Duration
5 days
Max Group Size
30
Departure Type
Scheduled
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
easy
Operated In
Turkish, English
Age Requirement
11 - 99 Ages
Tour Overview
Explore the
ancient wonders of Mesopotamia on this immersive 5-day tour through
Southeastern Türkiye. Visit the UNESCO-listed Mt. Nemrut, the historic city
walls of Diyarbakır, the mystical ruins of Göbeklitepe—the world's oldest
temple—and the cultural treasures of Mardin and Şanlıurfa. Cruise through the
sunken city of Halfeti, uncover the legendary mosaics of Zeugma, and indulge in
Gaziantep’s world-famous cuisine. Perfect for history lovers and adventure
seekers, this tour takes you deep into the heart of Anatolia’s rich past.
Attractions
Highlights
Itinerary
(Lunch and Dinner included)
Your
exciting 5-day Southeastern Türkiye tour begins with an early morning
flight:
- 07:45 AM departure from Istanbul
Airport (IST) or 08:40 AM from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to
Adıyaman Airport.
- Meet your guide upon arrival
and begin the journey towards Mt. Nemrut with a short breakfast
stop in Kahta or Adıyaman.
Tour Highlights:
- Arsameia Ancient City – Explore the remains of the
Commagene Kingdom’s summer capital.
- Karakuş Tumulus – A burial mound dedicated to
the royal women of Commagene.
- Cendere Roman Bridge – One of the world’s oldest
bridges, built by Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 AD), spanning 120
meters without mortar.
- Mt. Nemrut Summit – After a 2 km steep trek
(35-45 minutes), witness the breathtaking colossal statues of Zeus,
Apollo, Heracles, Antiochus, and the Commagene Lion and Eagle. Enjoy
the mystical atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation:
- Euphrat Hotel, Nemrut (Dutluca
Village) – A
charming stay near the summit.
- Dinner and overnight in Mt.
Nemrut.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
- After breakfast, depart for Diyarbakır
(160 km).
Diyarbakır City Tour:
- Diyarbakır City Walls – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
dating back to 2000 BC.
- Four-Legged Minaret & Great
Mosque (Ulu Cami) – One of the five Harem-i Sharifs of Islam.
- Hasan Pasha Inn (1575) – A former caravanserai
from the Silk Road era.
- Sülüklü Han & Ten-Eyed
Bridge – Historical
landmarks offering insight into local culture.
- Kaleiçi Bazaar – Experience local shopping
and traditions.
- Lunch: Enjoy authentic grilled
kebab at a local restaurant.
Zerzevan Castle:
- Visit this 3,000-year-old
fortress, home to the Mithras Temple, where secret rituals of
the ancient Roman mystery religion were performed.
Mardin City Tour:
- Walking tour through the narrow streets and
stone-carved houses of Mesopotamia’s cultural heart.
- Latifiye Mosque, Great Mosque
of Mardin, Mardin Museum, and Old Post Office.
- Kasimiye Madrasah – A masterpiece of Seljuk
architecture.
- Shopping break for Mardin’s famous almond
candy, desserts, and silver jewelry.
- Deyrulzafaran Monastery – A 5th-century Syriac
Orthodox Monastery, once the patriarchal seat.
Accommodation:
- Overnight stay in Mardin.
- Dinner and overnight in Mardin.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
- Morning visit to Dara
Ancient City, an important trade hub on the Silk Road, with rock-cut
tombs, water channels, and cisterns.
- Depart for Şanlıurfa (210
km / 3:20 hrs).
Göbeklitepe:
- Explore the 12,000-year-old
site, the world’s oldest known temple.
- Discover the mysteries of
Göbeklitepe’s T-shaped megaliths and its advanced construction
techniques.
Şanlıurfa City Tour:
- Halil-Ür Rahman Mosque, Ayn-el
Zeliha Lake, Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham) – The legendary site where Prophet
Abraham was cast into the fire.
- Urfa Archeology Museum &
Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum – Home to artifacts spanning Anatolia’s rich
history.
- Bazaar Tour – Visit Sipahi Bazaar,
Kazzaz Market, and Gümrük Inn for traditional crafts.
- Traditional Sıra Gecesi Dinner – A music and cultural
night in Şanlıurfa.
Accommodation:
- Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa.
