Ihlara Valley Tour

The Pigeon Cotes of Cappadocia
The visitors of Cappadocia usually do not pay much attention to pigeon cotes when they see Fairy Chimneys, Baziliquas (churches carved on the rocks), the monasteries and the fabulous underground cities.
The pigeon cotes are relatively widespread in Cappadocia with regard to other parts of the country due to the tradition of the local farmers in which the manure has be en used intensively for obtaining more productivity in the Wineyards. For this aim, many pigeon cotes have been constructed in Cappadocia and its surrounding.
The dove-cotes in Cappadocia are mostly designed like rooms which is set up by carving the rocks but we can also come across house shape cotes which are made of stones. There are also some, but there are few, which are transformed to pigeon cotes by covering the front side of monasteries. We are in dept to doves in the sense that they have prevented the destruction of frescoes in the churches and monasteries, which are used as a cote especially from the mankind.
The areas, which the pigeon cotes can mostly be seen, are pigeons valley in Uchisar, Uzengi Valley in Urgüp and Soganli valley in the boarders of Kayseri, which is the neighbourcity of Cappadocia located in the east part of it.

Underground city
There are around 200 separate underground settlements in Cappadocia. Although evidences of Prehistoric life have been found in the area, it is not known whether the underground settlements had any connection with that age.The largest and deepest underground city in Cappadocia is Derinkuyu which means deepwell. In this underground city, we spend 1,5 hour with a proffessional tour guide. You will explore the undiscovered parts of the underground settlement.
If you are here in Cappadocia, underground city is a must see attraction!!!

Ihlara Valley
This valley is situated 40 km from Aksaray and can be reached by making a turn at the 11th km of the Aksaray-Nevsehir road. The canyon was created by the cracking and collapsing which occurred as a result of basalt and andesit lava from Mt. Hasandag's eruption. The Melendiz river found its way through these cracks, eroding the canyon bed and helping to form canyon we see today. The Melendiz river used to be called "Potamus Kapadukus"meaning the River of Cappadocia. The 14km long, 100 -150m high valley begins at Ihlara and ends at Selime. There are numerous dwellings, churches and graves built into the valley walls, some of which are connected by tunnels and corridors.
The valley proved to be an ideal place for the seclusion and worship of monks, and a hideaway and defense area for people during times of invasion. The decorations in the churches can be dated to various times from the 6th to 13th centuries, and the churches can be classified into two groups. The churches near to Ihlara, display frescoes with oriental influence. Those nearer to Belisirma, display Byzantine type decorations. Very few Byzantine inscriptions in this area can be read. Above a 13th century fresco in the church of St. George (Kirkdamalti), the names of Seljuk Sultan Mesud II (1282 - 1305) and the Byzantine Emperor Andronicos II are inscribed. This is proof of the tolerance of the Seljuk rulers. The best preserved frescos are to be found in the churches of Agacalti, Purenliseki, Kokar, Yilanli and Kirkdamatli.

Agzikarahan Caravanserai
This well preserved Caravanserai is 15 km from Aksaray, on the Aksaray-Nevsehir road. Its construction began in 1231 by Alaattin Keykubat, and was finished by his son, in 1239. The caravanseries which are located every 30 km on the silk road were hosting trade caravans. The small mosque rests on four pillars directly opposite the portal. Unlike in the other caravanseries, the closed area is not opposite the portal, but to the left. There is a stable, rooms for traders, rooms for entertainmnet at night. While you are making a visit of those monuments, you will do a voyage to the past temporarily.
 
TOUR DETAILS

Departure: 9.30
Pigeons valley
Derinkuyu underground city
Ihlara canyon (4 km trek)
Belisirma village
Lunch in Belisirma Village
Selime (Panoramic view point) Selime monastery
Agzikarahan (Seljukian caravansaray on the silk road)
Avanos - Historical pottery town
Pasabagi ( The best fairy chimneys of Cappadocia)
Arrival : 18:30

INCLUDING :
The tour is up to 15 persons maximum. The rate includes transportation (air-conditioned, new and comfortable non-smoking vans).
Professional guides, lunch, all museum and historical sight entrance fees.
This tour can be made tailor-made and guided in any language.