Tour
Human origins, Neolithic and Bronze Age Turkey
Next trip 12 days from 13 May 2027
Prices from £4,895
Booking information
13 May 2027 – 12 days for £4,895 per person
8 September 2027 – 12 days for £4,895 per person
Register your interest for 2028 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available.
Embark on a captivating journey through Turkey, a land rich with historical treasures that illuminate the story of human origins. Guided by an expert archaeologist, uncover the mysteries of these ancient landscapes and visit museums that showcase invaluable artifacts, bringing the past to life in a vivid and unforgettable way.
Discover how Neolithic and Bronze Age people in Turkey changed from hunter-gatherers to organised societies with agriculture, ritual and an understanding of the wider world.
Marvel at Istanbul’s awe-inspiring architecture and experience the vibrant life of Turkey’s capital, Ankara. Delve into sites that have shaped our understanding of early human history. Be enchanted by Cappadocia’s geological wonders, including the fascinating underground city of Kaymakli. Explore the enigmatic ruins of Göbekli Tepe and the ancient settlement of Çatalhöyük, and be awestruck by the monumental statues of Mount Nemrut. You will also visit museums that house extensive collections from these remarkable locations.
An archaeology expert will accompany you throughout your trip these include Dr Sinan Ünlüsoy. They will enrich your travel experience through a series of specialist talks and walking seminars, plus they will also be on hand to answer any queries you have regarding the archaeological regions that you visit along the way.
This tour is perfect for those fascinated by human origins, offering a deep dive into some of the world’s most significant archaeological sites and an unparalleled opportunity to explore the cradle of human development.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Itinerary
This itinerary has been carefully planned, but this type of travel requires a degree of flexibility. Local conditions, weather, transport or other unforeseen circumstances may require changes to the programme. Intrepid Travel’s experienced tour leaders will manage any changes on the ground, and while every effort will be made to operate the tour as described, the itinerary may be amended where necessary.
Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul and meet the group
Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey. Check in to the Legacy Ottoman Hotel, located in the heart of Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have previously all called home.
In the evening, meet your fellow guests, tour leader and accompanying expert, who will give an introductory talk on the tour ahead. The tour expert will give both evening lectures and walking commentary throughout the tour.
Afterwards, you will head out to enjoy dinner together.
Travel note: Your airport transfer into central Istanbul will take approximately 45–60 kilometres and 1–1½ hours from Istanbul Airport, depending on traffic. Journey times can be longer during busy periods.
Day 2: Istanbul city tour including the Blue Mosque and Haggia Sophia
After an early breakfast, you will enjoy a tour of the most important and visually enthralling sites of the old city. This will include the Blue Mosque and Justinian the Great’s 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia. These monumental and awe-inspiring buildings sit next to each other in the heart of the city. Next, head on to the Hippodrome, where chariot races once took place. Finally, visit the famed Grand Bazaar to explore the 3000 local and independent stalls and shops.
Day 3: Fly to Konya and continue to Çatalhöyük
This morning, you will catch an early morning flight to Konya in the Anatolia region, allowing extra time to explore the remarkable archaeological site of Çatalhöyük. Founded around 9,000 years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is often called the world’s first city. It is among the earliest known places where villages came together to form a central settlement, marking the beginnings of the urban civilisation that would eventually shape the modern world. Research on 226 skeletons buried here revealed that, unusually, the inhabitants were not organised into family groups, suggesting there is still much to uncover about the society that once flourished at this extraordinary site.
Travel note: Following your domestic flight from Istanbul to Konya, taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, you will travel around 50 kilometres to Çatalhöyük, a journey of approximately 45–60 minutes each way.
Day 4: Aşikli Höyük and continue to Cappadocia
Today, head to Aşikli Höyük, another village that harbours many firsts. All signs indicate that this was the first place on the Central Anatolian Plateau where copper was mined. The site was found in 1964 by Dr Ian Todd and is now one of the largest dig sites in the region, spanning 4200 square metres. Evidence uncovered since the digs started here has revealed over 400 rooms and, within them, 70 buried individuals. From examination of two of the skulls here, this village gives us evidence of the earliest-known brain surgery and first autopsy to have been performed, providing key information about the history and development of medicinal practices.
Your journey continues on to Cappadocia. Over millions of years, rain and wind have shaped the soft, white volcanic rock of this plain into an otherworldly landscape of dripping cones, pillars, pinnacles and fairy chimneys that soar more than 30 metres into the sky.
Finish the day with a walk at Red Valley.
Travel note: Today involves a longer journey across Central Anatolia. Travelling from Konya to Aşıklı Höyük and onwards to Cappadocia covers approximately 250–300 kilometres, with around 4–5 hours of driving in total, excluding sightseeing stops. Expect a full day combining road travel, archaeological exploration and walking in Red Valley.
