16 Day Grand Anatolia & Mesopotamia Discovery Tour

(Breakfast not included)
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by your TravelShopBooking representative. Enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel located in the historic Old Town area. After check-in, the rest of the day is free at leisure to rest or explore the surroundings on your own. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast & Lunch included)
After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s historic peninsula. Start at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the social and political heart of the Byzantine Empire. Continue to the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and Iznik tiles. Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture that has stood for over 1,500 years. Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries, including the fascinating Harem section. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, offering thousands of shops filled with carpets, spices, jewelry, and handicrafts. Overnight in Istanbul

(Breakfast & Lunch included)
After breakfast at your hotel, begin the day with a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the grandest masterpieces of the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Continue to the lively Spice Market, where the aromas of exotic herbs and colorful spices fill the air. Nearby, visit the elegant Rüstem Pasha Mosque, decorated with exquisite Iznik tiles. In the afternoon, embark on a Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia while admiring the palaces, wooden mansions, and fortresses that line the shores. Later, explore the modern side of Istanbul with a stroll through Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, the city’s most vibrant pedestrian avenue, lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic buildings. End the day with a visit to the Galata Tower, offering panoramic views over Istanbul’s skyline. Overnight in Istanbul

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart from Istanbul and drive through scenic landscapes towards Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage town that reflects the best-preserved Ottoman urban and architectural heritage. Upon arrival, visit the impressive Cinci Han Caravanserai, once a vital stop along the Silk Road. Explore the elegant Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque and the beautifully restored Kaymakamlar Evi (Governor’s House), which showcases traditional Ottoman family life. Stroll through the Ottoman marketplace, where time seems to have stood still, and admire Safranbolu’s wooden houses, narrow cobbled streets, and local crafts. Dinner and check-in at your boutique hotel in Safranbolu. Overnight in Safranbolu

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Safranbolu and drive to Boğazkale, the site of the ancient Hittite capital Hattusha (UNESCO World Heritage). Explore its monumental ruins, including the Lion Gate, Sphinx Gate, King’s Gate, fortified city walls, and the sacred Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary with carved reliefs of Hittite gods. Continue to Amasya, a charming riverside city famous for its Ottoman wooden mansions and the dramatic Pontic rock tombs carved into the cliffs. Stroll along the Yeşilırmak River promenade and discover Amasya’s unique blend of history and scenery. In the late afternoon, drive onward to Tokat, a historic Anatolian town known for its Seljuk, Ottoman, and Anatolian heritage. Dinner and check-in at your hotel in Tokat. Overnight in Tokat

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, begin the day with a Tokat city tour. Explore highlights such as the Tokat Castle, the beautifully decorated Gök Medrese, and the historic Tokat Museum, which houses artifacts from Hittite, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman times. Stroll through the traditional Sulu Sokak Bazaar, where local crafts and flavors showcase the city’s cultural heritage. In the afternoon, depart Tokat and enjoy a scenic drive along the Black Sea coast, passing through tea plantations, hazelnut groves, and small fishing villages that line the shoreline. Arrive in Trabzon, a city with a rich Greek and Byzantine legacy, once a major Silk Road port. Dinner and hotel check-in upon arrival. Overnight in Trabzon.

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, set out to explore the treasures of Trabzon. Begin with an excursion to the legendary Sumela Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffs of Altındere National Park, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Byzantine monastic life. Return to the city to visit the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a 13th-century church adorned with remarkable frescoes and an important landmark of the region’s Byzantine heritage. Continue with a walking tour of Trabzon’s city center, exploring its lively streets, bazaars, and traditional atmosphere. Finally, visit the castle area, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the city and the Black Sea. Dinner and overnight in Trabzon.  Overnight in Trabzon

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart from Trabzon and enjoy a scenic journey through the Eastern Black Sea highlands before reaching Erzurum, the cultural and historical heart of Eastern Anatolia. Begin your city exploration with a visit to the Çifte Minare Madrasa, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture with its iconic twin minarets. Continue to the Ulu Camii (Great Mosque), one of the oldest mosques in the region, and the striking Üç Kümbetler (Three Tombs), reflecting Seljuk funerary art. Visit the richly decorated Yakutiye Madrasa, now home to an ethnographic museum. End the day wandering through Erzurum’s local bazaar, where copperware, carpets, and local specialties create a lively atmosphere. Dinner and hotel check-in in Erzurum. Overnight in Erzurum

