From Ankara: 2 Day Phrygian Valley Tour with Thermal Hotel

Phrygian Valley 2-Day Guided Tour from Istanbul

This 2-day guided tour explores the Phrygian Valley, including historic sites around Afyonkarahisar, ideal for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Visit the Phrygian Region and Midas City landmarks
• Explore Ulu Mosque and Afyon Castle in Afyonkarahisar
• Discover the Memeç Rock Settlement
• Take a boat tour on Lake Emre
• Tour led by Tripster Travel, a trusted operator specializing in Phrygian Valley excursions

Description

The Phrygians were ancient allies of Troy, with King Midas famously said to have turned everything he touched to gold. The discovery of Midas’ tomb in 1957 by archaeologist Rodney S. Young confirmed the historical basis of these legends.

Alexander the Great passed through Phrygia, famously cutting the Gordian Knot, an act symbolizing his future dominance over Asia.

The Phrygians were known for their artistic pottery, surpassing their Hittite predecessors in style and detail. Their ancient kingdom was located in what is now central Turkey, covering an area surrounded by mountains with a dry climate and extreme seasonal temperatures.

The terrain is hilly with soft volcanic rock, which the Phrygians carved into homes, temples, and tombs. The Phrygian Valley spans a large area with sites up to 200 kilometers apart, ranging from small settlements to major archaeological attractions.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ankara to Polatlı

• Visit the Midas Tumulus in Gordion, a 53-meter burial mound dating to circa 740 BCE—the oldest known wooden structure globally, associated with King Midas and King Gordios.
• Lunch at Yilmaz Usta Konya Tandır Restaurant in Polatlı.
• Explore Yazılıkaya Midas Monument on the tuff rock plateau, featuring a valley 650 meters long by 320 meters wide and 60-70 meters high.
• Overnight accommodation at Afyon Thermal Hotel.

Day 2: Phrygian Valley Exploration

• Visit Memeç Rock Settlement, filming location of the movie AROG.
• Stop at Lake Emre for tea and coffee, with an optional boat tour available.
• After breakfast, tour Ayazini Greeting Center and visit sites including Göynüş Valley, Ayazini Yazılı Village, Antique Road, Virgin Mary Church, Nazlı Church, Aslanlı Tomb Chamber, Rock Carved Meeting Room, Kibele Square, Necropolis cemetery, and Yazılı Church.
• Return journey to Istanbul.

Includes

• Hotel or airport pickup from Ankara
• 2 nights accommodation and dinner at thermal hotel
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit to Ayazini Village
• Transportation during the tour
• Museum entry tickets

Excludes

• Lunches

Cancellation Policy

Full refund available if canceled up to 24 hours before the tour start.

For best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sun protection. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak seasons.