After arrival, settle luggage at your hotel then take a relaxed walk through Ulus Square to get your first sense of Ankara's layered history; pause at the nearby Roman Temple of Augustus (Column of Julianus) to admire ancient stonework before heading uphill. Continue to the compact but rich Ankara Citadel (Kale) for panoramic city views and wandering lanes lined with restored Ottoman houses and small craft shops-stop at a local café for Turkish tea and gözleme to fuel the day.
Stroll through the leafy lanes of Atatürk Boulevard toward the modern heart of the city, then dive into archaeological context with a visit to the compact but informative Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where well-displayed Hittite and Bronze Age artifacts set the stage for your trip. After the museum, wander nearby to the tranquil Kocatepe Mosque for striking Ottoman-era architecture and finish with coffee on a terrace in the Kızılay district, watching city life as you plan evening logistics.
As dusk falls, enjoy a convivial stroll and dinner in the atmospheric old quarter of Hamamönü, where restored Ottoman houses host artisan shops and cozy meyhanes serving meze and grilled fish; linger over a glass of rakı or ayran on a shaded terrace. After dinner, take a short walk to the nearby hillside park Seğmenler Parkı for a relaxed evening view of the city lights and, if interested, pop into State Opera and Ballet (Ankara State Opera) for an evening performance or to check upcoming shows before bedtime.
Start with a focused visit to the Ankara Ethnography Museum to see Ottoman-era costumes and funerary art, then walk to the nearby Roman Baths (Kayıp Hamam) ruins to explore layered Roman urban traces beneath modern Ankara. Continue uphill to the little-known Rahmi Koç Museum (castle annex area) for industrial and archaeological displays that bridge Roman and Republican eras, finishing with a coffee at a courtyard café while tracing the city's shift from ancient settlements to the modern capital.
After a morning of ethnography and baths, head to the hilltop Hacı Bayram Mosque and the adjacent Temple of Augustus area to connect Ottoman devotional life with visible Roman inscriptions; linger in the peaceful courtyard and climb the small viewpoint for city panoramas. Then explore the archaeological displays at the nearby Ankara Archaeological Museum (small branch exhibits) and finish with a relaxed walk through Gençlik Parkı, where you can reflect on Anatolia's deep layers over tea at a lakeside kiosk.
As the sun sets, wander to the leafy neighborhood around Tunali Hilmi Caddesi for an energetic local evening scene, stopping at a bistro to sample regional Anatolian dishes like manti and lentil köfte. After dinner, head to the atmospheric open-air Etnografya Parkı for a twilight stroll, then finish with a nightcap and panoramic views from the rooftop terrace of Atakule Tower, where the city lights and distant hills put the day's archaeological discoveries into broader Anatolian perspective.
Transfer by early regional bus or private shuttle to Çorum, then drop bags at a local pension and head straight to Boğazkale Visitor Center to pick up maps and hire a local guide for the Hittite sites; the center's displays give a clear primer before you step into the ruins. From there walk the shaded trail to Yazılıkaya (the Rock Sanctuary) to view the open-air Hittite rock reliefs in cool morning light, then continue to the nearby remains of the Great Temple (Hattusa's Inner City) to trace orthostats, gateways and original city walls while your guide explains Hittite ritual and royal life.
After a morning among the inner city's sanctuaries, take a relaxed walked exploration of the broader Hattusa landscape by visiting the fortified King's Gate and the impressively preserved Lion Gate to study Hittite relief work and defensive masonry; pause on the ramparts for views across the surrounding plain. Continue to the nearby open-air museum at Alacahöyük (site museum area and royal tombs display) to see Bronze Age royal tomb reconstructions and pottery exhibits that bridge Hittite history with earlier Anatolian cultures, ending with tea at a shaded courtyard café in the visitor complex before returning to Çorum for an evening meal.
After returning to Çorum, unwind with a stroll through Çorum Bazaar (Bedesten) to browse local brassware, kilims and dried fruit stalls, then sample regional specialties like keşkek and etli ekmek at a lively family-run lokanta. For a relaxed end to the day, head to Kervansaray Park for sunset views over the surrounding plains and finish with tea or ayran at a terrace café while planning tomorrow's deeper exploration of nearby Hittite peripheral sites.
Begin the day with a guided walk to the atmospheric Yazılıkaya II rock reliefs (a quieter cluster separate from the main sanctuary) to study lesser-known Hittite processional scenes in the cool morning light, then continue to the reconstructed foundations at Sphinx Gate to trace how monumental entrances controlled movement into the city. Finish with a short drive to the nearby village archaeological park of Karum Kanesh (local site interpretation area) for hands-on displays and pottery-handing demonstrations that connect Hattusa's grandeur to wider Anatolian trade networks.
After the morning's quieter sanctuaries, head to the commanding ramparts around Yerkapı (Outer Gate) to study the defensive masonry and enjoy wide views over the Hittite plains, then follow the ridge path to the remote hilltop of Puduhepa Shrine-a modest chapel site where inscriptions and votive fragments reveal royal cult practices. Finish the afternoon with a short drive to the nearby on-site Archaeological Museum at Boğazkale to compare finds from today's strolls with original stele, seal impressions and pottery, and sip tea in the museum courtyard while your guide contextualizes the objects for upcoming valley visits.
