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Duration
8 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
8-day expedition through Southeastern Turkey, where every step uncovers the
secrets of ancient civilizations and timeless landscapes. Your journey begins
amid the vibrant cultural tapestry of Adana and Gaziantep, where you'll marvel
at the intricate mosaics of the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. The adventure continues
through the enchanting locales of Halfeti and Sanlıurfa, before delving into
the prehistoric mysteries of Göbeklitepe and the storied ruins of Harran.
As you travel
further, explore the historic city of Dara and the revered Deyrulzafaran
Monastery in Mardin, then immerse yourself in the unique charm of Midyat, home
to Zerzevan Castle and the enigmatic Mithras Temple in Diyarbakır. The tour
culminates with a dramatic ascent to Mt. Nemrut in Adıyaman, where colossal
stone heads, ancient burial mounds, and the storied Cendere Roman Bridge await.
Attractions
Highlights
Itinerary
(Lunch, and Dinner included)
Arrive
at Adana Airport, meet the assistant guide, who will be waiting for you, and
transfer to the hotel.
Lunch
break with delicious local kebabs in Adana.
Adana
city tour; Our first visit is to the Ulu
Mosque, which was built in Seljuk and Mamluk architectural style in 1541, and
then we visit the Kazanlar bazaar where you can shop from the local delights,
sweets, peas, and sweets produced here.
The
Adana Clock Tower, built with cut stones in 1882 during the Ottoman period, is
32 meters high, and its foundation is 35 meters under sweat. The clock was
brought from Germany, and it is still working. We visit Sabancı Mosque and
Saint Paul Church (Saint Paul Church) with its 6 minarets and a capacity
28.500.
Stone
Bridge B.C. The Romans built it in the 4th century. It is still in use today,
with a length of 310 meters, a width of 11 meters, 14 large arches, and 5
evacuation belts.
Overnight
stay in Adana.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
The
sightseeing moves to Adana centre and Seyhan dam. Then, drive on to Gaziantep,
220 km. Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep and take a city tour.
The
Zeugma Mosaic Museum is the second-largest mosaic museum in the world,
featuring 1700 square meters of mosaics. Visitors can marvel at ancient
artefacts and mosaics discovered in the ancient city of Zeugma. The museum
exhibits 2748 square meters of mosaics, 140 square meters of wall paintings, 4
Roman fountains, 20 columns, 4 limestone statues, bronze statue of Mars,
funerary steles, sarcophagi, and architectural pieces of Roman and Late Antique
significance. 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!
Gaziantep
gastronomy is world-famous. On the last day of the tour, we have a lunch break
with delicious Gaziantep dishes and pistachio baklava.
Overnight stay in Gaziantep
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, depart for Zeugma ancient city ( Belkis ) Halfeti and Sanliurfa (250 Km)
Zeugma:
Zeugma is an ancient city in the Belkıs village of the Nizip district of
Gaziantep. The city was founded by Seleucus I, one of Alexander the Great's
generals, and was initially named Nicator Selevkeya Euphrates. It later became
a city in the Kingdom of Commagene. In the first quarter of the 1st century BC,
it became part of the Roman Empire and was renamed "ZEUGMA."
Throughout history, Zeugma was an essential point for trade caravans and armies crossing the Euphrates River, dating back to the Age of Assyrian Trade Colonies. Unfortunately, most of the ancient city was submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam, completed in 2000. Next, visit the Halfeti.
Halfeti
district is also known as the hidden paradise of the Southeast for its
historical stone houses, black roses, and natural beauty.
Halfeti:
Halfeti has a rich history dating back to 855 BC. It was once ruled by cultures
such as the Assyrians, Byzantines, Romans, Armenians, and Ottomans. One of its
unique features is that it's the only place in the world where black roses
grow. We take a boat trip to visit old Halfeti, now submerged by the Euphrates
River due to the Birecik Dam. Along the way, you'll see Rumkale, the former
centre of the Armenian Bishopric, the half-submerged village of Savaşan, and
the sunken minaret, all offering exciting and beautiful views.
We
have a lunch break at Halfeti Dam after the boat trip. Drive towards Sanliurfa.
