Explore Göbekli Tepe, Mount Nemrut, Cappadocia & Hattuşa on a Private Guided Journey Through Turkey’s Ancient Megalithic Wonders
The Megalithic Heritage Tour of Turkey
The Megalithic Heritage Tour of Turkey is a 13 night private journey exploring Göbekli Tepe (Gobekli Tepe), Mount Nemrut, Hattuşa, Cappadocia, Lake Van, and other iconic historical sites across Anatolia. With expert guides and fully customizable itineraries, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Turkey’s remarkable megalithic heritage. Embark on the Megalithic Heritage Tour of Turkey 13 nights of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Overview of the Megalithic Heritage Tour of Turkey
Embark on the Megalithic Heritage Tour of Turkey, a 13-night private journey through the country’s most iconic historical and archaeological sites. From the world’s oldest temple complex at Göbekli Tepe (Gobekli Tepe) to the colossal statues of Mount Nemrut, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Turkey’s rich megalithic heritage. Discover ancient Hittite cities, Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, and the Urartian fortresses of Lake Van, all guided by expert local historians and archaeologists. Perfect for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and travelers seeking an immersive experience, the Megalithic Heritage Tour of Turkey combines comfort, adventure, and discovery across Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.
Highlights of the Tour
✅ Explore Çatalhöyük, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s oldest urban settlement (7500 B.C.)
✅ Discover Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, rock-cut monasteries, and underground cities
✅ Visit Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, home to treasures from 12,000 years of history
✅ Walk through the ancient Hittite capital Hattuşa and the sacred sanctuary of Yazılıkaya
✅ Experience Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, the world’s first temple complexes (10,000 B.C.)
✅ Witness sunrise or sunset among the colossal stone heads of Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage site
✅ Stroll Diyarbakır’s historic city walls along the Tigris River, among the longest fortifications in the world
✅ Cruise the shores of Lake Van and explore the Urartian fortress of Çavuştepe
Tour Dates & Group Information
This tour is offered on a limited, carefully scheduled basis with small group sizes to ensure an in-depth and meaningful experience at each archaeological site.
Group Size:
Minimum 4 participants
Maximum 12 participants
2026 Scheduled Departure Dates:
• April 11, 2026
• October 12, 2026
Price: $4,800 per person
Because this journey involves long-distance travel and carefully coordinated site visits across Eastern Turkey and Southeastern Anatolia, places are limited and advance planning is strongly advised.
This tour is also available as a private, custom-designed journey outside the scheduled dates, subject to availability.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Konya: Megalithic Heritage Tour of Turkey Begins
Arrive in Konya, settle in, and join an orientation meeting to prepare for your Anatolian adventure.
Welcome to Konya, a city rich with history and spiritual significance. After your arrival, you will have time to settle into your hotel before joining an orientation meeting. This first evening allows you to relax, adjust, and prepare for the incredible journey ahead.
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Overnight Ankara.
Day 2 - Visit Çatalhöyük and Konya
Explore Konya’s Sufi heritage and visit Çatalhöyük, the world’s oldest known urban settlement.
Today we uncover the treasures of Konya, once the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum and home of the Whirling Dervishes. Our journey takes us to Çatalhöyük, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 7500 B.C. Recognized as one of the oldest urban settlements ever discovered, this remarkable site offers a window into the very beginnings of civilization. In the evening, return to Konya and immerse yourself in the city’s timeless atmosphere.
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Overnight Konya.
Day 3 - ANKARA
Travel to Ankara, visiting the Sultanhan Caravanserai along the Silk Road.
Our journey continues to Ankara, Turkey’s vibrant capital. Along the way, we stop at Sultanhan Caravanserai, one of the largest and best-preserved caravanserais of the Silk Road, once a vital hub for merchants and travelers. Overnight in Ankara.
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Overnight Ankara.
Day 4 - Museum of Anatolian Civilizations & Anıtkabir
Discover Anatolia’s rich past at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and pay tribute at Anıtkabir.
In Ankara, we begin with the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, one of the world’s premier museums showcasing artifacts from the Neolithic to Ottoman times. Housed in a restored Ottoman-era building, it offers breathtaking insights into Anatolia’s past. Later, visit Anıtkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, blending diverse Anatolian architectural styles.
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Overnight Ankara.
Day 5 - Boğazkale. Alacahöyük and Yazilikaya
Visit the Hittite fortress town of Alacahöyük and the sacred rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya.
Leaving Ankara, we head to Boğazkale to explore Alacahöyük, a major Hittite site with impressive ruins, and Yazılıkaya, an open-air sanctuary carved with sacred rock reliefs. These sites illuminate the power and beliefs of the Hittite Empire. Overnight in Boğazkale.
