Ankara’s Bronze Age Tour: Hattusas, Yazilikaya & Alacahöyük

Ankara’s Bronze Age Tour offers a chance to step back in time and explore the ancient Hittite civilization. Visitors can uncover the remnants of this captivating culture, from the majestic city walls of Hattusas to the intricate rock carvings at Yazilikaya. Along the way, they’ll discover a wealth of archaeological treasures, providing a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the Hittites. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour promises an immersive and unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• This 8-hour guided tour explores the ancient Hittite civilization, focusing on key archaeological sites like Hattusas, Yazilikaya, and Alacahöyük.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a professional local guide, providing a comprehensive experience for up to 2 participants.
• Visitors can discover the remnants of the Hittite capital Hattusas, including its massive city walls, royal citadel, and temples, gaining insights into their architectural achievements.
• Yazilikaya, an open-air temple, showcases intricate rock carvings depicting Hittite deities and mythological creatures, with unique acoustics enhancing the visitor experience.
• The tour also explores the UNESCO-listed Alacahöyük site, home to excavated royal tombs and temples, and the Alacahoyuk Museum, which houses a captivating collection of Hittite artifacts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

Ankara’s Bronze Age Tour provides an opportunity to explore the rich historical sites of Turkey’s ancient Hittite civilization.

Priced at Kč 28,286 for up to 2 participants, this 8-hour guided tour covers the key highlights of the region.

Visitors can expect to visit the ancient capital of Hattusas, the open-air temple of Yazilikaya, the archaeological site of Alacahöyük, and the Alacahoyuk Museum.

Explore the ancient capital of Hattusas, the open-air temple of Yazilikaya, the archaeological site of Alacahöyük, and the Alacahoyuk Museum.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Ankara, all entrance fees, and a professional local guide to share insights.

Flexible booking allows visitors to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from Ankara, where participants embark on their journey through Turkey’s ancient Hittite sites.

The first stop is the ancient capital of Hattusas, where a 2-hour guided tour explores the remnants of this once-powerful civilization.

Next, visitors head to Yazilikaya, an open-air temple known for its unique rock carvings, with another 2-hour guided tour.

The tour then moves to Alacahöyük, an archaeological site rich with ancient treasures, followed by a visit to the Alacahoyuk Museum for a 2-hour guided tour of its impressive artifact collection.

Explore Ancient Hattusas

Upon arriving at the ancient capital of Hattusas, the tour participants enjoy the remnants of the once-mighty Hittite civilization.

Their guide leads them through the massive city walls, pointing out the impressive royal citadel, temples, and administrative buildings. Visitors explore the archaeologically-rich site, marveling at the well-preserved royal palace and observing the intricate reliefs and inscriptions that provide insights into Hittite culture and history.

The guide shares fascinating details about the Hittites’ architectural achievements and advances in technology, leaving the participants with a deeper appreciation for this ancient superpower’s enduring legacy.

Yazilikaya’s Unique Rock Carvings

From Hattusas, the tour moves to the awe-inspiring site of Yazilikaya, an open-air temple renowned for its unique rock carvings.

The site features a series of intricate reliefs carved into the rock face, depicting figures believed to be Hittite deities and mythological creatures. These carvings offer a remarkable glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the Hittite civilization, which flourished during the Bronze Age.

Visitors can explore the site, marveling at the skill and artistry of the ancient Hittite craftsmen who created these impressive rock-carved masterpieces.

The highlights of Yazilikaya include:

1. The Main Chamber, home to the largest relief carvings, featuring the gods Teshub and Hepat.

2. The Smaller Chamber, showcasing additional deities and mythological figures.

3. The Processional Way, a path lined with carved reliefs leading to the temple’s entrance.

4. The unique acoustics of the site, which provide an immersive experience for visitors.

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Discovering Archaeological Treasures at Alacahöyük

Next, the tour ventures to the remarkable archaeological site of Alacahöyük, where visitors can discover a wealth of ancient treasures.

This Bronze Age settlement was once the capital of the Hittite Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers will explore the excavated ruins, including the royal tombs, temples, and fortifications.

The site’s museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including intricate metalwork, pottery, and carved sculptures.

Visitors can enjoy the rich history and culture of this significant archaeological wonder, gaining a deeper understanding of the Hittite civilization.

Alacahoyuk Museum’s Ancient Artifacts

The Alacahoyuk Museum presents visitors with a captivating collection of ancient artifacts that offer a window into the rich history and culture of the Hittite civilization.

The museum’s highlights include:

The museum’s highlights include ornate bronze artifacts, impressive stone sculptures, intricate pottery, and a collection of cuneiform tablets.

1. Ornate bronze artefacts, such as scepters, decorative pins, and jewellery, showcasing the Hittites’ mastery of metalworking.

2. Impressive stone sculptures, including statues of the Hittite pantheon and carved relief panels depicting ceremonial scenes.

3. Intricate pottery, including elaborate vases, bowls, and jars decorated with distinctive Hittite motifs and patterns.

4. A remarkable collection of cuneiform tablets, providing insights into the Hittites’ written language and administrative practices.

Taking in Turkey’s Bronze Age

As visitors embark on Ankara’s Bronze Age Tour, they’ll be immersed in the captivating history and remarkable archaeological wonders of Turkey’s ancient Hittite civilization.

From the majestic capital of Hattusas to the enigmatic rock carvings of Yazilikaya, the tour offers a profound glimpse into the sophistication of this lost empire.

Alacahöyük, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals ancient tombs and artifacts that provide tangible connections to the Hittites’ daily lives and rituals.

Flexible Booking and Tour Guide Experience

Booking this Bronze Age tour offers travelers a flexible and convenient experience.

With a reserve now, pay later policy, visitors can easily secure their spot without an upfront payment.

Visitors can secure their spot on the tour without an upfront payment thanks to the reserve now, pay later policy.

The tour also features a professional local guide who’ll lead the group through the historic sites, providing in-depth commentary and insights.

Highlights of the tour guide experience include:

1. Expert knowledge of the Hittite Empire and Bronze Age archaeology.

2. Engaging storytelling to bring the past to life.

3. Flexibility to adjust the pace and focus based on traveler interests.

4. Personalized recommendations for the best photos and vantage points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation to the Pickup Location in Ankara Included?

No, transportation to the pickup location in Ankara is not included. The tour package includes pickup from Ankara, but getting to the pickup location in Ankara is the responsibility of the participants.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees During the Tour?

No, there are no additional costs or fees during the tour. The tour includes the professional local tour guide, transportation, all entrance fees, and lunch, as stated in the inclusions section of the tour overview.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Tailored to Individual Interests?

The tour can be customized to individual interests. Travelers can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary and focus areas based on their specific preferences and needs, ensuring a personalized experience.

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour is available on all days of the week, allowing travelers to book it on a schedule that fits their plans. However, it’s best to check availability in advance as tour dates may be subject to change.

Can the Group Size Be Larger Than 2 Participants?

The group size can be larger than 2 participants, but the price of Kč 28,286 is for up to 2 participants. Larger groups would need to pay a higher price per person.

The Sum Up

The Ankara’s Bronze Age Tour offers a captivating journey through Turkey’s ancient Hittite civilization. Visitors can explore the majestic ruins of Hattusas, marvel at the intricate rock carvings of Yazilikaya, and discover the archaeological treasures of Alacahöyük. This immersive experience provides a profound understanding of the Hittite culture and its lasting impact, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: