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Duration
11 days
Max Group Size
30
Departure Type
Scheduled
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
easy
Operated In
English
Age Requirement
11 - 99 Ages
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11-Day Mesopotamian & Eastern Anatolia Heritage Tour that takes you on a sweeping journey through Turkey’s diverse cultural and historical landscape. This immersive expedition begins in the vibrant city of Adana and winds its way through ancient Mesopotamian heartlands and the dramatic vistas of Eastern Anatolia. Discover the rich tapestry of civilizations in Gaziantep and Sanlıurfa, explore the sacred and historical treasures of Adıyaman and Mardin, and traverse the rugged beauty of Tatvan, Van, Kars, and Erzurum. This tour offers a unique blend of ancient relics, dynamic local culture, and breathtaking natural scenery that together reveal the true essence of Turkey’s storied past
Highlights
Itinerary
(Dinner
included)
Arrive
at Adana Airport, meet the assistant guide, and transfer to the hotel.
Early
Arrival the main sights we will see in Adana are the Clock Tower built by Ziya
Pasha, Kazancılar Bazaar, Adana Ulu Mosque, the Stone Bridge (Taş köprü) on the
Seyhan River, and Sabancı Mosque, which has six minarets.
Overnight
stay in Adana. (Dinner)
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
After
breakfast drive to Hatay (240 Km) Hatay Archaeological Museum is closed for an
indefinite period in the city that was destroyed (% 80 of the city)in the
earthquake of February 6, 2024. We will have the chance to see it when it is
opened to visitors. Only St. in Hatay. Pierre Church is visited.
St.
Pierre Church is known as one of the oldest churches of Christianity, carved
into the rocks on Mount Stairus in Antakya. The first Christians in Antakya
held their secret meetings here. St. Paul, who came to Antakya with Barnabas,
taught Christianity to people in Hatay, and those who believed in the new
religion were called "Christians" for the first time in this cave. At
the end of the Hatay tour, Drive to Gaziantep (200 Km)
Overnight in Gaziantep
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
Today,
visit the Gaziantep province, Mesopotamia's modern industrial and agricultural
product centre.
Zeugma
Mosaic Museum is the second-largest mosaic museum in the world. The famous
Gypsy Girl Mosaic is exhibited here. Then, there will be free time for shopping
and lunch while visiting Bakırcılar Bazaar, Almacı Bazaar, and Zincirli
Bedesten. Don’t forget to sample and buy Gaziantep’s famous baklava and
pistachios!
Then
we will go to Halfeti. (100 km, 1.5 hours) Halfeti district is also known as
the hidden paradise of the Southeast for its historical stone houses, black
roses, and natural beauty. We will visit Savaşan Village, a large part of which
is underwater and called a "sunken city," on a boat tour. We will see
the Sunken Mosque, the Greek Castle, and the Halfeti Neck bridge, take photos,
and have a Lunch break on the way. We will arrive at Harran.
Harran
is an ancient city. The district, which has been continuously inhabited since
the 6th millennium BC and was once the capital of the Assyrian and Umayyad
civilisations, will welcome us with its conical domed houses and historical
sights. Conical Harran Houses, Harran Mound, and El Firdevs Mosque, built by
Umayyad Caliph Mervan (Cennet Mosque), will be among the places we will see
after our Harran trip.
Overnight
stay in Sanliurfa.
** We have dinner, a traditional Sira
night party with local music.
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
Today,
you will experience the excitement of discovering the fascinating heritage of
the world's oldest civilisation in Turkey. Firstly, stroll through ancient
Sanliurfa.
Sanliurfa
is the city of the prophets; visit Halil-ur Rahman and Rızvaniye Mosque,
Balıklıgol (fish lake), which, according to legend, was formed in the place
where the Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, and Ayn-el Zeliha Lake.
