From: 385 €
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!
Charles –
The Hattusa day trip was an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Hittite Empire. The sheer scale of the ruins amazed me, from the towering city walls to the detailed carvings at Yazilikaya. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about the culture, politics, and religion of the time. I particularly enjoyed the serene atmosphere of the open-air sanctuary, which felt like a place frozen in time. The museum visit helped tie everything together by showcasing artifacts that gave life to the ruins. Traveling from Istanbul was hassle-free thanks to the well-organized transport arrangements. The small group size allowed for a more personal experience, and I appreciated the balance of structured guidance and free exploration. This tour gave me a deeper appreciation for ancient civilizations and left me inspired to learn more.