The Phrygians are remembered as allies of the Trojans during the Trojan War, and according to legend, King Midas, who turned everything he touched into gold, was a Phrygian king. The legends of Midas, seemingly far removed from reality, cast doubt on the existence of a king named Midas, but the discovery of his tomb by a team from the University of Pennsylvania led by American archaeologist Rodney S. Young in 1957 reaffirmed the legend.
Alexander the Great arrived in Phrygia and cut the Gordian Knot, which, according to ancient prophecy, signaled his rule over all of Asia.
The Phrygians possessed a far more artistic sensibility than their Bronze Age predecessors, the Hittites, and Turkish museums are filled with their elegant and finely detailed pottery.
The Phrygian Valley is a general term used to describe the ancient homeland of the Phrygian Kingdom. The Phrygians spread far beyond this region, leaving traces of their art and culture as far as eastern Türkiye.
The mountains to the north, south, and west make the Phrygian lands dry and exposed to dramatic weather changes. Winters are cold, and summers are hot. The region's terrain is predominantly hilly, consisting of large peaks of soft volcanic rock and dusty soil. The Phrygians made good use of these two factors for their people, who farmed in the valleys and carved houses, temples, and tombs into the soft stone.
The natural rock formations in the southwestern part of the Phrygian Valley are absolutely spectacular and are considered a second Cappadocia. The Phrygians used some of these jagged rocks and steep rock walls to create some of the most iconic types of monuments, namely inscribed facades.
The Phrygian Valley is a vast area, with some points of interest approximately 200 kilometers apart. Some places are small, while others are large attractions that function as museums and tourist sites in their own right. Here are some of the most important tourist attractions.
Day 1: Ankara to Polatlı Midas Monumental Tumulus - 2 hours / Yazılıkaya Midas Monument - 2 hours
The Midas Tumulus (also known as Tumulus MM or the Great Tumulus) is a massive, 53-meter-tall burial mound in Gordion, Turkey. Dating to ca. 740 BCE, it is the oldest known standing wooden structure in the world and was constructed by King Midas, likely as a tomb for his father, King Gordios.
Lunch in Polatlı / Yilmaz Usta Konya Tandır Restaurant
Yazılıkaya Midas Monument: It was founded on the Yazılıkaya Plateau, which is made up of tuff rocks. Its length is 650 meters and its width is 320 meters. The height of the valley is 60-70 m above ground level.
Accommodation in Affyon Termal Hotel.
Day 2: Phrygian Valley
Continue to the Memeç Rock Settlement, where the AROG movie was shot, and then stop at Lake Emre for a tea and coffee break. Join an optional boat tour before starting your return journey to Istanbul.
After breakfast, head to the Ayazini Greeting Center and start your Phrygian Valley tour. Visit Göynüş Valley (Aslantaş, Yılantaş, Maltaş), Ayazini Yazılı Village, Antique Road, Virgin Mary Church, Nazlı Church, Aslanlı Tomb Chamber, Rock Carved Meeting Room, Kibele Square, Necropolis cemetery, Yazılı Church.
* Airport Welcome
* 1 night half-board accommodation at Afyon Thermal Hotel
* Professional Guiding
* Lunches
* Flight Tickets
