Explore Ankara and the Ancient History of Central Anatolia
Ankara offers a fascinating journey through the civilizations that shaped Central Anatolia, combining remarkable archaeological collections, ancient monuments, and the history of modern Turkey. Long before becoming the capital of the Turkish Republic, the region was home to Hittites, Phrygians, Galatians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. From the extraordinary collections of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to the Roman monuments and historic neighborhoods surrounding Ankara Castle, the city provides an exceptional introduction to thousands of years of Anatolian history.
A private tour allows you to discover Ankara according to the periods and subjects that interest you most. Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, walk through the historic quarter surrounding Ankara Castle, discover the remains of the Temple of Augustus and Rome and other monuments of ancient Ancyra, or focus on the foundation of the Turkish Republic with a visit to Anıtkabir. Your itinerary can concentrate on archaeology, ancient civilizations, Roman history, Ottoman heritage, modern Turkish history, or a combination of different periods.
With additional time, Ankara can also become the starting point for an extraordinary journey into the world of the Hittites. Travel to Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire, and nearby Yazilikaya, its remarkable rock sanctuary carved with processions of Hittite gods and goddesses. With your own licensed guide and private transportation, Ankara and the surrounding region can be explored as a dedicated journey or incorporated into a longer itinerary through Central Turkey, carefully arranged around your interests, schedule, and available time.
Book a Free 15-Minute Planning Call
Enjoy a private consultation with one of our licensed guides. Share your interests, and we’ll outline a personalized itinerary tailored to your pace and expectations.
Why Choose Eskinazi Tours & Events for Your Ankara Tours?
Journey Through Anatolian Civilizations
Discover thousands of years of history in a region shaped by Hittites, Phrygians, Galatians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, each leaving a distinctive mark on Ankara and Central Anatolia.
Explore One of Turkey's Great Museums
Visit the remarkable Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where archaeological treasures from across Anatolia provide an exceptional introduction to the cultures, kingdoms, and civilizations that flourished here since prehistoric times.
Walk Through the Layers of Ankara
Experience Ankara beyond its modern identity as Turkey's capital, exploring ancient Roman monuments, historic neighborhoods, traditional architecture, and landmarks that reveal the city's transformation across different periods.
Enter the World of the Hittites
Extend your journey to Hattusa and Yazilikaya to discover the capital, monumental fortifications, temples, inscriptions, and sacred rock reliefs of one of the great powers of the ancient Near East.
Ancient History to Modern Turkey
Follow Ankara's remarkable story from ancient Ancyra through centuries of changing civilizations to the foundation of the Turkish Republic, creating a journey that connects the distant past with modern Turkish history.
Explore Central Anatolia Your Way
Shape your private journey around archaeology, Hittite civilization, Roman history, museums, Ottoman heritage, or modern Turkey, with an itinerary carefully planned around your interests, schedule, and available time.
Highlights of Your Private Ankara Tour
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Step into the fascinating world of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, one of Turkey’s most important archaeological museums and an extraordinary introduction to the civilizations that shaped Anatolia. Housed in beautifully restored Ottoman-era buildings near Ankara Castle, the museum presents remarkable artifacts spanning thousands of years, from prehistoric settlements to the great kingdoms of the ancient world. Accompanied by your licensed guide, discover treasures from Catalhoyuk, impressive Hittite reliefs and ceremonial objects, Phrygian artifacts, and collections representing the Urartians and other Anatolian cultures. More than a collection of ancient objects, the museum offers an exceptional journey through the beliefs, art, daily life, and achievements of the civilizations that flourished across Anatolia.
Ankara Castle & Old Town
Explore the historic heart of Turkey’s capital at Ankara Castle & Old Town, where centuries of history unfold among ancient fortifications, narrow streets, and traditional houses. Rising above the city, Ankara Castle has been shaped and rebuilt by successive civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, reflecting Ankara’s long strategic importance in Central Anatolia. Accompanied by your licensed guide, walk along the historic streets surrounding the citadel, discover restored Ottoman-era houses, traditional shops, historic buildings, and sections of the impressive defensive walls while learning about the communities that shaped the city over the centuries. With panoramic views across modern Ankara, the castle and surrounding old quarter offer a fascinating contrast between the city’s ancient past and contemporary identity.
Anitkabir
Discover Anitkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey, and one of Ankara’s most significant landmarks. Designed as both a memorial and a symbol of the modern Turkish Republic, the complex combines monumental architecture, ceremonial spaces, sculptures, reliefs, and carefully planned gardens overlooking the capital. Accompanied by your licensed guide, walk along the Road of Lions, explore the Ceremonial Plaza and Hall of Honor, and visit the museum exhibitions presenting Ataturk’s life, the Turkish War of Independence, and the foundation of the Republic. More than a mausoleum, Anitkabir offers an important perspective on modern Turkish history and the transformation of Ankara into the capital of a new nation.
Hattusa
Step into the extraordinary world of Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire and one of the most important archaeological sites in Central Anatolia. Surrounded by massive fortification walls and set within a dramatic landscape, Hattusa developed into the political, administrative, and religious center of a powerful empire that rivaled Egypt and other great kingdoms of the ancient Near East. Accompanied by your licensed guide, explore its monumental Lion Gate, Sphinx Gate, temples, royal structures, defensive walls, and archaeological remains while discovering the civilization that once governed much of Anatolia. From royal diplomacy and religion to warfare and monumental architecture, Hattusa offers an exceptional journey into the history and achievements of the Hittites.
Dear Umit,It has been a great experience to enjoy your friendship and to learn from your mastery of archaeology and culture.You are such a knowledgeable guide. Learned so much from you and you expanded our knowledge in so many ways. Prof. Peter Lancaster
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Ready to Book Your Private Tours in Ankara?
Discover Ankara through a private journey shaped around the history and civilizations that interest you most. Explore the remarkable collections of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, walk through Ankara Castle and the historic Old Town, or discover modern Turkish history at Anitkabir. With additional time, extend your journey into the ancient Hittite world with visits to Hattusa and Yazilikaya. With your own licensed guide and private transportation, every itinerary can be planned around your pace, interests, and available time. Contact us to create a personalized Ankara journey where ancient civilizations, archaeology, historic heritage, and modern Turkish history come together.