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart from Erzurum and travel across the high plateaus of Eastern Anatolia to reach Kars, a frontier city rich in history and culture. Upon arrival, visit the legendary Ani Ruins (UNESCO World Heritage), once the flourishing medieval Armenian capital known as the “City of 1,001 Churches.” Explore its impressive fortifications, cathedrals, and Silk Road remains along the Arpaçay River valley. Return to Kars city center to visit the imposing Kars Castle, offering panoramic views of the town, and the Church of the Twelve Apostles, later converted into a mosque, showcasing a unique blend of Byzantine and Turkish influences. Dinner and overnight in Kars. Overnight in Kars

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Kars and travel southeast across the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia. Stop at Doğubeyazıt, a historic town near the Iranian border, dominated by the snow-capped peak of Mount Ararat, the legendary resting place of Noah’s Ark. Here, visit the magnificent İshak Pasha Palace, an 18th-century architectural masterpiece combining Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian styles, dramatically set against the mountain backdrop. Continue to Van, once the capital of the ancient Urartu Kingdom. Explore the impressive Van Castle, perched on a rocky hill overlooking Lake Van, offering stunning views of the region. Dinner and overnight in Van. Overnight in Van

(Breakfast & Dinner included)

After breakfast, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Van to the picturesque Akdamar Island. Visit the stunning Church of the Holy Cross (10th century), renowned for its intricate stone reliefs depicting biblical scenes. Take time to admire the tranquil setting of the lake, surrounded by mountains. In the afternoon, continue your journey south to Midyat, a town famous for its Syriac Christian heritage and traditional stone houses. Explore its atmospheric old quarter, narrow streets, and ancient architecture, which reflect the blend of cultures and religions that have shaped the region. Dinner and hotel check-in in Mardin. Overnight in Mardin

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Midyat for the nearby city of Mardin, one of Türkiye’s most enchanting destinations overlooking the Mesopotamian plains. Begin with a visit to the historic Dayrul Zafran (Deyrulzafaran) Monastery, a spiritual center of the Syriac Orthodox community for centuries. Continue to the elegant Kasimiye Medrese, known for its unique architecture and panoramic views. Stroll through the lively Mardin marketplace, where traditional crafts and local flavors fill the streets. Discover the impressive Great Mosque (Ulu Camii) and admire Mardin’s famous ancient stone houses and public buildings, including the historic post office, all built in golden limestone. In the late afternoon, drive to Şanlıurfa, the “City of Prophets,” and check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Şanlıurfa. Overnight in Sanlıurfa

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the world-renowned Göbeklitepe (UNESCO World Heritage), the oldest known temple complex in human history, dating back over 12,000 years. Continue to the nearby Karahan Tepe, another fascinating Neolithic site that is reshaping our understanding of early civilization. Next, travel to Harran, famous for its beehive-shaped houses, ancient university ruins, and unique desert-like landscape. In the afternoon, explore the Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum, home to some of the richest collections from Mesopotamia and Anatolia. Conclude the day at the sacred Balıklı Göl (Pool of the Sacred Fish), an important pilgrimage site linked to the Prophet Abraham. Dinner and overnight in Şanlıurfa. Overnight in Sanlıurfa

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Şanlıurfa and drive through the dramatic landscapes of Southeastern Anatolia towards Adıyaman. En route, stop at the historic Cendere Bridge, one of the world’s oldest Roman bridges still in use, and the ancient site of Arsemia, once the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom. In the late afternoon, ascend to the summit of Mount Nemrut (UNESCO World Heritage), one of Türkiye’s most iconic archaeological sites. Here, marvel at the colossal stone statues of gods and kings built by King Antiochus I in the 1st century BC. Witness the breathtaking scenery and mystical atmosphere at sunset, a truly unforgettable experience. Dinner and hotel check-in in Adıyaman. Overnight in Adıyaman.

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Adıyaman and drive to Gaziantep, Türkiye’s culinary capital and home to some of the world’s finest mosaics. Begin with a visit to the spectacular Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest of its kind in the world, showcasing intricate Roman mosaics unearthed from the ancient city of Zeugma. Continue to the Roman Castle, which overlooks the city and provides a glimpse into Gaziantep’s strategic past. In the afternoon, explore the bustling old bazaars, filled with copperware, textiles, and handmade crafts. Don’t miss the vibrant spice markets, where the aromas of red pepper, pistachios, and saffron fill the air. Gaziantep is also famous for its UNESCO-recognized gastronomy, especially its world-famous baklava. Dinner and hotel check-in in Gaziantep.Overnight in Gaziantep.

(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, connect to your international flight or continue with your onward journey.
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