As light softens, stroll through the village lanes to Boğazkale Local Market to sample regional cheeses, gözleme and freshly brewed çay alongside vendors-this is a great place to chat with locals about recent finds and guide tips. Then climb to the small hill overlooking the plain for sunset at King's Terrace, where you can watch the ruins' silhouettes and the surrounding countryside while enjoying a picnic of local bread, olives and dried apricots before returning to your pension for a relaxed dinner and map-backed planning for tomorrow's onward travels.
Catch an early intercity bus or a regional flight into Nevşehir or Kayseri, then drop luggage at your cave hotel and head straight for a refreshing stroll through Love Valley to admire its phallic fairy chimneys and test short easy trails that warm up tired legs. After the valley walk, visit the atmospheric rock-cut village of Çavuşin to explore abandoned cave houses and the hilltop Church of St. John the Baptist before pausing at a local bakery for simit and strong Turkish coffee-an ideal intro to Cappadocia's lunar landscape before afternoon exploration.
After checking into your cave hotel and freshening up, take a steady walk along the rim trail to Pigeon Valley-pause at overlooked pigeon houses carved into the cliffs and enjoy close-up views of the valley's soft tuff formations. Continue to the lesser-known terrace at Ortahisar Castle for a relaxed climb to the top platform, where wide panoramas of cone-shaped chimneys and distant plateaus are perfect for late-afternoon photos; finish with tea at a family-run çay bahçesi while watching the light shift across the landscape.
After settling in, head to the village of Uçhisar to climb the less-crowded terraces around Uçhisar Castle Viewpoint for golden-hour panoramas of the valleys; linger as the balloons glow in the distance and local vendors sell fresh gözleme. Later, walk down to the atmospheric Sunset Point at Aydın Kırağı where you can sip ayran while watching the tuff cones shift color, then finish with a relaxed dinner at a family-run restaurant near Göreme's Üst Mahalle, sampling pottery kebab and rooftop views of the illuminated rock formations.
Rise early and walk from your cave hotel toward the quieter end of the park to explore the frescoed chapels of Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise) and the nearby monastic rooms at Tokalı Kilise, appreciating the vivid Byzantine frescoes before the crowds arrive. After the museum visit, set out on a guided hike down the rim into Zemi Valley, passing hidden dovecotes and rock-cut shelters, pausing at the shaded spring and a local shepherd's herb garden to taste wild thyme and learn about traditional foraging in Cappadocia.
After a fresco-filled morning, take a relaxed but scenic loop that begins with a picnic lunch beneath the carved facades of Güllüdere (Rose Valley), then follow the sun-softened trails toward the secluded rock chapels and hidden tunnels around Çavuşin Old Village (explore its abandoned cave houses and a small local pottery studio). Finish the afternoon with a gentle climb to the ridge above Ortahisar's panoramic terrace for wide views of the valley mosaic as the late light outlines fairy chimneys and prepares you for an evening viewpoint or a traditional pottery workshop demonstration.
As dusk falls, walk to the quieter ridge above Sunset Point (Gölbaşı Terrace) for a wide, calm view of the valley mosaic and the distant silhouette of fairy chimneys as they warm to apricot tones; bring a small blanket and local simit from a village bakery for an informal picnic. After sunset, wander down into the village and enjoy a relaxed dinner at Seten Restaurant (or a similar family-run cave eatery) sampling regional wines and a slow-cooked testi kebabı, then finish with Turkish coffee at a rooftop terrace near Göreme Town Square, where you can listen to evening conversation and plan tomorrow's underground city visit.
Depart early from your cave hotel and take the shuttle or regional bus toward Derinkuyu Underground City, where a local guide will lead you through narrow tunnels, communal kitchens and chapel chambers while explaining Hittite-to-Byzantine reuse of these subterranean refuges; climb to the top terraces afterward for morning views over the volcanic plain. From there, transfer to the Ihlara corridor and begin a shaded riverside walk into Ihlara Valley (enter at Belisırma)-follow the streamside trail past frescoed rock churches like Ağaçaltı Church and enjoy a riverside breakfast at a family-run lokanta, preparing for the longer valley hike in the afternoon.
After your riverside breakfast, continue deeper into the gorge on a shaded hike toward Selime Monastery, exploring its vast rock-cut cathedral, abandoned monk cells and panoramic terraces that look back over the valley. Finish the afternoon with a relaxed stop at the riverside village of Belisirma Lokantası for a cold ayran and trout lunch on wooden platforms, then follow the mellow downstream trail to the frescoed niche churches at Sümbüllü Church before boarding a late-afternoon shuttle back toward your Cappadocia base.
After returning from the valley, unwind with a slow riverside evening at Belisirma Village-dine on freshly grilled trout at a wooden-platform lokanta while listening to the stream and local conversation. Later, stop at Selime Plateau Viewpoint for a golden-hour panorama of the monastery cliffs and the winding gorge, then finish the night back in Cappadocia with a relaxed tea at a cave guesthouse courtyard while comparing notes on the day's underground passages and frescoed churches.
After an early intercity train or comfortable daytime bus from Cappadocia, drop your bag at a centrally located pension then stretch your legs with a guided walk through the shaded arcades of Aziziye Mosque before heading to the atmospheric Seljuk caravanserai-turned-cultural-space Sille Köyü (a short dolmuş ride) to wander its stone lanes, old churches and hillside olive groves. Return to the city center to visit the atmospheric courtyard of Ince Minareli Medrese, where intricate Seljuk stonework and a small archaeological display introduce Konya's medieval scholarly life, and pause for a strong Turkish coffee at a nearby çay bahçesi while planning an afternoon at the Mevlana Museum.
After a restful morning, head to the quieter lanes around Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi Türbesi for a moment of local devotional life and to watch Sufi students moving between lessons; from there take a short walk to the atmospheric stone courtyard of Karatay Medrese, where its glazed-tile exhibits and a small collection of Seljuk ceramics and tilework offer a tactile complement to your Mevlana visit. Finish the afternoon with a guided stroll through the shaded gardens of Sultan Alaeddin Hill to see fragments of the Seljuk palace walls and enjoy elevated views over Konya's historic core before pausing at a nearby lokanta to sample simple semolina halva and ayran while planning an evening of whirling dervish music or museum time.
As evening settles, wander into the atmospheric stone courtyards around Sahip Ata Külliyesi, where soft lighting highlights Seljuk arches and small on-site workshops sell hand-tooled prayer beads and tiles; pause for a tea in the külliye's courtyard while listening to the call to prayer. Later, join an intimate live recital of Sufi music at Mevlana Cultural Center (small concert space) or attend a local cultural house performance of ney and classical Ottoman pieces, then savor a hearty plate of etli ekmek at a nearby family-run lokanta before returning to your pension to review tomorrow's schedule.
Board a daytime intercity bus or regional train to Antalya, drop luggage at a central hotel, then stretch your legs with a breezy walk along the palm-lined promenade of Kaleiçi Marina, where wooden gulets bob and vendors sell iced pomegranate juice. From there, explore the shaded lanes to the atmospheric Hıdırlık Tower and its grassy seaside terrace for morning sea views, then visit the nearby Antalya Archeology Museum (newer wing) to preview Lycian and Roman finds that set up your upcoming coastal site visits.
After checking in and freshening up, explore the shaded Ottoman-era lanes around Kaleiçi's Hadrian Gate and pop into the nearby Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum for a compact display of regional costumes and ethnography that bridges inland archaeological highlights with coastal life. Follow this with a leisurely harbor-side walk to Mermerli Beach for a swim or sunbreak, then climb the cliff path to Karaalioğlu Park to watch the late light over the cliffs and Mediterranean-ideal for mapping tomorrow's visits to Perge and Aspendos while enjoying çay at a park kiosk.
As twilight settles, wander to Kale Kapısı (Old Town Gate) and follow the cobbled lanes toward the lively waterfront to enjoy a seaside meyhane experience with grilled seafood and meze; request a table on the terrace to watch fishing boats return. After dinner, take a short stroll to Atatürk Parkı's cliff promenade for night views of the lit harbor, then finish with a drink at a rooftop bar near Kesik Minare while listening to distant waves and planning tomorrow's visits to Perge and Aspendos.
Begin with an early transfer to the inland ruins at Perge Ancient City to walk its broad colonnaded street, inspect the surprisingly intact stadium seating, and examine mosaic fragments in the shaded agora; hire a local archaeologist-guide at the site entrance for insights into Roman urban planning and recent excavation finds. After exploring Perge, drive a short way to the quiet Düden Çayı picnic area for a riverside breakfast beside the stream and a short restorative stroll to the nearby small Hellenistic necropolis, where rock-cut tomb façades offer a calm counterpoint before continuing toward Aspendos in the afternoon.
After a riverside breakfast at the Düden Çayı picnic area, transfer to the grand hilltop theatre of Aspendos to walk the stage and behind-the-scenes corridors, imagining Roman performances while your guide explains recent conservation work; pause on the cavea's upper tiers for sweeping views of the fertile plains. Continue to the nearby archaeological park of Side's Temple of Apollo (museum annex and waterfront ruins) to stroll beside coastal columns and examine exposed mosaic fragments in the on-site conservation tent, finishing with a late-afternoon coffee at the shaded terrace of Selimiye Çınar Café while watching fishermen and planning an evening return to Antalya's old town.
After returning to Antalya, head to Karaalioglu Park's cliffside terraces for a gentle sunset stroll among shaded pines and sculpted viewpoints, where you can watch fishing boats and the orange light spill across the gulf. For dinner, move into the old town to sample meze and fresh fish at the waterfront Seraser Fine Dining or a lively seaside meyhane near Kaleiçi Marina, then finish the night with a glass of local Antalya wine on a rooftop terrace overlooking the lit city walls.
After an early intercity bus along the coastal route, drop bags at your guesthouse then stroll the harborfront to the local fish market and sample freshly grilled anchovies or a börek breakfast at Fethiye Balık Hali before setting off. Follow with a gentle walk up to the panoramic terrace at Fethiye Castle (Eski Fethiye Kalesi) for sweeping views over Göcek islands, then wander the shaded lanes to discover Paspatur (Old Town)'s carved wooden balconies, artisan shops and a sleepy café perfect for Turkish tea as you ease into the Aegean pace.
After a leisurely harbor-side morning, wander to the peaceful waterfront promenade and board a short boat to Küçük Çalış (Little Çalış) Bay for a relaxed swim and sunbreak on quieter sands; rent a paddleboard or join a local guide for a short coastal paddle to hidden coves. Later, stroll through the shaded market lanes of Paspatur's Arasta toward the restored wooden wharf area and settle at a seaside café overlooking Eşen River mouth, sampling freshly caught mezze while watching traditional gület boats drift past and planning tomorrow's excursions to nearby ruins and mountain trails.
As the sun dips, wander to Kordonboyu Promenade for a seaside stroll and stop at a terrace café to taste local çupra with a citrus-scented salad while watching traditional gülets glide past. Afterwards, head up to the peaceful hillside Yenişehir Park for sunset panoramas over the islands, then finish with live-voice Turkish folk music and meze at the intimate Ece Saray Marina Lounge, where you can trade notes about the day's coastal scenes and plan a morning hike toward nearby mountain trails.
Walk the quiet lanes of Kayaköy Ghost Village at first light, exploring emptied Greek houses and the atmospheric Church of St. Constantine while your guide points out faded inscriptions and local restoration efforts; pause at a hilltop bench for sea views toward the Göcek isles. From there take the shaded trail up to the nearby hamlet of Yaka (Kınalı), joining a local shepherd path that winds into fragrant pine maquis and offers a gentle ascent to the panoramic Karmil Ridge-stop at a family-run tea spot to taste homemade gözleme before descending toward Fethiye for a relaxed seaside lunch.
After lunch, follow the ridgeline trail toward Süleymanlar Plateau, passing aromatic pine maquis and stopping at the tiny hilltop chapel of Aya Fotini for sweeping views back toward the Fethiye gulf; local shepherds sometimes offer ayran and fresh figs. Continue on the marked path down into the shaded oak-and-thyme valleys to the secluded hamlet of Ölüdeniz Mahallesi, where a family-run tea house provides cooling drinks and simple gözleme before a gentle return along the coastal road to Fethiye, tying today's ghost-village walk to tomorrow's Babadağ ascent.
As dusk cools, wander down to the seaside hamlet of Ölüdeniz Plaza for a gentle waterfront stroll and to watch local fishermen mend nets while the light softens; pause at Belcekız Beach viewpoint to photograph the lagoon's colors as the sun dips. Then return toward Kayaköy village and settle at a family-run terrace like Muz Terrace Café for a simple meal of grilled sea bass and locally produced dolma, ending the night with Turkish tea beneath stars and planning tomorrow's optional Babadağ ascent.
Start with a sunrise walk along the quieter stretch of Belcekız Beach before taking the local dolmuş to the trailhead at Kabak Valley entrance, then follow the well-marked path through pine-scented macchia toward the shady spring at Güzelliği Plateau-stop there for a picnic breakfast of simit and ayran. Continue the moderate ascent via the zig-zagging route past the ruined shepherd huts of Sahne Dere up to the lower saddle of Babadağ, where clear views of the lagoon and the likely launch ridges for paragliders make for a motivating pause and a chance to meet local paragliding outfitters or decide whether to book a tandem flight for the afternoon.
From the lower saddle, continue your ascent along the shaded goat track toward Küçük Çakıl Lookout, pausing to admire sweeping views of the turquoise lagoon and spot traditional gülets threading the gulf. Descend via the Old Fethiye Road to relax at the family-run Saklı Cennet Tea Garden, sample homemade ayran and gözleme while stretching sore calves, then stroll the coastal promenade to the scenic pier at Belcekız Jetty for a late-afternoon swim or to arrange an evening transfer back to Fethiye.
After descending, unwind with a seaside aperitif at Kayaköy Marina Café (quiet terrace seating) while watching gülets return and local fishermen sort their catch, then stroll the pebble-fronted Blue Lagoon promenade to capture the lagoon's changing colors at golden hour. For dinner, walk up to the hillside Akarca Terrace Restaurant for mezzes and freshly grilled fish with panoramic views of the bay, then finish with a nightcap at Ölüdeniz Night Market-browse artisanal stalls and sample local honey before returning to your guesthouse to rest for tomorrow's coastal hikes.
Arrive by mid-morning after the coastal bus and drop bags, then stretch your legs with a cliffside walk from Kaş Marina toward the wooded headland of Akçagerme-stop at a seaside çay bahçesi to sample gözleme and ayran while watching traditional fishing boats. Continue along the coastal path to the hilltop Antiphellos Theatre for a tranquil exploration of Lycian stonework and sweeping views over the bays, then descend to the small harbor of Kekova Excursion Boats to arrange a short afternoon boat transfer or snorkeling trip, keeping today's pace gentle after recent travels through the Mediterranean coast.
After a relaxed harbor lunch, follow the coastal trail from Kaş Marina toward the secluded headland of Limanağzı, stopping to swim in hidden coves and snorkel among Posidonia meadows; continue along the ridge to the atmospheric cliffside ruins of Antiphellos Necropolis for close-up views of Lycian rock tomb façades. Finish with a gentle late-afternoon walk through the shaded pine path to Kaputaş Viewpoint-pause for tea at the small roadside çay bahçesi while the golden light outlines the bays and you plan tomorrow's boat excursion to Kekova.
As dusk cools, head to Kaleiçi Çarşısı for a relaxed wander through artisan stalls, then settle at Neon Beach Club's sunset terrace to sip a cold ayran or local rosé while watching the cliffs go pink. Afterwards, take a short walk to the atmospheric Küçük Çakıl Promenade for a seaside meyhane dinner of grilled octopus and meze, then finish the night with a moonlit stroll up to the small viewpoint at Kaş Castle Terrace for sweeping harbor lights and quiet planning for tomorrow's Kekova boat trip.
Depart Kaş early by shared minivan toward the Xanthos valley, arriving to explore the riverside ruins of Xanthos Ancient City where you'll walk the restored agora and inspect Lycian pillar tombs before the heat rises; pause at the small on-site museum to compare inscriptions and votive finds. Continue a short drive to the quiet riverside sanctuary of Letoon, wandering its shaded marble terraces and three linked temples while listening to your guide explain the site's UNESCO-listed cult landscape, then enjoy a riverside picnic of local gözleme and chilled ayran beneath plane trees before heading back toward Kaş.
After your riverside picnic, drive a short way to the tranquil banks of the Xanthos River and take a guided boat ride to the lesser-visited Kınık Köyü riverfront ruins where Lycian tomb façades peek from grove-shaded terraces; pause to photograph eroded reliefs and listen as your guide reads translated Lycian inscriptions. Then head uphill to the intimate hilltop chapel at Kral Mezarları (King's Rock Tombs) for close-up study of carved sarcophagi and broad views over the valley, finishing the afternoon with a stop at a family-run village tea house in Kınık to taste local gözleme and orange-infused tea while planning your return to Kaş.
As the day cools, drift back toward Kaş but detour for a tranquil sunset visit to the riverbank hamlet of Patara Beachside Ruins, where low dunes and scattered column drums make for atmospheric golden-hour photography and a quiet stroll along the soft sand. Afterward, enjoy a shoreline dinner at the family-run Patara Bay Lokantası-savor fresh sea bass and tomato-basil meze while fishermen bring in the day's catch-and finish with a slow walk along the lit wooden promenade to Patara Lighthouse Viewpoint for a final panorama folding the Lycian coast into the evening.
After checking out, catch a morning intercity bus toward the Ankara-Konya corridor and break the journey with a guided stop in the plains town of Beyşehir to stretch your legs beside the serene Beyşehir Lake National Park, where a short lakeside walk past waterfowl and reedbeds leads to the atmospheric wooden piers and traditional fishing boats; pause for a lakeside breakfast of gözleme and çay at Eşrefoğlu Köyü café. Continue north with a mid-morning visit to the small rural museum at Sultanhani Caravanserai-its restored Seljuk arches and quiet courtyard give a tangible sense of historic overland routes and make a calm, archaeology-rich interlude before you reach your overnight stop.
Midday, detour to the hillside village of Cumalıkızık for a slow walk through its preserved Ottoman timber houses and a hands-on tasting of locally made gözleme at a family kitchen; the shaded cobbled lanes and small craft stalls are perfect for stretching legs and picking up woven souvenirs. Later, continue north with a stop at the commanding hilltop ruins of Kral Kalesi (King's Fortress)-climb short trails to panoramic views over the wheat plains and enjoy an outdoor picnic of regional cheese and flatbread while your driver arranges an easy evening arrival at your overnight town.
As twilight falls, pause at the hilltop village of Tuzhisar for an easy stroll through its stone lanes and a terrace dinner of regional lamb and bulgur at a family-run lokanta, watching the plain's lights come alive. Afterwards, transfer a short way to the riverside picnic area at Çayönü Park for a relaxed riverside walk and tea, then settle into a comfortable boutique guesthouse in Seyitgazi (or a similar nearby town) where you can compare maps and prepare for tomorrow's return toward Ankara with a final glass of local grape molasses drink.
After arriving and dropping your bags, take a leisurely stroll through Hamamönü's restored Ottoman streets to browse artisan shops and sample a light kahvaltı of simit and creamy kaymak at a local teahouse, then head to the leafy terraces of Seğmenler Parkı for a relaxed panorama of the city and a short people-watching break. Continue to the quiet, scholarly atmosphere of Gençlik Parkı's small boating lake and nearby open-air book stalls for a slow-paced hour of reading or map-planning, finishing with a mid-morning coffee at a café near Kızılay to plot afternoon museums or a gentle walk up to the citadel later in the day.
After a restful morning, wander into the leafy neighborhoods around Hamamönü toward Sakarya Street to browse independent design shops and sample artisanal baklava at a small patisserie, then take a short tram ride to the cultural complex around Atatürk Cultural Center to catch a rotating contemporary exhibition and people-watch on the wide stone steps. Finish the afternoon with a tranquil riverside walk along the Seğmenler Stream Promenade, stopping at a riverside çay bahçesi to sip tea while planning an easy evening concert or museum visit nearby.
