Captivating Blue

Today you will begin with a visit to the remarkable underground city of Derinkuyu, which was occupied during the period of early Christianity when the local population went underground for protection. When the Arabs invaded Asia Minor in the 7th and 8th centuries, Cappadocia remained relatively undisturbed by the conflicts; perhaps due to the fact that the monks and local Christians went underground, literally, excavating the subterranean cities and richly frescoed cave churches which you can explore today. Kaymakli is one of many such complexes that have been discovered in the region. Wind through the network of tunnels and chambers as you descend several levels underground.

You will also descend into the Ihlara Valley for a hike along a meandering stream where you will, no doubt, feel as though you have been dropped into another geographical region. In a stark contrast to the rocky atmosphere above, this lush gorge, 100 meters deep in places, is an oasis full of native flora and fauna. You will come across a few small, cultivated garden patches that are tended by locals and you may even encounter a shepherd or two tending their sheep. You will find large boulders upon which to rest and soak up the sunshine next to the wonderful little stream that you will be hiking along and, if you will be in the valley during the summertime, you will find mulberry bushes loaded with the sweet purple fruit. Explore the many small cave chapels and churches, of which several are frescoed, that were dug out of the valley’s cliff walls during the time of Christianity’s early development. You will walk about 4 km along the river in the valley exploring the hidden churches. Before the tour’s end, you will visit the monasteries at Selime Village.