IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE BOOKING
Spend 10 days with Pete Kelly (PeteKellyHistory), Kayleigh During (History With Kayleigh), Raven Todd Da Silva (DigItWithRaven), and Dakota Wint (Dakota of Earth), journeying across ancient Anatolia’s most iconic archaeological landscapes - from the earliest known temples at Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe to the Hittite capital of Hattusa, the enigmatic Mount Nemrut, the underground cities of Cappadocia, and the desert reaches of Harran.
Day To Day Schedule
Please note: Itineraries may be adjusted due to weather, site access, or unforeseen circumstances.
Day 1 — Arrival in Şanlıurfa
Arrive in Şanlıurfa, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner and group introductions, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
Meals: Dinner (6:00 PM)
Day 2 — Şanlıurfa Museums
Start: 9:30 AM
Explore the archaeological and cultural foundations of the region through two of Turkey’s most important museums. These collections provide essential context for the Neolithic and later civilizations encountered throughout the tour.
Visits:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Göbekli Tepe & Sayburç
Start: 10:00 AM
Visit Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known monumental ritual complex, reshaping our understanding of early human belief and social organization. After lunch, continue to Sayburç, a recently excavated site featuring rare narrative reliefs, followed by a walk through the rock-cut tombs of the Kızılkoyun Necropolis.
Visits: Göbekli Tepe, Sayburç, Kızılkoyun Necropolis
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Harran & Sefertepe Region
Start: 9:00 AM
Journey into the desert landscapes of Upper Mesopotamia. Visit Harran, known for its beehive houses and deep historical layers, along with surrounding ancient settlements and quarry sites connected to early monumental construction.
Visits: Harran beehive houses, Shuayip Ancient City, Bazda Cave, Sefertepe Archaeological Site
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Halfeti & Euphrates River
A slower-paced day focused on cultural atmosphere and landscape. Explore local markets before traveling to Halfeti, where a boat journey along the Euphrates reveals partially submerged villages and river-bound history.
Visits: Şanlıurfa Historic Bazaar, Halfeti boat tour on the Euphrates
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
Day 6 — Karahan Tepe & Soğmatar
Start: 9:00 AM
Spend the day at Karahan Tepe, one of the most significant ceremonial sites in the Taş Tepeler region, featuring monumental stone architecture and sculptural elements. Continue to Soğmatar, an ancient sacred landscape associated with pilgrimage routes and lunar symbolism.
Visits: Karahan Tepe, Soğmatar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 — Mount Nemrut
Start: 9:00 AM
Travel to Mount Nemrut, home to the colossal statues and royal tomb sanctuary of the Kingdom of Commagene. The site offers sweeping views and a powerful example of Hellenistic and Near Eastern cultural synthesis.
Visits: Mount Nemrut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 — Cappadocia
Drive to Cappadocia and explore its unique volcanic landscapes. Visit an underground city and surrounding rock formations that reveal how ancient communities adapted to their environment for defense and daily life.
Visits: Kaymaklı Underground City, regional sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 — Hattusa, Capital of the Hittites
Travel to the Ankara region to explore Hattusa, the former capital of the Hittite Empire. Walk through monumental gates, temples, and royal ruins that reflect one of Anatolia’s most powerful Bronze Age civilizations.
Visits: Hattusa Archaeological Site
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 — Departure from Ankara
Enjoy a final breakfast before farewell and airport transfers.
Meals: Breakfast
Booking Details
Full Price: $4,500 USD
A $1,000 USD non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place and confirm your commitment. This deposit supports The Community Garden Foundation’s charitable and cultural preservation work and must be paid at the time of booking.
If you are unable to attend, the deposit may be applied toward a future retreat provided written notice is given at least 30 days in advance.
The remaining balance is due upon arrival.
Accepted payment methods:
Cash (USD or Euro), bank transfer, Zelle, or credit card (5% processing fee applies).
Private Room Upgrade: $1,300 USD
What’s Included
10-day fully guided cultural expedition
Expert-led visits to ancient ruins, sacred sites, and museums
Exclusive access to off-the-beaten-path locations
Licensed, English-speaking Turkish guide throughout the journey
All ground transportation, site entry fees, and excursions
9 nights of shared accommodations (private room upgrade available)
All daily meals: breakfast buffets, lunches, and dinners
What’s Not Included
International or domestic airfare
Tips for local guides, drivers, and support staff
Health and travel insurance
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
Additional Information
Tour proceeds directly support The Community Garden Foundation’s cultural preservation initiatives in Turkey
The program includes direct contributions to local communities, including families in Soğmatar
Participation may qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation in the United States (consult your tax professional)
Guests are asked to arrive one day early to ensure smooth program start
Health & Safety
Participants should be prepared for long drives and full daily schedules
Tap water is not potable; bottled water will be provided
Travel insurance is the responsibility of each participant
Cultural Sensitivity & Physical Requirements
Respectful engagement with local customs is expected
Modest dress is required at certain cultural and religious sites
Activities may involve walking over uneven terrain; a moderate level of fitness is recommended
Please note: Itineraries may be adjusted due to weather, site access, or unforeseen circumstances.
