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Selime Monastery

Selime Monastery: Our most recommended tours and activities

Cappadocia: Green Tour in the Ihlara Valley

1. Cappadocia: Green Tour in the Ihlara Valley

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel and get a panoramic view of Göreme en route to Derinkuyu Underground City. Marvel at the subterranean city, used by the Romans to shelter against invasions by the Arabs. Get explanations about the area's deepest underground city before moving on to the Ihlara Canyon, formed by volcanic activity from Mount Hasan and erosion by the Melendiz River. Learn how early Christians carved churches from the rock on a 3.5-kilometer hike through the Ihlara Valley, and pause for lunch at a riverside restaurant. Next, visit the rock-carved Selime Monastery and learn about monastic life in Cappadocia. Continue to the Pigeon Valley to learn how the locals have used pigeon eggs and droppings for different purposes and why they carved pigeon houses on the slopes of the valley. End with a visit to an onyx factory in Uçhisar and watch a demonstration about how volcanic stone is shaped by a master craftsman.

From Istanbul: Cappadocia 3=Day Trip with Balloon Flight

2. From Istanbul: Cappadocia 3=Day Trip with Balloon Flight

The experience will start with and very early pick up from your hotel in İstanbul. Take your flight to Cappadocia and start enjoying every second of it. On the first day, we will pick you up from your hotel in İstanbul and take you to the airport. Once you fly and reach to Cappadocia, we will greet you at the airport and start your Cappadocia tour. Our Cappadocia tour will start with Göreme panorama, where we'll have the opportunity to explain how Cappadocia come into existence as we know it. Then we will drive to Göreme open air museum, to explore this grand religious complex and it's famous cave churces. We will continue our tour with a visit to Devrent valley, to let our imagination run wild and trying to figure out which rock looks like what. Then we will pay a visit to town of Avanos for lunch. Your lunch will be at a local restaurant, serving local dishes. A visit to a pottery workshop is necessary while in Avanos, so we'll get into one, and let our hands get dirty with clay. Our last visiting point will be at Uçhisar Castle region at Pigeon valley, where we will have the perfect photo opportunuties. With the end of the tour, we will take you to your hotel, to relax and get ready for tomorrow. After getting a good nights sleep, you'll need to get up quite early for a hot air balloon flight at sunrise, at Soğanlı Valley. Your pick up vehicle should arrive pre-dawn and all you have to do is getting into the car and let us take you to your balloon basket. After flying for 1-hour and celebrating your landing, you'll celebrate it with a champagne, as tradition dictates. After that, we will take you to the hotel and you'll have brief time window to have your breakfast before your car arrives for the second part of your tour. Now we're going south, mainly Kaymaklı underground city, and Ihlara valley. Our first stop should be a nice viewpoint at Red Valley, to get ourselves ready for a day full of adventure! Then we will hit the road once again, to see Kaymaklı underground city, it literally is a city, but underground; with it's living areas, stables, kitchens, places of worship, cellars and even cemeteries. After spending enough time at the Underground City, we will drive approximately 1 hour to Ihlara valley. Once we reach there we will descent into the valley trough stairs and start admiring this unique place. This visit will include at least a 3,5 km hike, so better be prepared. Once we get what we want from this lovely canyon. We will stop by the little stream of Belisrıma which goes trough the canyon, for a lunch. Our last point of visit will be Selime monastery, the biggest religious building in entire Cappadocia. With the end of the tour, we will take you back to your hotel. On the third day, following your breakfast, we will once again come for you; to take you to the airport for your flight back to İstanbul. Once you land in İstanbul, our colleagues will greet your at the airport and drive you back to your hotel.

