Göreme Panorama
First place in the tour is Panoramic view of Goreme. You get information about history, formation of Cappadocia while watching the fairy chimneys. Following the information, free time for photograph.
Underground City
After driving about 40 minutes, arrival to Underground City. This underground city was firstly used by the local people as a natural deep freeze, later by the late Romans as a shelter against potential Arabian invasions. With the clear explanations of your guide you will spend almost 1 hour here.
Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Canyon is 52 km from the underground city. Approximately 45 minutes later, you will arrive at the entrance to Ihlara Valley. Ihlara Valley was formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Hasan. Over millions of years, the Melendiz River eroded the valley as layers cracked and collapsed, forming an 80-meter-deep canyon. The entire valley is 14 km long. In the past, Christians lived in several parts of the valley, where they carved and painted churches. You will hike about 3.5 km for 1 hour and 15 minutes before arriving at the restaurant for lunch.
Lunch
1 hour for the lunch in the Ihlara town. You will start with the soup and salad, later you will able choose one of the main dishes from the list. Lunch will be over with season fruits.
Selime Monastery
Our tour will go on with another film- set-like place, Selime Monastery. At first look, the monastery looks like a castle, but shelters, churches, chapels, bedrooms, storages and big cathedral proves us its being a monastery. You get information about the monastic life in Cappadocia.
Pigeon Valley
Climbing to Selime monastery will exhaust you, probably. But till you arrive to Pigeon Valley, you will have about 1 hour to rest. Also, our guide will mention about some traditions, cultures and stories about Anatolia on the way. Upon arrival to Pigeon Valley, pigeons will meet you on the top of the valley. Pigeons have always been important for Cappadocian people. Their eggs and droppings were used for different purposes. For this reason, local people carved houses for them to the slopes of valley. You will see the reason why people call them “houses”, when you see them.
Onyx Factory
The Last place in the tour will be a visit to onyx factory in Uchisar. Onyx is a volcanic stone which has various colours and contains different minerals in. As being a volcanic area, Cappadocia has some onyx deposits. In the factory, a master will give you information about the steps of onyx shaping and you will watch a shaping show.
5-6 pm back to hotel