(130 KM)
Sanliurfa city tour: Visit Halil-Ür Rahman Mosque, the old and new Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, Ayn-el Zeliha Lake, and the Balıklıgöl, Halil-Ür Rahman Lake, where Prophet Abraham is said to have been thrown into the fire. The burning logs turned into fish, whereas the fire turned into water. We will also visit the cave where Prophet Abraham was born.
Visit
the Sanlıurfa Archeology Museum and Haleplibahçe Museum before visiting
Gobeklitepe. The historical antique artefacts, objects, and sculptures
exhibited in museums will help you better understand the archaeological history
and narratives.
According
to legend, the city of the prophets, including Halil-ur Rahman and Rızvaniye
Mosque, Balıklıgöl (fish lake), formed in the place where the Prophet Abraham
was thrown into the fire, and Ayn-el Zeliha Lake.
Sipahi
Bazaar, Kazzaz Market, Hacı Kamil Han, Hüseyiniye Bazaar, Naccar Bazaar, Gümrük
Inn, and Ulucami (Grand Mosque). Dinner and overnight stay in Sanliurfa.
** Have dinner in Sanliurfa with a traditional musical program called Sira Gecesi.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Şanlıurfa,
known as the city of prophets, has changed humanity's history with recent
discoveries in the archaeological excavations in Taş Tepeler and Gobeklitepe.
Gobeklitepe, dating back 6,000 years before Stonehenge, with its 12,000-year
history, overturns standard views on the development of civilisation.
Visit the Gobeklitepe temple in the Tastepeler region. The oldest open-air temple in the world, built 12,000 years ago and dating back to the Neolithic Age, started a new era in 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.
Karahan Tepe Temple is 40 km away. Since archaeological excavations continue, it can be visited from time to time. If we have enough time, we can also visit Karahan Tepe.
Harran 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, Konik 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.
Accommodation in Sanliurfa
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Early
departure from Sanliurfa to Mardin, 250 km. First, visit Dara ancient city.
Dara,
also known as Anastasiopolis, is one of Mesopotamia's ancient cities and the
most important trade centres on the Silk Road. Dara ancient city has a history
of 3500-4000 years. Its ruins consist of structures carved into the rock,
including water channels, cisterns, rock tombs, Arasta, and many others.
Deyrul
Zafaran Monastery has been the centre of the Patriarchate for over 1,000 years.
There, you can see the 4,000-year-old Sun Temple hospital, church, and
baptistery. Then, you arrive at Mardin.
Mardin
has been the shining city of Mesopotamia for centuries. Mardin, whose
architectural heritage adorns the slopes in steps with fairy-tale houses
elegantly built of stone structures, guides the rich cultural and religious
diversity that spreads to every corner.
We
designed the tour program so well that we would experience Mardin like the
locals. After breakfast, we will visit We will start our tour of Old Mardin
with the Kasimiye Madrasah in Mardin, which has a rich cultural mosaic with
architectural structures that give a mystical Muslim, Syriac, Turkish, and
Arabian atmosphere to this city where religions and languages meet and
continue to the Ulu Mosque and minaret. Mosque Kebir, Şehidiye Madrasa, and PTT
House are among the places we will see. During our free time in Mardin, don’t
forget to buy extra luggage to take home local products, natural soaps (from
Sabuncu Mehmet), nuts, almonds, and Mardin-specific almond candies, dried
fruits, sweets, rosaries, and similar handmade accessories, and souvenirs.
Dinner and accommodation in Mardin
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, we are moving towards Diyarbakır via Midyat (230 Km)
Midyat,
founded in the 9th century BC, is famous for its local craftsmanship, stone
buildings, and handcrafted silver filigree jewellery local people. It is an
Assyrian Christian town consisting of Muslims, Assyrian Orthodox, Catholics and
Protestants. For many years, it was considered the capital of the Tur Abdin
region, which was the centre of Assyrian Christianity.
While
visiting the Syriac-Muslim common neighbourhoods, you will find the best
examples of filigree art and all kinds of handcrafted silver jewellery, which
Syriac masters created with their centuries of experience. Drive to Diyarbakir,
approximately 2 hours.
