Ankara Suggested Itineraries

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience, Tip - Suggested Itineraries, Tip - What to See & Do

When Atatürk moved the Turkish capital from Istanbul to Ankara in 1923 he turned his back on the Bosporus, but paved the way from Europe to Ankara. Nowadays Ankara is about as European as Turkey gets. There are touches of the mystical east if you know where to look, but the vast majority of the city is 20th century through and through, and eagerly welcoming would-be visitors.

Day 1: Welcome to Ankara

Upon your arrival and hotel transfer, you’ll be immersed in the world of Turkey, a country walking the line between the old and new worlds. Mosques and minarets meet skyscrapers and modern conveniences bought with tourism dollars. Get settled in at your hotel and take in the sites of old Turkey with a privately guided sightseeing tour before lounging about in a cafe and drinking sweet tea under Middle Eastern stars.

Day 2: Old and New Worlds

Wake up, stretch, and head off to see the Atatürk Museum, homage to the founder of modern Turkey, and redolent of the early history of mankind. Afterward, wonder through the dusty streets, soak up the local flavors and smells, eat a Kebab from a local vendor, or sample some of the fresh fish from the Mediterranean. Afterwards, head to Kocatepe, a true Turkish mosque and prime photo opportunity. Then turn your sites towards the Anatolian Civilisations Museum, touted by some as the perfect introduction to the complex weave of Turkey’s chequered and ancient past, and considered one of Ankara’s must-sees.

Day 3: Day Trips from Ankara

Turkey is a land of mystique, unlike any other on Earth. An overnight tour to Cappadocia will let you explore this moon-like terrain while experiencing some of the local culture and shop for various region-specific handiworks. Or, journey to Yazilikaya and see an impressive open air rock sanctuary created by the Hittites, the second oldest known civilization in Anatolia. Either way is a good compliment to a well rounded Turkish experience.

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Reply by Viator, September 2012
Doing what: 2-Day Cappadocia Trip from Kayseri

I really enjoyed this trip, it was absolutely amazing! Our guide was great, he was very knowledgeable and at the same time very nice and entertaining. After Istanbul, we loved being out in the nature and doing an easy hike in the Rose Valley. The natural formations we saw on this trip were absolutely amazing! We loved the fairy chimneys, the underground cities and the Goreme open air museum. Also really enjoyed being in a small group. I would definitely recommend this tour!

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Reply by Viator, September 2012
Doing what: 2-Day Cappadocia Trip from Kayseri

Amazing!!! Mother nature was hard at work in this part of the world!! Tour guide was excellent and everything was seamless. DEFINTELY TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE!!!! Phenominal experience!

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Reply by Viator, August 2012
Doing what: 2-Day Cappadocia Trip from Kayseri

I have to admit I was not really sure what to expect of this tour. We hired a 2 day tour to see the main highlights of Cappadocia, of which I was mostly looking forward to the fairy chimneys. We landed from Istanbul the morning the tour began, and kicked off the day with a easy hike along the Rose Valley. After spending a few days in all the hustle and bustle of Istanbul I was so grateful to find a bit of quiet, admire the rock formations and listen to our guide explaining how the area originated and enjoy a quick stop for tea. Lunch involved a typical place in Avanos, overlooking the river. After refuelling we were taken to see one of the Christian underground cities in the area. It was amazing how much they had excavated into the rock and being able to explore it. On the second day we visited the Goreme Open Air museum. Our guide was very knowledgeable and explained quite a few of the buildings and the frescos in the churches built by the Christians. This was just as beautiful as the fairy chimneys we went to see in the afternoon before finishing our visit. All in all, I greatly recommend this tour. When we went (early june) there were a few tour buses but felt quite laid back, and the group we were in was small and the guide very friendly. I wish I could have stayed one or two days more to relax a bit and enjoy the area, but I think I got a good overall impression.

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