Day 5: Goreme Open Air Museum and continue to Kaymakli
Early birds will have an option to take a hot air balloon over the otherworldly Cappadocian landscape (this isn’t included in the tour cost). The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away.
You will then visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, UNESCO World Heritage listed since 1984, which houses scores of monasteries, each with its own church carved from the rock. Built during the Byzantine period, it was originally a home for monks and also a pilgrimage destination. Within the many buildings and churches are beautifully preserved frescoes, which retain their original colour to this day.
Then, you will visit Kaymakli, an underground city that was built under the hill known as the Citadel of Kaymakli. It was opened to visitors in 1964. The people of Kaymakli village have constructed their houses around nearly 100 tunnels of the underground city. The inhabitants of the region still use the most convenient places in the tunnels as cellars, storage areas and stables, which they access through their courtyards. The underground city has 8 doors leading below ground, but only 4 of them are open to the public today, descending into low, narrow and sloping passages.
Travel note: Today’s sightseeing is concentrated within Cappadocia, with approximately 50–80 kilometres of driving and 1½–2 hours spent in the vehicle across the day. Visits involve walking over uneven surfaces, steps and narrow underground passages.
Day 6: Hattusa and Yazilikaya
Leaving Cappadocia, drive north, heading towards Ankara. On the way, visit Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittites. The remnants of the Hittite capital date back to the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC, and they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1986. The Hittites were a remarkable civilisation, stretching from the Aegean across Anatolia and northern Syria to the Euphrates river.
Next, explore the ancient Hittite sanctuary of Yazilikaya, an open-air, carved-rock monument.
In the evening, enjoy a nice dinner with the group in this cosmopolitan city.
Travel note: Today is one of the longer travel days, covering approximately 450–500 kilometres from Cappadocia to Hattusa and Yazılıkaya, before continuing to Ankara. Expect around 6–7 hours of driving, excluding sightseeing and meal stops. An early departure and a full day of travel and archaeological exploration should be anticipated.
Day 7: Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Ankara Castle
Today, you will visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, one of the most significant museums in the world with its extensive, unique collections and works exhibited in chronological order from the Palaeolithic until today. The collection is out of this world and will take you far back in time.
Next, you will visit Ankara Castle which has hosted many different civilisations, such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Byzantines, Arabs and Ottomans.
Tonight, enjoy a nice dinner with the group.
Travel note: Today’s sightseeing is concentrated within Ankara, with approximately 10–20 kilometres of driving and 30–60 minutes in the vehicle, depending on traffic. Most of the day will be spent exploring the museum and castle on foot.
Day 8: Sanliurfa
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Sanliurfa. You will have a tour of Sanliurfa, often referred to as the “City of Prophets” and previously known in antiquity as Edessa, where you will discover the city’s rich history, culture, and spirituality. Begin at the sacred pool of Abraham, a serene site steeped in legend, surrounded by vibrant gardens and ancient mosques. Stroll through the bustling bazaars, where the scent of spices and the hum of artisans create an unforgettable atmosphere, and also visit the awe-inspiring Grand Mosque.
Travel note: Following an early departure, you will transfer approximately 25–30 kilometres to Ankara Airport, taking around 30–45 minutes, before your domestic flight to Şanlıurfa. On arrival, the transfer into the city covers approximately 35–40 kilometres and takes around 40–50 minutes.
Day 9: Sanliurfa Museum
Today you will visit the Şanlıurfa Museum, which exhibits works from the city and its surroundings. With a rich history, it is of international importance for the history of the Neolithic Period and features the oldest-known life-sized human sculpture, Urfa Man, dating back to around 9000 BC.
Day 10: Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe and continue to Adiyaman
Today you will visit the UNESCO listed Göbekli Tepe, one of the world’s oldest and most impressive archaeological sites. The history of Göbekli Tepe goes back to thousands of years, before major sites such as Stonehenge, the Pyramids and the Ggantija temples. It is considered one of the world’s first temples and also had significant astronomical use for monitoring the night sky. There is so much still to be discovered, and radar-mapping of the site shows several more megalithic ring structures still to be excavated.
Then, visit Karahan Tepe, which, along with Göbekli Tepe, is part of a cluster of Neolithic settlements spread over 200 ilometres of south-eastern Turkey between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Karahan Tepe is believed to be considerably larger than Göbekli Tepe, covering an area of about 13 hectares. Recent archaeological work suggests that Karahan Tepe might be an even earlier structure than Göbekli Tepe, placing it among the earliest known Neolithic sites in the world. Continue onto Adiyaman where you will spend the evening.
From here, there will be a scenic 3-hour drive to Adiyaman, where you will spend the night.
Travel note: Today is a substantial travel and sightseeing day, covering approximately 230–280 kilometres between Şanlıurfa, Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe and Adıyaman. Allow around 4–5 hours of driving in total, depending on the final route and road conditions, in addition to time spent exploring the archaeological sites.
