Private Tour of Konya and Catalhoyuk with Lunch
From a 9,000-year-old Neolithic city to the sacred home of the whirling dervishes, in one remarkable day.
This private full-day tour takes you on a journey through two of Anatolia's most significant cultural and historical landmarks, beginning with the UNESCO-listed Catalhoyuk Neolithic settlement and culminating in the spiritual heart of Konya. A knowledgeable guide accompanies you throughout, providing context that transforms each stop into a meaningful experience.
Catalhoyuk is considered one of the world's earliest proto-urban settlements, occupied from approximately 7500 BC to 6400 BC. Its distinctive architectural layout and remarkable wall paintings offer rare insight into how early human communities organized themselves around principles of equality and shared space.
Konya, meanwhile, carries centuries of Sufi tradition as the home and final resting place of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. The Mevlana Museum stands as one of the most visited religious and cultural sites in Turkey, drawing scholars, pilgrims, and curious travelers alike.
Along the way, a stop at the Sultan Han Caravanserai reveals the scale of Seljuk ambition along the ancient Silk Road, adding a third historical dimension to an already rich itinerary. Lunch in a local restaurant rounds out a day that balances archaeology, spirituality, and regional cuisine.
Tour Highlights
Walk through Catalhoyuk, a Neolithic settlement dating back to 7500 BC and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
Visit the Sultan Han Caravanserai, one of the best-preserved Seljuk-era roadside inns along the historic Silk Road.
Explore the Mevlana Museum in Konya, the revered mausoleum of the Persian Sufi mystic Rumi and cradle of the whirling dervish tradition.
Travel as a private group, with the flexibility to set your own pace and direct your guide's attention where it matters most to you.
Enjoy a included lunch in the Konya area, sampling local Anatolian flavors in a relaxed setting between sites.
Gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of civilization through one of the most archaeologically significant sites in the world.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Cappadocia. The drive toward Konya takes approximately three hours, passing through the open landscapes of the Central Anatolian plateau.
En route, the group pauses at Sultan Han, a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai that once served as a waystation for merchants and travelers on the Silk Road. The structure's stone carvings and vaulted interiors remain in exceptional condition.
Upon arrival at Catalhoyuk, a guided walk through the active archaeological excavation and visitor shelter reveals the layered remains of one of humanity's earliest large settlements. Interpretive displays and original finds provide context for the site's global significance.
A sit-down lunch is included at a local restaurant in the Konya area. This pause offers a chance to rest and sample regional cuisine before continuing to the afternoon sites.
The afternoon centers on the Mevlana Museum, which houses the mausoleum of Rumi and artifacts connected to the Mevlevi Sufi order. The site carries deep spiritual significance and attracts visitors from across the world.
Following the visit to Konya, the group begins the approximately three-hour drive back to Cappadocia, arriving in the early evening.
What Is Included
Included
- Private transportation from and to Cappadocia
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Entrance fees to Catalhoyuk site
- Entrance fees to Mevlana Museum
- Sultan Han Caravanserai visit
- Lunch at a local restaurant
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Beverages not included in the set lunch
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Tour
Secure your place on this private cultural journey through Konya and Catalhoyuk. Availability is limited, and private tours are confirmed on a first-come basis.
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