4-Day Mesopotamian Marvels Tour: Mardin, Sanlıurfa, and Gaziantep Highlights
|4 Days, 6 Destinations |Starts from Mardin
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Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits
Duration

4 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 a captivating 4-day journey through Turkey's ancient heartland where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. This tour takes you deep into the Mesopotamian and Anatolian regions, beginning in the mystical city of Mardin and the storied ruins of Dara. You'll explore the urban heritage of Diyarbakır, marvel at the enigmatic Göbeklitepe—the world's oldest temple—and trace the footsteps of ancient civilizations in Sanlıurfa. Your adventure continues as you venture through Harran's legendary beehive houses, the surreal landscapes of Halfeti, and the archaeological marvels of Zeugma and Gaziantep, culminating in an immersive experience at the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum. This tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the cradle of civilization.

ExplorerPhotographyHistoricalIn-depth CulturalSightseeingSolo TravelFamilyDiscovery

Route

Starts from

Mardin

Ends in

Gaziantep

Pickup Location

Mardin Airport

Dropoff Location

Gaziantep International Airport

Tour route map

Highlights

Mardin & Dara: Begin your journey in Mardin, where stone-carved architecture and ancient cultural traditions paint a vivid picture of the past. Explore Dara, an ancient trade route hub that echoes the rich history of the region Diyarbakır, Zerzevan Castle & Göbeklitepe: Discover the historic streets of Diyarbakır and the imposing Zerzevan Castle, a symbol of enduring heritage. Visit Göbeklitepe, a groundbreaking archaeological site that redefines our understanding of prehistoric spirituality Karahantepe & Sanlıurfa: Experience Karahantepe’s storied past and continue your exploration in Sanlıurfa, renowned for its sacred sites and vibrant bazaars Harran, Halfeti, Zeugma & Gaziantep: Traverse the ancient city of Harran, known for its distinctive beehive architecture and deep-rooted history. Enjoy the mystical atmosphere of Halfeti before uncovering the ancient treasures of Zeugma and the dynamic cultural scene of Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum (Gaziantep): Conclude your journey at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where exquisite mosaics and fascinating artifacts reveal the artistic achievements of ancient civilizations

Itinerary

(Lunch, and Dinner included)

Arrive early at Madrid Airport on your morning flight and meet your guide at the exit. If necessary, have a decadent breakfast of local delicacies in a restaurant.

We start the Mardin tour by walking through the narrow streets of Mardin, 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. The small passages built under the houses to create narrow streets are called Abbara, and they are the characteristic features of the city. Next, we will visit the Mardin Museum, Latifiye Mosque, the Great Mosque of Mardin, and the old Post Office Building, which reflects the best examples of the region’s stonework.

Afterwards, you’ll have free time for shopping in the city. 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.

Visit the 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. Afterwards, visit Dara's ancient city.

Dara, also known as Anastasiopolis, is one of Mesopotamia's ancient cities and the most important trade centres on the Silk Road. Its ruins consist of structures carved into the rock, including water channels, cisterns, rock tombs, Arasta, and many others. Dinner and accommodation in Mardin. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

After breakfast, we depart towards Diyarbakır. First, visit the 3,000-year-old Zerzevan Castle, a candidate for the Unesco World Heritage list, in the Çınar district of Diyarbakır.

Zerzevan Castel: Visit the 3,000-year-old Zerzevan Castle, 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 secretly.

Our tour will kick off with a visit to the Diyarbakir city walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to have been built around 2000 BC. One of the most captivating structures we will explore is the four-legged minaret. We will also visit the Diyarbakir Great Mosque, which is recognised as one of the five Harem-i Sharifs of Islam. Martom Church was built in 639 AD after being converted into a mosque. It is highly recommended that you see the sundial the scholar Al-Jazari created in the Ulu Mosque garden.

We will take a coffee and tea break at the historical Hasan Pasha Inn, constructed in 1575. Caravans coming from the Silk Road used to stay there. Additionally, we will visit Sülüklü Han and the Bridge with Ten Eyes.

Diyarbakir Kaleici Bazaar is the local people's shopping centre, so you will have the opportunity to get a closer look at the people and lifestyle of Diyarbakir.

Take lunch at a local restaurant with a grilled kebab. Afterwards, drive towards Sanliurfa.

 

Our first stop in Sanliurfa will be Göbeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the oldest temple in the world, with a history of 12,000 years, dating back to the Stone Age. One of the most important archaeological discoveries of our time, Göbeklitepe is thought to be the first pilgrimage centre of the world, as it rewrites history. During our tour here, our guide will answer the following questions surrounding the area: Who built Göbeklitepe 12,000 years ago and why? Why was Göbeklitepe, the oldest temple in the world, abandoned and buried with soil on purpose? The technology and mathematical knowledge used to build the Temple with rock megaliths weighing 16 tons is still a mystery.

Karahantepe: Excavations are going on. It is not open to official visits

Karahantepe is located in the Taştepeler region, 38 km from Göbeklitepe. It is one of the most important settlements of the Neolithic period and the oldest ritualistic area. In April 2024, a pig statue with a red mouth was found in Karahantepe's excavations. We’ll go to our hotel and check in at the end of the tour. Accommodation in Sanliurfa.

