Colossal stone heads on Mount Nemrut in golden light

Archaeology & History · 8 sites

Ancient Kingdoms & Sacred Sites

Royal sanctuaries on mountain tops, the capitals of Lydia and Lycia, and a medieval city on the edge of the Caucasus. These are the places where Anatolia's kingdoms showed their power and their faith.

Plan your private tour

8 sites

Places to Discover

Black SeaMediterranean SeaAegean Sea1Mount Nemrut2Sardis3 · 4 · 5Xanthos · Letoon · Patara6 · 7Myra · Arykanda8Ani
Every place can be combined into one private route, in any order and at your own pace.
Colossal stone heads on Mount Nemrut in golden light
1Mount NemrutAdıyaman

At the summit of Mount Nemrut, colossal stone heads guard the remains of a royal sanctuary built by the Kingdom of Commagene. Visit at sunrise or sunset to experience an extraordinary meeting of monumental sculpture, ancient mythology, and vast mountain horizons.

Columns of the Temple of Artemis at Sardis
2SardisSalihli, Manisa

Once the capital of the wealthy Lydian kingdom, Sardis occupies a special place in the history of money, trade, and ancient power. Explore the remains of its monumental Temple of Artemis, gymnasium, and synagogue while discovering the legacy of one of Anatolia's most influential early kingdoms.

Lycian pillar tombs at Xanthos
3XanthosKınık, Antalya

The ancient capital of Lycia, Xanthos tells a compelling story of independence, resilience, and cultural exchange. Its monumental tombs, inscriptions, and archaeological remains provide a glimpse into the distinctive traditions of one of ancient Anatolia's most fascinating civilizations.

Temple remains at the sanctuary of Letoon
4LetoonMuğla Province

Once a major religious sanctuary of ancient Lycia, Letoon was dedicated to Leto and her children, Apollo and Artemis. The remains of its temples and sacred spaces offer a fascinating insight into the spiritual traditions of the Lycian world.

The triple-arched monumental gate of Patara
5PataraKaş, Antalya

Once an important harbour and political centre of Lycia, Patara combines sweeping coastal landscapes with remarkable archaeological remains. Explore its monumental gate, ancient theatre, and assembly building, which reflects the political traditions of the Lycian League.

Rock-cut Lycian tombs in the cliffs of Myra
6MyraDemre, Antalya

Myra is renowned for its striking rock-cut Lycian tombs carved high into the cliffs and its impressive Roman theatre. The nearby Church of St. Nicholas adds another layer to the story of a region where ancient traditions and early Christian heritage meet.

The mountain theatre of Arykanda
7ArykandaNear Finike, Antalya

Built along a steep mountain slope, Arykanda is one of the most atmospheric ancient cities in southern Turkey. Its terraces, theatre, bath complexes, and monumental remains reveal an ingenious response to the rugged landscape and reward visitors with exceptional views.

The cathedral of Ani in a snowy landscape
8AniNear Kars

Once a thriving medieval city on important trade routes, Ani is a hauntingly beautiful landscape of monumental walls, churches, and cathedral ruins. Set on a dramatic plateau near the Armenian border, it offers a powerful encounter with the history and architecture of the medieval Caucasus and Anatolia.

Let's plan your holiday

Your private itinerary

Tick the sites that inspire you, here or from any other theme, tell us how many of you are travelling and how long you have. We will write a private itinerary just for you and send it by email with a personal price.

  1. 1
    Tell us your wishes

    Choose the places you would love to see, how many of you are travelling and for how long.

  2. 2
    Receive your itinerary

    We write a private programme just for you and email it with a personal price.

  3. 3
    Shape it together

    Change anything you like. We refine the programme with you until it feels just right.

Which places would you like to see?

Mix and match freely: pick places from as many themes as you like.

Ancient Kingdoms & Sacred Sites
Ancient Cities of Turkey
Prehistoric Sites & Early Civilizations
Byzantine & Christian Heritage
Historic Cities & Ottoman-Seljuk Heritage
Lycian Civilization & Ancient Coastal Cities
Archaeological Wonders of Southeastern Turkey
Ancient Trade Routes & Caravan Cities
Archaeological Museums & Ancient Treasures
Private Archaeological Discovery Tours

Free and without obligation. We reply by email within 24 hours.

Archaeology & History

More themes to explore

The Library of Celsus in Ephesus in warm evening light20 sitesAncient Cities of TurkeyMarble streets, great theatres and temples, from Ephesus to Zeugma.Carved T-shaped stone pillars of Göbekli Tepe5 sitesPrehistoric Sites & Early CivilizationsThe first temples, towns and empires, from Göbekli Tepe to the Hittites.The vast dome and interior of Hagia Sophia5 sitesByzantine & Christian HeritageHagia Sophia, Sumela and the rock-cut churches of Cappadocia.The historic peninsula of Istanbul with its mosques at sunset6 sitesHistoric Cities & Ottoman-Seljuk HeritageIstanbul, Mardin, Safranbolu and the masterpieces of the Seljuks.The bays and pine forests of Phaselis from above2 sitesLycian Civilization & Ancient Coastal CitiesAncient harbours between pine forests and turquoise bays.A carved human head and stone pillars at Karahantepe4 sitesArchaeological Wonders of Southeastern TurkeyKarahantepe, Harran, Dara and the Commagene tombs of Perre.The two-storey marble court of the gymnasium at Sardis3 sitesAncient Trade Routes & Caravan CitiesCities that grew rich on gold, silk and caravans.The statue of Artemis of Ephesus in the museum5 sitesArchaeological Museums & Ancient TreasuresThe collections that bring Turkey's ancient sites to life.The ruins of Pergamon on its hilltop6 sitesPrivate Archaeological Discovery ToursSites paired into private journeys, shaped around you.

Ready when you are

Begin your journey into the past

Tell us which places and eras inspire you. We will design your private itinerary and send you a personal proposal.

Plan your trip