As evening falls, head to the lively arts quarter around Kızılay for an easy stroll through independent bookstores and street-side cafés, stopping at Sakarya Caddesi to sample savory street snacks and watch local life. Then move on to Seğmenler Terrace for panoramic sunset views over the city, followed by a relaxed dinner at the atmospheric courtyard of Hacı Bayram Meyhanesi where you can savor Anatolian mezes and local wine while reviewing maps for the coming Kazdağı hikes.
Set out early by regional bus or arranged minivan to the nearby archaeological plain of Gordion, where you'll begin with a guided walk around the reconstructed royal tumulus of Midas Mound (Tumulus MM) and examine excavation trenches, pottery sherds and the impressively preserved Phrygian burial chamber; your guide will read translated inscriptions while you compare burial architecture to Hittite finds from earlier in the trip. After the mound, cycle or take a short drive to the peaceful open-air Gordion Museum and Excavation Park to study votive stelae, horse trappings and Geometric-period ceramics up close, then pause for a village-style kahvaltı at a roadside family-run café serving fresh cheese, olives and barley bread before deciding whether to continue on to Beypazarı in the afternoon.
If you choose Beypazarı, wander the cobbled streets to visit the restored Beypazarı Traditional House Museum and pop into the bustling Beypazarı Bazaar to sample locally candied carrots and silver-work souvenirs before climbing to the hilltop Höyük Viewpoint for wide vistas over the wheat plain. Alternatively, stay near Gordion and walk the woodland trails to the atmospheric Kocabaş Tumulus and the small rural Excavation House (field lab) where archaeologists sometimes display in-progress finds; finish with çay and gözleme at a shaded village garden café while comparing Phrygian mortuary architecture with the morning's museum insights.
As evening settles, return to the countryside for a relaxed sojourn at Karahöyük Tea Garden, sampling homemade fruit sherbets and regional pastries while locals share stories of recent digs; linger on the shaded terrace to watch the plain's light fade. Later, head to Eski Hanı (a restored Ottoman caravanserai turned restaurant) for a hearty Anatolian stew and flatbreads by candlelight, then take a short hilltop walk to Karaşehir Lookout for a quiet panorama of tumuli silhouettes before heading back to your guesthouse to sort finds and notes from the day's archaeology.
After a scenic bus or shared transfer north from Ankara, arrive in the Kazdağı foothills and stretch your legs on a guided woodland walk through the fragrant cedar-blue pine groves of Kazdağı Milli Parkı toward the peaceful Adatepe Village; pause at a local olive oil workshop to taste single-estate olive oils and learn village conservation stories. Continue along the easy trail to the atmospheric ruins and wildflower meadows around Zeytinli Bahçe for birdwatching and a picnic of village cheese, fresh bread and herbal tea before checking into your guesthouse and planning an afternoon ascent higher into Mount Ida's ridgelines.
Continue your ascent into Mount Ida by joining a local guide for a fragrant ridge walk toward Sütüven Waterfall, stopping at the shaded picnic terraces below the fall to cool off and photograph the dramatic drop. After a restorative break, follow a narrower trail to the hillside Anatolian Herb Garden (yerel şifalı bitkiler bahçesi) to learn from a forager about endemic medicinal plants and taste fresh herb-infused tea, then finish the afternoon with a gentle rural transfer to the panoramic Sarıkız Plateau for wide views and an easy sunset stroll before returning to your guesthouse.
As dusk deepens, take a short guided stroll to the hillside hamlet of Adatepe Taşevler to browse stone-curated craft stalls and sample locally produced honey and pekmez at a family-run teahouse, listening to village stories of the mountain. Then head to the rustic terrace of Gülpınar Winery & Tasting Room for a relaxed tasting of regional wines paired with meze while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Edremit, finishing the night with a quiet stargazing walk to the nearby Karaağaç Lookout to hear nocturnal bird calls and plan tomorrow's higher ridge route.
Set out at first light on a guided ridge trek toward Küçükkuyu Plateau, winding through fragrant cedar groves and stopping at the shaded spring of Yeşilyurt Çeşmesi to refill water and taste chilled mountain water. Continue along the trail to the dramatic tiered cascades of Kırkgöz Waterfalls, where you'll scramble modest rock steps to view hidden pools and photograph the falls, then follow a lower path to explore the evocative ruins of Aphrodite's Terrace-a small, lesser-known Hellenistic shrine platform tucked among pines that links the day's wild hiking to the region's ancient sacred landscape.
After the morning cascades, follow a shaded mule track up to the aromatic meadow of Gürgen Yaylası, where your guide will point out endemic orchids and you can sample homemade herb tea at a shepherds' shelter before continuing. Then descend toward the secluded ruins of Troyanus Terrace-a Hellenistic-era altar platform nestled beneath cedar canopy-pausing to inspect scattered carved fragments and enjoy a picnic of local cheese, fresh bread and honey while watching the valley light lengthen.
As dusk falls, descend toward the valley hamlet of Dereköy for a restorative tea at a family-run garden café and to sample locally smoked cheese and warm flatbread while trading stories with shepherds. Afterwards, take a short guided night-walk to the atmospheric ruins of Sarepta Terrace-soft lantern light reveals carved fragments and offers quiet views back across the plateau-then finish the night at Gökçeler Sunset Platform with a glass of regional wine while watching the mountain silhouette deepen into starlit sky.