 

Traditional Sıra Night: On our Urfa trips, we attend Sıra Nights (Sıra Gecesi), which is a dinnertime entertainment with music and dances that is synonymous with Şanliurfa

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Sanliurfa is known as the "city of prophets" in Southeastern Turkey. After breakfast, we will visit Halil-Ür Rahman Mosque, Rızvaniye Mosque,  and the Balıklıgöl, Halil-Ür Rahman Lake. Prophet Abraham is said to have been thrown into the fire, and the burning logs turned into fish, whereas the fire turned into water. You will visit the cave where Prophet Abraham was born. The Sipahi Bazaar, Kazzaz Market, Naccar Bazaar, Gumruk Inn, and Ulucami (Grand Mosque) are other historical places.

 

The Urfa Archeology Museum and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum have an indoor area of 29,000 square meters and exhibit many historical artefacts from Anatolian civilisations.

Harran: We will take a road trip to Harran, passing through one of Mesopotamia's most fertile agricultural lands. The 3000-year-old Harran houses with conical roofs, designed specially to keep cool in the extreme heat in summer months, were built with adobe and stone masonry techniques. We will visit a Harran house in the village. The first university in the world, Harran University, was also established here.

 

We arrive in Halfeti after a pleasant journey through pistachio gardens with a delightful view.

Lunch break is in a local restaurant on the road or in Halfeti.

Halfeti, currently situated in Rumkale, was built in 2000 BC by the Assyrian King III. It was founded by Salmanassar and was called Şitamrat at that time. Due to the Birecik dam, many parts of the city, including the Savaşan village, are submerged underwater. We will take a boat cruise tour around Halfeti Dam Lake, where we will see the Sunken Mosque and Roman Castle, mostly submerged and described as a "sunken city." After that, we will visit the ancient city of Zeugma.

 

Zeugma was founded by Alexander the Great's general, Seleukos Nikator I, in 300 BC. At that time, it was called Selevkeia and Euphrates. It was a city of great wealth and splendour during the Roman and Commagene Kingdom eras. However, in 256 AD, the Sassanid King Shapur I invaded, burned, and destroyed it. The world's richest and most beautiful original mosaics, including the world-famous Gypsy girl mosaic, were found in the ancient city of Zeugma. Arrival and overnight stay in Gaziantep.

Breakfast And Lunch  included)

After breakfast, we will visit the second largest mosaic museum in the world, Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where the mosaics unearthed in the ancient city of Zeugma on the Euphrates, the world-famous Gypsy Girl mosaic, and the statue of the god of war, Ares, are exhibited. The Sassanid completely destroyed the ancient city of Zeugma on the Euphrates, which lived its heyday around 256 AD during the Roman period.

 

Gaziantep is the largest and most modern city in the Southeast, and the Gaziantep City tour is hectic and shopping-focused. We will visit the Naib Bath, the Monument to the 14 Martyrs, the replica of the Orkun Inscriptions (with Turkish and Göktürk writings), and the Gaziantep Castle.

Then, we will take a shopping break at Zincirli Bedesten, Almacı Bazaar, and Bakırcılar Bazaar to buy handicrafts made of mother-of-pearl inlay, wire crushed and copper, spices, pistachios, baklava, and other handicrafts known for Gaziantep. At the end of the Gaziantep tour, you’ll be transferred to Gaziantep Airport

Trip includes

Included

1 Nights of accommodation Mardin - Raymar Hotel 5* / Ramada Plaza Mardin 5*
1 Nights of accommodation Sanliurfa - Nevali Hotel 5* / El Ruha Hotel 5*
1 Nights of accommodation Gaziantep - Sirehan Hotel 5* /  Tugcan Hotel 5*

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost.

Hotel

Professional English-speaking guide

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

Meals as per itinerary 

Vegan Vegetarian Halal Meat

Airport transfers as per itinerary
Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking coach

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

All tours as per itinerary
Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
VAT & City Tax
Hotel room taxes

Destinations: Mardin – Diyarbakır – Şanlıurfa – Gaziantep

 General Travel Tips
✔ Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather
✔ Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) – Carry cash for local markets
✔ Language: Turkish (Arabic & Kurdish spoken in some regions) – English is limited in rural areas
✔ Dress Code: Modest attire recommended, especially in religious sites

Cultural & Historical Insights

Mardin: Known for its stone houses, Syriac monasteries, and rich Assyrian heritage
Diyarbakır: Famous for black basalt city walls (UNESCO site) and Hevsel Gardens
Şanlıurfa: Birthplace of Prophet Abraham and home to Göbeklitepe (oldest known temple)
Gaziantep: Culinary capital of Turkey, famous for baklava, Zeugma mosaics, and Ottoman-era bazaars

Must-Try Local Dishes
Mardin: Kaburga Dolması (Stuffed Lamb Ribs), Süryani Wine
Diyarbakır: Ciğer Kebabı (Liver Kebab), Mehir Cheese
Şanlıurfa: Urfa Kebab, Lahmacun, Balıklıgöl Fish
Gaziantep: World-famous Baklava, Katmer, Ali Nazik Kebab

Shopping & Souvenirs
Mardin: Silver filigree jewelry, spices, handmade soaps
Diyarbakır: Handwoven carpets, copperware
Şanlıurfa: Traditional scarves, natural rose water
 Gaziantep: Pistachios, baklava, copper kitchenware

This 4-Day Mesopotamian Marvels Tour offers an immersive experience in Turkey’s ancient history, diverse cultures, and legendary cuisine. Let me know if you need more details! 

Excluded

Domestic flight tickets 

Travel Insurance 

Guide & driver tips
Türkiye entry visa
Alcoholic drinks & beverages
Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions

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