Ankara Sightseeing Tour

Today's tour will take you through some of the most significant places in Ankara. Fully guided, you will learn about the ancient civilizations of this Anatolian region. At a predetermined meeting point, we will collect you and take you to the first stop on your day with us.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
This amazing museum is an extension of the first museum in Ankara. The original museum was part of the castle and was opened in 1921, as the Anatolian Kingdoms of the Hittites were being excavated, and more and more evidence was uncovered. It was suggested that a bigger building was needed, and the museum you stand in today was completed and opened in 1948. This museum houses a unique compilation showcasing pieces from as early as the Palaeolithic era to the present day.

Ankara Castle.
There is a short walk from the museum to the Castle in Ankara, from here the views are panoramic over the whole city. It is not known exactly when the castle was first built but there is evidence to suggest that it was before Ankara was captured and destroyed by the Persian armies of 622. Through the centuries, it has been in the hands of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Seljuks, the Crusaders, and the Ottoman Empire.

Roman Bath and Augustus Temple.
Discovered between 1937 and 1944, the Roman Baths of Ankara, thought to have been built by Roman Emperor Caracalla, the son of Septimius Severus, in the 3rd century to honour Asklepion, the god of health. From excavations, it is known that the building underwent several restorations in its 500 years of continuous use. Augustus Temple has been under extensive excavation. On the walls of this ancient building are the funerary inscriptions of the First Emperor of Rome, Augustus, giving us a first-hand record of his life and accomplishments. This is the only record of its kind, making this historical site incredibly important. Also located here since 362 AD is the Column of Julius, honouring the philosopher, military leader, and last Pagan Emperor of Rome, who was called an Apostate and possibly killed because he rejected formal Christian doctrine.

We will take a break for lunch before heading to the district of

Hamamonu old town.
A beautiful part of the city with narrow flower-filled streets, this area was lovingly restored, taking us back to the days of Ankara when the modern republic of Turkey first began. Here, you will find arts and craft shops, live music, and a great bohemian atmosphere, old-world charm but with all the modern-day conveniences. You will also find mosques, townhouses, and civic buildings here.

Mausoleum of Ataturk and its museum. (Anikabir)
This may be the last visit of the day, but it is a must when you come to Ankara. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the Founder of modern-day Turkey and is much loved and respected, and it is here you will visit his final resting place. The museum has a wonderful collection giving an insight into the life of this great man, along with some beautiful works of art, his abundant book collection, clothes, and insight into many battles fought. The atmosphere here is calm, respectful, and will be remembered in your heart forever.