Ease back into the capital with a relaxed morning at Kuğulu Park, watching swans and enjoying a final kahvaltı (breakfast) of menemen and Turkish tea at a lakeside café, then stroll the nearby tree-lined lanes to browse handcrafted souvenirs at the artisan stalls of Ulucanlar Market. Before heading to the airport, pay a brief visit to the peaceful display gardens of Seğmenler Botanic Walk to stretch your legs and reflect on the trip's archaeological and mountain highlights, stopping at a park kiosk for bottled water and a last sweet simit to take on your journey.
After checking out, take a gentle cultural detour to the leafy museum quarter for a late visit to the compact but rich Ethnography Pavilion of Ankara to revisit Anatolian costumes and funerary traditions you encountered earlier, then stroll through the adjacent greenways to the tranquil sculpture-lined Seğmenler Stream Promenade for a last slow walk. Finish with a relaxed final lunch at the historic arcade of Kurtuluş Lokantası, sampling a farewell plate of regional meze and ayran before collecting luggage and transferring to the airport, leaving time to pause at Esenboğa Airport's cultural shop for locally made souvenirs.
After a final museum visit, enjoy a relaxed farewell evening at Gençlik Parkı's Ferris Wheel for gentle panoramic views of the city as the lights come on, followed by a short walk to sample traditional Anatolian dishes at the longstanding Hacı Dayı Lokantası, where slow-cooked stews and aromatic pilafs make for a comforting last meal. Finish with a peaceful rooftop tea at Atlı Han Terrace overlooking the old quarter, letting the city's skyline and distant hill silhouettes fold the trip's archaeological and mountain memories into a calm, reflective close before your departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ulus Square | Free |
| Roman Temple of Augustus (Column of Julianus) | Free |
| Ankara Citadel (Kale) | Free |
| Turkish tea and gözleme (local café) | ₺60 |
| Atatürk Boulevard (walk) | Free |
| Museum of Anatolian Civilizations | ₺150 |
| Kocatepe Mosque | Free |
| Coffee in Kızılay (terrace) | ₺80 |
| Hamamönü (dinner at a meyhane) | ₺200 |
| Seğmenler Parkı | Free |
| Ankara State Opera (ticket, typical) | ₺250 |
| Ankara Ethnography Museum | ₺100 |
| Roman Baths (Kayıp Hamam) ruins | Free |
| Rahmi Koç Museum (castle annex area) | ₺140 |
| Hacı Bayram Mosque | Free |
| Ankara Archaeological Museum (branch exhibits) | ₺120 |
| Gençlik Parkı | Free |
| Atakule Tower (rooftop views) | ₺90 |
| Boğazkale Visitor Center (Hattusa) | Free |
| Local guide for Hattusa (half-day) | ₺600 |
| Yazılıkaya (Rock Sanctuary) | ₺75 |
| Great Temple (Hattusa inner city) | ₺75 |
| Çorum pension (luggage drop) - per person (typical) | ₺200 |
| Çorum Bazaar (shopping browsing) | Free |
| Kervansaray Park | Free |
| Yazılıkaya II | ₺75 |
| Sphinx Gate (reconstructed foundations) | ₺75 |
| Karum Kanesh (village archaeological park) | ₺50 |
| Yerkapı (Outer Gate) | ₺75 |
| Puduhepa Shrine | Free |
| Archaeological Museum at Boğazkale | ₺50 |
| Boğazkale Local Market (food sampling) | ₺60 |
| Picnic at King's Terrace (self-catered) | ₺70 |
| Intercity bus or regional flight to Nevşehir/Kayseri (per person, bus) | ₺350 |
| Cave hotel (per night, per person, mid-range) | ₺700 |
| Love Valley (walk) | Free |
| Çavuşin village and Church of St. John the Baptist | Free |
| Simit and Turkish coffee (bakery) | ₺40 |
| Pigeon Valley (rim trail) | Free |
| Ortahisar Castle viewpoint (entry) | ₺50 |
| Uçhisar Castle Viewpoint | ₺60 |
| Sunset Point at Aydın Kırağı | Free |
| Göreme Open-Air Museum (including Dark Church) | ₺300 |
| Guided hike in Zemi Valley (half-day group) | ₺250 |
| Picnic in Rose Valley (self-catered) | ₺80 |
| Seten Restaurant (dinner, typical per person) | ₺220 |
| Derinkuyu Underground City (entry) | ₺200 |
| Guide for Derinkuyu (site guide per person) | ₺180 |
| Ihlara Valley entry | ₺65 |
| Riverside breakfast at Belisırma lokanta | ₺100 |
| Selime Monastery (entry) | ₺50 |
