Destinations & Itinerary

Derinkuyu Underground City: Derinkuyu is situated 29km from Nevsehir, on the road to Nigde. The city is approximately 85m deep. It contains all the usual rooms found in an underground city (stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churhes, wineries etc.) Apart from these, a large room with a barrel vaulted ceiling on the second floor was a missionary school, the rooms to the left being study rooms. From the 3rd and 4th floors onwards the descent is by way of vertical staircases which lead to a cruciform plan church on the lowest floor. The 55m deep ventilatino shaft was also used as a well. Not every floorwas provided with the surface in order to protect the dwellers from poisoning during raids. Derinkuyu Underground City was opened to visitors in 1965 but so far only 10% can be visited.

Ihlara Valley: 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 Caravansarai: 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.

Please take note of the following:
* 30% discount for children below the age 7, free for the ages 0-2
* The order of visiting sights, may vary slightly from time to time
* You are kindly requested to present your self at the pick up point 15 minutes prior the pre advised pick up time
* Smoking is not permitted but all tours make frequent stops


What's Included: 
* Pick up and drop off at your Hotel or Cruise Port
* Transportation by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches
* Professional Guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
* All entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museums, parking and road tolls
* Lunch at local restaurant (drinks extra)
* Local taxes