Cappadocia Green Tour (IHLARA)

CAPPADOCIA GREEN TOUR (DAY TRIP)

Hotel Pick-up:
Our shuttle service will pick you up from your hotel around 09:00-09:30 in the morning.

Göreme Panoramic Viewpoint:
This is a magnificent viewpoint from which you can see Cappadocia from a bird's-eye perspective. It offers a general overview of the region with its valleys, fairy chimneys, and natural formations. Your guide will provide preliminary information about the areas you will see during the tour.

 Kaymaklı Underground City:
Kaymaklı, one of the deepest and most famous underground cities in Cappadocia, has been used for defensive purposes throughout its history. This structure, which descends to eight levels, is awe-inspiring with its ventilation systems, places of worship, living areas, and shelters.

Ihlara Valley, Glass Terrace:
Ihlara Valley, where nature and history intertwine, is a natural wonder stretching along the Melendiz River. A pleasant 3.5 km walk is possible within the valley. Churches and frescoes are carved into the rocks within the valley. We will see Ihlara Valley panoramically by visiting the Glass Terrace.

Belisırma Village – Lunch (Drinks not included):
Lunch is served at a local restaurant nestled in nature by the Melendiz River. You can enjoy traditional local flavors.

Yaprakhisar Panoramic Viewpoint:
This spot, where you can admire the unique view of the valley and the surrounding fairy chimneys, has also served as a filming location for some historical movies.

Selime Monastery (May not be visited depending on the itinerary)
Selime Monastery, one of the largest rock-carved monastery complexes in Cappadocia, is quite impressive with its cathedral, chapel, and living quarters. It also served as an educational center for early Christians.

Onyx Stone Workshop – Introduction and Shopping for Cappadocia Stones:
A workshop will be visited showcasing artwork made from onyx and other semi-precious stones extracted from the region due to Cappadocia's volcanic geological formation. Guests can also shop if they wish.

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• Uchisar Walnut
• Goreme Panorama
• Visit to the underground city
• Narlıgöl Crater Lake
• Ihlara Valley
• Glass Terrace

Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the largest and most impressive underground cities in Cappadocia, is located approximately 20 km south of Nevşehir. Carved into soft volcanic tuff rock, this massive underground settlement has provided a safe haven for the local population during periods of attack and war for centuries. 

Date: It is believed that the first sections of the underground city were created during the Phrygian period (8th-7th centuries BC), and that it was expanded and brought to its present form during the Roman and Byzantine periods. It was actively used by Christian communities, especially during the Arab-Byzantine wars. 

Structure:

• It has a total of 8 floors.
• Today, 4 floors are open to visitors.
• There are numerous rooms connected by narrow corridors and tunnels.
• The complex includes stables, living quarters, kitchens, storage areas, wine production areas, churches, and ventilation shafts. 

Notable Sections:

• Stables: It is located on the ground floor.
• Church: It is notable for its baptismal pool and apse.
• Wine and Oil Production Areas: It bears the traces of economic life conducted underground.
• Warehouses: It has enabled thousands of people to survive during prolonged sieges. 

Narlıgöl, located within the borders of Acıgöl district of Nevşehir, is one of the most unique natural formations of the Cappadocia region. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,363 meters, the lake was formed as an old volcanic crater filled with water over time.

Characteristics of Narlıgöl

• It is located approximately 1,363 meters above sea level.
• It covers an area of approximately 25 hectares.
• The water is slightly salty and mineral-rich.
• There are natural hot springs around the lake.
• It is an important spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

Where does the name come from?: Because the lake resembles a heart when viewed from above, it is also known as "Heart Lake" among the locals. According to legend, it was named "Pomegranate Lake" because the small island in the middle of the lake resembles a pomegranate.

Geological Significance: Narlıgöl is one of the important geological areas reflecting Cappadocia's volcanic past. The hot springs in the region indicate that geothermal activity underground continues to this day.

Cappadocia is known not only for its fairy chimneys and underground cities, but also for its workshops where onyx, agate, amethyst, turquoise, and various semi-precious stones are processed. The stone workshops in the region offer visitors the opportunity to both observe the production process and purchase handmade jewelry and souvenirs. 

What can you see during a visit to the precious stone workshops in Cappadocia?

• The process of transforming onyx stone from its raw form to a processed product.
• Stone cutting and polishing techniques
• Handmade ring, necklace, earring and bracelet production.
• Decorative stone objects unique to Cappadocia
• Properties and uses of semi-precious stones. 

Onyx

• It is one of the most famous stones of Cappadocia.
• It occurs within volcanic and limestone formations.
• It can be found in shades of black, white, green, brown, and honey.
• It is used in jewelry, chess sets, vases, and decorative items.

Agate

• It is known for its colorful layers.
• Shades of red, orange, brown, blue, and green can be seen.
• It is commonly used in jewelry and ornaments.

Amethyst

• It is a type of purple quartz.
• It is one of the most sought-after semi-precious stones.
• They are processed into necklaces, rings, and collectible stones.

Turquoise (Firuze)

• It is also known as Turkish stone.
• It stands out with its shades of blue and turquoise.
• Throughout history, it has been used in Anatolia for decoration and jewelry making.

Jasper (Jasp)

• It comes in shades of red, yellow, brown, and green.
• They are preferred for decorative purposes due to their natural patterns.

Quartz

• It is known for its transparent or white crystalline structure.
• It is used in jewelry and collectible items.
• It is one of the most common minerals in the world.

Tiger Eye

• It stands out with its play of golden and brown light.
• It looks quite impressive when polished.

Obsidian

• It is known as volcanic glass.
• Cappadocia is significant in the region due to its volcanic history.
• It has black, glossy, and sharp surfaces.
• Historically, it was used in the making of arrowheads and cutting tools.

Selime Monastery, It is one of the largest rock-cut monastery complexes in Cappadocia, located at the end of the Ihlara Valley. For centuries, it served as an important religious center where monks were educated, worshipped, and lived. With its massive rock-carved structures, churches, chapels, kitchens, and living spaces, it is one of the most impressive historical buildings in Cappadocia.

Date: The first sections of Selime Monastery are thought to have been built in the 8th and 9th centuries. During the Byzantine period, it became one of the important religious centers of the region, hosting numerous monks and clergymen. Furthermore, its proximity to the Silk Road route gave it a significant position in terms of trade and cultural interaction.

Architectural Features

• It is one of the largest rock-carved monastery complexes in Cappadocia.

• It contains a large cathedral, chapels, monks' quarters, and storage areas.

• Kitchens and living spaces carved into the rock have survived to this day.

• Its location atop high cliffs allows it to offer impressive panoramic views.

• It boasts one of the largest rock-carved cathedrals in the region.

Cathedral: It is the most striking structure of the monastery. With its high ceilings and spacious interior, it holds a special place among the rock-carved religious buildings in Cappadocia.

Monk's Rooms: There are numerous rooms where priests and monks lived. These rooms are connected to each other by tunnels and corridors.

Kitchen and Storage Areas: In the monastery, where communal life was maintained, areas for food preparation and food storage can be seen.

Viewpoints: From Selime, one can observe the valleys shaped by the Melendiz River and the surrounding volcanic rock formations.

Cultural Significance: Selime Monastery is one of the religious centers that played an important role in the development of Christianity in Cappadocia. Monks in the region received education here, prepared religious texts, and lived monastic life for many years.