Upon arrival in Istanbul, you’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have free time to relax and explore the surroundings. Dinner will be served in the evening.
After breakfast, you’ll fly to Gaziantep. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to stunning Roman mosaics including the statue of Mars and riverfront Roman villas. Later, stroll through the historic center with its narrow alleys and traditional stone-and-wood houses, and explore the vibrant bazaar. Known as the baklava capital of Turkey, you’ll have the chance to taste this iconic dessert. Dinner and overnight stay in Gaziantep.
After breakfast, travel to Halfeti, a picturesque riverside town just 100 km away. Known as the “Hidden Paradise of the Southeast,” it offers scenic boat rides and a chance to see the partially submerged ruins of the old town.
Then, continue to Adıyaman (approx. 120 km), and ascend Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch one of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets and explore the ancient tomb-sanctuary of King Antiochus. Dinner and overnight stay in Adıyaman.
Depart for Urfa (approx. 110 km), stopping en route to see the massive Atatürk Dam on the Euphrates River. In Urfa, known as the City of Prophets, visit the Archaeological Museum, housing over 10,000 artifacts from the Paleolithic to Islamic eras. Explore the Sacred Fish Lake (Balıklıgöl), believed to be the site where Abraham was thrown into the fire. End the day at local bazaars and enjoy traditional Turkish coffee. Dinner and overnight stay in Urfa.
After breakfast, travel to Mardin (approx. 180 km), stopping at the Harran Valley, considered one of the earliest cradles of civilization. You’ll also visit Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known religious sanctuary, dating back over 11,000 years. Upon arrival in Mardin, explore its historic old town, local markets, and rich cultural atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay in Mardin.
Continue exploring Mardin: visit the Ulu Mosque, Latifiye Mosque, and the Kırklar Syriac Orthodox Church. See the Zinciriye Madrasa, located below Mardin Castle, offering sweeping views of Mesopotamia. Then visit Kasımiye Madrasa and the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, an active Syriac Orthodox monastery where prayers are still held in Aramaic—the language believed to have been spoken by Jesus. Dinner and overnight stay in Mardin.
Start the day with a visit to the ancient city-fortress of Dara, a historical gem reflecting multiple civilizations. Continue to Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the oldest active Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the world. Afterward, travel to Midyat, a crossroads of Mesopotamian history. Later, transfer to Diyarbakır (approx. 160 km). Dinner and overnight stay.
Visit the historic bridge over the Tigris River, one of the oldest and most enduring in the world. Take a city tour of Diyarbakır, known for its ancient black basalt city walls—the longest and best-preserved in the world. Visit the Virgin Mary Syriac Church, still in use today, and explore the vibrant local bazaar. In the evening, fly to Istanbul, with hotel transfer and overnight stay upon arrival.
Enjoy breakfast and free time in Istanbul. Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Optional Istanbul stay extensions are available upon request.