Questions & Applications
For inquiries or to submit your application, contact:
info@thecommunitygarden.org
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE BOOKING
Spend 10 days with Pete Kelly (PeteKellyHistory), Kayleigh During (History With Kayleigh), Raven Todd Da Silva (DigItWithRaven), and Dakota Wint (Dakota of Earth), journeying across ancient Anatolia’s most iconic archaeological landscapes - from the earliest known temples at Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe to the Hittite capital of Hattusa, the enigmatic Mount Nemrut, the underground cities of Cappadocia, and the desert reaches of Harran.
Day To Day Schedule
Please note: Itineraries may be adjusted due to weather, site access, or unforeseen circumstances.
Day 1 — Arrival in Şanlıurfa
Arrive in Şanlıurfa, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner and group introductions, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
Meals: Dinner (6:00 PM)
Day 2 — Şanlıurfa Museums
Start: 9:30 AM
Explore the archaeological and cultural foundations of the region through two of Turkey’s most important museums. These collections provide essential context for the Neolithic and later civilizations encountered throughout the tour.
Visits:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Göbekli Tepe & Sayburç
Start: 10:00 AM
Visit Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known monumental ritual complex, reshaping our understanding of early human belief and social organization. After lunch, continue to Sayburç, a recently excavated site featuring rare narrative reliefs, followed by a walk through the rock-cut tombs of the Kızılkoyun Necropolis.
Visits: Göbekli Tepe, Sayburç, Kızılkoyun Necropolis
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Harran & Sefertepe Region
Start: 9:00 AM
Journey into the desert landscapes of Upper Mesopotamia. Visit Harran, known for its beehive houses and deep historical layers, along with surrounding ancient settlements and quarry sites connected to early monumental construction.
Visits: Harran beehive houses, Shuayip Ancient City, Bazda Cave, Sefertepe Archaeological Site
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Halfeti & Euphrates River
A slower-paced day focused on cultural atmosphere and landscape. Explore local markets before traveling to Halfeti, where a boat journey along the Euphrates reveals partially submerged villages and river-bound history.
Visits: Şanlıurfa Historic Bazaar, Halfeti boat tour on the Euphrates
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
Day 6 — Karahan Tepe & Soğmatar
Start: 9:00 AM
Spend the day at Karahan Tepe, one of the most significant ceremonial sites in the Taş Tepeler region, featuring monumental stone architecture and sculptural elements. Continue to Soğmatar, an ancient sacred landscape associated with pilgrimage routes and lunar symbolism.
Visits: Karahan Tepe, Soğmatar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 — Mount Nemrut
Start: 9:00 AM
Travel to Mount Nemrut, home to the colossal statues and royal tomb sanctuary of the Kingdom of Commagene. The site offers sweeping views and a powerful example of Hellenistic and Near Eastern cultural synthesis.
Visits: Mount Nemrut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 — Cappadocia
Drive to Cappadocia and explore its unique volcanic landscapes. Visit an underground city and surrounding rock formations that reveal how ancient communities adapted to their environment for defense and daily life.
Visits: Kaymaklı Underground City, regional sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 — Hattusa, Capital of the Hittites
Travel to the Ankara region to explore Hattusa, the former capital of the Hittite Empire. Walk through monumental gates, temples, and royal ruins that reflect one of Anatolia’s most powerful Bronze Age civilizations.
Visits: Hattusa Archaeological Site
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 — Departure from Ankara
Enjoy a final breakfast before farewell and airport transfers.
Meals: Breakfast
Booking Details
Full Price: $4,500 USD
A $1,000 USD non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place and confirm your commitment. This deposit supports The Community Garden Foundation’s charitable and cultural preservation work and must be paid at the time of booking.
If you are unable to attend, the deposit may be applied toward a future retreat provided written notice is given at least 30 days in advance.
The remaining balance is due upon arrival.
Accepted payment methods:
Cash (USD or Euro), bank transfer, Zelle, or credit card (5% processing fee applies).
Private Room Upgrade: $1,300 USD
What’s Included
10-day fully guided cultural expedition
Expert-led visits to ancient ruins, sacred sites, and museums
Exclusive access to off-the-beaten-path locations
Licensed, English-speaking Turkish guide throughout the journey
All ground transportation, site entry fees, and excursions
9 nights of shared accommodations (private room upgrade available)
All daily meals: breakfast buffets, lunches, and dinners
What’s Not Included
International or domestic airfare
Tips for local guides, drivers, and support staff
Health and travel insurance
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
Additional Information
Tour proceeds directly support The Community Garden Foundation’s cultural preservation initiatives in Turkey
The program includes direct contributions to local communities, including families in Soğmatar
Participation may qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation in the United States (consult your tax professional)
Guests are asked to arrive one day early to ensure smooth program start
Health & Safety
Participants should be prepared for long drives and full daily schedules
Tap water is not potable; bottled water will be provided
Travel insurance is the responsibility of each participant
Cultural Sensitivity & Physical Requirements
Respectful engagement with local customs is expected
Modest dress is required at certain cultural and religious sites
Activities may involve walking over uneven terrain; a moderate level of fitness is recommended
Please note: Itineraries may be adjusted due to weather, site access, or unforeseen circumstances.
Questions & Applications
For inquiries or to submit your application, contact:
info@thecommunitygarden.org
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