From : Ask a Price
8 days / 7 nights
From Apr. to Oct.
15 Person
5 Min
Explore the heart of Central Anatolia on a journey through time and culture—from the ancient citadel of Ankara and the spiritual heart of Konya to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. This 8-day adventure blends history, mysticism, and nature with visits to rock-carved churches, underground cities, and timeless villages, offering an unforgettable encounter with Turkey’s rich heritage.
The historic Ankara Citadel and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Mausoleum of Atatürk – Anıtkabir
Spiritual Konya & the Mevlana Museum
Seljuk-era Sultan Hani Caravanserai
Rock churches of Ihlara Valley & Selime Monastery
Derinkuyu Underground City
Cappadocia’s surreal valleys, cave towns, and UNESCO-listed Goreme
Ancient mosques and bazaars of Kayseri
Upon your arrival at Ankara Esenboğa Airport, a representative from Nature and Sea Travel will be there to welcome you. After a brief introduction, enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel located in the historic district of Ulus. As the capital of modern Turkey, Ankara is a city that beautifully combines ancient heritage with a dynamic contemporary character. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your journey or begin exploring the nearby streets filled with remnants of Ottoman and Roman influence. This is the perfect place to set the tone for your journey across the heart of Anatolia.
Transfer time: 30–40 minutes
Distance: 30 km
Overnight: Hotel in Ankara
Meals: Dinner
Start your exploration of Ankara with a visit to the imposing Ankara Citadel, a well-preserved medieval fortress perched atop a hill and surrounded by charming, winding streets lined with traditional houses and artisan shops. From here, continue to one of Turkey’s most important museums—the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Housed in a restored Ottoman-era building, the museum showcases an impressive chronological collection from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period. In the afternoon, visit Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. The complex is not only a tomb but also a museum that reflects the country’s transition to a republic.
Overnight: Hotel in Ankara
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, depart Ankara and head south through the heartland of Anatolia to reach Konya, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Known as the spiritual home of the Whirling Dervishes, Konya served as the capital of the Seljuk Empire in the 12th and 13th centuries. Upon arrival, visit the Mevlana Museum, a place of pilgrimage dedicated to the great mystic poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi. Marvel at the turquoise-tiled mausoleum and its tranquil courtyards. Later, enjoy a gentle walk up Aladdin Hill to visit the Aladdin Mosque, where Seljuk sultans lie buried. The spiritual ambiance and layered history of Konya offer a deeply enriching experience.
Transfer time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 260 km
Overnight: Hotel in Konya
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Leave Konya in the morning and journey along the ancient Silk Road toward Cappadocia. En route, stop at the monumental Sultan Hani Caravanserai—built in the 13th century during the reign of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I—which served as a fortified inn for traders and their caravans. Continue the drive toward the volcanic landscapes of Guzelyurt, a hidden gem where dramatic rock formations cradle a village rich in Christian and Islamic heritage. Visit a former Byzantine church, now converted into a mosque, symbolizing centuries of cultural coexistence. By late afternoon, arrive in the peaceful village of Selime, located at the mouth of the Ihlara Valley and surrounded by towering rock cones.
Transfer time: 3 hours
Distance: 210 km
Overnight: Hotel or pension in Selime/Ihlara
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today is dedicated to exploring the natural and spiritual wonders of the Ihlara Valley. Begin with a scenic walk through the lush gorge carved by the Melendiz River. Along the 6 km route, discover hidden rock-hewn churches with frescoes, once inhabited by early Christian monks seeking solitude. Pause for a traditional lunch in Belisirma village before continuing toward Selime Monastery—an awe-inspiring rock-cut religious complex dramatically built into the cliff face. In the afternoon, delve underground to explore Derinkuyu, the largest and deepest of Cappadocia’s underground cities. This subterranean refuge once sheltered up to 20,000 people and is an engineering marvel. End your day arriving in the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia.
Walking time: 2 hours
Walking distance: 6 km
Transfer time: 1 hour
Distance: 95 km
Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
(Optional: Hot air balloon ride at sunrise)
After breakfast, visit Uchisar Citadel, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the region’s lunar-like terrain. Then explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Byzantine-era cave churches adorned with vivid frescoes. In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely hike through the Red Valley, famed for its soft-colored rock formations and glowing red hues during sunset. Along the way, you’ll discover abandoned cave chapels and hidden sanctuaries. (Optional: After the walk, unwind in a traditional Turkish Hamam for a soothing end to your day.)
Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today, immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s surreal topography with a visit to Pasabaglari (Monks Valley), home to iconic fairy chimneys with twin and triple rock caps. Then explore the ancient cave dwellings and churches of Zelve Monastery, once a bustling Christian settlement. In the afternoon, drive to Kayseri, a historic city known for its rich Seljuk and Ottoman heritage. Upon arrival, stroll through its old city center, discovering elegant stone mosques, madrasas, and the lively covered bazaar that still reflects the commercial vitality of Central Anatolia.
Transfer time: 1 hour
Distance: 80 km
Overnight: Hotel in Kayseri
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Kayseri Airport. As your unforgettable journey through the cultural heart of Anatolia comes to an end, take with you the memories of ancient cities, mystical landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Transfer time: 1 hour
Distance: 80 km
Meals: Breakfast
