Konya stands out as a city where history, spirituality, and natural beauty blend seamlessly. It’s a place where you can walk in the footsteps of Rumi, explore ancient ruins, or enjoy a scenic lake tour, all tailored to your pace and interests. Among the many options, we particularly like the Highlights of Konya tour for its comprehensive coverage and flexible approach, and the Private Sufi Tour for a deeply spiritual experience. These tours offer rich insights into the city’s most important landmarks, like the Mevlana Museum and the Alaeddin Mosque, providing a perfect introduction for first-time visitors.
If you’re pressed for time but want an authentic taste of Konya, the Highlights of Konya tour delivers a thorough overview in a private, customizable format. For those interested in the mystical side of Konya, the Private Sufi Tour takes you to the heart of Sufi traditions, with stories and sites that bring Rumi’s teachings vividly to life.
Quick Overview
Our list features a mix of full-day private tours, thematic experiences, archaeological visits, and self-guided audio walks. Whether you want to explore historical landmarks like the Karatay Medresesi Museum or visit ancient sites like Catalhuyuk, there’s an option for every interest and schedule. Tours like Highlights of Konya and Private Sufi Tour offer in-depth looks at the city’s spiritual and historical core, while excursions such as Beysehir Tour and Kilistra Ancient Site showcase the region’s natural beauty and ancient settlements.
Below, we detail each tour, highlighting what makes each special, who it’s best suited for, and what you can expect.
1. Highlights of Konya
Rating: 5.0/5 (69 reviews) | Price: $100 | Duration: 7–8 hours
This private tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive yet flexible overview of Konya’s top sights. Starting with the Mevlana Muzesi, you’ll see the tomb of Rumi, the spiritual poet whose whirling dervishes are world-famous. The tour also includes the Alaeddin Mosque, built between 1116-1220, and Karatay Medresesi, which houses stunning tiles from 1252. The guiding is personalized, so you get to ask questions or customize your itinerary.
What makes this tour stand out is its private, flexible approach. Fatma, the guide, is lauded as a gracious host who makes the experience both informative and relaxed. The itinerary covers all the major landmarks in one day—an excellent choice if you’re short on time but want depth and context. Reviewers mention enjoying Turkish local food and the chance to learn about Rumi’s legacy firsthand.
Bottom line: This is the best choice for travelers wanting a private, personalized, and in-depth introduction to Konya’s highlights.
2. Private Sufi Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (60 reviews) | Price: $100 | Duration: 7–8 hours
If your main goal is to understand Sufism and Rumi’s spiritual world, this private tour is a must. You’ll visit the Mevlana Museum to see Rumi’s tomb and learn about the whirling dervishes’ tradition. The tour also includes the Sems-i Tebrizi Tomb, a key figure in Rumi’s spiritual life, and the Meram district, known for its lush gardens and scenic views.
The guide’s stories bring the spiritual significance of these sites to life, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. The tour is fully customizable, allowing you to focus on the sites that interest you most. Reviewers highlight how the guide’s engaging storytelling helped them grasp complex Sufi concepts.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a deeper spiritual and cultural connection with Konya’s Sufi heritage, with a flexible, personal touch.
3. In The Footsteps Of Rumi
Rating: 5.0/5 (35 reviews) | Price: $100 | Duration: 6–8 hours
Walk through the life and times of Rumi with this guided tour. It covers the Mevlana Museum, where Rumi’s tomb is housed, along with sites like Kultur Park and the gold bazaar—rumored to be where Rumi first began to whirl. The tour explores Rumi’s poetry, philosophy, and his influence on Turkish culture, offering a vivid sense of the man behind the legend.
This experience is perfect if you want to combine historical sites with cultural insights. Reviewers appreciate the storytelling quality and the chance to see Rumi’s world in a lively, immersive way. The tour also includes the Iplikci Cami and the Sems-i Tebrizi tomb to deepen your understanding.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a personal, storytelling approach to Rumi’s legacy, blending site visits with meaningful context.
4. Catalhuyuk Archeological Site
Rating: 5.0/5 (20 reviews) | Price: $130 | Duration: 5 hours
Step into one of the world’s oldest human settlements with this private half-day tour. You’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Catalhuyuk —a Neolithic site dating back to 7200-6500 BC—where early humans first established proto-cities with distinctive architecture and religious customs. The tour includes exploring the Boncuklu Huyuk archaeological site and the Konya Archaeological Museum.
What makes this tour special is how it offers a hands-on look at early civilization. The site’s preserved houses, painted murals, and burial practices provide a tangible connection to humanity’s first steps toward settled life. Many visitors find it deeply moving to see the earliest evidence of community life.
Review highlight: “Seeing houses where people lived at the dawn of civilization was one of the most profound experiences of my trip.”
Bottom line: Best suited for history lovers or anyone interested in archaeology and ancient cultures.
5. Daily Cappadocia From Konya
Rating: 5.0/5 (10 reviews) | Price: $225 | Duration: 12–13 hours
This full-day private trip takes you from Konya to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia. It covers the Sultanhani Caravanserai, Kaymakli Underground City, and Uchisar Castle—a fortress carved into rock. You’ll also explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum, famous for its well-preserved cave churches and frescoes.
Perfect for travelers craving a comprehensive day trip, this tour includes private transportation and an all-inclusive lunch. With a guide sharing stories behind the fairy-tale chimneys and underground tunnels, you’ll leave with a vivid picture of this iconic region.
Review: “Visiting Goreme and Kaymakli was like walking through a storybook. The private tour meant I could take my time and really enjoy each site.”
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting to maximize their time in Cappadocia without feeling rushed.
