Hattusa Day Trip from Istanbul
Day Tour to Hattusa Ancient City from Istanbul by Plane
Fly from Istanbul for a full-day trip to Hattusa and explore ancient Hittite ruins, Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary, and Bogazkale Museum with a licensed guide.
Tour Overview
Embark on a full-day journey from Istanbul to Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittites. This historical tour takes you far from the bustling streets of Istanbul and into the heart of Central Anatolia, where the ruins of Hattusa await with their timeless beauty. After a morning flight and a scenic drive, discover one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey.
This tour includes:
- Visit the ancient city of Hattusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Hittite capital
- Explore Yazılıkaya, the open-air rock sanctuary with incredible stone carvings
- Stop at the Bogazkale Museum to see artifacts uncovered from the region
- Guided by a licensed English-speaking expert in Hittite history
- Round-trip flights from Istanbul, private ground transportation, and lunch included
Tour Itinerary
Step into the heart of the ancient Hittite Empire on this full-day adventure from Istanbul to Hattusa — one of Turkey’s most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After an early flight from Istanbul, you’ll travel through the peaceful landscapes of Central Anatolia before reaching the historic ruins of Hattusa, once the mighty capital of the Hittites.
This journey offers a unique chance to explore one of the earliest recorded civilizations in human history, with temples, gates, rock carvings, and open-air sanctuaries dating back thousands of years.
04:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport
07:55 – Flight from Istanbul to Ankara.
09:00 – Arrival at the airport. Meet your guide and drive to Boğazkale, the heart of the Hittite Empire
Begin your guided tour through history:
- Hattusa Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Step into the once-mighty capital of the Hittite Empire, a civilization that ruled Anatolia over 3,000 years ago. As you walk through the massive city gates — including the famous Lion Gate and King’s Gate — you’ll sense the grandeur of an ancient world. Discover the Great Temple, sacred roads, royal residences, and complex fortifications built into the surrounding hills. The city’s layout reflects a deep understanding of architecture, defense, and religious symbolism, making Hattusa one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. - Yazılıkaya Rock Sanctuary
Just outside the main city walls lies Yazılıkaya, a spiritual open-air temple carved directly into natural rock formations. This sanctuary features dozens of stone reliefs representing Hittite gods, kings, and mythical creatures in a ceremonial procession. Standing here, among the weathered carvings, gives a real sense of the sacred rituals and beliefs that shaped Hittite culture. It is one of the finest surviving examples of Hittite religious art and cosmology. - Bogazkoy Museum
After exploring the monumental ruins, the tour continues to Boğazköy Museum, where many of the excavated artifacts are displayed. Here you’ll see original clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform script, tools, jewelry, religious idols, and everyday items used by Hittites over 3,000 years ago. The museum provides important context to everything you’ve seen in the field, bringing history to life through its well-preserved collection and modern presentation.
Return Schedule:
16:00—Depart from Bogazkale and drive back to the airport. The return journey will take about 3 hours.
20:50 – Flight back to Istanbul from Ankara.
22:00 – Arrival at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. As you exit the terminal, our team will be waiting for you holding a sign, ready to welcome you back and transfer you to your hotel.
Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey through Hittite history.
We hope to see you again on another adventure soon!
What's Included
Included
- Round-trip domestic flight tickets (Istanbul ↔ Ankara)
- Airport transfers in Istanbul and Ankara
- Entrance fees to all sites (Hattusa ruins, Yazılıkaya, Bogazkale Museum)
- Licensed English-speaking guide specialized in Hittite history
- Guided walking tour through key archaeological sites
- Free time for photography and exploration
- All parking fees and taxes
Not Included
- Lunch on the tour
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
More Details
- The exact pickup time will be confirmed after your booking is completed.
- Please be ready at your hotel entrance 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
- This tour involves moderate walking on uneven surfaces. Comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
- We can also use Kayseri Airport for this tour, but it will not affect your day tour. The distance will be the same.
- Due to long driving distances, rest stops will be provided during the journey.
- The order of visits may be changed by the guide to optimize time or avoid crowds.
- This tour operates with a licensed English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicles.
I really enjoyed the Hattusa tour. The ruins are impressive and full of history. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. Yazılıkaya’s carvings were fascinating. The transportation from Istanbul was easy. Highly recommended!
The Hattusa day trip offered a rare glimpse into one of the oldest civilizations in the region. Walking through the ancient city, I was struck by how well-preserved the walls and structures are after thousands of years. The Lion Gate was particularly awe-inspiring, and I could feel the historical importance of this place. Yazılıkaya’s open-air sanctuary was a highlight with its detailed carvings that seemed to tell stories of gods and kings. Our guide was passionate and gave us deep insights into the archaeological findings and the significance of each monument. The museum visit complemented the outdoor experience by displaying artifacts that connected us with the people who lived here. The transportation from Istanbul was smooth and comfortable, making the long day enjoyable rather than exhausting. The small group size meant we could ask questions and engage in discussions easily. The overall pace was perfect, giving us time to absorb and reflect on the rich history. This tour is a must for anyone interested in ancient cultures and history.
Hattusa was incredible to visit! The ruins are vast and fascinating. Our guide made history come alive. The rock carvings at Yazılıkaya were breathtaking. I highly recommend this trip.
Visiting Hattusas gave me a real sense of Turkey’s rich past. The ruins are vast and offer many photo opportunities. Yazilikaya’s carvings are incredible to see up close. The guide made the history accessible and interesting. The trip was well organized and smooth.
The day trip to Hattusas exceeded all my expectations. The ruins are immense and remarkably well preserved, offering a glimpse into one of the most powerful civilizations of ancient Anatolia. The Lion Gate was particularly impressive — a true testament to Hittite architectural skill. I was fascinated by the detailed rock carvings at Yazilikaya, which felt like a sacred place surrounded by nature. The guide was engaging and explained the complex history in a way that was easy to understand. Transport from Istanbul was smooth, and the entire itinerary was thoughtfully planned. The tour balanced guided exploration with moments to wander and reflect. This was one of the best historical tours I’ve ever done.
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