Day 11: Mount Nemrut and fly to Istanbul
This morning there will be two options. The first is for those wanting to do the sunrise walk to Mount Nemrut and the second is for those wanting a more relaxing morning at the hotel. For those doing the walk, you will depart the hotel at around 3am trek up to the 2000-metre summit, where 2000-year-old giant statues of gods are placed around what is assumed to be a royal tomb. This is one of the most atmospheric and iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey.
You will be transferred to the local airport to fly back to Istanbul, arriving mid-afternoon. After checking into your hotel in the heart of the city, you will have some free time to explore before having a farewell group dinner together.
Travel note: Guests joining the optional sunrise excursion to Mount Nemrut will depart at approximately 3am. The journey from Adıyaman to Mount Nemrut covers around 85–90 kilometres each way, taking approximately 1½–2 hours in each direction on winding mountain roads. You will then transfer to the airport, approximately 20–25 kilometres from Adıyaman, for your flight to Istanbul. This is a particularly long day for those joining the sunrise excursion, with an early start, several hours of driving and onward air travel.
Day 12: Istanbul departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flight. However, if you wish to spend some additional days in Istanbul, you can speak to the team at Intrepid who can offer suggestions.
Travel note: Your transfer from central Istanbul to Istanbul Airport covers approximately 45–60 kilometres and usually takes around 1–1½ hours, depending on traffic.
FAQs
Where does this tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends in Istanbul. Please speak to Intrepid Travel who can offer flight advice and book flights for those travelling from the UK.
How fit do I need to be to enjoy this tour?
There will be early starts on some of the days, due to the distances to be travelled or to catch flights.
To fully explore the ancient sites, there will be walking of up to two hours per visit. Much of it is on rocky ground, so you need to be relatively mobile and able to cope with a lot of uneven steps. Please ensure you wear comfortable supportive footwear, have water with you during the site visits and we strongly recommend robust sun protection.
Please note that the hotel in Cappadocia includes multiple levels connected by steep stairs. There is no elevator available. Some rooms and the restaurant are situated on different levels, requiring navigation of these stairs. rooms near the reception area can help minimise the need to climb stairs and must be requested when booking.
Mount Nemrut walk (day 11)
On day 11 there is the option to walk to the top of Mount Nemrut. You will depart your hotel at approximately 3:00 am and travel by coach towards Mount Nemrut to witness the sunrise. Due to the narrow and steep mountain road, the coach cannot continue to the summit and will stop at the designated parking area. From here, you will begin the ascent on foot at around 5:00 am. Your guide will take the easier route, involving an uphill walk of approximately 300 – 450 metres on a paved but moderately steep path. While this is a walk rather than a technical climb, it requires a reasonable level of fitness. If you are concerned about the physical demands, please speak with your guide before starting the ascent.
How much travel is involved?
This itinerary covers a considerable distance across Turkey, combining domestic flights, private road transfers and guided walking excursions. Several days involve longer journeys of 4–7 hours, particularly between Konya, Cappadocia, Hattusa and Ankara, and from Şanlıurfa to Adıyaman. Travel is broken up with visits to archaeological sites, although some early starts and full days of sightseeing should be expected. A reasonable level of mobility is recommended, as many sites involve walking over uneven terrain, steps and occasional steep inclines.
What will the weather be like?
May and September are both excellent times to explore Turkey, with generally pleasant, sunny conditions. In May, daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 25°C, rising to around 30°C in the southeast, with occasional showers. September is warmer and drier, with temperatures of 24°C to 28°C, reaching 35°C around Şanlıurfa. Mornings and evenings can be cooler in Central Anatolia and at higher elevations, so we recommend lightweight clothing, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes and warmer layers.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
All of our tours are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you do not have to pay the solo room supplement.
Booking information
Booking administration
This tour is operated by our trusted partner Intrepid Travel on behalf of New Scientist Discovery Tours. Their dedicated specialist team will be your main point of contact from booking until you return home, handling your reservation, payments, travel documents, pre-departure information and any questions about your tour or travel arrangements.
Highlights
- Visit 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Göbekli Tepe, Çatalhöyük, Goreme Open Air Museum, Hattusa and Mount Nemrut
- Accompanied throughout by an expert archaeologist
- Explore Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar with expert-guided insights
- Visit Çatalhöyük, a 9,000-year-old UNESCO site often called one of the world’s first cities
- Experience Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, Red Valley walks and optional sunrise balloon flight
- Explore Göreme’s rock-cut monasteries and colourful Byzantine frescoes at a UNESCO site
- Descend into Kaymakli, a fascinating underground city hidden beneath Cappadocia
- Uncover Hittite history at Hattusa and the remarkable rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya
- Discover Şanlıurfa, the “City of Prophets”, with sacred sites, bazaars and rich heritage
- Stand among the world’s oldest monuments at Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe
- Trek Mount Nemrut to see colossal 2,000-year-old statues around a royal tomb (optional)
- Maximum group size – 21 people
Meet the expert
Dr Sinan Ünlüsoy (13 May 2027)
Sinan studied Archaeology and Art History at Bilkent University in Ankara, followed by gaining an MA and PhD from Tübingen University in Germany at the Pre and Proto History Department. He has worked at the excavations of Troy in Turkey for over 15 years and currently teaches Archaeology and Art History at Yaşar in Izmir.
