Arrival to Ankara and Çorum

Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi - Morning: The guide will meet the group at Ankara Airport by 09:00 at the latest. The tour begins with a visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, a premier archaeological museum in Turkey.

Boğazköy - Alacahöyük Milli Parkı - Alacahöyük is a remarkable site that showcases the rich and varied cultures of Anatolia, providing insight into the lives of the Hattians and the influential Hittite Empire.

Çorum Müzesi - The Çorum Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the ancient civilizations of Anatolia, especially the intriguing world of the Hittites and their predecessors.

Hattusa / Yazılıkaya

Hattuşa - From approximately 1600 to 1200 BCE, Hattuşa was the political, administrative, and religious center of the Hittite Empire for over 400 years. It is a significant archaeological site that offers a comprehensive look into one of the ancient world’s major powers.

Yazılıkaya - This site is an essential part of the Hattuşa archaeological area, renowned for its open-air rock-cut galleries featuring detailed reliefs of Hittite deities. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yazılıkaya holds immense historical and cultural significance. It is not only an archaeological marvel but also a spiritual site where the ancient Hittites connected with their gods. It remains one of the best-preserved examples of Hittite rock art, providing deep insights into their religious beliefs and practices.

Cappadocia / Derinkuyu Underground City / Gümüşler Monastery

Red Valley - Red Valley (Kızılçukur Vadisi) is one of Cappadocia’s most breathtaking and popular valleys, known for its vibrant red, pink, and orange rock formations. It is a favorite destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers, especially at sunset when the light creates a captivating display.

Rose Valley - Named for the gentle, rosy tint of its rock formations, which is particularly striking during sunrise and sunset.

Göreme Open-Air Museum - This museum is a monastic complex featuring numerous rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries, all carved into the soft volcanic tuff formations typical of Cappadocia. These structures primarily date from the 10th to the 13th centuries AD, a time when Christian monasticism thrived in the area.

Derinkuyu Underground City - Derinkuyu Underground City is an extraordinary historical site in Cappadocia, Turkey, and is the largest excavated underground city in the nation. It is a testament to ancient engineering, carved into the region’s soft volcanic rock. Derinkuyu is a vast, multi-level underground complex that could accommodate thousands of people, along with their livestock and food supplies, for extended periods. It is estimated to reach a depth of about 85 meters (279 feet), though only about half is currently accessible to visitors across eight levels.

Gümüşler Monastery - Gümüşler Monastery provides a captivating exploration of Byzantine history and art, featuring exquisite frescoes and a remarkable example of rock-cut architecture. Its tranquil atmosphere and the enduring mystery of the “Smiling Virgin Mary” make it a unique and rewarding destination for those exploring the historical treasures of Central Anatolia.

Konya / Çatalhöyük

Eşrefoğulları Mosque / Fasıllar / Eflatunpınar

Eflatunpınar Hitit Su Anıtı - This distinctive ancient structure vividly illustrates the Hittite civilization’s reverence for water and its impressive artistic achievements. Eflatunpınar was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2014 under the title “Hittite Sacred Water Sanctuary,” affirming the monument’s universal value and its status as cultural heritage that must be preserved.

• Museum tickets
• 4 Nights of accommodations
• Lunch
• Transfer to Istanbul airport (if you pick “all included” option)
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• 1 way plane ticket from Istanbul to Ankara
• 5 Days tour by Expert English Speaking Guide
• Compulsory seat insurance

• Flight or transfer from Konya
• Drinks at lunch
• Dinners

Ancient Origins: Discover Çatalhöyük, one of the earliest cities in the world, or be amazed by Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple, showcasing humanity’s initial strides towards civilization.

Early Christianity and Monastic Life: Explore the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, where early Christians carved churches and homes into the unique “fairy chimneys.” Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the expansive Derinkuyu Underground City, or the stunning Gümüşler Monastery, all reflecting a rich religious legacy.

Seljuk and Ottoman Masterpieces: Experience the remarkable craftsmanship of the Seljuk period at the Eşrefoğulları Mosque in Beyşehir, a UNESCO-listed wonder of wooden architecture.

Anatolia offers more than just a historical journey; it’s an engaging experience where ancient ruins blend with breathtaking natural beauty. Be prepared to be enthralled by the stories inscribed in every stone and the vibrant cultures that have flourished here for thousands of years.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.