Ancient Civilizations & Spiritual Heritage Tour – Catalhoyuk, Kilistra & Sille

Embark on a journey through thousands of years of history, exploring the earliest settlements, Hellenistic and Roman ruins, and early Christian monasteries. This full-day tour takes you through Catalhoyuk, Kilistra, and Sille, three extraordinary locations that showcase the cultural, religious, and architectural evolution of Anatolia.

Morning: Hotel Pickup & Start of the Tour
🚐 Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel, followed by a scenic drive through the Konya region. Your first stop is at one of the world’s most significant Neolithic settlements.

🏺 Catalhoyuk – One of the Oldest Settlements in the World
Your first destination is Catalhoyuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to 7,500 BC. This Neolithic city provides an unparalleled look into early human civilization, featuring:
✔ Mud-brick houses built in a honeycomb structure, where people entered through the rooftops.
✔ Complex social organization, with evidence of rituals, wall paintings, and symbolic burials.
✔ The first known examples of murals and artistic expression, reflecting spiritual and everyday life.
✔ Advanced craftsmanship, including obsidian tools and intricate pottery.
As one of the earliest known urban centers, Catalhoyuk gives us an insight into how early settlers lived, worked, and worshiped over 9,000 years ago.

🏛 Kilistra – A Hidden Hellenistic & Roman Settlement
Your next stop is Kilistra, an ancient city southwest of Konya, dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The settlement is mentioned in historical records, including the Bible, as an early Christian community. Here, you’ll explore:
✔ Rock-carved dwellings and chapels, reminiscent of the cave cities of Cappadocia.
✔ Ancient water channels, cisterns, and tombs, offering insight into daily life.
✔ Christian symbols and inscriptions, suggesting the region’s role in early Christian history.
✔ Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and rock formations.
Kilistra’s hidden city-like structure, carved into rocky hillsides, makes it a fascinating site for archaeology and history enthusiasts.

🍽️ Lunch – A Taste of Konya’s Traditional Cuisine
Before continuing your journey, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional dishes such as:
✔ Etli Ekmek – A Konya-style flatbread with minced meat.
✔ Mevlana Boregi – A savory pastry filled with cheese or meat.
✔ Ayran – A refreshing yogurt drink to complement your meal.
After lunch, you will set off toward your final destination, Sille, an important early Christian settlement.

🏡 Sille – A Historic Christian Village with Siyata Monastery
Your final stop is Sille, an ancient village just 8 km northwest of Konya, home to one of the world’s oldest monasteries and a history spanning nearly 3,000 years.

🏛 Siyata Monastery – A major Christian center during the Byzantine period, known for:
✔ Carved rock churches and monastic dwellings, reflecting early Christian architecture.
✔ Frescoes and inscriptions, detailing religious history and beliefs.
✔ Peaceful surroundings, making it a perfect place for reflection and admiration.

⛪ Hagia Eleni Church – Built by Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, on her pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It is one of the oldest standing Christian churches in Turkey, featuring:
✔ Well-preserved Byzantine architecture with intricate stonework.
✔ Religious artifacts and inscriptions that date back to early Christianity.
✔ A deep spiritual significance, having been an active worship site for centuries.
Sille was once home to Greek and Turkish communities living together peacefully for over 800 years, making it a culturally unique destination.

Evening: Return to Your Hotel
🚐 After a day of historical discovery, your tour concludes with a scenic drive back to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon.

📌 Important Information
✔ Pickup Zone: Complimentary pickup is available in Konya city center. Additional charges may apply for other locations.
✔ What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera.
✔ Tour Duration: Full-day tour (approx. 9-10 hours).
✔ Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring outdoor sites.

🌟 Why Choose This Tour?
✔ Explore one of the oldest human settlements at Catalhoyuk.
✔ Walk through a Hellenistic and Roman-era city at Kilistra.
✔ Visit one of the first Christian monasteries at Siyata in Sille.
✔ A perfect mix of archaeology, history, and spirituality.
This full-day history and culture tour offers a deep dive into Anatolia’s rich past, making it an ideal experience for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.

