Ancient Towns & Forgotten Kingdoms of Central Anatolia

Day by day

Your itinerary

1. Day1

   Ankara and the Anatolian civilisations

   Your private driver meets you in Ankara. Begin at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, one of the finest archaeological museums anywhere, with treasures from Çatalhöyük to the Hittites and Phrygians, subject to opening hours. Then see a little more of the capital.

   Overnight in Ankara

2. Day2

   Hattusa: capital of the Hittites

   Drive to Hattusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of the Hittite Empire. Walk its walls and pass through the Lion Gate and the King's Gate, then visit the rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya, where gods march in procession across the stone.

   Overnight in Çorum area

3. Day3

   Alacahöyük and rural Anatolia

   Visit Alacahöyük, older still than the Hittites, with its sphinx gate and royal tombs. Continue through the countryside, stopping in local towns to see village life and the traditions of the region.

   Overnight in Çorum area

4. Day4

   Safranbolu: Ottoman heritage

   Travel north to Safranbolu, a UNESCO-listed town of whitewashed timber mansions, cobbled streets and old caravanserais. Spend the afternoon wandering the bazaar, the workshops of coppersmiths and the house museums, and try the famous saffron-scented Turkish delight.

   Overnight in Safranbolu

5. Day5

   Local discoveries and departure

   A last walk through Safranbolu and a relaxed breakfast, then a private transfer to Ankara or another agreed departure point.