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Day 1 : Istanbul
Fly into Istanbul airport where a Travel The Unknown representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Istanbul.
Overnight in Hotel Levni, Istanbul
Meal plan: n/a
Culture | Archaeology | Silk Road
Tread on antique footsteps through Central and Eastern Anatolia
Turkey's Eastern backwaters are a veritable treasure trove of beautifully-preserved antiquity and creation-myths that backdate the story of Humanity in ways almost unimaginable. Perhaps nowhere else on Earth can the story of Man be so accurately re-enacted as in Anatolia's hinterlands, on frontiers that follow the curve of the ancient Fertile Crescent.
On this journey through heartlands of Anatolia, everywhere is a land that makes truth of myths. This is the land of Gordian knots that had Alexander himself in a fix. This is the land of troglodyte caves after the hermits have gone, of fiery pools where Abraham was cast; of ten millennia-old temples, like Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, to deities long-deceased. If you want the sublime without the ridiculous, this might be the tour.
Here on the central plateau, Man crafted history from an imagination only Gods could possess. Vainglorious ancient kings built monuments to themselves on lonely mountains like Nemrut. Near-eastern empires, like the Hittites, disappeared from the historical record, but they left their capital, Hattusa, to leave us wondering why.
Perhaps nowhere else but throughout Central and Eastern Turkey can the journey of humanity be followed by a journey off the tourist highway and into the unknown.
For some tour extension ideas from Konya, check our to our Konya Extensions page.
Istanbul - Istanbul - Haghia Sophia - Chora Church - Mount Nemrut - Urfa - Göbekli Tepe - Harran - Karahan Tepe - Gaziantep - Ankara - Hattusa - Cappadocia - Konya - Çatalhöyük
Fly into Istanbul airport where a Travel The Unknown representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Istanbul.
Overnight in Hotel Levni, Istanbul
Meal plan: n/a
We start our first full day alongside the Golden Horn estuary, visiting the Imperial Roman residence of Blahernae Palace, Kariye Mosque with its beautiful Late Byzantine frescoes and mosaics, and of course a visit to the amazing Basilica Cistern. We then keep in the tours theme by devoting the afternoon to Istabul's world-class Archaeology Museum where you can take the museum at your own pace, and make the 10 minute wander back to the hotel in your own time.
Overnight in Hotel Levni, Istanbul
Meal plan: Breakfast
Morning flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Proceed to the Roman-era Cendere Bridge and Karakus Tumulus. Then climb Mount Nemrut, exploring the East and West terraces and enjoy stupendous views from the mountain's peak overlooking the Euphrates valley. Enjoy the evening at leisure in your mountain hotel.
Overnight in Hotel Euphrat, Mount Nemrut
Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner
After breakfast, drive towards Urfa, stopping off at one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world - Göbekli Tepe - the world's first temple. After lunch proceed to the Archaeological Museum in Urfa. The impressive museum houses a replica of one of the stone circles in Gobekli Tepe, as well as other important archaeological exhibits from the region. Overnight in Urfa.
Overnight in Hilton Garden Inn, Urfa
Meal plan: Breakfast
In the morning set off for the ancient site of Karahan Tepe, built in a similar period to Gobekli Tepe. Return to Urfa for lunch and then leave for the old city of Harran, known for its 'beehive' houses and the site of the world's first Islamic university. Optional evening visit to a traditional music show with dinner. Overnight in Urfa.
Overnight in Hilton Garden Inn, Urfa
Meal plan: Breakfast
Drive to Gaziantep, stopping by the banks of the mighty Euphrates to see the Roman fortresses of Halfeti and Rumkale. Time-permitting, Zeugma, too. Continue to Gaziantep for overnight.
Overnight in Divan Hotel, Gaziantep
Meal plan: Breakfast
Visit the Zeugma mosaic museum and explore the city of Gaziantep, enjoying the famous local cuisine. Then take a direct flight from Gaziantep to Ankara, where you will stay overnight.
Overnight in Radisson Blu Ankara, Ankara
Meal plan: Breakfast
Today you will visit the impressive Ankara Anatolian Civilisation Museum and the famous archaeological and mythical site of Gordion, where Alexander was reputed to have simply taken his sword to the knot that had proven so problematic for Gordion's inhabitants to untangle. Time-permitting we will stop at Ankara Fort. Overnight in Ankara.