After shopping at Bedesten and Gümrük Inn, we will have lunch at a local
restaurant featuring Urfa's famous kebab and other regional dishes. We will
also visit the Urfa Archeology Museum and Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum. Lunch
break in Sanliurfa, and visit Göbeklitepe Temple.
Gobeklitepe
temple ( located in Taş Tepeler region ), the oldest open-air temple in the
world, was built 12,000 years ago and dates back to the Neolithic Age, which
started a new era in the history of world archaeology and even changed human
history. As a result of the information provided by our guide about the
Gobeklitepe temple, your humanity history information can change.
Visit
Karahantepe due to Archaeological Excavations 40 km from Göbeklitepe in the
Taştepeler region.
Karahantepe
is one of the most important and oldest settlements of the Neolithic period,
with a history of 13,000 years. The 2,30-meter human statue found in the
Karahantepe Archaeological Site in 2024 amazes us.
Accommodation in Şanlıurfa
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, depart from Sanliurfa and travel through Nemrut Mountain., where the
tumulus of Antiochos of Commagene King and giant statues are located. This
might be the part that will remain in your memories as the most unique place on
this tour. With the narration of our guide, we will admire the rich history. On
the way to Mount Nemrut via Kahta, visit Arsemia Ancient city, the summer
capital of the Commegena Kings. Karakuş Tumulus for Kommegene king Sister and
wife. Roman Cendere Bridge. Arrive at the
summit by minibus (large buses and minibuses cannot travel this route). After a
tiring climb, we will see the Zeus, Apollo, Heracles, I Antiochhos, Commagene,
Eagle, and Lion sculptures on the eastern terrace of the Nemrut summit. We will
visit the tumulus of Antiochos of Commagene King at the top and altars and
sculptures on the western terrace. It is impossible not to be impressed by the
magnificent view and the beauty of the colossal statues at the top of Mount
Nemrut. Sunrise and sunset each have a different beauty in the endless horizon.
We will depart for Adıyaman after the Mt. Nemrut tour.
Dinner and overnight stay in Adiyaman or Kahta
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, depart for Diyarbakır. Via Nissip Bridge on the Atatürk Dam from the
beautiful geography.
Diyarbakır
has been one of the most important cities of Northern Mesopotamia throughout
history. It is the cradle of civilisations, where many religions, languages,
and cultures have been integrated.
We
will visit the 5th Harem-i Sharif of Islam and Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, one of
the first mosques in Anatolia.
Diyarbakır
City Walls are on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. Take a coffee break at the
historical Hasan Pasha Inn.
Sheikh
Muhattar Mosque is famous for its Four-Legged Minaret. The minaret's
architecture, built on four pillars, will amaze you. Prophet Suleiman Mosque
Builded 1160. Visit Mar Petyun Chaldean Church.
Lunch
break in a local restaurant with grilled kebabs. Afterwards, drive towards
Mardin. Visit Zerzevan Castle. Zerzevan Castle is 3,000 years old and a
candidate for the Unesco World Heritage list in the Çınar district of
Diyarbakır. In Zerzevan Castle, which was used as a "military
settlement" during the Roman Empire, there is the Temple of Mithras, the
mystery religion of Rome. Mithras is the Sun God who controls the entire
universe. Rites in the temple were always held in secret. Thousands of people
come here every year and perform rituals.
Arrive
in Mardin and visit the ancient Dara Ruins.
Mardin
is the cradle of Mesopotamian Civilization. Where people from different
religions and sects live together in peace, you’ll see many door knockers and
beautifully carved old doors, each with a history of their own. Stroll the
Mardin narrow streets by walk. Visit Latifiye Mosque, the Great Mosque of
Mardin, and the old Post Office Building, the best examples of the region’s
stonework.
You
may visit the local market, where you can find the famous almond candy of
Mardin, local desserts, and jewellery made of silver, gold, and precious
stones. Finally, we will visit the Kasimiye Madrasah (Mosque Kebir), which had
extraordinary architecture and provided university-level education in the
Seljuk period.
