The 5 Days Hittite Monuments Tour with Specialist Guide offers a comprehensive journey through Central Anatolia’s archaeological treasures. Priced attractively, this 4.7-rated experience takes travelers from the heart of Ankara to the mysterious city of Hattusa and the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, ending with Cappadocia’s iconic landscapes. The tour is perfect for those interested in ancient civilizations, archaeology, or Turkish history, with a focus on Hattian tribes and the Hittite civilization.

Spanning 5 days, the tour combines museum visits, excavation sites, monumental ruins, and hiking along scenic trails. While it involves some active walking, it’s designed for those comfortable with long yet manageable hikes on flat terrain. This experience is ideal for small groups or private tours and is led by live guides speaking English, German, or Russian, ensuring a personalized and informative journey.

Key Points

Five-day archaeological adventure exploring the Hittite civilization from Ankara to Cappadocia
Visits include Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum, Hattusa, Çatalhöyük, and Derinkuyu Underground City
Expert guides provide in-depth explanations about Hattian tribes and Hittite monuments
The tour involves walking on flat terrain and hiking in scenic valleys, requiring hiking shoes
Small group or private options available with flexible booking and cancellation policies
Suitable for adults and older children (not recommended for children under 7 or pregnant women)

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Exploring Ankara’s Historic Foundations at the Anatolian Civilizations Museum

The adventure begins with a visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara, one of Turkey’s most significant archaeological museums. Here, vast collections showcase artifacts from Hattian and Hittite eras, giving a solid introduction to the region’s early history. The museum’s exhibits include monumental sculptures, pottery, and inscriptions that help contextualize the sites you’ll explore later.

This stop provides a foundational understanding of Anatolia’s role as a cradle of civilization, emphasizing the importance of the Hatti civilization with findings from Alacahöyük. The museum visit takes approximately a few hours, setting the stage for the upcoming archaeological sites.

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Visiting the Ancient City of Hattusa and Yazlkaya

One of the tour’s main highlights is Hattusa, the former capital of the Hittite Empire. This UNESCO World Heritage site features massive city walls, royal gateways, and the lion’s gate with its intricate carvings. Travelers will explore large monumental structures that reveal the architectural prowess of the Hittites.

Adjacent to Hattusa is Yazlkaya, an open-air Hittite temple site. Visitors are led through sacred spaces and rock carvings, offering insights into religious practices and rituals of the time. The guide explains the significance of each site, making the ruins come alive with stories of Hittite kings and gods.

The visit to Hattusa and Yazlkaya typically takes a few hours, with easy, flat walking trails suitable for most visitors.

Discovering Cappadocia’s Unique Landmarks on the Way

After exploring Hattusa, the tour heads toward Cappadocia, stopping along the way to marvel at the region’s volcanic landscapes and rock formations. This scenic drive offers a break from archaeological sites while providing opportunities for photo stops.

In Cappadocia, the focus shifts to natural formations and historic underground cities such as Derinkuyu. The underground city features multiple levels, narrow corridors, and ancient chambers, which visitors can explore with the guide’s explanations about early Christian communities and refugees.

The Gumusler Monastery is also on the itinerary, with impressive cave churches and frescoes. Travelers walk through rock-cut chapels while learning about the monastic life that once thrived in these limestone caves.

Experiencing Cappadocia’s Scenic Valleys and Rock Churches

A highlight of the Cappadocia section is a hike through the Rose Valley and Red Valley. The trails are easily walkable but offer stunning views of eroded rock formations, fairy chimneys, and historical cave dwellings. The hike provides a chance to appreciate the geological beauty of the region.

The tour includes visits to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO site, featuring rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient frescoes. Here, the guide explains early Christian art and how these monastic sites served as spiritual centers.

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Exploring the Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük

On the fourth day, the journey takes a step back in time to Çatalhöyük, one of Turkey’s most important Neolithic settlements. The site offers a glimpse into early village life, with mud-brick houses built closely together. The guide describes the daily routines, art, and rituals of prehistoric peoples.

The tour of Çatalhöyük involves walking through excavation areas and museum exhibits, providing context on how this settlement helped shape human civilization. It’s a fascinating contrast to the earlier Hittite sites, emphasizing Turkey’s diverse archaeological heritage.

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Visiting Key Hittite Monuments in Konya

The final day begins with visits to Fasllar and Eflatunpnar monuments, both significant for their Hittite-era inscriptions and waterworks. These sites showcase engineering feats and symbolic carvings, illustrating Hittite technological and religious innovations.

A visit to the Erefoullar Mosque, a Beylik period structure, offers a later historical layer, blending Islamic architecture with regional history. The tour concludes around 5:00 PM at Konya Airport, wrapping up a comprehensive exploration of Anatolia’s ancient civilizations.

Logistics and Group Size Flexibility

The tour includes hotel pickups and transfers from Istanbul hotels to Istanbul Airport, with flights to Ankara arranged as part of the package. Small groups or private tours are available, making the experience more personalized. The guided explanation is available in English, German, and Russian, ensuring clear communication.

While the hikes are long, they are on flat trails suitable for most physically capable participants. The tour recommends hiking shoes and advises that external factors may lead to schedule adjustments.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour appeals particularly to history enthusiasts interested in Turkey’s ancient civilizations. It’s suited for adults and older children, but not recommended for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. The active nature of the trip, including walking and hiking, requires a moderate level of fitness.

The expert guides and well-organized itinerary make this a strong choice for archaeology buffs wanting an immersive experience with authentic insights.

The Sum Up: An In-Depth Journey Through Anatolia’s Past

The 5 Days Hittite Monuments Tour offers a thorough exploration of Turkey’s Hittite and Neolithic sites, combining museum visits, ruins, and scenic hikes in a well-structured itinerary. The inclusion of key locations like Hattusa, Çatalhöyük, and Cappadocia ensures a broad understanding of the region’s archaeological significance.

While the tour involves active walking, it remains accessible for most with flat terrain and easy trails. The expert guides and small group setting enhance the experience, providing personalized insights into ancient civilizations. This value-packed journey is perfect for history lovers eager to see Turkey’s early cultural milestones firsthand.

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5 Days Hittite Monuments Tour with Specialist Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally not recommended for children under 7, due to the active nature and walking involved. It’s better suited for older children, adults, and history enthusiasts.

What should I bring for the hikes?
Participants should bring hiking shoes suitable for flat, walkable trails. Comfortable clothing and water bottles are also advisable.

Are the visits guided in specific languages?
Yes, guides speak English, German, and Russian. Confirm your preferred language when booking.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the group size?
Both private and small group tours are available, offering flexibility and a more personalized experience.

How long are the travel days?
Each day involves a few hours of sightseeing and walking/hiking activities. The tour covers long distances but on mostly flat terrain.