk offers both natural beauty and spiritual depth, as the serenity of the canyon blends with centuries of early Christian heritage.
Lunch is served in Belisirma, at a riverside restaurant offering traditional Anatolian cuisine in a tranquil setting. After this relaxing break, the journey continues with a stop in the picturesque village of Selime, where you’ll admire panoramic views of the valley and visit a dramatic rock-cut monastery complex nestled in the cliffs — believed to have inspired the architecture of later cave churches.
The final visit of the day is to Agzikarahan Caravanserai, one of the best-preserved examples of Seljuk-era roadside inns built along the Silk Road. Constructed in the early 13th century, this impressive stone fortress served as a rest stop for traveling merchants and their camels.
Exploring its arched halls and grand courtyard provides insight into the life of ancient traders and the cultural exchange that once flourished along this legendary route.
Why Book This Service
- Descend into one of Cappadocia’s deepest underground cities with fascinating architecture
- Hike through the scenic Ihlara Valley, rich in history and rock-carved churches
- Enjoy a traditional riverside lunch in the peaceful village of Belisirma
- Explore Selime’s cliffside monastery complex with striking views and unique carvings
- Visit a 13th-century Silk Road caravanserai and learn about ancient trade routes
- Experience a perfect mix of geology, history, and rural Cappadocian culture
What's Included
- Transportation with an A/C luxury minivan
- Professional guiding
- A la carte lunch with soft drinks
- Admission fees to the museums and sights
- Taxes
Please Note
- The hike in Ihlara Valley is approximately 4 km on uneven ground; comfortable walking shoes are essential
- The underground city includes narrow passages and steep steps; not suitable for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues
- Lunch is included; drinks and personal expenses are not
- Weather conditions may affect walking conditions in the valley; appropriate seasonal clothing is recommended
Meeting Point
At your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
11 reviews for Cappadocia Mirage Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
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From descending into Kaymakli to trekking through Ihlara, this tour was perfect. The underground city is like stepping into history. Ihlara’s canyon is lush and dotted with churches. Selimiye Village lunch was authentic and tasty. Selime Monastery atop the rock cliffs was epic. Cihan’s energy and Cintia’s care for all details made the day flawless. Argeus Travel delivered!
An amazing day packed with variety. Kaymakli’s underground world, Ihlara’s canyon hike, riverside Selimiye lunch, and Selime Monastery’s panoramic plaza—every stop amazed. Argeus Travel knows how to deliver an immersive, memorable tour!
A truly special tour—Kaymakli’s subterranean tunnels blew me away. Ihlara Valley’s quiet canyon and the riverside hike felt like a nature retreat. Lunch in Selimiye Village was heartwarming. Climbing up to Selime Monastery’s lofty chambers gave panoramic views I won’t forget. Cihan was so knowledgeable, and Cintia’s smooth organization made the day easy. Highly recommended.
Cappadocia Mirage Tour was mesmerizing. The contrast between underground Kaymakli and verdant Ihlara was incredible. The river-walk in Selime Village was so peaceful, and Selime Monastery’s cathedral spaces were striking. Cihan’s historical insights and Cintia’s logistical care kept the day running beautifully. Thanks to Argeus Travel for a flawless experience!
This tour was a cultural and natural feast! Kaymakli Underground City was astonishing in its depth and complexity. Ihlara Valley felt like a secret oasis, with Byzantine churches along the way. Selimiye Village offered a charming lunch stop, and Selime Monastery topped it off with epic views. Cihan’s passion and Cintia’s attentiveness made it five stars from start to finish.
Absolutely blown away by this tour! The descent into Kaymakli was thrilling—so much history carved into the rock. Ihlara Valley surprised me with its greenery, hiking there felt restorative. Our riverside lunch in Selimiye Village was serene and authentic. Selime Monastery was stunning, perched on the cliffs. Cihan’s storytelling and Cintia’s logistical finesse made everything run seamlessly. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
This was one of the best tours we have ever experienced! Coming from India, we have seen many historical places, but Cappadocia was something truly magical. We booked the Cappadocia Mirage Tour from getturkeytour.com and from start to finish, it was flawless. Our guide Cihan was very knowledgeable and explained the history of the Kaymakli Underground City in such an interesting way. It reminded me of our own ancient caves in Ajanta and Ellora, but this was all underground—so fascinating!
The walk through Ihlara Valley was beautiful; the fresh air, the flowing river, and the hidden cave churches made it feel like a storybook. We stopped for lunch in Selimiye Village, and the food was simple yet so delicious—felt like home-cooked Turkish comfort food.
We climbed up and saw the entire valley like a scene from a movie. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cappadocia, especially for families from India who love a mix of history, nature, and culture. Thank you, Argeus Travel, for making our Cappadocia trip so special!
The Cappadocia Mirage Tour exceeded my expectations. With Argeus Travel, we delved into ancient refuge in Kaymakli under Cihan’s expert lead. Ihlara Valley’s canyon walk alongside the Melendiz River was peaceful and scenic. The stop in Selimiye Village for lunch gave a taste of local life, and Selime Monastery’s cathedral-like chambers were breathtaking. Cintia’s organization ensured we never felt rushed. A highlight of our Turkey trip!
We had an incredible day on the Cappadocia Mirage Tour with Argeus Travel. Cihan took us into the depths of Kaymakli Underground City, where the labyrinthine tunnels felt like stepping into another world. Walking through Ihlara Valley alongside the Melendiz River was peaceful and lush, with cave churches tucked into the cliffs. Cintia ensured our lunch by the river in charming Selimiye Village was unforgettable. Exploring Selime Monastery at sunset was the perfect ending—jaw-dropping views over the canyon!
Incredible experience from start to finish. Kaymakli’s underground passages are vast and fascinating. Ihlara Valley’s riverside hike with rock-hewn chapels was a highlight. Dining in Selimiye Village was such a peaceful break. At Selime Monastery, the views and carved rock cathedral were awe-inspiring. Guides Cihan and Cintia were friendly, attentive, and professional. Highly recommend!