- Dinner with a Sıra Gecesi
program.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Harran:
- Visit Harran’s beehive
houses, Harran Mound, and El Firdevs Mosque.
Halfeti Boat Tour:
- Cruise over the submerged
city of Old Halfeti.
- See Rumkale, Savaşan
village, and the sunken minaret.
- Lunch break by Halfeti Dam.
Zeugma Ancient City:
- Discover the ruins of this 1st-century
BC Roman city, once a key crossing point on the Euphrates River.
- Learn about its history from Alexander
the Great’s era to Roman rule.
- Arrive in Gaziantep for
an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
- Overnight stay in Gaziantep.
- Dinner in Gaziantep.
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
Gaziantep City Tour:
- Visit Zeugma Mosaic Museum,
the world’s second-largest mosaic museum, home to the famous Gypsy
Girl Mosaic.
- Shopping at Bakırcılar Bazaar,
Almacı Bazaar, and Zincirli Bedesten.
- Lunch featuring Gaziantep’s
world-famous dishes & baklava.
- Transfer to Gaziantep Airport
for departure.
- End of tour.
Trip includes
Included
1 nights
of accommodation Mt.
Nemrut - Euphrat
Hotel Mt. Nemrut or Dedeman Park Hotel 4*
1 nights of accommodation Mardin - Yay Grand Hotel
1 nights of accommodation Şanlıurfa - Dedeman Hotel
1 nights of accommodation Gaziantep - Novotel
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of
your booking then we will arrange similar another hotel for your group. If you
prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost.
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
Good to Know – 5-Day Mesopotamian Discovery Tour
Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Southeastern Türkiye has a continental
climate—hot summers and cold winters.
- Best months: Spring (March–May) and Autumn
(September–November) for pleasant temperatures.
- Mt. Nemrut: It can be chilly at the
summit, even in summer—bring warm clothing.
Physical Requirements
- Moderate activity level: Walking through historical
sites, including uneven terrain and steps.
- Mt. Nemrut: A 2 km uphill walk (35-45
mins) to reach the summit—wear comfortable shoes.
- Halfeti Boat Tour: A relaxing cruise, but expect
some walking before boarding.
Cultural & Religious Considerations
- Many sites are religious or
historical—modest attire is recommended (covering shoulders &
knees).
- Shoes must be removed before
entering mosques.
- Photography may not be allowed
in certain religious sites—always check first.
Food & Dining
- Southeastern Türkiye is famous
for its rich cuisine, spicy dishes, and kebabs.
- Try Gaziantep’s world-famous
baklava & pistachios.
- Traditional Sıra Gecesi
dinner in Urfa offers authentic live music and local flavors.
- Vegetarian options are
available but limited—let your guide know in advance.
Currency & Payments
- Local currency: Turkish Lira
(TRY).
- Credit cards are widely
accepted, but carry some cash for bazaars & rural areas.
- ATMs are available in major
cities.
Packing Essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes (especially for Mt. Nemrut
& archaeological sites).
- Warm clothing for Mt. Nemrut, even in
summer.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
(especially for Göbeklitepe & Halfeti).
- A small backpack for daily essentials.
Safety & Travel Tips
- Türkiye is generally safe for
tourists, but always stay alert in crowded areas.
- Drink bottled water to avoid stomach discomfort.
- Guides and locals are
friendly—learning a few Turkish phrases can be helpful.
- Domestic flights are included,
but check baggage allowances for your airline.
This tour offers an unforgettable journey through ancient Mesopotamia’s history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes—get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! ?
Excluded
Domestic flight tickets
Travel Insurance
Guide
& driver tips
Türkiye entry visa
Alcoholic drinks & beverages
Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions
Availability
Loading. Please wait.
Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
Request a Private, Customizable Departure
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Personal
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Protected
Travel withing your own bubble.
Professional
Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.
Privacy
Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Why book with Travelshopbooking
Best price quaranteed.
100% financial protection.
Earn $20+ in travel credits.
Cancellation Policy
On our global marketplace TravelShop Booking Supplier is recognized globally as an online tourism marketplace connecting travelers, suppliers, and tour operators worldwide. All users acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a platform not liable for canceled tours, poor services, or unforeseen circumstances occurring before, during, or after the tour.
Need help or have a question about this tour?
if you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
We're ready to help.