What to do and see in Turkey, Turkey: The Best Archaeology Tours

November 18, 2021 Agatha Simes

Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye [ˈtyɾcije]), officially the Republic of Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye Cumhuriyeti [ˈtyɾcije d͡ʒumˈhuɾijeti] ( listen)), is a transcontinental country in Eurasia, mainly in Anatolia in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, the Azerbaijan and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the south. The country is encircled by seas on three sides with the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles, which together form the Turkish Straits, divide Thrace and Anatolia and separate Europe and Asia. Ankara is the capital while Istanbul is the country's largest city and main cultural and commercial centre, classified as a leading global city.
Restaurants in Turkey

1. Gobeklitepe (Pot belly hill)

Şanlıurfa, Turkey Erhan yildirim
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Archaeologically categorised as a site of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A Period (c. 9600–7300 BC) Göbeklitepe is a series of mainly circular and oval-shaped structures set on the top of a hill. Excavations began in 1995 by Prof. Klaus Schmidt with the help of the German Archeological Institute. There is archelological proof that these installations were not used for domestic use, but predominantly for ritual or religous purposes. Subsequently it became apparent that Gobeklitepe consists of not only one, but many of such stone age temples. Furthermore, both excavations and geo magnetic results revealed that there are at least 20 installations, which in archeological terms can be called a temple. Based on what has been unearthed so far, the pattern principle seems to be that there are two huge monumental pillars in the center of each installation, surrounded by enclosures and walls, featuring more pillars in those set-ups

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Reviewed By 128dmitryi

Thanks to Erhan we had a great tour and great time in our short stay travel to the south of Turkey! It seems that he knows everything and everybody in the region :) An incredible guide for historic places, museums, local gastronomy and just a great person! We knew so much new things and got huge volume of very interesting information! With hope to come back soon to continue discovering Turkey and meet again our friend :)

2. Cappadocia: 3 Days City Break

Kusadasi Tour Company
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Discover Cappadocia; The land of Beautiful horses and the home of fairy chimneys. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley and Pasabag. Walk around the fairy chimneys and see the first cave houses of early Christians. Enjoy a panoramic view of Göreme from one of the best panorama point, See the rock-cut houses and churches of Cavusin the historical Christian greek town and experience the life of the locals, enjoy a panoramic view of the pigeon valley, visit underground cities of early Christians and see rock-cut churches and storage rooms. Learn the history of the region from your expert local guide, experience make pottery from local experts, tasty typical Turkish food in a local restaurant.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, 2 night accommodation in Cappadocia, Meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary, Admission fees for all sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary, Transfer services from/to airports on private basis. , Land transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle

Exclusions: Tip to guides&drivers, Personal Expenses, Beverages with Meals

Reviewed By Luis R

We had a wonderful day! a great experience in pamukkale with our guide. Gonca or rosita is a love of person, a being who loves his work and is very professional, his smile and his way of explaining us is unique, he makes us live the story, he is very affectionate and sincere. We also got a good price. We are leaving happy and in a next trip we will not hesitate to hire tours with you and always with Rosita as a guide. I will recommend to my friends from Colombia who are next to come. Thank you.

3. Termessos tour with local Arcaeologist

Turkey Private Tours by Archaeologist Aykut Altinisik
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Discover Termessos Ancient city on this private tour with local Archaeologistguide Aykut Altınışık.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Archaeologistguide , Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Lunch, Admission tickets

Reviewed By andrlim

Went on a private tour to Pamukkale on 16 November 2019 with Aykut as the Tour Guide. Hee was very informative in telling us on the things to see and the history behind the tourist sites being visited. Additionally, he also told us of the attractions in the other parts of Turkey since he is also a tour guide for the whole of Turkey. This prepares us very well in our next stops in Epphesus and Cappodocia. He also told us what to expect during our tour in Turkey. I would highly recommend any person who needs to tour Turkey to contact Aykut immeidately in order to have a very memorable tour which will exceed your expectations.

4. Side: Eagle Canyon & Selge Ancient City

Seven Tours
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Visit to Eagle Canyon and Selge Ancient City. Explore naturel beautiful sides of Koprulu Canyon National Park

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees

Exclusions: Drinks, Any private expenses

Reviewed By emrahe776

Higly recommended for everyone. We spent really nice time. Nature was amazing and we had so much fun while off-road

5. Off The Beaten Path Istanbul

Off The Beaten Path Istanbul
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This is a special tour including some of the unique places in the city but also which are difficult to visit on your own. The tour will take you to the roots of historic Istanbul with a visit to the monuments of Byzantine and Ottoman cultural heritage. As the places of visit are all located out of the touristic centers, you will also have the chance to visit the current daily local life.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fee

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By benethy

My mother and I enjoy so much to try different cuisines and learn about the culinary culture and local recipes to cook at home. While we were in Istanbul we had the Turkish Food experience and absolutely loved it. Derya not only passionate and knowledgeable about Turkish food but also she is knowledgeable about Istanbul's culture, and history. It makes the day more pleasant knowing what was behind each taste and stop and it was especially nice to try her favorite tastes. She shares her favorite places with true generosity. I can really recommend Derya and her private food tours. Truly a remarkable experience.

6. Classic Ephesus Half Day Tour From Kusadasi

Turkey Tours Company
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In the morning, our tour guide will meet with you at Kusadasi port or hotel. And, we go to Ephesus. Ephesus, was the second largest city in the Roman Empire over 250.000 people in the 1st BC. Ranking only behind Rome it was the second largest city in the world. Ephesus was also a harbour city. And, this giant city was built only with marbel. Did you know Ephesus had a largest amphitheater in the ancient world over 25.000 seats? Also see Goddess Nike, Local pharmacy, Hadrian Gate, Library of Celcius (the third largest library), Marbel Street and Harbour Street. Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek Temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was located in Ephesus and it was one of the seven wonders of the world. In the end of the tour, you go back to Kusadasi port or hotel.

Inclusions: Entrance Fees, Professional Licensed Tour Guide, Pick Up & Drop Off, All Local Taxes, A/C Mercedes Sprinter

Exclusions: Drinks, Personal Expenses, Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue, Lunch

Reviewed By freddyp463

That was an excellent trip from the beginning till end. Every step of the tour was unique and perfect. Not only guide but also driver were respectful and funny people. We love it! Highly recommended! Trip was beyond my expectations. Thanks for the team they helped us much. Superb!

7. Gobeklitepe Archaeological Site Virtual Live Guided Tour

GÖBEKLİTEPE ÖREN YERİ, Örencik, 63290 Haliliye/Şanlıurfa, Turkey Istanbul Walks
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In this virtual tour guided by specialist of Neolithic Archaeology, you will find answers to the following questions: Where is Göbeklitepe? Who discovered Göbeklitepe? How was Göbeklitepe found? What stage of history does Göbeklitepe belong to? Short history of Göbeklitepe and its importance in history? Is Göbeklitepe mound? What are the similarities with the settlements after Göbeklitepe? What is megalith? Why were Göbeklitepe megaliths made? What are T-shaped obelisks? What animal depictions are there and why? What do animal depictions mean? Are there depictions of people? What is the secret of the symbols in Göbeklitepe? What is the meaning of the circular plan in temples? Why 12 columns? What is the meaning of the human skull unearthed in Göbeklitepe? Who were the people who built this place? Is this really the first temple or something else? Is Göbeklitepe abandoned?

Inclusions: Professional live guide, Admission to the virtual live tour, Asking questions to your guide via chat while the narration continues

Exclusions: Internet connection is necessary

Reviewed By D6608IKmartinas

Very great and well organised Trip. Thanks to Atahan i had a great Bosporus Trip. Because he had studied History he is very well informed about Istanbuls past so he could gave me good insights. We finished the Trip at the Dolmabahce Palace art gallery. Highly recommended!

8. Private Historical Tour in Ephesus

Turkey Tour Agency by Megale Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Ephesus,Hightlight of Turkey,must visit site,lets tour it in comfort and in safety. we re flexible with the time to start and finish. Having private tour makes it easy to see more, Learn more, create your own schedule and skip the lines easily.Our Private Tour, A lifetime experience with best guide.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional Private English Speaking Local Guide, Parking Fees, Hotel/Port pick up and drop off, Private Driver

Exclusions: Meals and Drinks, Entrance Fees(Ephesus 120TL,Virgin Marry's House 45TL,Museum 35TL), Gratuities

Reviewed By mgbm1004

Yesim and her husband are awesome. they are not just tour guides. they have become lifetime friends by the time the tour ended. great people. beautiful country. just can't get enough.

9. Cappadocia Red Tour

Paphlagonia Tour
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Our guests will have opportunity to see all must-see destionations of Central Cappadocia with included entrance fee. Additional to our competitors we show also Rose Walley and Three Beauties and Love Valley.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, English speaking Guide , Museum tickets , Water in bus, masks and sanitizer

Exclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages, Any kind of beverages

Reviewed By Valeriya R

Thanks a lot. It was a great tour and an opportunity to feel a real Cappadocia. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to have an exciting time????????

10. Small Group Ephesus Tour

Best Turkey Tour
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SMALL-GROUP TOURS UP TO 15 PEOPLE . Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world and the House of Virgin Mary is one of the most important religious sites, visited by many Popes. Planning a visit to the famous ruins takes serious time. During this hassle-free, all-inclusive day trip, you can settle back and relax while someone else handles the logistics and all others. Explore the ancient ruins and religious sites of Ephesus on a full-day, small-group tour with lunch and an experienced guide. • More economic than the Tours offered by Cruise Lines • Better experience than 40 people big bus tours • Starting from your Hotel/Cruise Port and return to your Hotel/Cruise Port • Guaranteed on-time return to ship for the Cruise passengers • Entrance Fees, Lunch and Licensed Tour Guide Included • Even you have a chance to explore local handicrafts besides visiting historical & cultural destinations • Small-group tours up to 15 people; ensures a more personalized experience

Inclusions: Lunch, Professional Licensed Tour Guide, Hotel/Port pickup & drop-off (only from centrally located Kusadasi or Selcuk Hotels), Transportation between the sights with A/C minivans, Parking fees and other taxes

Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Ameima

I have been in many countries but never with tours, this time because of COVID my best friend and I decided to do it this way. Hire a local agency and it was AMAZING! We had the fortune to do Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Myra with Ismail and it was such an experience that I wish he could do all my trips from now on. It was like having a private concierge 24/7! He knows every detail in history, best places to buy, best places to eat! In Capadoccia we were received by his partners and they were also super accommodating and super nice people and the hotel he book us was the must incredible place ever! I can just say that I recommend it 100%, you have to do it! Thank you very much Ismail!

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