9-Day Private Anatolia Heritage Tour

From Hittite Capitals to Roman Theatres

TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE TOUR
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Start / End: Ankara
Theme: Ancient Civilizations • Archaeology • Culture • Silk Road • Cappadocia

🌟 Tour Overview

Embark on a remarkable 9-day private journey through the cradle of Anatolian civilization, where ancient empires, sacred landscapes, and legendary cities reveal Turkey’s deepest historical layers. This expertly curated itinerary takes you far beyond the classic routes, uncovering the Hittite, Phrygian, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman legacies that shaped Anatolia.

Begin in Ankara, Turkey’s modern capital, before stepping back in time at Gordion and the legendary Tomb of King Midas. Explore the UNESCO-listed Hattusa, once the mighty capital of the Hittite Empire, and continue through Alacahöyük and Yozgat, home to remarkable archaeological and thermal sites.

Journey into the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, where underground cities, fairy chimneys, and rock-cut monasteries create a surreal atmosphere. Travel the historic Silk Road to Konya, visit the monumental Sultanhani Caravanserai, and descend to the Mediterranean coast to discover Antalya, Perge, and the stunning Aspendos Theatre.

Conclude your journey at Sagalassos, one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities, before returning to Ankara enriched with unforgettable memories of Anatolia’s timeless heritage.

🔥 Tour Highlights

• Ankara & Gordion: Tomb of King Midas and the legend of the Gordian Knot

• Hattusa (UNESCO): Capital of the Hittite Empire & Yazılıkaya Rock Sanctuary

• Alacahöyük & Yozgat: Bronze Age royal tombs and Roman thermal heritage

• Basilica Therma (Sarıkaya): Still-functioning Roman bath complex

• Cappadocia:

  • Göreme Open-Air Museum

  • Kaymakli Underground City

  • Uçhisar Castle & panoramic valleys

• Konya: Mevlana Museum & spiritual heart of Anatolia

• Sultanhani Caravanserai: Seljuk Silk Road masterpiece

• Antalya Region: Perge Ancient City & Aspendos Roman Theatre

• Sagalassos (Burdur): Monumental fountains, theatre & imperial ruins

🗺️ Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Ankara

Meals: Dinner

Arrival in Ankara. Meet your private transfer assistant at the airport holding a sign with your group name. Transfer to your hotel.
Depending on arrival time, enjoy free time at leisure.

Overnight: Ankara

Day 2 – Ankara • Gordion • Tomb of Midas

Distance: 260 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Gordion, the ancient Phrygian capital. Visit the Tomb of King Midas and learn the story of the legendary Gordian Knot, famously cut by Alexander the Great.

Return to Ankara and visit:

• Anıtkabir – Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

• Ankara Castle & Historic Hans (Kurşunlu Han, Mahmutpaşa Bedesten, Sulu Han)

• Hacı Bayram Mosque & Temple of Augustus

Enjoy a panoramic drive through Çankaya & Kavaklıdere, ending with coffee at Panora Shopping Mall.

Overnight: Ankara

Day 3 – Hattusa • Yazılıkaya • Alacahöyük • Yozgat

Distance: 230 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early departure to Hattusa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the former capital of the Hittite Empire.

Visits include:

• City walls, gates, and temples

• Yazılıkaya Open-Air Sanctuary with carved deities

• Great Temple & Hattusa Museum

After lunch, continue to Alacahöyük, famous for:

• Bronze Age royal tombs

• Ancient dam

• Hittite ceremonial gates

Drive to Yozgat for overnight.

Overnight: Yozgat

Day 4 – Yozgat • Basilica Therma (Sarıkaya) • Cappadocia

Distance: 220 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, visit Sarıkaya Basilica Therma, a 2nd-century Roman bath still in use today.

Continue to Cappadocia, stopping in Avanos for lunch and a traditional pottery workshop.

Afternoon visits:

• Love Valley Panorama

• Pasabag (Monks Valley)

• Devrent (Imagination Valley)

• Göreme Open-Air Museum (Dark Church optional)

Overnight: Cappadocia

Day 5 – Cappadocia Highlights & Underground City

Distance: 140 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional: Hot Air Balloon Ride (early morning)

Visits include:

• Uçhisar Castle – Highest viewpoint in Cappadocia

• Pigeon Valley

• Çavuşin Village

• Göreme Village

• Kaymakli Underground City – One of the largest subterranean settlements

Overnight: Cappadocia

Day 6 – Konya • Sultanhani Caravanserai • Antalya

Distance: 550 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart for Konya, stopping at the monumental Sultanhani Caravanserai (1229).

In Konya:

• Mevlana Museum (Rumi)

• Lunch featuring Etli Ekmek

• Short shopping walk

Continue through the Taurus Mountains to Antalya.

Overnight: Antalya

Day 7 – Antalya • Perge • Aspendos

Distance: 90 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit:

• Perge Ancient City – Stadium, Agora, Baths & Colonnaded Streets

• Aspendos Theatre – One of the world’s best-preserved Roman theatres

Afternoon tour of Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi):

• Hadrian’s Gate

• Clock Tower

• Fluted Minaret

• Ancient Harbour

Overnight: Antalya

Day 8 – Sagalassos • Burdur • Ankara

Distance: 580 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Sagalassos, dramatically set at 1,750 m altitude.

Explore:

• Antonine Fountain

• Theatre (9,000 seats)

• Agora, Roman Baths & Library

Visit Burdur Museum, housing sculptures from Sagalassos.
Lunch in Burdur with local walnut paste dessert.

Continue scenic drive back to Ankara.

Overnight: Ankara

Day 9 – Departure from Ankara

Meals: Breakfast

Free time depending on flight schedule.
Private transfer to Ankara Airport for departure.

✅ Included

✔ Accommodation (selected hotels)
✔ Professional licensed private guide
✔ All meals as stated
✔ Private transportation
✔ Entrance fees
✔ Hygiene protocol

❌ Excluded

✘ International flights
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Personal expenses & extras