Hiking in Ihlara valley and explore Selime Monastery

About this tour

Highlights of the tour

If you’re looking for an adventurous and cultural experience, the Ihlara Hiking and Selime Monastery Tour is perfect. This tour takes you on a journey through the beautiful Ihlara Valley where you’ll witness stunning rock formations, scenic views, and ancient cave churches. The tour also includes a visit to the Selime Monastery, which is a historic religious site located in the Cappadocia region.

Details

We will first start our day with a fresh hiking point. Ihlara Valley is undoubtedly one of the most stunning and spectacular valleys in Cappadocia. The 14km valley is graced by the flowing Melendiz River, which provides a unique habitat for the region’s flora and fauna. The lush green tones that embellish the valley make it an unforgettable sight. Hiking through the valley is truly an experience like no other. Our 8 km (6 miles) journey will take us through caves and churches, which Christians once used as their hideouts and homes. These caves are adorned with beautiful wall paintings that are a testament to the amazing artistic abilities of the people who once lived here. The hike will take approximately two and a half hours, and at the end of the one-way hike, we will have the pleasure of enjoying a delicious LUNCH in Belisirma Village by the river.

Next, we will drive to Selime Monastery, which was built in the 900s. This Byzantine complex is situated on a cliff, approximately 50 meters above the river, between the villages of Yaprakhisar and Selime in the Aksaray province. The location is easily defensible and includes living quarters, churches, and a kitchen. It is believed that the monastery was later converted to a military base to protect against Arab invaders. We will have the opportunity to explore the vast monastery complex with confidence.

After Selime monastery we will drive back to your hotel

Special Notes

• Children under the age of 6 are free of charge, but please make sure to take their passports to declare their age at the entrance of the museums.
• It is highly recommended to wear comfortable shoes for this tour.
• Since this is a private tour, you have the flexibility to start at any time of the day. However, the tour contains 2.5-hour hiking please note that this tour one and half an hour drive, and the tour will end no later than 5:00 pm, which is the working hours of your guide.
• You will hike 8 km in the valley. This will take approximately 2 hours.
• For your safety and comfort, we highly recommend using sunscreen during the 2-hour hike (one way). Additionally, do not forget to bring your hat during the summer season. Please note that this tour is not suitable for individuals with disabilities.