Private Catalhoyuk & Konya Tour from Cappadocia with Lunch

Travel through thousands of years of Central Anatolian history on a private full-day journey from Cappadocia to Çatalhöyük, Sultanhanı and Konya. Begin with a visit to Sultanhanı Caravanserai, a monumental Seljuk-era stop on the historic Silk Road. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük, where your private licensed guide will explain how one of the world’s earliest large communities lived, built their homes and developed complex social traditions. After a traditional lunch in Konya, visit the Mevlana Museum, home to the tomb of Jalal al-Din Rumi and the historic lodge associated with the Mevlevi tradition. Private hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed guide, a professional driver, an air-conditioned vehicle, admission tickets and lunch are included. This is a long but rewarding private day trip, combining Neolithic archaeology, Seljuk architecture and the spiritual heritage of Rumi in one carefully coordinated itinerary.

1. 1

   Cappadocia

   Pass by

   Your private guide and driver will collect you from your hotel in Cappadocia early in the morning. Settle into your private air-conditioned vehicle and travel west across the Central Anatolian landscape. The journey includes extended highway travel. Short comfort stops can be arranged when required.

2. 2

   Sultanhani Caravanserai

   40 min

   Visit Sultanhanı, one of the most impressive surviving caravanserais in Central Anatolia. Built during the Seljuk period, the complex provided merchants, travelers and their animals with protection and accommodation while traveling along historic commercial routes. Enter through its monumental stone portal and explore the open courtyard, covered winter hall and architectural details while your guide explains the role of caravanserais in medieval Anatolian trade.

3. 3

   Catalhoyuk Neolithic City

   1.5 hours

   Explore one of the world’s most significant Neolithic archaeological sites. Çatalhöyük was occupied by a large settled community thousands of years before the development of the classical cities commonly associated with ancient history. Walk through the available visitor areas and view excavated mud-brick structures while learning about: Houses constructed closely together Rooftop access and movement Domestic life and food production Wall paintings and symbolic practices Burials beneath house floors Early agriculture and animal domestication Archaeological excavation and conservation Your guide will help interpret the visible remains and explain what researchers have learned about the community that lived here. The excavation areas accessible to visitors may vary because of conservation work, archaeological research and local operating conditions.

4. 4

   Konya

   45 min

   Continue to Konya and enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant. The meal generally features Turkish or regional cuisine. The exact restaurant and menu may change according to the season and operating schedule. Vegetarian meals can be arranged with advance notice. Drinks are not included unless specifically stated in the selected booking option.

5. 5

   Mevlana Muzesi

   1 hour

   Visit the Mevlana Museum, the former Mevlevi lodge and final resting place of the thirteenth-century poet, scholar and mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi. See the famous green-domed mausoleum and explore sections connected with Mevlevi culture, music, manuscripts, clothing and daily life. Your guide will explain: The life and teachings of Rumi The development of the Mevlevi tradition The meaning of the sema ceremony The historic function of the dervish lodge The cultural influence of Rumi in Türkiye and around the world This visit does not include a live whirling-dervish ceremony. Visitors should behave respectfully because the museum and mausoleum have significant spiritual importance.

6. 6

   Cappadocia

   Pass by

   After the Mevlana Museum visit, begin the return journey to Cappadocia. Comfort stops can be arranged during the drive when required. You will be dropped off at your hotel or previously confirmed accommodation in Cappadocia. The exact return time will depend on your hotel location, traffic, weather, restaurant service and the pace of the private group.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.