THE HITTITES AND PHRYGIANS
A unique trip into the heart of the forgotten kingdoms
(14 Days - 13 Nights)
A specialist and distinguished scholars will contribute
to the tour

Day 1: Istanbul (D)

Met by our tour manager at the airport and transfer to hotel. Welcome drink with group and introductory after dinner.

Day 2: Yozgat (BD)

We take the morning flight to Ankara and visit the Museum of Old Anatolian Civilizations. From there we stroll through the streets of Old Citadel and then continue to Yozgat where we stay for three nights.

Day 3: Yozgat (BD)

Yazılıkaya

We visit the Hittite capita Boğazkale. We will spend the morning with the directorates of the project, Dr.Jurgen/Ayşe Seeher, as one of them takes us tı the latest execavated sites in the city. In the afternoon we drive for about 20 minutes to Alacahöyük, which is one of the first human settlements on earth. We return our hotel in Yozgat in the evening.

Day 4: Yozgat (BD)

After breakfast we explore Pteria, present Kerkenez. The project leaders, Mr&Mrs. Summers will take us around. We lunch with the excavation team in the village of Kerkenez, then drive to Alişar. Our day will finish at Şapinuwa with the visit to another excavation team from Ankara University.

Day 5: Cappadocia (BD)

Cappadocia

We will first visit Kanesh, which is one of the most important ancient settlements in Turkey. We will also visit the Kayseri Museum and we will continue to the heart of the Cappadocia for two nights. Optional balloon trip at early morning is available on request.

Day 6: Cappadocia (BD)

This morning we shall explore the Göreme valley and it's churches (Tokalı and Dark), monastaries and chapels. From there we will explore the Pigeon's valley and climb up to the natural rock citadel of Uchisar for the panaromic view. Then we continue to the charming town of Avanos, on the banks of the Kızılırmak River. We then visit the wine-house to taste the local wine in the town of Ürgüp. We return to our hotel for dinner.

Day 7: Aksaray (BD)

İvriz

We shall drive up to the Gölü Dağı and visit the ruins of the Hittite city which was destroyed by fire. Then we continue to the impressive Aceramic Neolitic mound of Aşıklı Höyük. Our journey then takes us to Turkey's finest neo,Hittite rock relief at İvriz. Dinner at hotel.

Day 8: Konya (BD)

Çatalhöyük Remains

This morning we visit one of the most important ancient sites of Anatolia; Acemhöyük. From there we will move on to Çatal Höyük, which is also a very important site in Turkey. Dinner at hotel.

Day 9: Afyon (BD)

This morning we drive to the Beyşehir Lake and pass through a pleasant stretch of country for Eflatunpınar. We continue towards the Burdur Lake for the prehistoric site of Hacılar. This part of Turkey is the heart of the Turkish Rose Oil Industry. We visit the Rosa damascene growing village adn Rose Oil Distillation.

Day 10: Afyon (BD)

Midas Monument

Undoubtedly, the most splendid monuments are at Yazılıkaya, or Midasşehir, once the Phygian city of Metropolis. The most striking sight of all is the giant Midas Monument. We explore some of the Phrygian monuments in the Kohnus Valley such as the Lion Rock, Arslankaya and Maltas. Dinner at hotel.

Day 11: Kütahya (BD)

Aizanoi

After breakfast we continue to Kütahya; one of the most picturesque towns in Turkey with old streets and a citadel ringed by a curious Byzantine fortress. Explore the Phrygian valleys between the villages of Söğütlü and İnili. We also visit the ancient Aizanoi.

Day 12: Overnight train to Istanbul (BD)

This morning we visit Pessinos, situated in the middle of the Phrygian plain, one of the great centers of Roman Galatia, then proceed to Gordium; one of the chief cities of the Phrygian kingdom. Review and discussion hours in the garden of the Anatolian Civilizations Museum of Ankara or at the Citadel. Dİnner at a selective local restaurant. We take the overnight train at 22:30 pm to İstanbul.

Day 13: İstanbul (BD)

Breakfast at the train. Check-in our hotel and relax in the morning, we will be visiting the Museum of the Ancient Orient in the afternoon. Farewell dinner at a selective local restaurant.

Day 14: Fly back home (B)
we transfer you to the International Atatürk Airport.

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary involves a good deal of walking. Good comfortable footwear is therefore essential, but it should be pointed out that the tour might not be suitable for pessengers who require assistance or who have difficulties with mobility. Please make it sure you enjoy walking, hiking, good local food and cultural interaction. You will have time for shopping at the local handcraft centers and local markets.

TRIP LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 12 PARTICIPANTS

Tour Dates
06 June - 19 June 2005
04 July- 17 July 2005
01 August-14 August

Tour Price
$3370.00-USD per person in double/twin bedded room
$285.00-USD single room supplement

SIMILAR DATES IN 2006 (ADVANCE REGISTRATION)