10-Day Off the Beaten Path Turkey Tour | Hidden Gems from Ankara to Mardin

Duration10 days · 9 nights
Route5 destinations
StylePrivate tour from Ankara
PricePrice on request

The route

5 destinations, one smooth route

1 Ankara 1 night
2 Çorum 1 night
3 Safranbolu 2 nights
4 Cappadocia 3 nights
5 Mardin 2 nights

Sites you visit

Hattusa
Alacahöyük
Dara
Midyat

1Ankara2Çorum3Safranbolu4Cappadocia5Mardin · DaraHattusa · AlacahöyükMidyat

Every stop can be lengthened or shortened, and other places added.

Mardin's old town and minaret glowing at dusk above the plain

The ancient walls of Hattusa in the hills

Ottoman timber-framed houses of Safranbolu

Day by day

Your itinerary

Day1
Arrival in Ankara
Your private driver meets you in Ankara. Time allowing, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations for a superb introduction to the cultures you will meet on the road.
Overnight in Ankara
Day2
Hattusa and the Hittite world
Drive to Hattusa, capital of the Hittite Empire, and walk its walls, the Lion Gate and the rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya.
Overnight in Çorum area
Day3
Alacahöyük and on to Safranbolu
See the sphinx gate of Alacahöyük, then drive north to Safranbolu and its timber-framed Ottoman mansions.
Overnight in Safranbolu
Day4
Safranbolu and local life
A full day for Safranbolu's cobbled streets, house museums, copper workshops and old bazaar, with time to try its saffron Turkish delight.
Overnight in Safranbolu
Day5
Across Anatolia to Cappadocia
A long, scenic drive south across the steppe of central Anatolia, arriving at your boutique cave hotel in time for a relaxed evening.
Overnight in Cappadocia
Day6
Cappadocia's quieter valleys
Explore lesser-visited valleys and villages, with scenic walks among the rock formations and encounters with local families.
Overnight in Cappadocia
Day7
Underground cities and village traditions
Descend into an underground city and visit cultural sites chosen around your interests, with time for regional food and traditional crafts.
Overnight in Cappadocia
Day8
To southeastern Turkey
Travel on to Mardin, by domestic flight or a separately planned overland journey, depending on connections and the pace you prefer.
Overnight in Mardin
Day9
Mardin, Dara and Mesopotamia
Explore Mardin's stone old town and its bazaars, then visit the ancient frontier city of Dara, with wide views over the plains of Mesopotamia.
Overnight in Mardin
Day10
Midyat and departure
Depending on your flight time, visit the stone mansions and silver workshops of Midyat or enjoy a last morning in Mardin, then a private transfer to the airport.

Price

On request

Send us your dates and the number of travellers, and we will reply with a personal price within 24 hours.

The journey from Cappadocia to Mardin needs a domestic flight or a long drive; we confirm flights, distances and hotels before finalising the programme.
Ideal for travellers who have been to Turkey before and those wanting a diverse, in-depth private journey.
A private English-speaking guide can be added for any or all days.

Reserve your dates

Included

9 nights in boutique and locally selected hotels, in a double room with breakfast
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver throughout
Fuel and all vehicle expenses
Private pick-up in Ankara and drop-off at Mardin Airport

Not included

Entrance fees to sites, museums and monasteries
Lunches and dinners
Drinks and personal expenses
International and domestic flights
Any services not listed as included

Pre-booking

Reserve your dates

The Great Hidden Gems Journey of Turkey. Send us your dates and we will reply with a personal price.

1
Send your pre-booking
Choose your dates and tell us who is travelling. There is nothing to pay at this stage.
2
We check everything
We confirm hotels, availability and the final price for your exact dates, usually within 24 hours.
3
Confirm and travel
Happy with it all? We secure your booking and look after every detail until you are home again.