Dinner
and Accommodation in Mardin.
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, visit Deyrul-Zafaran Monastery, 10 km from the centre of Mardin.
Built in the 5th century, it was one of the important religious centres of the
Assyrians. Within the monastery complex are structures such as the Mor Hanonya
Church, the Sun Temple, the Virgin Mary Church, and the House of Saints, which
are built with the best examples of Mardin stonemasonry. Deyrul-Zafaran
Monastery was the official seat of the patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church
until 1932.
Midyat
is a town famous for its stone architectural structures, where Assyrians,
Muslims, and people from different sects live together. Specially designed
silver jewellery called Telkari, handcrafted by Assyrian masters, is produced
in Midyat.
Hasankeyf
is an ancient settlement submerged under the waters of the Ilısu dam in 2020.
El Rızk Mosque, the Süleyman Pasha mosque minarets, and Zeynel Bey’s tomb are
among the historical artefacts that have been moved to the Yeni Hasankeyf. Take
a lunch break at Batman with delicious local dishes. Arrive in Ahlat after a
pleasant journey through the mountains, plateaus, villages, and towns of
Eastern Anatolia, which offer magnificent views.
Ahlat
district is located near Lake Van and has the largest Turkish-Islamic cemetery
in the world. Visit the Ahlat Seljuk Mausoleums, the Great Cellar, the Emir
Bayindir Mosque and the tombstones, among the most exquisite examples of
Turkish-Islamic art. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, these
tombs are a treasure trove of Anatolia's cultural heritage with their fine
stonework and fascinating motifs.
Arrive and Accommodation in Tatvan
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
Today's
provincial tour will begin with travel to Akdamar Island in Lake Van's Edremit
district.
Akdamar
Church is a 10th-century Armenian church located on Akdamar Island in Lake Van.
Built by King Gagik I between 915 and 921, it was restored by the Republic of
Turkey in 2020. The church is especially famous for its stone reliefs depicting
scenes from the Bible and the Torah on the facade. Akdamar Church, one of the
most beautiful examples of medieval Armenian architecture, fascinates visitors
with its historical and artistic value.
Lake
Van, the largest lake in Turkey, attracts attention with its natural beauty.
Akdamar Island is in the lake's centre, and the historical Akdamar Church
offers visitors a unique view. Enjoy the mesmerising atmosphere integrated with
the calm waters of Lake Van and the surrounding mountains.
Lunch
Break in the Van. Continue our tour.
Tuspa
Castle was built by Urartu King Sarduri 2800 years ago. The castle, located
near Van Lake, became the capital of the Urartu Kingdom under the name Tuspa.
We will explore the castle's rock tombs, which belonged to Urartu Kings.
Following our visit to the Van Archeology and Ethnography Museum,
Dinner and accommodation in Van
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, we will visit Muradiye Waterfall, 90 km away. After taking beautiful
pictures there, we will move on to Doğubeyazıt.
Doğu
Beyazit after crossing Tendürek mountain and its stunning views. We will have a
short lunch break and visit the famous İshak Pasha Palace. It is said that the
construction of the 116-room palace took 99 years. We will arrive in Kars
province after a tour of this magnificent palace overlooking Mount Ararat.
Kars
is a city in northeastern Turkey known for its cold climate and historical and
cultural richness. It is also famous for its buildings bearing traces of
Ottoman and Russian architecture, delicious gruyere cheese, and delicious goose
dishes. Kars is home to the Sarıkamış Ski Centre, a popular destination for
winter tourism.
Check
into our hotel, stroll through the streets of Kars, and experience a new
culture and climate. You can taste local foods such as goose meat, honey, Kars
cheese, Kars gruyere cheese, yellow fish, Hengel, and kit, which are unique to
Kars, and you can buy them to take home. You can see Russian architecture in
Kars and experience the climate, geography, and culture, which is the basis of
this fusion.