| Shuttle/transfer (Derinkuyu-Ihlara-return) | ₺300 |
| Intercity train/bus to Konya (day) | ₺250 |
| Dolmuş to Sille Köyü | ₺40 |
| Ince Minareli Medrese (entry) | ₺80 |
| Mevlana Museum | ₺150 |
| Karatay Medrese (tile museum) | ₺120 |
| Sultan Alaeddin Hill (walk) | Free |
| Mevlana Cultural Center (concert / small recital ticket) | ₺200 |
| Intercity bus/train to Antalya (per person) | ₺300 |
| Kaleiçi Marina (walk) | Free |
| Hıdırlık Tower (view) | Free |
| Antalya Archaeology Museum (newer wing) | ₺200 |
| Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum | ₺100 |
| Mermerli Beach (swim) | Free |
| Karaalioğlu Park | Free |
| Seaside meyhane dinner (Antalya, per person) | ₺250 |
| Perge Ancient City (entry) | ₺150 |
| Local archaeologist-guide at Perge (half-day) | ₺400 |
| Düden Çayı picnic area | Free |
| Aspendos (entry) | ₺150 |
| Side Temple of Apollo (site visit) | ₺120 |
| Selimiye Çınar Café (coffee) | ₺60 |
| Intercity bus to Fethiye | ₺250 |
| Fethiye Balık Hali (fish market breakfast) | ₺120 |
| Fethiye Castle (Eski Fethiye Kalesi) | Free |
| Paspatur (Old Town) walk | Free |
| Boat to Küçük Çalış (short) | ₺120 |
| Küçük Çalış paddleboard rental (hour) | ₺200 |
| Eşen River mouth café lunch | ₺150 |
| Kayaköy Ghost Village (entry / visit) | Free |
| Guided Kayaköy walk (half-day) | ₺250 |
| Süleymanlar Plateau trail (hike) | Free |
| Muz Terrace Café (dinner) | ₺160 |
| Belcekız Beach sunrise walk | Free |
| Dolmuş to Kabak Valley (to trailhead) | ₺60 |
| Picnic breakfast (simit & ayran) | ₺40 |
| Babadağ moderate climb (self-guided, no permit) | Free |
| Paragliding tandem flight (optional) | ₺2200 |
| Saklı Cennet Tea Garden (refreshment) | ₺60 |
| Akarca Terrace Restaurant (dinner) | ₺200 |
| Coastal bus to Kaş | ₺150 |
| Kaş Marina (walk) | Free |
| Antiphellos Theatre (entry) | ₺50 |
| Kekova excursion boat / snorkeling (half-day shared) | ₺300 |
| Limanağzı coastal swim (free) | Free |
| Antiphellos Necropolis (visit) | Free |
| Kaputaş Viewpoint (tea at çay bahçesi) | ₺40 |
| Neon Beach Club (sunset drink) | ₺120 |
| Küçük Çakıl Promenade meyhane dinner | ₺220 |
| Shared minivan day trip to Xanthos & Letoon (Kaş) | ₺450 |
| Xanthos Ancient City (entry) | ₺100 |
| Letoon (entry) | ₺100 |
| Guided boat/river visit to Kınık Köyü (part of trip) | ₺150 |
| Patara Beachside Ruins (sunset visit) | ₺50 |
| Patara Bay Lokantası (dinner) | ₺160 |
| Intercity bus toward Ankara-Konya corridor (per person) | ₺300 |
| Beyşehir lakeside visit (breakfast gözleme & çay) | ₺80 |
| Sultanhani Caravanserai (visit) | Free |
| Cumalıkızık visit (gözleme tasting) | ₺70 |
| Kral Kalesi (view & picnic) | Free |
| Overnight boutique guesthouse (per person) | ₺450 |
| Hamamönü kahvaltı (simit & kaymak) | ₺120 |
| Seğmenler Parkı (again) | Free |
| Atatürk Cultural Center exhibition (entry / donation) | ₺50 |
| Sakarya Street snacks (street food) | ₺60 |
| Gordion (Midas Mound) guided visit (entry + guide) | ₺250 |
| Gordion Museum and Excavation Park (entry) | ₺80 |
| Beypazarı Traditional House Museum (entry) | ₺50 |
| Beypazarı Bazaar (food sampling) | ₺60 |
| Eski Hanı (dinner at caravanserai restaurant) | ₺200 |
| Bus/shared transfer to Kazdağı (per person) | ₺350 |
| Kazdağı Milli Parkı entrance / conservation fee | ₺80 |
| Adatepe Village olive oil tasting (sampling) | ₺60 |
| Sütüven Waterfall hike (guided half-day) | ₺200 |
| Herb garden visit & tasting | ₺60 |
| Gülpınar Winery tasting (per person) | ₺180 |
| Guided ridge trek to Kırkgöz Waterfalls (full-day) | ₺350 |
| Picnic supplies (per person average) | ₺80 |
| Dereköy tea & local snacks | ₺60 |
| Return bus to Ankara (per person) | ₺350 |
| Kuğulu Park kahvaltı (menemen & tea) | ₺120 |
| Ulucanlar Market (souvenirs small) | ₺150 |
| Ethnography Pavilion of Ankara (final visit) | ₺100 |
| Kurtuluş Lokantası final lunch | ₺200 |
| Esenboğa Airport cultural shop souvenirs | ₺150 |
| Gençlik Parkı Ferris Wheel (ride) | ₺60 |
| Hacı Dayı Lokantası farewell dinner | ₺180 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₺14985 |