Itinerary Details

Our guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Cappadocia at 09:00 AM, and we will begin our journey to one of the most historically significant sites in Turkey: The Hittite Capital: Hattusha (Hattusa) Ancient City. This ancient city, which dates back to almost 4000 years, is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the region. The city was discovered in 1834, but it wasn’t until 1906 that it was comprehensively excavated. This was the year that a copy of a peace treaty between Hattushili III and Pharaoh Ramses II was uncovered, a discovery that was pivotal in identifying the city as Hattusha. Since then, joint efforts by German and Turkish archaeologists have significantly advanced the understanding of this fascinating site.

In the 13th century BC, the city was surrounded by an elaborate system of double walls that stretched for about 8 kilometers. These walls served as the city’s main defense mechanism, protecting it from potential invaders. The eastern side of the city was guarded by the Kayalı Bogaz outpost, located 1.5 km from the Royal Gate, which provided an additional layer of defense. To the north of the city, beyond the protective walls, you’ll find the necropolis at Osmankayası, where tombs were carved into the rock. Just a short distance away is the Yazılıkaya rupestral sanctuary, an extraordinary site famous for its bas-reliefs that decorate the walls. These reliefs are considered the undisputed masterpiece of Hittite art, providing valuable insight into the religious and cultural practices of the time.

During your visit, we will take the time to explore several of the city’s most remarkable landmarks, including the Great Temple, the Storages, the Lion Gate, the King's Gate, and the Sphinx Gate, among many others. Each of these sites holds significant historical and archaeological value, offering a glimpse into the life of the Hittites and their architectural achievements.

One of the most notable monuments in Hattusha is the Great Temple, which was dedicated to the god of storms and the goddess of the Sun, Arinna. The temple is surrounded by an array of other buildings, including storage rooms, which provide evidence of the city’s bustling commercial life. Thousands of cuneiform tablets have been found in this area, shedding light on the administrative and religious practices of the Hittites. Slightly to the north of the temple, we will explore the remains of the Assyrian settlement’s karum, a complex of houses built around a central courtyard. Some parts of the settlement date back to the pre-Hittite period, making it an invaluable site for understanding the region’s history and cultural evolution.

We will also visit the Yazılıkaya Open Air Sanctuary, one of the most important religious sites of the Hittites. This sanctuary was the spiritual center of the Hittite empire and is famous for its detailed reliefs of the Hittite gods, reflecting the Hittites' deep connection to their numerous deities. The Hittites were often referred to as "the country with 1000 gods" due to the vast number of deities worshipped within their culture. The sanctuary’s reliefs provide a fascinating glimpse into the religious beliefs and practices of one of the ancient world’s most powerful empires.

After exploring the remarkable history of Hattusha, we will begin our journey back to the hotel. The tour will end around 16:30 – 17:00, and we will drop you off at your hotel, where you can reflect on the incredible sights and stories you’ve experienced during this unforgettable journey into the heart of the Hittite civilization.

The rate list for this private tour will be as:

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