September 2027 expert to be confirmed shortly.
Dr Çiler Çilingiroğlu (September 2028)
Çiler is a Professor of Archaeology at Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. She specialises in the prehistory of Turkey with a focus on the Neolithic Period.
Çiler directed excavations at Çatalhöyük in 2018 to 2019 and continues to direct the Izmir-Karaburun Survey Project. She has published in Science, PNAS, Quaternary International and the Journal of Field Archaeology, among others. She is the co-founder of Theoretical Archaeological Group-Turkey and the founder of the Ege University Anthropocene Research Group. She is fluent in Turkish, English and German.
Çiler will join the group on day three in Konya.
Tour leader
In addition to the science expert you will be accompanied throughout by an English-speaking tour leader provided by our partner for this tour, Intrepid Travel. The best people to show you the heart of a destination are those who live there. Tour leaders aren’t just local guides: they will be your teacher, travel guru and enthusiastic purveyor of grassroots experiences. They will also be able to offer insights on the country’s history and culture and will be on hand to sort all the logistics of the trip and to answer any questions you may have.
What’s included
- Lectures and walking seminars from the accompanying expert
- All hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
- 11 breakfasts and five dinners
- Arrival/departure group airport transfers for those on the suggested group flights
- Three internal flights
- Transport in comfortable coaches throughout
- All sites and attractions (except the sunrise balloon flight)
- 24-hour support
- The services of an accompanying tour manager throughout
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers and porters
- Private airport transfers
- Optional sunrise balloon flight in Cappadocia
- Visa/ETA (if applicable)
- Single supplement: £850 (May 2027) and £870 (September 2027)
Accommodations
The Galata Hotel Istanbul, Istanbul
The Galata Hotel Istanbul is a boutique hotel perfectly situated in the historic Beyoğlu district, just a short walk from the iconic Galata Tower and Istiklal Street. Combining the charm of a renovated historic building with modern comforts, the hotel offers stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and city views, along with a restaurant and bar, fitness centre, spa with a traditional hammam, meeting facilities, and 24-hour reception. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Istanbul’s vibrant culture, shopping, and dining.
Selcuk Hotel, Konya
Selçuk Hotel Konya is a centrally located hotel, just a short walk from the Mevlana Museum, Alaeddin Mosque, and Karatay Museum, placing you in the heart of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The hotel offers comfortable, modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, along with on-site dining, a fitness centre, sauna, Turkish bath, and meeting facilities.
Zemi Hotel, Cappadocia
Zemi Hotel Cappadocia is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Göreme, just a short walk from the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the region’s famous fairy‑tale landscapes. The hotel combines cave-inspired architecture with modern comforts, offering spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, a seasonal outdoor pool, a spa and wellness centre with a hammam and hot tub, on-site dining, and free breakfast and parking. With garden and mountain views, a relaxing terrace, and easy access to Cappadocia’s unique valleys and attractions, it’s an ideal base for both leisure and adventure travellers.
Mercure Ankara Kızılay, Ankara
Mercure Ankara Kızılay is a contemporary 4-star hotel located in the vibrant heart of Kızılay, Ankara’s central business and shopping district, offering easy access to major attractions and public transport. The hotel features modern, well-appointed rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, a fitness centre, meeting facilities for business travellers, and convenient amenities such as free Wi-Fi and parking, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure stays in the capital.
Hilton Garden Inn, Şanliurfa
Hilton Garden Inn Şanlıurfa is a modern hotel ideally located in the city centre, just a 5-minute walk from the Archaeology Museum and close to shops, restaurants, and iconic sites like Balıklıgöl.Guests can enjoy spacious, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre, meeting facilities, and an indoor pool.
Ramada Antiochos Hotel, Adiyaman
Ramada by Wyndham Adıyaman (Antiochos Hotel) is centrally located in Adıyaman, providing convenient access to the city centre and nearby historical attractions such as Mount Nemrut. The hotel offers comfortable, modern rooms along with facilities including a restaurant and bar, outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, fitness facilities, meeting spaces for business travellers, complimentary Wi-Fi and on-site parking.
Please note: If required for reasons beyond our control, we reserve the right to substitute alternative accommodation of equal or higher quality or adapt the itinerary if required.