Into the Hittite Heartland and Cappadocia

Three thousand years ago the Hittites rivaled the Egyptians as the greatest power on earth. Yet until a century ago the ancient Hittites were a mystery race. When Egyptian hieroglyphs were later deciphered, an inscription was found that set out the terms of a mutual defence treaty between Ramses II and the king of the Hittites, Hattusilis. Hittite civilization runs between the 17th and 12th centuries B.C. They were the only ancient civilization to exist and develop in inhospitable mountainous country.

Y O U R    I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1 - Hattusas - Cappadocia
This trip commences in Ankara, early in the morning. We will drive north east to Hattusas, the capital of the Hittite Empire where the highlights will be the Lion`s Gate, Underground Gate, the Citadel and the Sanctuary of Yazilikaya and the Royal Necropolis of Alacahoyuk. We will continue to Cappadocia arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight. (BLD)

Day 2 - Cappadocia
Some call it "Fairy Chimneys", others call it "Fairy Cones"... Cappadocia. These two days will be devoted to this remarkable region crafted by nature and ornamented by men. After some amazing visits like the Open Air Museum of Goreme, we will watch the sunset at Uchisar. (BLD)

Day 3 - Cappadocia
This morning we will first visit the Church of Cavusin, here you will see the frescoes of the arch-angels Gabriel and Michael guarding the entrance. We will visit the underground city of Kaymakli and later the pottery makers of Avanos. We move on to Zelve Valley which is one of the most enjoyable areas to walk around. The folks here boast as the fairy chimneys of their area being more interesting and numerous. You be the judge. Back to hotel for overnight. (BLD)

Day 4 - Istanbul
We will leave Cappadocia early in the morning and start our drive to Ankara, the capital of the Turkish Republic. Around 3rd century B.C. a tribe called Testosages enters the records of history as having made the areas the center of their domain. These are the same people known as the Galatians in the Bible. Highlights in Ankara will be the Mausoleum of Ataturk (1881-1938), founding father of the Turkish Republic. Our afternoon will be spent at the remarkable Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which has achieved wide reknown for the most spectacular and comprehensive display in the world of Hittite and Urartian finds. Return to Istanbul and transfer to hotel for overnight. (BLD)

Day 5 - Transfer