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Overnight Boğazkale.
Day 6 - Hattuşa & Cappadocia
Explore the ancient Hittite capital Hattuşa before traveling to magical Cappadocia.
Spend the morning at Hattuşa, the former Hittite capital, renowned for its massive fortifications, temples, and intricate city plan. Learn about Bronze Age astronomy and architecture before heading towards the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.
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Overnight Cappadocia.
Day 7 - Underground Cities & Rock Monasteries
This day is dedicated to Cappadocia’s underground cities, such as Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, once used as refuges during invasions. In the afternoon, visit the rock-carved churches and monasteries of the Ihlara Valley and Selime. For an unforgettable experience, an optional hot-air balloon ride offers breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys. (Please book early for optional hot air balloon ride to avoid disappointment.Early Start!)
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Overnight Cappadocia.
Day 8 - Cappadocia to Gaziantep
Journey from Cappadocia to Gaziantep and visit the famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
We bid farewell to Cappadocia’s surreal landscape and head to Gaziantep, a vibrant Silk Road city. Here, we visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to exquisite Roman mosaics, including the iconic ‘Gypsy Girl’. Overnight in Gaziantep.
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Overnight Gaziantep.
Day 9 - Şanlıurfa & Göbekli Tepe
Visit Şanlıurfa, then explore Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, the world’s oldest ritual sites.
From Gaziantep, we travel to Şanlıurfa, the ‘City of Prophets’. Continue to Göbekli Tepe, a groundbreaking archaeological site dating back to 10,000 B.C., considered the world’s first temple complex. We also visit Karahan Tepe, a sister site currently under excavation. Return to Şanlıurfa for an evening by the Pools of Abraham.
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Overnight Şanlıurfa.
Day 10 - Nemrut: Mountain of the Gods
Climb Mount Nemrut to witness colossal stone heads and Kommagene royal tombs.
After exploring Şanlıurfa’s archaeological treasures, we head towards Nemrut Dağı, ‘Mountain of the Gods’. Famous for its colossal statues and royal tombs from the Kommagene Kingdom, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers an unforgettable experience at sunrise or sunset. Overnight in Adıyaman.
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Overnight Adiyaman.
Day 11 - Across the Euphrates & Tigris
Cross the legendary rivers and visit Diyarbakır before continuing to Lake Van.
Today we journey across the Euphrates River into Mesopotamia, stopping in Diyarbakır to explore its basalt city walls and the historic Hasan Pasha Caravanserai. We continue onward to Tatvan, on the western shore of Lake Van. Overnight in Van.
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Overnight Van.
Day 12 - Urartu Fortress of Çavuştepe
Explore the Urartian fortress of Çavuştepe overlooking Lake Van.
Skirting the southern shores of Lake Van, we reach Çavuştepe, an imposing Urartian fortress. Its ancient walls and citadel reveal the military might and engineering skill of this Iron Age kingdom. Overnight in Van.
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Overnight Van.
Day 13 - Van Citadel & Archaeology Museum
Visit the Van Citadel and museum, exploring 2,800 years of history overlooking Lake Van.
After a traditional Van breakfast, we visit Van Citadel, a fortress in continuous use since the 8th century B.C., with sweeping views of Lake Van. Nearby, the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum offers an impressive collection from the Neolithic to Ottoman eras, with a special focus on Urartian artifacts. Free time in Van to relax before departure.
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Free time in Van.
Overnight Van.
Day 14 - Departure
Depart from Van Airport.
What’s Included
✅ 4–5 star hotel accommodations, as available
✅ Half board (all breakfasts and specified dinners)
✅ All road transport, including tolls and taxes
✅ English-speaking private guide throughout the tour
✅ All state and local taxes
✅ Entry fees to all museums and historical sites
✅ Airport transfers
Terms & Conditions
• A 15% surcharge applies for single room occupancy
• Travel insurance is essential for all parts of Turkey. It is the traveler’s responsibility to purchase correct coverage, though we are happy to advise
What’s NOT Included
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Beverages
❌ Travel insurance (unless otherwise stated)
❌ Meals not specified in the itinerary
❌ Optional activities, such as hot air balloon rides
Join our Megalithic Heritage Tour of Turkey and explore iconic sites like Göbekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut with private guides.
Explore More Cultural Journeys in Turkey
If you are interested in exploring Turkey’s deeper archaeological, spiritual, and historical landscapes, you may also wish to explore the following journeys and resources:
• Mystery of History Tours
• Eastern Turkey Tours
• Biblical Turkey Tours
• Full Turkey Tour Packages
To see real traveler experiences, site visits, and destination highlights across Turkey, you can also watch our travel videos on our YouTube channel.