Visit
on the Mardin Way the 3,000-year-old Zerzevan Castle, a candidate for the
Unesco World Heritage list, in the Çınar district of Diyarbakır.
Zerzevan
Castle: 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 Mithras Temple, 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.
We leave the mysterious temple of Mithra, the temple of the chosen powerful
rulers.
Arrive
and a lunch break at a local restaurant in Diyarbakir.
Diyarbakir
is one of the most significant cultural cities in southeastern Anatolia. Our
tour will kick off with a visit to the Diyarbakir city walls and 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.
Dinner
and accommodation in Diyarbakir.
(Breakfast,
Lunch, and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, early departure for Nemrut Mountain ( 180 Km) city by crossing the
Nissip Bridge on the Atatürk Dam from a beautiful geography panorama (2,5
hours).
First,
visit the Arsameia ancient city excavation area, Karakus Tumulus, the burial
mound of the women of the Commagene Royal family, and the Roman Bridge (Cendere
Bridge), one of the oldest bridges in the world. It was built by the Roman
Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211) in the name of his two sons and his wife.
This 120-meter-long, 30-meter bridge was built with cut stones without mortar.
After
parking the car on Mount Nemrut, you can reach the summit by climbing a
challenging 2 km steep road (35 - 45 Minutes). It is recommended that you take
comfortable, non-slip shoes and warm clothes.
After
an arduous climb, we will reach the house of gods on the summit of the
mysterious and magnificent Mt. Nemrut. On the eastern terrace of the Nemrut
summit, we will see the Zeus, Apollon, Heracles, Antiochus, Commagene, Eagle,
and Lion sculptures. The tumulus of the Commagene King Antiochus I is at the
top. We will also see the 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. Sunrise and sunset each have a different beauty.
After
the Nemrut Mountain tour, drive 80 km to Adiyaman.
Overnight in Adiyaman
(Breakfast
included)
After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, free time until departure. We can visit Perre ancient City, depending on your flight time. Transfer to Adiyaman Airport or GAP Sanliurfa Airport for your return flight via connection to Istanbul Airport.
Trip includes
Included
1 Nights of accommodation Adana - Adana Divan
1 Nights of accommodation Gaziantep - Grand Hotel Gaziantep
2 Nights of accommodation Sanliurfa - Nevali Hotel
1 Nights of accommodation Mardin - Raymar Hotel
1 Nights of accommodation
Diyarbakir - Divan Diyarbakır
1 Nights of accommodation
Adiyaman - Ramada Adiyaman
Note:Sample
hotels are confirmed on the booking date in case of availability. Otherwise,
similar hotels are booked.
Professional English-speaking guide
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Meals as per itinerary
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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
Destinations Covered:
? Adana – Gateway to the
region, known for its rich cuisine and historic sites.
? Gaziantep – Home to
the world-famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum and a culinary paradise.
? Şanlıurfa & Göbeklitepe
– Visit the world’s oldest temple and the sacred city of prophets.
? Harran – Experience
ancient beehive houses and the ruins of one of the oldest universities.
? Mardin – A mesmerizing
mix of Assyrian, Kurdish, and Arab cultures with stunning stone architecture.
? Diyarbakır – Famous
for its impressive city walls, historic mosques, and vibrant bazaar.
? Adıyaman & Mt. Nemrut
– Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise over the colossal statues of Nemrut.
Important
Information:
✅ Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–June) & Autumn (September–November) for pleasant weather.
✅ Accommodation:
Comfortable 4-star hotels or traditional boutique stays.
✅ Meals: Breakfast
included; local dining experiences highly recommended.
✅ Clothing Tips: Modest
clothing for religious sites; comfortable shoes for exploring historical ruins.
✅ Physical Activity Level:
Moderate – Some walking and climbing involved, especially at Mt. Nemrut.
✅ Cultural Etiquette:
Respect local customs, especially in conservative areas.
✅ Currency: Turkish Lira
(TRY); credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is recommended for bazaars.
✅ Language: Turkish is
the main language; English is spoken in tourist areas.
This tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-experience journey through the heart of Mesopotamia!
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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