How to Plan Your Tour: Highlights of Konya

Konya is a gem of a city located in the heart of Turkey, offering a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. If you are planning to visit Konya and see its iconic landmarks, the Highlights of Konya tour is an excellent option. This private tour is fully customizable and flexible, allowing you to discover the city’s historical and cultural treasures in one day. In this post, we provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to plan your tour of Konya and explore its highlights.

What to Expect on the Highlights of Konya Tour

On the Highlights of Konya Tour, you will experience the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Mevlana Muzesi, a Sufi center dedicated to the whirling dervishes, and one of the oldest mosques in Turkey – the Alaeddin Mosque. You will also visit ancient monasteries, churches, and other historical attractions. This tour is perfect for time-pressed visitors who want to explore the city’s highlights in one day. The best part is that the tour is private, which means the tour is fully customizable, and you can tailor it to suit your interests.

Itinerary:

Here’s a rundown of the itinerary on the Highlights of Konya Tour:

• Meet your guide at your hotel in Konya.
• Visit the Mevlana Muzesi, a Sufi center dedicated to the whirling dervishes, and explore the history and philosophy of this mystical sect.
• Explore the Alaeddin Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Turkey, built during the Seljuk era.
• Visit the Ince Minare Museum, an ancient monastery converted into a museum that displays Islamic artifacts, including calligraphy, ceramics, and tilework.
• Discover the Karatay Medrese, a 13th-century Islamic theological school built during the Seljuk era.
• Explore the Sille Village, an ancient settlement near Konya, which features beautiful old houses, churches, and monasteries.
• Have lunch in a traditional Turkish restaurant and taste local delicacies.
• Visit the Catalhoyuk Museum, a World Heritage Site that showcases the history of one of the world’s oldest settlements.

What’s Included in the Highlights of Konya Tour?

The tour includes:

• Pickup and dropoff at your hotel in Konya.
• A private vehicle for transportation.
• A professional English-speaking guide.
• Lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant.
• All entrance fees, taxes, and fees.

How to Book the Highlights of Konya Tour

To book the tour, you can visit the link here. In conclusion, the Highlights of Konya Tour is an excellent option for visitors who want to explore the city’s historical and cultural highlights in one day. With a private guide and a fully customizable itinerary, you can make the most out of your visit to Konya. We hope this post has been informative and helpful in planning your tour of Konya.

Frequently Asked Questions About Konya, Turkey

Are you planning to visit Konya, Turkey? Is this your first time? In this article, we have compiled the answers to the frequently asked questions of tourists who want to have an enjoyable trip to Konya. Let’s dive into it.

1. Where is Konya, Turkey?

Konya is located in the central Anatolia region of Turkey. It is the seventh most populous city in Turkey and the capital of the Konya Province. Konya is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains to the south and the Central Anatolian Plateau to the north.

2. How Do I Get to Konya?

Konya is easily accessible via air, rail, and road. Konya Airport is a domestic airport situated 18 km north of the city center. There are direct flights from major Turkish cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. Konya is also served by a high-speed rail network that connects it to Ankara and other major cities. If you are coming from Istanbul, you can take the bus or drive to Konya, which takes approximately about 10 hours.

3. What is the Best Time to Visit Konya?

The best time to visit Konya is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. Konya has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

4. What are the Top Tourist Attractions in Konya?

Konya is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Konya:

• The Mevlana Museum (Mevlana Müzesi): This museum is dedicated to the life of the famous Sufi philosopher, poet, and mystic Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. The museum houses the tomb of Rumi and is the most popular tourist attraction in Konya.
• The Alaeddin Mosque (Alaeddin Camii): This mosque is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Turkey. It is located on a hill and offers a panoramic view of Konya city.
• The Karatay Medrese: This is a Seljuk-era theological school that has been turned into a museum. It contains an impressive collection of ceramics from the 13th and 14th centuries.
• The Ince Minaret Medrese: This is another Seljuk-era theological school that has been converted into a museum. It is famous for its ornate stone carvings.
• The Konya Archaeological Museum (Konya Arkeoloji Müzesi): This museum has a large collection of artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period.