From Istanbul: 2-Day Trip to Cappadocia w/Balloon+Cave Hotel

3. From Istanbul: 2-Day Trip to Cappadocia w/Balloon+Cave Hotel

Day 1:The adventure starts with pickup from your hotel in Istanbul. Travel to the airport where you'll take an early flight to Cappadocia. Stop by the hotel to drop-off your luggage before starting the Red Tour at 10:00 AM. The first stop is Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley due to the countless Fairy Chimney formations, some dating back 30 million years. Next, head to the Göreme Open Air Museum, one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia and a UNESCO site. See the cave town's dwellings built into the rocks and learn about the site where Christians and Muslims in harmony. Stop by a local shop to admire artistic techniques dating back to the Hittite period. Finally, set down for a buffet lunch in a local restaurant. The second half of the tour includes a visit to Pasabag, where you'll admire Fairy Chimneys that resemble those seen in the Hobbit and Smurfs. At the end of the day, return to the hotel for an unforgettable night sleeping in a cave. Day 2: Start with a sunrise balloon ride at Soğanlı Valley. Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. The driver will then pick you up for a stop at Göreme Panorama. Next, drive to Kaymaklı Underground City to learn how early Christians protected themselves from centuries of persecutions and invasions. Hike through Turkey's largest canyon, which features over 2,670 different plants that thrive in the valley's microclimate. Afterward, drive 1.5 hours to Ihlara Canyon for a 3.8-km hike along the river. After working up an appetite, enjoy lunch in Belisırma. Next, visit Selime Monastery, the biggest religious building in Cappadocia with a cathedral-size church. Before returning you to your hotel, your guide will stop at Pigeon Valley, the best photo spot in all of Cappadocia. The day ends with transport to the airport in Cappadocia. Once in Istanbul, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel.

From Istanbul: Cappadocia Highlights 2-Day Tour with Balloon

4. From Istanbul: Cappadocia Highlights 2-Day Tour with Balloon

Discover Cappadocia on a 2-day tour from Istanbul that includes round-trip flights and an overnight stay at a boutique hotel. See the fascinating Göreme Open Air Museum, watch a pottery demonstration, and marvel at the dainty Urgup fairy chimneys. Day 1Begin with a pre-dawn pickup at your Istanbul hotel and head to the airport for an early flight to Cappadocia. After landing in Cappadocia, drive to your boutique hotel before beginning your tour of Cappadocia. First, stop at the Uçhisar Castle viewpoint for 360-degree views of the valleys below. Spot Mt. Erciyes and the eerie cave dwellings in Uchisar Valley. Continue to the famous Göreme Open Air Museum to visit the ancient villages and monasteries cut into the rock itself. Next, head to the rock city of Love Valley, and explore the fascinating buildings built into the rock. Stop in Avonos for lunch (included) before watching the experts at work at a pottery demonstration. Drive by the delicate fairy chimneys made of rock in PaşabağıValley before turning into Devrent Valley. Finish your day with a visit to Urgup to see its fairy chimneys and to visit a carpet factory before spending the night in your hotel. Day 2 Start your day before dawn with a pickup from your hotel to your hot-air balloon experience. Board a hot-air balloon and marvel at the valleys and rock formations below as the sun rises. Around 8:00 A.M., return to your hotel for a break before heading out for your day tour. Begin with a panoramic view of Göreme, followed by a visit to the mysterious Derinkugu Underground City, constructed as a temporary shelter against invasions and raids. Next, enjoy a short hike in the picturesque Ihlara Valley, followed by a lunch break (included) in Belisirma village. After lunch, stop at the Yaprakhisar viewpoint for a stunning view of Selime Monastery before heading to Pigeon Valley for an onyx demonstration. In the evening, return to Kayseri Airport for your return flight back to Istanbul and your hotel there.

Istanbul: 3-Days, 2-nights in Cappadocia & Hot Air Balloon

5. Istanbul: 3-Days, 2-nights in Cappadocia & Hot Air Balloon

First day 07.00 Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport. 08:00 Depart from Istanbul for Kayseri 09:00 Arrive in Kayseri airport, meet in the airport. Transfer to Cappadocia. 13:00 Check in hotel 16:00 Atv tour Back to hotel Second Day 04:30-05:00 Hot Air Balloon Tour 07:00 back hotel Cappadocia Tour 09:30: Join in the first day tour of Cappadocia including Uçhisar castle viewpoint, Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin old village, lunch in Avonos, pottery demonstration in Avanos, Paşabağı Fairy Chimneys, Devrent Valley (magic valley), Urgup fairy chimneys, Urgup Carpet Factory. After the tour transfer to hotel and stay the night in Goreme. Overnight stay in Cappadocia (Boutiquestyle Hotel; Göreme Cave Lodgel, Alaturca House or Harman Cave Hotel *standard rooms) Third Day 09:30 You will attend the tour which begin with the Göreme Panaromic view. Here, you will be given information about the geological and historical background of the city, then you will visit Underground City which was constructed as a temporary shalter against invasions and raids. The next step will be a small hiking in the Ihlara Valley, followed by a lunch break in Belisirma village. At the Yaprakhisar Panorama, you will see Selime Monastry, which is important because you can see all the different sections of a monastry in one composition. Finally, our tour will be finished with the Pigeon valley and onyx demonstration. In day transfer to airport and fly to Istanbul Arrive Istanbul and transfer to your hotel Plase Note:If hot air balloon cancel because for weather we give you 75 euro per person Tours days can be change

From Istanbul: 4-Day Small Group Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour

6. From Istanbul: 4-Day Small Group Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour

Your guide will meet you at your hotel between 08:00 and 08:30. Visit the Istanbul old city area which includes Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. Have lunch during the tour. The average duration of this tour is 8-hours. At the end of the tour, your guide will leave you back at your hotel. On the second day, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby between 08:00 and 08:30. During this tour, you will visit the Golden Horn, the old city walls of Istanbul, the Spice Market and Dolmabahce Palace or Chora Museum. There will be a lunch stop during the tour. The tour will end at around 17:00. Please do not forget to take your luggage in the morning. After the tour, you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Once you arrive in Cappadocia, you will have organized transfer from the airport to your hotel.  On your third day, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at around 09:00. You will enjoy a tour of southern Cappadocia, also known as the Green Tour, which will include the following sites: Derinkuyu Underground City (the largest underground city in the area with 7 floors 85 meters deep; not recommended for claustrophobic guests) and Ihlara Valley (1.5-hour trekking). Have a lunch stop in the village of Bellisirma. Afterwards, you will visit Piegon Valley (panoramic visit), Selime Monastery and Esentepe (panoramic view). After the tour, you will be dropped back off at your hotel. On the fourth and last day, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at around 09:00 and take you on a tour of northern Cappadocia, known as the Red Tour, to Rose Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum (important early Christianity center), Monks Valley, Cavusin village (one of the oldest settlements in the area), Avanos village (with stop at a traditional pottery workshop), Uchisar Castle and Dervent Valley. The average tour duration will be 8-hours. After the tour, you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul.

From Istanbul: Cappadocia, Ephesus, & Pamukkale Private Tour

7. From Istanbul: Cappadocia, Ephesus, & Pamukkale Private Tour

See Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Hierapolis. Enjoy pre-selected hotels, with breakfast and lunch included. Choose your own spot for supper and explore a bit on your own. Day 1: Istanbul To Cappadocia by Plane; Full-Day Tour of Southern CappadociaEnjoy pick-up from your hotel to the airport for a one-hour flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival at Cappadocia, meet your guide at the airport who will have your name on a sign. Relax while your guide transfers you to the tour office in Goreme. Next, depart for a full-day tour of Southern Cappadocia. See Pidgeon Valley, the Underground City of Kaymakli, the continue along the countryside to the Kızılcukur Valley. Visit Selime Monastery before returning to your hotel.  Day 2: Cappadocia To Izmir; North TourBe picked up from your hotel after breakfast and depart for a full-day exploration of North Cappadocia. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin Vallage, Monsk Valley, Devrent, and the towns of Urgup, Ortahisar and Avanos. Return to your hotel in Cappadocia before leaving for your transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir. Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be met at the airport once again with your name and you will be delivered to the next hotel in Kusadası. Day 3: Full-day Ephesus TourLeave your hotel after breakfast and depart for Ephesus. See the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World. Visit the biggest amphitheater and the Celsius Library. Tour around ruins left from the ancient city, and see the House of the Virgin Mary, thought to be her last dwelling. At the end of the tour enjoy a transfer back to the hotel. Relax and explore Kusadasi at your own pace with free time in the evening. Day 4: Tour of Pamukkale and The Ancient City of Hierapolis; Flight Back To IstanbulBe picked up from your hotel after breakfast and depart for a full-day Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour. Visit the Old Gates, the cemetery, and the theatre of Hierapolis (part of the James Bond film shoot).  Take in the waterfall known as Travertines, and swim in the calcified pools made famous by Cleopatra. At the end of the tour sit back as you are delivered to the airport for a short flight back to Istanbul.

Göreme: Full-Day Red Cappadocia Tour

8. Göreme: Full-Day Red Cappadocia Tour

Your experience begins as you are picked up from your hotel. From there, begin by visiting the Derinkuyu Underground City - the biggest underground city in the region. As you discover this vast underground region, learn how it was used as a shelter for great lengths of time during invasions. From there, explore the volcanic crater lake of Narli Gol, before advancing to Ihlara Canyon. Whilst at the canyon, enjoy a pleasant and easy 4-kilometer hike alongside a beautiful stream which runs all the way through the middle. Belisirma Village is next on your agenda, where you can appreciate the authentic unspoiled village life and enjoy lunch. Following lunch you stop by Selime - a surreal ancient monastic site which boasts great panoramic views over the Ihlara Valley. At the conclusion of your experience, your guide drops you off to your hotel.

Cappadocia: Ihlara and Underground City Tour with Lunch

9. Cappadocia: Ihlara and Underground City Tour with Lunch

Visit sights in Derinkuyu, the Ihlara Valley, Belisırma, and Göreme, all on this guided multi-stop trip in Cappadocia. Take in the fresh air on a hike, try Turkish cuisine during lunch, and explore the Selime Monastery. Take advantage of included entry fees and round-trip transportation. After pickup, your first stop is Derinkuyu, the biggest underground city of Cappadocia. It goes to a depth of 85 meters and has several floors. Here, see a variety of rooms: storage rooms, cellars, stables, refectories, churches, wineries, and more. Vertical staircases provide access to the third and fourth floors, leading to the cruciform church on the lower floor. A ventilation shaft 55-meters deep was also used as a well. Although Derinkuyu Underground City was opened to visitors in 1965, only 10% of the city can be visited to this day. Then, trek through the scenic Ihlara Valley. The early Christians built their houses and temples carved into the rock, carving tuffs in the Ihlara Valley, along the Melendiz River. After trekking through the Ihlara Valley, get ready for a good lunch in Belisırma, featuring a mix of Turkish and Western cuisine with a dessert. With full stomachs, stop at the outskirts of Göreme, which opens up the Pigeon Valley with age-old rock-cut dovecotes. Next, head to the Selime Monastery to witness the huge kitchen and the high chimney. The center of the structure carved into the rock is the church, surrounded by a gallery and stables with feeders and many other remnants of the Middle Ages. The final destination will be Göreme Esentepe. Here you will see solidified lava flows dating back to the Neocene period. It formed an incredible landscape of tuff and ash in Göreme. Thousands of years of erosion have left visitors a real miracle of nature to see. 

Cappadocia: Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley

10. Cappadocia: Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley

Your day will begin as you are collected from your hotel at 9:30AM in the morning. Following your guide’s introduction to Cappadocia at the Goreme panoramic view point, you'll drive for around 1 hour to visit the most spectacular gorge of Turkey: Ihlara. This 6-kilometer hike through the Ihlara Valley is bound to be a highlight of your day. The Melendiz River has carved an impressive canyon through the verdant valley and you will walk about 2 hours along the river passing Byzantine rock chapels decorated with frescoes. For the first half of the hike you will be the only tourists walking, which is guaranteed to be completely peaceful. You'll later end the hiking portion of the tour near Belisirma Village, where you will have lunch in a quaint riverside restaurant. Following lunch you'll stop at the biggest rock-cut monastery of Cappadocia, the Selime Monastery and Cathedral. Selime is located at the end of Ihlara Valley, and has been used as a fortress by both Byzantine and Seljuk armies during the 10th to 12th centuries. Following this monastery, you will make your way to the Derinkuyu Underground City. Previously known as Melagobia, Derinkuyu was one of the biggest settlements in Cappadocia. Its 8-level underground city is the deepest of the region today. You will explore the caves of this interesting city as your guide explains about the way of life there. With its floors extending to a depth of approximately 60 meters, it was large enough to shelter approximately 20,000 people together with their livestock and food stores. It is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey and is one of several underground complexes found across Cappadocia. Derinkuyu itself connects to Kaymaklli via an 8-kilometer tunnel. Following your exploration of Derinkuyu, you will be driven back to your hotel where you will finish the tour at around 5:00PM.

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What people are saying about Selime Monastery

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 35 reviews

Fantastic trip and incredible balloon experience. Our tour guide Selim with Stoneland travel was remarkable. Super knowledgeable, entertaining and hilarious. He had such a kind nature and made the trip all the more fun. Buses and connections were all on time. Communication with the agency was a little clunky at times and details a bit unclear but a minor grievance in what was a brilliant trip.

Our guide Selim was amazing. His knowledge of history was more than sufficient for understanding the history of cappadocia and the places that we were visiting. Even signed up for the red tour after with same agency after the green tour. Quite a bit of walking so bring comfortable shoes for this tour.

our tour guide Baek is really good at his job. he is very entertaining and charming. we enjoy our tour.

Beautiful experience! Our guide Veysel was so professional driving us through this tour! Thank you!

Amazing tour! Very professional and kindly guide and company agents