Day 1 :

Catalhuyuk, Kilistra & Sille

Welcome to Konya – A Journey Through Ancient Civilizations & Early Christianity
Join us on this exciting full-day tour to explore some of Konya’s most significant historical and archaeological sites. From 9,000-year-old settlements to ancient Christian monasteries, this tour will take you through the evolution of civilization, religion, and culture in Anatolia.

Morning: Hotel Pickup & Start of the Tour
🚐 Your journey begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Konya, followed by a drive to one of the world’s most ancient and fascinating archaeological sites.

🏺 First Stop: Catalhoyuk – A 9,000-Year-Old Neolithic City
Step back in time as you visit Catalhoyuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest known human settlements in the world. Dating back to 7,500 BC, this was once a thriving and sophisticated community.

✔ Explore the remains of one of the earliest urban centers, where homes were built without streets, and people moved from house to house through rooftop openings.
✔ Discover early artifacts, including pottery, metal tools, wooden bowls, and textiles, which give insight into daily life.
✔ Learn about the unique social structure, where women played a central role in society, as seen in goddess figurines and burial customs.
✔ See murals and wall paintings, some of the earliest examples of human artistic expression, depicting rituals, animals, and geometric patterns.
This site provides a rare glimpse into prehistoric life and how some of the first organized societies functioned.

🏛 Second Stop: Kilistra – An Ancient Rock-Cut City
Next, travel 49 kilometers southwest of Konya to Kilistra, an ancient Hellenistic and Roman-era settlement, believed to have been a key stop for early Christians.
✔ Explore rock-carved dwellings, churches, and chapels, similar to those found in Cappadocia.
✔ See ancient water channels and tombs, offering a glimpse into daily life.
✔ Follow the footsteps of St. Paul, who, according to some sources, may have lived here during his missionary journeys.
✔ Admire panoramic views of the rugged landscape, with carved cave structures blending into the rocky cliffs.
Kilistra is a hidden gem of Anatolia, rich in early Christian heritage and natural beauty.

🍽️ Lunch Break – Enjoy Traditional Konya Cuisine
Take a break for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try regional specialties such as:
✔ Etli Ekmek – Konya’s famous flatbread with minced meat.
✔ Tandır Kebabı – A slow-cooked, tender lamb dish.
✔ Ayran – A refreshing yogurt-based drink.
After lunch, continue your journey toward Sille and the Siyata Monastery.

⛪ Third Stop: Sille & Siyata Monastery – A Christian Heritage Site
Your final destination is Sille, located just 8 km northwest of Konya, home to one of the most significant early Christian settlements in Turkey.

🏛 Siyata Monastery – One of the most important early Christian sites in Anatolia.
✔ See rock-cut churches and monasteries, where monks lived and worshiped in seclusion.
✔ Explore ancient tombs carved into the cliffs, used by early Christians for burials.
✔ Admire the beautifully preserved frescoes and inscriptions, detailing religious history.

🏛 Hagia Eleni Church – Built by Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, during her pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
✔ A rare example of Byzantine architecture, standing as a symbol of Christianity’s early presence in Anatolia.
✔ Learn about Sille’s multicultural history, where Greeks and Turks coexisted for centuries.
Sille is a charming village that blends history, faith, and stunning natural landscapes, making it the perfect way to conclude your historical journey.

Evening: Return to Your Hotel
🚐 After a day filled with ancient wonders and spiritual discoveries, your tour ends with a scenic drive back to Konya, arriving in the late afternoon.

📌 Important Information
✔ Pickup Zone: Complimentary pickup is available in Konya city center. Additional charges may apply for other locations.
✔ What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera.
✔ Tour Duration: Full-day tour (approx. 9-10 hours).
✔ Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for exploring outdoor sites.

🌟 Why Choose This Tour?
✔ Visit one of the earliest human settlements at Catalhoyuk.
✔ Explore an ancient Christian city with connections to St. Paul at Kilistra.
✔ Discover Sille, a major center of early Christianity and Byzantine history.
✔ Perfect for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.
This Konya full-day tour offers an unparalleled look at the region’s deep historical roots, from prehistoric civilizations to early Christian heritage, making it a must-experience journey for visitors to Turkey.