5. What is the Local Cuisine in Konya?

Konya’s local cuisine is influenced by its location on the trade routes between the East and West. Some of the famous dishes in Konya include:

• Etli Ekmek: A Turkish Pizza topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs.
• Firik Pilav: A rice dish cooked with smoked wheat.
• Bamya Çorbası: A traditional okra soup.
• Tandır: A slow-cooked lamb dish served with traditional flatbread.
• Pekmez Helvası: A sweet dessert made with grape molasses and semolina.

6. What is the Currency in Konya?

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). There are numerous exchange offices and banks in Konya, and most major credit cards are accepted in large shops and restaurants.

7. What are the Local Customs and Traditions in Konya?

Konya has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several customs and traditions that visitors should be aware of, including:

• Hospitality: Turkish people are known for their hospitality and kindness towards guests.
• Religious Observance: Konya is a conservative city, and visitors should dress modestly and be respectful of the Islamic culture and practices.
• Tipping: Tipping is customary in Turkish culture. A 10% tip is expected at restaurants, and bellboys and taxi drivers also appreciate small tips.
• Language: The official language of Turkey is Turkish. Although many people in Konya speak English, it is still helpful to learn some basic Turkish phrases to communicate with locals.

Book Your Tour Now

Konya is a treasure trove of cultural and historical attractions, delicious food, and welcoming locals. We hope that this FAQ article has answered some of the questions you may have had about Konya and inspires you to visit this beautiful and unique city in Turkey. Remember to always respect the culture and customs of the city and take in as much of it as you can to make your trip unforgettable.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Konya

Konya is a city located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. It has a rich history and is considered to be one of the most spiritual cities in the world, as it was the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum and is the final resting place of the famous Sufi mystic Rumi. In this guide, we will provide you with some useful tips on how to spend your time as a tourist in Konya.

1. Visit the Mevlana Museum

The Mevlana Museum, also known as the Mausoleum of Rumi, is the main attraction in Konya. It is the final resting place of the famous Sufi mystic Rumi and is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the Islamic world. The museum is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible. The museum contains many artifacts and exhibits related to Rumi’s life and teachings, including his poetry and calligraphy.

2. See the Alaeddin Mosque

The Alaeddin Mosque is the oldest mosque in Konya and is one of the most important landmarks in the city. It was built in the 12th century during the reign of Sultan Kilij Arslan II and is a fine example of Seljuk architecture. The mosque has a beautiful courtyard and is surrounded by gardens, which make it a peaceful and tranquil place to visit.

3. Explore the Ince Minaret Medrese

The Ince Minaret Medrese is a historical theological school located in the heart of Konya. It was built in the 13th century and is a fine example of Seljuk architecture. The medrese has a beautiful courtyard and is surrounded by gardens. Visitors can explore the classrooms, dormitories and prayer halls, which give a fascinating insight into the life of a student in the Ottoman era.

4. Visit the Karatay Medrese Museum

The Karatay Medrese Museum is a museum dedicated to pottery and ceramics. It is located in a beautiful 13th-century medrese building and contains many exhibits of Seljuk and Ottoman ceramic art. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of pottery in Turkey and to see some beautiful examples of traditional Turkish pottery.

5. Take a walk in the city center

The city center of Konya is a beautiful place to take a walk and explore the city. There are many shops, cafes and restaurants in the area, as well as beautiful parks and gardens. Visitors can admire the traditional Ottoman architecture, which is prevalent in the city, and can take in the lively atmosphere of this vibrant city.

6. Try some local cuisine

Konya is famous for its cuisine and there are many local dishes that visitors should try. Some of the most popular dishes include etli ekmek (meat bread), sac kavurma (pan-fried meat), and firin kebab (oven-baked lamb). Visitors can find these dishes at traditional Turkish restaurants throughout the city.

7. Attend a Sema Ceremony

Sema is a traditional Sufi ceremony that is performed in Konya. The ceremony involves whirling dervishes who spin in a circular motion to achieve a spiritual state. It is a mesmerizing performance and a unique cultural experience that visitors should not miss. In conclusion, Konya is a city that is rich in history and culture. Visitors to the city should make sure to visit the Mevlana Museum, the Alaeddin Mosque, the Ince Minaret Medrese, and the Karatay Medrese Museum. They should also take a walk in the city center, try some local cuisine and attend a Sema ceremony. With these tips, visitors can experience the best that Konya has to offer.