In the Language of Stone: Anatolia's Route of Faith and Wisdom…
This tour is designed for those who want to discover the stories hidden not only in Anatolia's roads but also in its stones, valleys, and quiet villages. The places you will visit are not historical monuments; they are places of memory that have stood for centuries.
The Great Mosque of Divriği presents a narrative shaped not by stonemasonry, but by faith. Ocak Village and Onar Village carry the living legacy of Alevi culture. Munzur Springs harbor a sacred silence. Kemaliye's Stone Road is a journey built with nature, not against it. Tohma Canyon is a passage patiently shaped by nature.
On this tour, nature as much as historical structures, architecture as much as faith, are integral to the narrative.
As you wander through traditional villages, canyons, castles, and squares, you will be invited not only to see, but also to understand, feel, and remember.
In short:
This tour isn't just a tour; it's about listening to the silent story of Anatolia written in stone.
DAY 1: MARMARIS DEPARTURE - NIGHT JOURNEY - ARRIVAL IN SİVAS
At 5:00 PM, we meet our valued guests at Eşref Girginç Park (across from LC Waikiki) and embark on an unforgettable journey immersed in culture. Following a briefing by our guide, we embark on our overnight journey to Sivas. We travel comfortably, making necessary stops along the way.
In the morning, we arrive in Sivas, a city that holds a significant place in Anatolia's cultural memory.
Distance: Approximately 1,000 km
Overnight: By Bus
DAY 2: SİVAS EXCURSION – GÖK MEDRESE – BURUCİYE MEDRESE – ŞİFAİYE MEDRESE – REPUBLIC CONGRESS BUILDING – MADIMAK HOTEL – ACCOMMODATION IN SİVAS
After arriving in Sivas in the morning, we recharge our batteries with a free breakfast break before embarking on our journey to explore the region's historical and cultural fabric. First, we visit the Gök Medrese. Built in 1271, this structure, with its double-minareted portal and soaring blue tiles, reflects the pinnacle of Anatolian Seljuk art. Next, we visit the Buruciye Madrasa, where we learn about the Seljuk-era educational system, where physics and astronomy were taught. Afterward, we move on to the Şifaiye Madrasa, where we examine the interior of this building, which served as both an educational and therapeutic center. We continue our tour to the Republican Congress Building, where we witness the founding of the Republic. Finally, we stop in front of the Madımak Hotel. This building, which entered Turkish history with the tragic event that occurred in 1993, is an important place of remembrance today. We visit the venue, which now functions as the "Sivas Science and Culture Center." This visit allows us to observe firsthand the traces of the Sivas Massacre, which left a deep mark on the collective memory of the Alevi community. After these emotional moments, we conclude our visit and return to our hotel.
Distance: Approximately 50-100 km
Accommodation: BURUCİYE HOTEL SİVAS 4*
Note: Lunches will be scheduled by the guide during the tour at times most convenient to the program and the locations visited. The goal is to sample local flavors as much as possible during lunch, and arrangements are made accordingly. Meals are generally planned as a free time, by mutual agreement of the group.

