Ankara's centuries-old hunting tradition still draws people to the city in search of ibis and wild boar. Ayfi Safaris run several types of jeep trips out into the rural wilds just 30 minutes from the city centre to trek the wooded valleys and forests.
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Ankara tours and excursions
Ankara tours
Walking tours
Most local operators offer similar day tours of the city - almost all with a historical focus. One way to experience Ankara's architectural treasures is with Tempo Tours. A company guide provides plenty of background facts and lesser-known secrets. Key sights include the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, the Citadel and the oldest sector of the city (settled before 2000BC), the Ataturk Mausoleum and the bustling Old Copper Market (closed on Sunday).
Telephone: (0312) 428 2096.
Website:
www.tempotur.com.tr
Excursions from Ankara
Cappadocia
Another day-long option is the 270km (168-mile) drive to Cappadocia along the picturesque Salt Lake. In the scenic Göreme Valley, visit rock churches adorned with colourful painted frescoes set amongst scrub-topped peaks. Marvel at stunning etched boulders, ancient monastic ruins and the unworldly subterranean labyrinthine of passageways that make up the Underground City.
Cappadocia incorporates the provinces of Aksaray, Nevsehir, Nigde, Kayseri and Kırşehir cities - Kırşehir is the regional capital and has a good tourist office, if you need further information.
Website:
www.cappadociaturkey.net
Hattusa
Rise early and leave the bustle of Ankara behind for a memorable three-hour drive to Hattusa, the ancient capital city of the Hittites in the second millennium (1340-1200BC) and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As one of the most important historic sites in Turkey, this old city is located on a mountain slope at the southern end of a small fertile plain, rising about 300m (1,000ft) over a distance of 1.6km (1 mile). Hattusa's formidable defences can be seen in the ruins of the imposing Lion's Gate, Tunnel, King's Gate, Citadel and Grand Temple - and this extraordinary settlement remains one of the nation's great wonders.
Website:
www.hattusas.com
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Even short-haul trips carry risks
Visit your GP surgery/Travel Clinic to stay healthy on holiday. This is an educational initiative from GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health UK/MARK/0207a/10 January 2011
Spot the holiday killer
Protect yourself from malaria. Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone. (An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010) www.malariahotspots.co.uk
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