5 Days Hattusha & Hittite Civilization Tour | UNESCO Heritage Turkey
Travel to the heart of ancient Anatolia and discover the remarkable legacy of the Hittites, one of the great civilizations of the Bronze Age. Based in the peaceful countryside around Bogazkale, this five-day journey combines fascinating archaeological discoveries with relaxed evenings, local cuisine, and time to enjoy the rural atmosphere. The tour explores the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hattusha, the sacred rock sanctuary of Yazilikaya, and the royal tombs and settlement of Alacahoyuk. Along the way, learn how the Hittite Empire became one of the dominant powers of the ancient Near East, rivaling Ancient Egypt and leaving behind impressive fortifications, temples, and cuneiform archives. History of the Hittite Civilization The Hittites established their capital at Hattusha around the 17th century BC and created one of the largest empires of the Late Bronze Age. From central Anatolia, they expanded across much of modern-day Turkey and northern Syria. They are known for one of the earliest constitutional monarchies, advanced city planning with massive defensive walls, thousands of clay tablets written in cuneiform, the famous peace treaty signed with Egypt after the Battle of Kadesh, rich religious traditions combining local Anatolian and Mesopotamian beliefs. Today, Hattusha is one of Turkey's most important archaeological sites and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
Day 1
Early pick up from your hotel in Istanbul and private transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Ankara or Merzifon depending on flight schedules. Upon arrival meet our representatives and continue with a scenic drive through central Anatolia and check in to a boutique hotel. Welcome dinner featuring regional specialities and free evening for leasure. Overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Bogazkale.
Day 2
After breakfast, pick up from your hotel for a full-day exploration of the ancient Hittite capital. Highlights: Great Temple, Lion Gate, King's Gate, Sphinx Gate, Royal Citadel (Buyukkale), ancient city walls, underground tunnel and panoramic viewpoints. Our guide will explain all about the Hittite politics, religion, military strategy and everyday life. At the end of the tour, return to the boutique hotel for free evening and overnight stay.
Day 3
After breakfast, pick up from the hotel to visit to Yazilikaya. This extraordinary open-air sanctuary, features dozens of carved deities, kings and ceremonial scenes preserved in natural rock chambers. We will continue to Alacahoyuk. Highlights: Sphinx Gate, Royal Tombs, Ancient settlement and archaeological museum. After the tour, we will return to Bogazkale for free afternoon and evening. Optional: Village walk, local handicrafts, traditional Turkish coffee
Day 4
Enjoy a relaxed day and enjoy central Anatolia at your own pace. Suggestions: Walk through Bogazkale village, visit local cafe, photography around the countryside, bird watching, visit local artisan workshops.
Optional: Excursion to nearby historical sites.
Day 5
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, drop off back to your hotel.
- This tour includes walking on uneven archaeological ground.
- Some sections have steps, gravel tracks, and rocky surfaces.
- Summer heat in central Anatolia can rise above 35°C.
- Spring and autumn provide the most pleasant weather.
- Hotels in Bogazkale are usually small, locally owned places.
- Domestic flight schedules can change by season.
- A moderate level of physical fitness is advisable.
What's Included
- Domestic return flights from Istanbul
- Airport transfers
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- 2 dinners
- Professional English-speaking licensed guide
- Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees to all listed archaeological sites
- All scheduled sightseeing
- Local taxes
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Drinks during meals
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Light waterproof jacket
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera
- Power bank
- Small backpack
- Personal medications
- Traditional village lunch and cooking experience with distinctive local flavors.
- Pottery workshop inspired by ancient Hittite art and village craftsmanship.
- Sunset photography tour at Hattusha with unique scenic corners.
- Incesu Canyon nature walk through hidden natural corners.
- Turkish bath experience with a relaxing regional touch.
- Local wine tasting and regional dinner in a warm setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour explores the heartland of the Hittite Empire one of the greatest civilizations of the Ancient Near East.
Highlights include Hattusha UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yazilikaya, the ancient city of Ancyra modern Ankara and outstanding museums featuring Hittite artifacts.
The tour begins in Istanbul with a domestic flight to Ankara and concludes with a return flight to Istanbul on the fifth day.
There is another airport for additional option depending of time schedule.
Yes. Hattusha was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. It was the capital of the Hittite Empire during the Late Bronze Age and is one of Turkey' s most important archaeological sites.
Yazilikaya is an open-air rock sanctuary located just outside Hattusha. It is famous for its impressive reliefs depicting Hittite gods, goddesses, and royal ceremonies, making it one of the finest examples of Hittite religious art.
Alacahoyuk is famed for its Sphinx Gate, royal tombs of the Early Bronze Age, and key Hittite traces. It shows the growth of Anatolian civilizations before and during the Hittite era.
Sapinuwa was one of the major administrative and religious centers of the Hittite Empire. Archaeologists have discovered thousands of cuneiform tablets here, offering valuable information about Hittite government, religion, and daily life.
Absolutely. This itinerary is designed for travelers interested in archaeology ancient civilizations biblical history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your guide will share the history architecture and discoveries at each site in a clear and engaging way.
The tour is easy to moderate. Most archaeological sites include walking on uneven paths, stone roads, and mild slopes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
No. Unlike many renowned places in Turkey, the Hittite sites draw fewer visitors, giving you a calm setting to enjoy the monuments and capture memorable photos with ease.
The best months are April to June and September to October, when temperatures are pleasant for exploring archaeological sites. Spring also offers beautiful wildflowers, while autumn provides comfortable weather and clear skies.
Yes The itinerary can be customized according to your interests Additional nights in Ankara or Istanbul, private guiding luxury accommodation or visits to additional archaeological sites can be arranged.
The Hittites established one of the most powerful empires of the Bronze Age between the 17th and 12th centuries BC. They are known for advanced diplomacy, monumental architecture, sophisticated legal systems, and the famous peace treaty signed with Ancient Egypt after the Battle of Kadesh—the worlds oldest surviving international peace treaty.
Not at all. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about ancient civilizations, your expert guide will provide clear explanations and fascinating stories that bring the Hittite world to life.
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