15-Day Eastern & Southeastern Turkey Archaeology & Heritage Tour

After breakfast, depart for one of the great archaeological treasures of Eastern Anatolia: Ani.

Located near Türkiye's modern border with Armenia, Ani was once an important medieval city and a major center on regional trade routes.

Explore the extensive archaeological landscape, including surviving churches, defensive walls, religious structures, and other medieval ruins overlooking the dramatic Arpaçay valley.

Learn about the Armenian Bagratid period and the different civilizations that subsequently controlled the city.

After sightseeing, return to Kars.

Overnight in Kars.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, leave Kars and begin the scenic overland journey toward Van.

Travel through the landscapes of Eastern Anatolia before arriving in the Van region.

Later, visit Van Castle, rising dramatically above the surrounding landscape near Lake Van.

This monumental rock fortress is associated with ancient Tuşpa, the capital of the powerful Kingdom of Urartu.

Explore the archaeological surroundings and learn about the Urartian civilization that dominated much of Eastern Anatolia during the first millennium BCE.

When timing and weather cooperate, enjoy the late-afternoon and sunset atmosphere around the fortress.

Overnight in Van.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel toward the shores of magnificent Lake Van.

Board a boat for the journey to Akdamar Island, surrounded by beautiful lake and mountain scenery.

Visit the remarkable Church of the Holy Cross, an important medieval Armenian church renowned for the relief carvings decorating its exterior walls.

After exploring the island, return by boat to the mainland.

Continue to the Van Museum, where archaeological collections provide further insight into the region's Urartian and ancient heritage.

Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Van.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Van and travel toward Diyarbakır, one of Southeastern Türkiye's most historically significant cities.

Upon arrival, explore the historic Sur District and the monumental black-basalt fortifications surrounding the old city.

Discover selected gates, historic streets, religious monuments, traditional architecture, and viewpoints associated with the Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transfer to your hotel after sightseeing.

Overnight in Diyarbakır.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Malatya.

Visit Arslantepe Mound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing thousands of years of settlement history.

The archaeological discoveries at Arslantepe provide important evidence concerning the development of early state societies, administrative systems, and social organization in ancient Anatolia.

Explore the archaeological site with your guide before continuing to your hotel.

Overnight in Malatya.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel toward Kahta and the Mount Nemrut region.

Begin exploring the remarkable heritage of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene.

Visit Arsameia, an important royal sanctuary associated with the Commagene dynasty, before continuing to the impressive Cendere Bridge, an ancient Roman bridge constructed across the Cendere stream.

Later, ascend toward Mount Nemrut.

Walk to the monumental sanctuary created by King Antiochus I and admire the colossal stone heads and statues surrounding the royal tumulus.

When weather and access conditions permit, remain for the unforgettable sunset over Mount Nemrut.

Return to Kahta after the visit.

Overnight in Kahta/Adıyaman region.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Mardin.

Arrive in this extraordinary hillside city, famous for its honey-colored stone architecture and views across the Mesopotamian plains.

Check into your hotel before beginning your first exploration of Mardin Old City.

Walk through narrow lanes, stone passageways, historic neighborhoods, bazaars, religious buildings, and traditional houses.

Enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of one of Southeastern Türkiye's most photogenic cities.

Overnight in Mardin.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to the archaeological site of Dara, an important Late Roman and Byzantine frontier settlement.

Explore surviving structures that may include rock-cut areas, cisterns, fortifications, necropolis remains, and other sections accessible on the day of your visit.

Continue to Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most important historic centers of the Syriac Orthodox tradition.

Learn about the monastery's religious history, architecture, and continuing spiritual significance.

Return to Mardin.

Overnight in Mardin.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for the historic Tur Abdin Plateau, a region deeply connected with Syriac Christian culture and monastic tradition.

Travel toward Midyat, known for its distinctive stone architecture, historic houses, churches, and traditional silver craftsmanship.

Continue to Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the world's oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monasteries.

Explore the monastery with respect for its status as an active religious community and learn about centuries of Syriac Christian history in the region.

Return to Mardin after the excursion.

Overnight in Mardin.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Mardin and continue to Şanlıurfa.

Visit the impressive Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, whose collections provide essential context for understanding the prehistoric sites of the region.

Continue to the atmospheric Balıklıgöl – Pool of Abraham complex, one of Şanlıurfa's most important religious and cultural landmarks.

Explore the surrounding courtyards, mosques, gardens, and historic district before transferring to your hotel.

Overnight in Şanlıurfa.
Meal: Breakfast

Today is dedicated to some of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world.

Begin with Göbekli Tepe, part of the UNESCO-listed group of Neolithic sites associated with the Taş Tepeler region.

See monumental T-shaped stone pillars and archaeological remains dating to the early Neolithic period while learning how discoveries here have contributed to debates about early settled communities, ritual activity, and social organization.

Continue to Karahantepe, another major Neolithic archaeological site in the Şanlıurfa region.

Explore the accessible visitor areas and learn about ongoing archaeological research and discoveries.

Return to Şanlıurfa.

Overnight in Şanlıurfa.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Şanlıurfa and travel toward Gaziantep.

Upon arrival, visit the outstanding Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of Roman-period mosaics recovered from the ancient city of Zeugma and surrounding archaeological contexts.

See elaborate floor mosaics depicting mythology, daily life, geometric designs, and famous works associated with Zeugma.

After the museum visit, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Gaziantep.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, dedicate the day to exploring Gaziantep.

Discover the historic center with your guide, including the area around Gaziantep Castle, traditional bazaars, hans, workshops, and atmospheric shopping streets.

Explore the city's long traditions of copperwork, handicrafts, spices, pistachios, and regional cuisine.

There will also be time to experience Gaziantep's celebrated gastronomic culture and browse for local products and souvenirs.

Return to your hotel after sightseeing.

Overnight in Gaziantep.
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out of your hotel.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Gaziantep Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul.

Connect with your onward international flight home.

Thank you for traveling with us through the extraordinary archaeological and cultural landscapes of Eastern and Southeastern Türkiye.

End of Tour.
Meal: Breakfast