DAY 3: DİVRİĞİ – DİVRİĞİ GREAT MOSQUE AND DARÜŞŞİFA – HUMA HATUN STREET – KEMALİYE – STONE ROAD – DARK CANYON – KEMALİYE HOUSES – ACCOMMODATION KEMALİYE
After breakfast at the hotel, we meet our guide in our vehicle and depart for Divriği early in the morning.
Our first stop is the Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital. Built in 1228 by the Mengücekli Bey Ahmet Shah, this structure represents the pinnacle of Islamic art not only for its architectural splendor but also for its symbols and ornamentation. It is also known as the "lacework of stone" due to its unique stonework. The hospital, located adjacent to the mosque, embodies architectural elements reflecting the era's understanding of health and the use of water and sound as healing agents. This fascinating structure holds a privileged position as the first architectural work from Turkey to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After our tour, we will walk through Hüma Hatun Street, one of the areas in Divriği that best preserves its traditional civil architecture. Named after Hüma Hatun, a woman of the Mengücekli Principality, this street, with its stone-walled, bay-windowed, and courtyard houses, welcomes us with an atmosphere frozen in time in Anatolia. A short walk here will give us a sense of the past's culture and the opportunity to capture unique photographs.
We set off for Kemaliye around noon. As we navigate among the high mountains, we witness the harshness of the landscape and its natural beauty firsthand. Upon arrival, we embark on the Stone Road, considered one of Turkey's engineering marvels. This challenging route, carved through the rocks, symbolizes not only the struggle against nature but also the power of human endeavor.
During a short break on the shores of Karanlık Canyon, we will admire this natural structure, considered the world's second deepest, in all its splendor. This unique valley, shaped by the Euphrates River, adds a dramatic beauty to the region. In the final part of the day, we take a short walk among the Kemaliye Houses, reflecting the historical fabric. These houses, where stone and woodwork intertwine, are considered some of the most important examples of Ottoman civil architecture in Anatolia. As we stroll through narrow streets, bay windows, and stone walls, we trace the quiet traces of the past.
After the tour, we return to the hotel and settle into our rooms. We have dinner there and then relax.
Distance traveled: Approximately 300-350 km
Accommodation: BOZKURT HOTEL KEMALİYE 3*
Note: An optional boat tour can be arranged in the Karanlık Canyon area. This arrangement will be confirmed during the tour, depending on the tour's progress, the guide's schedule, and the sufficient number of participants. Our guide will provide the necessary guidance upon request. DAY 4: APÇAAĞA VILLAGE – OCAK VILLAGE – ARAPGİR – ONAR VILLAGE – ACCOMMODATION KEMALİYE
After breakfast at the hotel, we meet our guide in our vehicle and set off on a special route around Kemaliye, shedding light on the Alevi faith, the ocak tradition, and the unique village culture of Anatolia.
Our first stop is Apçağa Village. This village, which holds a significant place in Erzincan's cultural memory, is also significant for literature enthusiasts as the place where author Refik Halit Karay once lived. With its stone houses and natural texture, we see that it possesses an atmosphere reflecting traditional Anatolian village life.
From here, we move on to Ocak Village. True to its name, this village is a center of ocak culture, one of the most important cornerstones of the Alevi belief system. Visitors encounter traces of the historical foundations of Anatolian Alevism. We feel the spiritual impact of being in the lands where the Pir Sultan Abdal tradition lives.

Afterwards, we arrive in the district of Arapgir. This region, which served as a sanjak center during the Ottoman period, stands out for its multicultural character as a settlement where different faiths have lived together throughout history. We take a short city tour among Arapgir's stone mansions and bay-windowed streets.
In the afternoon, we move on to Onar Village. Known as the center of the Dede Kargın Hearth, which holds a significant place in the Alevi belief system, this village is also a place of pilgrimage where Arapgir's Onar Baba lived and the tradition of talib-pir (saint-saint) continues. Our visit to Onar Village deepens our respect for this religious heritage.
At the end of the program, we return to Kemaliye and check into our hotel. We have dinner at the hotel and finish the day relaxing. Travel distance: Approximately 250 km
Accommodation: BOZKURT HOTEL KEMALİYE 3*
DAY 5: BAŞPINAR – GOVERNOR RECEP YAZICIOĞLU BRIDGE – ÇEMİŞGEZEK – OVACIK – MUNZUR SPRINGS – MUNZUR VALLEY – ACCOMMODATION TUNCELİ
After breakfast at the hotel, we meet our guide in our vehicle and depart for Tunceli. Throughout the day, we'll follow a route that winds through nature, has a rich cultural context, and possesses spiritual depth.
Our first stop is the Vali Recep Yazıcıoğlu Bridge, located near Başpınar Nature Park. Built over the Munzur River, this bridge reflects the elegant marriage of nature and human engineering. We remember the contributions of Vali Recep Yazıcıoğlu, from whom it was named, to the region and the strong bond he established with the people.
Then, we reach the district of Çemişgezek. This settlement, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, also stands out as an important center of the Alevi faith. We take a short city walk in Çemişgezek and get to know the local architectural and social fabric.
Our next stop is Ovacık. Located at the foot of the Munzur Mountains, this district, distinguished by its unique nature and tranquility, is one of the few places where natural resources can be seen in their pure form. The Munzur Springs, located here, are a sacred natural site where dozens of underground springs merge to form the Munzur River. In the Alevi faith, this area holds special significance for the culture of pilgrimage due to the purifying properties of water. Guests who wish can spend time by the water, pray, or take a short walk.
In the final part of the day, we drive along the Munzur Valley to reach Tunceli city center, where the valley's unique geography and rich ecosystem accompany us. One of Turkey's largest national parks, this valley offers an impressive landscape of both natural beauty and biodiversity.
In the evening, we check into our hotel in Tunceli and conclude the day with dinner.
Travel distance: Approximately 275 km
Accommodation: GRAND ŞAROĞLU HOTEL 4*
DAY 6: TUNCELİ CEM HOUSE – PERTEK FERRY – HARPUT CASTLE – ARAP BABA TOMB – ARSLANTEPE MOUGH – MUSTAFAPAŞA CARAVANSARAY – MALATYA CENTER – ACCOMMODATION MALATYA
After breakfast at the hotel, we meet our guide in our vehicle and begin the day with a visit to the Tunceli Cem House. This place holds a significant place in the religious practices of the Alevi community, where we learn about Cem culture and social solidarity from our guide. Within the modern structure of the Tunceli Cem House, we have the opportunity to observe the contemporary reflections of the Alevi faith.