Overnight in Radisson Blu Ankara, Ankara
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, we drive to the World Heritage Site of Hattusa to walk through the legendary Lion's Gate and into the erstwhile capital of the Hittite Kingdom. This site of outstanding historical and cultural value dates from the mid-second millennia B.C, and sits in typical landscape of the Northern Central Anatolian Mountain Region as a permanent reminder of the glories of the ancient Near East. If anything can be said to represent a cradle of empire, it is Hattusa. Enjoy a full afternoon lost in the distant past, including a side-trip to Yaslikaya, the Hittite sanctuary containing remarkably well-preserved stelae ((inscribed, pictorial rock slabs) of Hittite scenes.
Overnight in Başkent Demiralan Hotel, Hattusa
Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner
After leaving our base near Hattusa, we go on an exciting voyage to one of Turkey's most enduring gifts to the world: wonderful Cappadocia. A cornucopia of sights and activities await you here. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the surreal landscape to ease your way into the region. Cappadocia will be our base for the next couple of days.
Overnight in The MDC Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Meal plan: Breakfast
We have a full-day ahead exploring the beautiful area of Cappadocia, and all that that entails. Scheduled and optional highlights include: hot-air balloon ride (for an additional cost); a visit to Ozkonak Underground City; the pottery centre of Avanos; Uchisar castle, and the fairy chimneys of Avcilar Valley.
Overnight in The MDC Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Meal plan: Breakfast
Our second full day here entails a trip to the Goreme open-air museum and the Devrent Valley. Under Cappadocia's blue skies, we'll go for a 4km walk in the Red Valley to visit some rock-hewn churches and fairy chimneys. Visit the Greek village of Cavusin and a short visit of the Valley of the Pigeons. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Overnight in The MDC Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, a drive to Konya (305 km), stopping to visit the 13th century Seljuk caravanserai of Sultanhan en route. Later we come to arguably the tour's pièce de résistance: the world's oldest-unearthed settlement of Çatalhöyük, where excavations are ongoing. Overnight in Konya.
Overnight in Hilton Garden Inn, Konya
Meal plan: Breakfast
Time-permitting, after breakfast you can visit to the holy Sufi shrine of its founder, Rumi. Later take a flight back to Istanbul and connect to your departure flight.
Extensions elsewhere in Turkey or beyond can also be arranged. Please get in touch for suggestions.
Meal plan: Breakfast
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
This Boutique Hotel with a Spa right in the heart of Sultan Ahmed has a total of 75 beautifully furnished rooms and suites. Standard room facilities include: air conditioning, a minibar and a hairdryer. There are also a TV, telephone and a kettle among the facilities in each room. All kinds of delicacies are available at the hotel's restaurant, including specialities for vegetarians and diabetics, too. The hotel has its own bistro (providing light snacks) and a a cosy wine/beer pub. Enjoy your leisure time in the indoor swimming pool or fitness room.
A basic hotel located close to Mount Nemrut. All rooms are en-suite and come fitted with an LCD TV, minibar, air conditioning and free wireless Internet. The on-site restaurant serves a range of local delicacies.
Located in an area known as the ''Fertile Crescent'' where a great deal of traditional architecture has been preserved, the Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of the city center and Urfa's main historical sites. Comfortable en suite rooms feature AC, satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar.
The Divan Hotel is located along the Silk Road and continues this historical tradition by offering guests an authentic, elegant experience. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the ancient city. The hotel provides spacious, comfortable rooms, and a spa fitted with a sauna, Jacuzzi, and swimming pool. Unwind in the Lobby Bar at the end of the day and dine from a range of traditional and local dishes in the Divan Pub.
MDC HOTEL is located in Ürgüp, Cappadocia, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. The name Cappadocia comes from Katpatuka, an ancient Persian word meaning “land of horses.” The region is now largely agricultural and the spectacular landscape is dotted with distinct rock structures. The MDC HOTEL grounds cover 15,000 m2, ideally located between an old river valley and ancient Ürgüp. Room Facilities: Jacuzzi/Whirlpool, telephone, radio, LCD TV, tea/coffee maker, minibar and a safety deposit box.
Hilton Garden Inn in Konya is located close to Mevlana Tomb and Museum, Alaeddin Mosque, and Ince Minaret Medrese. All rooms offer complimentary WiFi, an adjustable Garden Sleep System bed™, minibar and a spacious work desk with ergonomic chair. Dining options include a restaurant, a coffee shop/café, and a bar/lounge. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, room service (during limited hours) and complimentary wireless internet.
