My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
5 Days Ancient Civilizations of Turkey: Gordion, Hattusas & Cappadocia Private Tour
Highlights of the 5‑Day Ancient Civilizations Tour
Begin your journey with an evening flight from Istanbul to Turkey’s capital, Ankara, where you settle into a boutique hotel and prepare for the days ahead. The first full day takes you to the legendary city of Gordion, the ancient Phrygian capital. Walk the stone‑cobbled streets that once housed King Midas’s royal palace, stand beneath the massive city walls, and visit the famous Tumulus of King Midas. The on‑site Gordion Archaeological Museum displays a rich collection of Bronze Age, Phrygian, Hellenistic and Roman artifacts, bringing the myths of the Gordian Knot and the golden touch to life.
Day three blends modern history with ancient grandeur. In Ankara, you will pay respects at Anıtkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, before exploring the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, whose Hittite galleries are the richest anywhere. A scenic drive then leads to Boğazkale, the site of Hattusas, the former Hittite capital. Here you will wander among the towering Lion’s Gate, the ceremonial Grand Temple, King’s Gate, and the open‑air sanctuary of Yazılıkaya, where centuries‑old rock reliefs tell stories of gods and kings.
The final two days immerse you in the surreal landscape of Cappadocia. After checking into a cave hotel, you will wander Devrent (Imagination) Valley, Love Valley and Pasabag (Monks’ Valley), marveling at the whimsical fairy chimneys that have inspired countless legends. A visit to Avanos introduces you to a pottery tradition that dates back to 3000 BC, while Uçhisar Castle offers panoramic views over the volcanic terrain. The last day includes a hike through the Red (Kızılçukur) Valley, a stroll in the historic Çavuşin Village, exploration of the expansive Mazıköy Underground City, and a stop at Pigeon Valley before an evening flight back to Istanbul, concluding a tour that stitches together millennia of civilization.
Quick facts
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days 4 Nights |
| Price | From €1,348 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 6 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
Day 1 Arrival - Gordion archaeological site (B, L) ▾
After an early evening flight from Istanbul, your guide meets you at Ankara Airport and takes you to your boutique hotel where you can relax after the journey. The night is yours to enjoy a leisurely dinner at your own pace and to rest for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 Gordion archaeological site (B, L) - Ankara, Hattusas and transfer to Cappadocia (B, L) 🍽 Breakfast · Lunch ▾
Depart Ankara at 08:00 am for the historic town of Polatlı, the gateway to Gordion, the ancient Phrygian capital. Explore the fortified city walls, the remains of the royal palace, and the iconic Tumulus of King Midas. Inside the Gordion Archaeological Museum you will see artifacts spanning the Bronze Age to the Roman period, while your guide shares the legend of the Gordian Knot. A traditional Turkish lunch is served before you return to Ankara for an overnight stay.
Day 3 Ankara, Hattusas and transfer to Cappadocia (B, L) - Cappadocia fairy chimneys tour (B, L) 🍽 Breakfast · Lunch ▾
The day begins with a visit to Anıtkabir, the solemn mausoleum of the Republic’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Afterwards, you explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, whose Hittite galleries are the richest anywhere. A scenic drive takes you to Boğazkale, where the UNESCO‑listed ruins of Hattusas await. Walk through the grand temple complex, pass through the Lion and King gateways and visit the open‑air sanctuary of Yazılıkaya with its ancient reliefs. After a lunch in Boğazköy, you continue to Cappadocia, where you check into a cave hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 4 Cappadocia fairy chimneys tour (B, L) - Rose Valley, underground city and evening flight to Istanbul (B, L) 🍽 Breakfast · Lunch ▾
Today the surreal landscape of Cappadocia unfolds before you. First stop is Devrent Valley, known as Imagination Valley for its animal‑shaped rock formations. Next, you wander Love Valley’s towering fairy chimneys, followed by Pasabag (Monks’ Valley) with its distinctive three‑headed pillars. A brief visit to Avanos introduces you to centuries‑old pottery techniques, and the tour concludes at Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in the region, offering sweeping views of the volcanic terrain. Lunch is served in a local restaurant before you return to your cave hotel.
Day 5 Rose Valley, underground city and evening flight to Istanbul (B, L) - Rose Valley, Underground City & Evening Flight 🍽 Breakfast · Lunch ▾
The final day begins with a walk through the Red Valley (Kızılçukur), where hidden rock‑cut churches reveal early Christian art. You then explore the ancient village of Çavuşin, one of Cappadocia’s oldest settlements. The journey continues to Mazıköy Underground City, a vast subterranean complex that once sheltered thousands. A stop at Pigeon Valley showcases centuries‑old pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. After lunch you are transferred to the airport in Kayseri or Nevşehir for your evening flight back to Istanbul, marking the end of the tour.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Hotel accommodation in Ankara (boutique hotel)
- 2 nights in a cave hotel in Cappadocia
- Professional English‑speaking guide throughout the tour
- Breakfast and lunch on touring days (vegetarian, halal and meat options)
- All transfers and transportation by coach/minicoach
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Hotel room taxes, tour taxes and transfer taxes
- Guided tours of Gordion, Fairy Chimneys, Rose Valley & Mazıköy Underground City
✕ Not Included
- International flights to and from Turkey
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
Your Route Across Turkey
Istanbul – Ankara (overnight) → Gordion archaeological site (B, L) → Ankara, Hattusas and transfer to Cappadocia (B, L) → Cappadocia fairy chimneys tour (B, L) → Rose Valley, underground city and evening flight to Istanbul (B, L)
Our Tour Vehicles
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
👥 54 Seats
👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
👥 55 Seats
👥 54 Seats
👥 50 Seats
👥 50 Seats
👥 50 Seats
👥 46 Seats
👥 37+2 Seats
👥 37 Seats
👥 35 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 12+1 Seats
👥 6+1 Seats
Add Daily Excursions
Extra day tours you can add along your route — Istanbul – Ankara (overnight), Gordion archaeological site (B, L), Ankara, Hattusas and transfer to Cappadocia (B, L), Cappadocia fairy chimneys tour (B, L), Rose Valley, underground city and evening flight to Istanbul (B, L).
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Book This Tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 5 Days Ancient Civilizations of Turkey: Gordion, Hattusas & Cappadocia Private Tour?▾
How many days is this tour and which cities does it cover?▾
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What Our Travellers Say
Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!












