Tailor-made tour 4
- Central Anatolia to Istanbul
Start from Ankara, capital of the Republic of Turkey, and explore some of the country’s most ancient Hittite sites before heading north to the well-preserved wooden mansions of Safranbolu and on to Istanbul, former capital and still the country’s cultural and commercial centre.
2 nights in Ankara
1 night in Amasya (for Hattusha, Yazilikaya & Alacahöyük)
1 night in Safranbolu
1 night in Bolu
2 nights in Istanbul
1. UK to Ankara
Fly to Ankara (via Istanbul) with Turkish Airlines from London, Birmingham or Manchester where you will be collected by one of our drivers, or pick up your hire car.
2. Ankara
Explore Turkey’s modern-day capital, Ankara taking in the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Atatürk’s Mausoleum, Anitkabir.
3. Hattusha, Yazilikaya and Alacahöyük
Drive to Yazilikaya, a holy site for the Hittites, whose capital was nearby Hattusha and marvel at the famous friezes carved into the rocks and the impressive Sphinx Gate at Alacahöyük. Drive to Amasya through Corum and enjoy the panoramic views.
4. Safranbolu
Explore the beautiful Ottoman wooden mansions built by the wealthy inhabitants of Safranbolu in the 17th century.
5. Bolu
Drive through the stunning scenery and picturesque lakes and mountains of this region and enjoy its natural beauty and amazing views.
6. Istanbul
Choose whether to spend the day exploring independently or book a sight-seeing tour through our informative local representative, perhaps a city tour or a Bosphorus Cruise.
7. Istanbul
Visit the famous Topkapi Palace with its atmospheric harem, or spend the day haggling for souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar.
8. Istanbul to UK
Fly back to the UK
7 nts tailor-made holiday from £999 as self-drive or £1,719 as individual escorted tour (with driver), £2,049 (with guide).
Prices are per person (min 2 people sharing) and include: 4* (or 3* where 4* is not available) accommodation on either HB or B&B basis (depending on hotel); scheduled flights (incl meal & drinks) from London, Manchester or Birmingham. Airconditioned group B or similar car is included in price for selfdrive. For escorted tour, group G or similar car is provided. Fuel, driver/guide and his/her daily expenses are also included in the escorted tour price. Please note the prices are for guidance only. Please call our Tailor Made team on 0845 365 1011 for price and availability on your chosen date.
Highlights of the tour:
This tour begins at the heart of the modern Republic of Turkey, in Atatürk’s capital of Ankara, before taking in some of the country’s oldest sites, the Hittite Empire’s stunning remains at Hattusha, Yazilikaya and Alacahöyük. These are perhaps some of Turkey’s most under-rated sites which will no doubt one day be as famous as Ephesus. A drive North takes you to Amasya and the UNESCO site of Safranbolu and its beautifully preserved wooden mansions, passing through some of Turkey’s most stunning scenery in the area around Bolu, before ending in Turkey’s commercial and cultural centre, Istanbul.