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Neil , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern TurkeyTravel the Unknown is an excellent company to chose for a real travel experience. It was a fabulous holiday where we felt we saw a different side to Turkey and saw sights and had experiences that were once in a lifetime events. I would certainly recommend them to anyone wanting to have new experiences and see the true side of a country.
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Andrea Selfridge , Tailormade TurkeyI would not hesitate in using Travel the Unknown for any future journeys to off the beaten track destinations.
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Peggy Roberts , Tailormade TurkeyArda, our local guide was absolutely the best. Always a smile, always running (literally) to fulfill every request, treating every member as his personal responsibility, and going way way above and beyond to assist and accommodate. He is a so remarkably knowledgeable, and seemingly found no question beyond his ability to answer & explain. And his English is impeccable. KEEP HIM!!! Very special individual. Andrew is an incredible guide, with such a wealth of information and passion for his subjects. He never tired and made the trip fascinating and exciting due to the perspectives and explanations he shared continuously based upon years of research. Felt very fortunate to be in his presence for 2 weeks in such places that we were able to visit. Same for Hugh. And Hugh`s constant humour was delightful. These two balance each other well, and make a great team
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Tessa Skola , Tailormade Eastern TurkeyAs a worldwide traveller, explorer & author travelling through COVID times, my trip with Travel The Unknown was a perfect choice for my adventure in Turkey. As a solo booking , I didn’t need the usual tourist bling. I knew what I wanted to see and the company chose the best guide I could have wished for. No fuss. Dealing with my preferences. This company know exactly what they are doing with complete knowledge of their guests, countries and Travel passage. I highly recommend Travel the Unknown.
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Jane Kimberley , The Magic of Cappadocia, TurkeyI had a lovely time in Turkey. Both of the tours that were part of the package were fabulous, both tour guides were very knowledgeable and made the trips very interesting providing plenty of information, and the places where we went for lunches as part of the trip were superb. David McGuinness is a credit to Travel the Unknown, he goes that `extra mile` to keep customer happy. I`d like to say a huge `thank you` for all the help you gave me organising and planning my trip. I certainly will recommend anyone to use you for planning their `unknown` destination holiday. The emails, telephone calls were all spot on, well done :-) :-)
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Cynthia Bishop , Eastern Turkey Explorer, TurkeyI went on this trip rather than all the other interesting possibilities in the world because I wanted to go to Gobekli Tepe. Being there was all I could have hoped for. It was a stunning experience and I was moved to tears. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Regarding the food, the olives were the best I`ve ever tasted. And the yoghurt is fabulous. Also the cheese and pistachios and apricots. Oh yes, and the watermelon : ) Thanks to David too for being so patient with my endless questions
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John Colligan , Eastern Turkey Snapshot & archaeology extensionTravel the Unknown were very responsive to my personal wishes, and flexible enough to make this a fantastic tour- we covered a lot in a limited time. Guides were pleasant and informative, and the transport was excellent.
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Johanna, Shiree, & Madelein , Tailormade TurkeyWe were fortunate to book a private trip to Turkey with Travel the Unknown. All aspects exceeded our expectations: booking the trip, the guides and personalized tours, transport, accommodation and the food! Our tour operator on the ground was the best! She went out of her way to ensure a wonderful and special experience of Turkey and the private gulet cruise.
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Stephen Kamin , Eastern Turkey ExplorerThis was my third trip with Travel the Unknown and I was just as fully satisfied as on our previous trips. Rahul and his staff are extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Our original itinerary involved areas that were affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey, so the itinerary had to be modified. Rahul accomplished this in a seamless fashion and created a trip that was as interesting, and more varied, than the original one. Kudos for that.
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Caroline & Peter , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, TurkeyCharming people organising the trip and acting as guides. An inspirational visit taking us to out of the way places we would never have had the chance to visit. The personal touch Travel the Unknown brings sets them apart.
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Joy Lawley , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, TurkeyThis trip was an amazing and very exhilarating experience. We had high hopes of Gobekli Tepe, which were totally fulfilled- it is utterly amazing, but we had not anticipated some of the other gems to be so exceptional as well. We were a small group, which made the trip very personal. Altogether it was a marvellous week, helped by having a caring guide and an excellent driver.
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Marion McCallum , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, TurkeyA great way to travel to some of the more remote and interesting places in the world. It was a very interesting area and we saw a lot that we would never have managed on our own. I would recommend the holiday to others.
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