6. Kilistra Ancient Site
Rating: 5.0/5 (7 reviews) | Price: $120 | Duration: 4–5 hours
Discover the rock-carved homes and ancient ruins of Kilistra, an archaeological site believed to have been visited by St. Paul. Located about 50 km from Konya, this site offers a unique glimpse into early Christian settlements. The tour includes a hearty local lunch, making it a perfect half-day trip.
What makes Kilistra stand out is its dramatic landscape and the chance to see rock-cut dwellings, similar in style to Cappadocia. Visitors rave about the friendly guide and the possibility of walking where early Christians once did.
Review snippet: “The guide’s knowledge and the chance to see the houses where people lived over two thousand years ago made this a highlight of my trip.”
Bottom line: Best suited for history and architecture enthusiasts interested in early Christian history.
7. Private Transfer from Konya Airport to the Konya hotels (1 way)
Rating: 5.0/5 (6 reviews) | Price: $18 | Duration: 20 minutes
Enjoy a stress-free start or end to your trip with this private transfer service. Your driver will meet you at Konya Airport, help with luggage, and deliver you comfortably to your hotel. It’s perfect for avoiding the hassle of taxis or public transport, especially after a long flight or before departure.
Reviewers praise the professionalism and punctuality, making this a reliable choice for smooth logistics. The vehicles are air-conditioned, and all fees are included.
Bottom line: A practical, economical way to begin or end your visit, especially if you’re arriving late or leaving early.
8. Beysehir Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (4 reviews) | Price: $160 | Duration: 9–10 hours
A full-day exploration of Beysehir Lake and its surrounding sights. You’ll see the Kizilören Caravansarai, the historic stone bridge, and Eşrefoğlu Mosque, a rare wooden mosque from the 13th century. It’s an excellent chance to experience Turkey’s natural scenery and architecture in one trip.
This tour is great if you want a relaxed day outside Konya, with personalized attention. Reviewers love the peaceful boat ride and the delicious local lunch.
Bottom line: Designed for travelers interested in history, architecture, and natural landscapes without the rush.
9. Best of Konya: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Rating: 5.0/5 (2 reviews) | Duration: 2–6 hours
Experience Konya at a leisurely pace with this flexible walking tour led by a local resident. Explore neighborhoods, discover hidden alleyways, and get insider tips on the best spots away from tourist crowds.
Ideal for travelers who prefer a personalized, relaxed exploration and want to see the city through a local’s eyes. The guide is eager to share favorites and stories, making it a friendly, intimate experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a tailored, casual stroll to absorb Konya’s everyday life and culture.
10. Konya City Sightseeing Tour with Double-Decker
Rating: 4.5/5 (4 reviews) | Price: $10.43 | Duration: 2 hours
A quick, economical way to see 40 key destinations around Konya from the top deck of a double-decker bus. With an English-speaking guide providing commentary, you’ll cover major landmarks like the İstiklal Harbi Müzesi and the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden.
While brief, this tour offers a broad snapshot of the city’s highlights, ideal if you’re short on time or traveling with kids. Reviewers find it a good value, especially considering the price.
Bottom line: Suitable for those wanting a quick orientation or a fun overview of Konya.
11. Çatalhöyük Archaeological Excavation Site and Virtual Museum
Rating: 4.0/5 (6 reviews) | Price: $15 | Duration: 4 hours
A simple transportation service that includes visiting the Çatalhöyük site, one of the earliest proto-cities in the world. The tour features a visit to the excavation area and the virtual museum, which uses digital technology to recreate the settlement’s history.
It’s ideal for those who want to see the site without extensive walking or for families with limited mobility. The guide notes that the tour is mainly transport with brief site visits, not an in-depth archaeological walk.
Review quote: “It’s not a tour in the strict sense, but the virtual museum and site were fascinating.”
Bottom line: Best for travelers interested in quick, accessible insights into prehistoric human life.
12. Rumi Route: A self-guided audio tour into Rumi’s world
Rating: 3.5/5 (5 reviews) | Price: $5.33 | Duration: 30–45 mins
For those who like to explore at their own pace, this self-guided audio tour immerses you in Rumi’s world. It passes notable sites like Iplicki Mosque, Shams of Tabriz Mosque, and Mevlana Museum, providing historical context and stories about Rumi’s life and influence.
It’s a cost-effective and flexible option, perfect if you prefer audio-guided independence rather than scheduled group tours. Reviewers note the narration is informative, though some found the ending less clear.
Bottom line: Best suited for independent travelers who want to explore Rumi’s environment on their own terms.
$5.33 per person
How to Choose
When selecting a tour in Konya, consider your schedule, interests, and budget. For a comprehensive introduction, the Highlights of Konya offers a private, flexible experience that covers all major sites. If your focus is spirituality and Rumi, the Private Sufi Tour or In The Footsteps Of Rumi are excellent choices, especially for those wanting stories and meaningful context.
For archaeology lovers, the Catalhuyuk Site provides a rare look into early human settlements. Travelers on a tighter schedule might prefer the quick Double-Decker Bus Tour, while those interested in landscapes and lakes should consider the Beysehir Tour.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular full-day excursions, and always check what’s included—some tours have private guides, while others provide audio guides or transportation only.
To sum it up, whether you want an in-depth, spiritual journey, a peek into ancient civilizations, or just a quick overview, Konya offers a variety of tours fitting different interests and schedules. For history buffs, the Catalhuyuk is hard to beat, while seekers of spiritual insight will find the Private Sufi Tour compelling. We recommend booking early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure your perfect experience in this fascinating city.