Accommodation in Kars.
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
Today,
visit Ani Ruins and Erzurum province.
Ani
Ruins is an important ancient city on the UNESCO World Heritage List, known as
the ‘City of 1001 Churches’.
Historical
artefacts such as Manuçehr Mosque, Ani Cathedral, Virgins Monastery, and
Apostles Church in the ruins of Ani.
Arrive in Erzurum and take a lunch break featuring Çağ Kebab and stuffed
Kadayıf, which are local flavours of Erzurum.
Erzurum is an Eastern Anatolian city that attracts attention with its
historical and natural beauties. The Double Minaret Madrasa from the Seljuk
period is one of the city's symbols. Yakutiye Madrasa and the Great Mosque are
unique examples of Islamic architecture. Palandoken Ski Centre is one of
Turkey's most popular winter tourism destinations. In addition, Aziziye
Bastions and Erzurum Castle are among the essential buildings reflecting the
city's historical texture. Erzurum's famous cağ kebab and kadayıf dolma offer visitors
an unforgettable flavour experience. Ornaments and jewellery made of Oltu Stone
and Oltu stone rosaries are art values unique to the city.
Accommodation
in Erzurum. ( Breakfast – Dinner )
(Breakfast,
included)
After breakfast, transfer to Erzurum Airport and fly to Istanbul for your international flight connection
Trip includes
Included
1 nights of accommodation Adana - Divan Hotel
1 nights of accommodation Gaziantep - Tugcan Hotel
2 nights of accommodation Sanliurfa - Nevali Hotel
1 nights of accommodation Adıyaman - Ramada Adıyaman
1 nights of accommodation Mardin - Raymar Hotel
1 nights of accommodation Tatvan -Tasar Hotel
1 nights of accommodation Van - Double Tree Hilton
1 nights of accommodation Kars - Haterina Sarayi SC
1 nights of accommodation Erzurum - Hilton Garden Inn 5
Note: Sample hotels are confirmed if available on the reservation date. Otherwise, similar hotels are booked
Professional English-speaking guide
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Meals as per itinerary



Airport transfers as per itinerary
Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned,
non-smoking coach
All tours as per itinerary
Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
VAT & City Tax
Hotel room taxes
General Information:
- This tour covers significant historical and cultural
sites across Mesopotamia and Eastern Anatolia, offering a deep dive into
Turkey’s rich heritage.
- Expect diverse landscapes, from ancient cities and
archaeological wonders to breathtaking highlands.
- The tour includes guided visits, comfortable
accommodations, and local cuisine experiences.
Weather &
Packing Tips:
- Adana &
Gaziantep:
Warm and dry, especially in summer. Light clothing is recommended.
- Sanlıurfa &
Mardin:
Hot summers, mild winters; bring sun protection.
- Adıyaman &
Nemrut Mountain: Cooler at higher altitudes; pack layers.
- Tatvan, Van,
Kars & Erzurum: Colder climates, especially in winter.
Bring warm clothing, especially for Eastern Anatolia.
Cultural
Insights & Etiquette:
- Modest clothing is recommended, especially when
visiting religious or historical sites.
- Respect local customs, especially in conservative
regions like Sanlıurfa and Mardin.
- Tasting local delicacies, such as Gaziantep’s famous
baklava and Van’s breakfast, is highly recommended.
Transportation
& Accommodation:
- Comfortable private transportation is included for
long-distance travel.
- Accommodations vary from boutique hotels to
traditional lodges, ensuring an immersive experience.
Health &
Safety:
- Stay hydrated, particularly in hot regions.
- Bring necessary medications and travel insurance for
a worry-free trip.
This journey through
the heart of Mesopotamia and Eastern Anatolia promises unforgettable
experiences, blending history, nature, and authentic local traditions.
Excluded
Domestic flight tickets
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses
Guide & driver tips
Türkiye entry visa
Alcoholic drinks & beverages
Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions
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