After the visit, we depart for the Pertek Ferry and cross the Keban Dam Lake. During the ferry ride, we admire the natural beauty of the region, accompanied by the mountain silhouettes reflected on the water and the lone silhouette of Pertek Castle.
After a short journey, we arrive at Harput Castle. Standing since the Urartu period, the castle is one of Elazığ's oldest settlements. As we admire the view of the Elazığ Plain from the castle walls, we learn about its historical layers.
After the castle, we visit the Arap Baba Tomb. With its intriguing structure and popular legends, the tomb is considered a symbol of the region's diverse beliefs.
At noon, we depart for Malatya and first arrive at Arslantepe Mound. Dating back to the 4th millennium BC, this archaeological site, home to the first examples of urbanization and state organization, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our walk around the mound, we learn about palace structures and excavation sites. Afterwards, we proceed to the Mustafapaşa Caravanserai. This structure, dating back to the Ottoman period, sheds light on Malatya's commercial history. A short break in the courtyard will help you unwind from the day's fatigue.
We arrive in Malatya city center in the evening, check into our hotel, and conclude the day with dinner.
Distance traveled: Approximately 200-250 km
Accommodation: ANEMON MALATYA HOTEL 5*
DAY 7: DARENDE TOHMA CANYON – KAYSERI CASTLE – REPUBLIC SQUARE – LUNCH – DEPARTURE FOR DATÇA
After breakfast at the hotel, we meet our guide in our vehicle and depart Malatya for Darende, Tohma Canyon.
Tohma Canyon, reached after approximately an hour's drive, offers striking natural beauty with its hiking trails amidst steep cliffs and pine trees. As we walk along the canyon, we're greeted by the cool breeze of the Tohma River, wooden walkways, and unique views of the rocky walls. We savor the experience of being alone with nature and immortalize our memories with unforgettable photos.
After visiting the canyon, we continue our journey and arrive in Kayseri city center around noon. Here, we first visit Kayseri Castle, one of the city's iconic structures. Built on foundations dating back to the Roman period, this structure was used primarily for defense during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. We admire the city view from the castle's bastions.
Then, we move on to Kayseri Republic Square, located right in front of the castle. Surrounding the square are structures such as the Hunat Hatun Social Complex, the Clock Tower, and the Atatürk Monument. The Hunat Hatun Mosque and Madrasa offer some of the finest examples of Seljuk-era stonemasonry, while the square's open spaces and surrounding modern textures reflect the city's ties to the past and present. During free time around the square and a lunch break, guests can sample Kayseri specialties, especially mantı (Turkish ravioli).
In the afternoon, we depart for our return journey to Datça. Necessary stops will be made during the overnight journey before arriving in Datça.
Distance: Approximately 650-700 km (overnight journey between Kayseri and Datça)
Breakfast: Hotel
Accommodation: None - Overnight journey

DAY 8: ARRIVAL IN MARMARIS AFTER THE JOURNEY
After our overnight journey, we plan to arrive in Marmaris around noon.
At the end of this special route, where we deeply experience the historical, cultural, and religious fabric of Anatolia, we conclude our tour with unforgettable memories and strong bonds.
We bid farewell to our guests and conclude our tour, hoping to see them again on our next expedition.
Travel distance: Approximately 600-650 km
GENERAL CONDITIONS
**Child discounts apply when sharing with two adults.
** Seating arrangements in our vehicles are determined by seat numbers; seat numbers are automatically assigned after the initial payment. If you have any concerns about seat numbers, please contact us.
**The type of vehicle (minibus, midibus, or bus) for the tour is determined based on the final number of participants. Our company assigns the most suitable vehicle for the tour based on demand.
**Our guide reserves the right to make changes to the program and routes, provided that all visits are completed, taking into account circumstances such as weather and road conditions that may affect the course of the trip.

**If physical conditions make a visit impossible (road, weather, natural disaster, etc.), our agency cannot be held responsible for the failure to take place.

**In cities where more than one hotel option is listed, accommodation is provided at one of the listed hotels based on availability at the time of booking.

**Child discounts apply when staying with two adults.

**Prices listed are early booking prices and will be valid for reservations made until August 30, 2025.

**You can take advantage of these prices by pre-registering with a 7000.00 TL deposit per person at the time of your initial reservation.

Days : 8 | Nights : 7