Çatalhöyük Archaeological Excavation Site and Virtual Museum

Konya , Turkey

Çatalhöyük Archaeological Excavation Site and Virtual Museum

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(14 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A trip to Çatalhöyük, where you can see the excavation area containing the first finds of the transition to settled life, the Çatalhöyük Promotion and Welcome Center which is one of the best digital museums in the world and sample houses which were built similar to the houses of Çatalhöyük of 9000 years ago. You will have 2 hours to wander the area.

Since we are a incoming travel agency based in Konya, our tour prices are affordable and our services are as befitting a kind host.

The tour is a daily transportation service to the Çatalhöyük. It is avaliable everday except monday. On mondays the welcoming center and excavation area (and also most of the museums and attractions in Konya) is closed to the visits. Please take care of your reservation dates regarding to that situation.

You will find all digital guiding services in several languages in the welcoming center. The enterance fee is 5 Euro which may be paid while enterance.

Available options

Çatalhöyük Archaeological Excavation Site and Virtual Museum

What's included

Round trip transportation.

Detailed itinerary

Çatalhöyük; also Çatal Höyük and Çatal Hüyük; from Turkish çatal "fork" + höyük "tumulus") is a tell (a mounded accretion due to long-term human settlement) of a very large Neolithic and Chalcolithic proto-city settlement in southern Anatolia, which existed from approximately 7500 BC to 6400 BC, and flourished around 7000 BC.[2] In July 2012, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[3]

The Çatalhöyük Promotion and Welcome Center built by the Konya Municipality is a great show of virtual museum technology which revives the life of achient times. Çatalhöyük Promotion and Welcome Center was designed with the aim of hosting tourists, providing information and enriching their cultural experiences.

What's not included

5 Euro enterance fee.

Snacks

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The destination is 45 minutes far away from the city center so 1 and a half hour of total duration is for transportation.

Meeting point

We may welcome you in our office which is in the center of the city and very close to Mavlana Tomb. If you need transfer service you may additionally purchase it.

About Konya

Konya is a historic city in central Turkey, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. It's famous as the home of the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the Sufi mystic Rumi, and offers a unique blend of ancient history and vibrant traditions.

Top Attractions

Mevlana Museum

Dedicated to the Sufi mystic Rumi, this museum is a significant cultural and spiritual site. It houses the tomb of Rumi and a beautiful collection of Islamic art and manuscripts.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours Moderate (around $5)

Konya Archaeological Museum

This museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts from the region's ancient history, including Hittite, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (around $3)

Alâeddin Hill

A historic hilltop site with ruins of Seljuk palaces and mosques, offering panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Etli Kuru

A traditional Konya dish made with lamb, chickpeas, and various spices, slow-cooked in a clay pot.

Dinner Contains meat, can be spicy

Tandır Kebap

A type of kebab cooked in a traditional tandır (clay oven), known for its tender and flavorful meat.

Dinner Contains meat

Şırdan

A traditional dish made with lamb intestines, cooked with onions and spices.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Horseback riding Visiting traditional Turkish baths Tea house lounging Attending the Sema Ceremony Exploring museums and historical sites Visiting the snow-covered Alâeddin Hill for winter views Experiencing the Whirling Dervishes ceremony

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These periods offer comfortable temperatures and are ideal for exploring the city's attractions and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Turkish
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Konya is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers that seem too good to be true.
• Use reputable tour operators and guides.

Getting there

By air

Konya Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By train

Konya Train Station

By bus

Konya Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Konya, covering most of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi, Hepsibisey

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Akşemseddin District Selçuklu District

Day trips

Çatalhöyük

150 km (93 miles) from Konya • Full day

One of the world's earliest known towns, dating back to around 7500 BC. It's a significant archaeological site with well-preserved ruins.

Lake Tuz

80 km (50 miles) from Konya • Half day

A large salt lake known for its pink hue and flamingo population. It's a unique natural site and a great place for birdwatching.

Festivals

Konya International Mystery Play Festival • Annual, typically in December Konya Wine Festival • Annual, typically in September

Pro tips

Visit the Mevlana Museum early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Try local specialties like Etli Kuru and Tandır Kebap for an authentic dining experience.
Explore the city's bazaars for unique souvenirs and local crafts.
Take a day trip to Çatalhöyük for a fascinating glimpse into ancient history.
Experience the Sema Ceremony for a unique cultural and spiritual experience.