Central Anatolia: Ankara, Konya & Cappadocia · 7 days

Day 1: Arrive in Ankara

Ankara

• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations · 2 h. Hittite, Phrygian and Neolithic finds including Çatalhöyük material; below the citadel.
• Ankara Castle (Kale) & old quarter · 1.5 h

Local tip: Hittite, Phrygian and Neolithic finds including Çatalhöyük material; below the citadel.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Ankara

Ankara

• Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum) & museum · 2.5 h. Free; bags are screened and behaviour is formal. The War of Independence museum is underneath the hall of honour.
• Hamamönü restored Ottoman houses · 2 h
• Kocatepe Mosque · 0.75 h
• Rahmi M. Koç Museum (Çengelhan) · 1.5 h. Industrial and transport collection in an old caravanserai below the castle; closed Mondays.

Local tip: Free; bags are screened and behaviour is formal. The War of Independence museum is underneath the hall of honour.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Ankara → Konya

Konya · Ankara to Konya, YHT high-speed train ~1h45m

• Mevlana Museum (Rumi's tomb) · 1.5 h. Entry has been free; a place of pilgrimage, so dress modestly and keep voices low. Women cover their hair in the tomb hall.
• Sema (whirling dervish) ceremony at the Mevlana Cultural Centre · 1.5 h. Usually Saturday evenings and free; nightly during the Şeb-i Arus festival (7–17 December), when tickets are needed.
• Alaeddin Hill & Mosque · 1 h

Local tip: Entry has been free; a place of pilgrimage, so dress modestly and keep voices low. Women cover their hair in the tomb hall.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Konya → Cappadocia

Cappadocia · Konya to Cappadocia, Bus or car ~3h via Sultanhanı caravanserai

• Hot-air balloon flight at sunrise over Göreme · 3.5 h. About €150–300 depending on season and basket size. Flights are cancelled on windy or wet mornings, so keep a spare morning; most operators set a minimum age around 6.
• Uçhisar Castle viewpoint · 1 h. The highest point in the area; steep steps to the top.

Local tip: About €150–300 depending on season and basket size. Flights are cancelled on windy or wet mornings, so keep a spare morning; most operators set a minimum age around 6.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Cappadocia

Cappadocia

• Göreme Open-Air Museum · 2 h. Rock-cut churches with frescoes; the Dark Church has a separate ticket. Covered by the Museum Pass Türkiye; go at opening.
• Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı underground city · 1.5 h. Several levels below ground with narrow, low passages; skip if claustrophobic. Kaymaklı is closer to Göreme.
• Paşabağ (Monks Valley) and Devrent fairy chimneys · 2 h. Part of the standard Red tour with Avanos and Göreme panorama, which costs about €40–50 with lunch.
• Avanos pottery workshop · 1.5 h. Try the wheel for free at most workshops; there is no obligation to buy.

Local tip: Rock-cut churches with frescoes; the Dark Church has a separate ticket. Covered by the Museum Pass Türkiye; go at opening.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Green tour: Derinkuyu underground city, Ihlara Valley & Selime

Cappadocia

• Green tour: Derinkuyu underground city, Ihlara Valley & Selime · 8 h. Includes lunch by the river in Ihlara and entry fees on most tours; the underground tunnels are low and tight.

Local tip: Includes lunch by the river in Ihlara and entry fees on most tours; the underground tunnels are low and tight.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Cappadocia

Cappadocia

• Love Valley walk & viewpoint · 2 h. The rim viewpoint is a good free spot to watch balloons at dawn.

Local tip: The rim viewpoint is a good free spot to watch balloons at dawn.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps