Eastern Turkey Dream

Depending on your arrival time, you will fly to Diyarbakır. You will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours.

Overnight: Diyarbakir
Meals: None

*Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport, at least 14 days prior to your departure.

Diyarbakır's Old Town and 10 Arches Bridge, a bridge used along the Silk Road over the Tigris River, The Great Mosque of Diyarbakir is known the oldest mosque in Anatolia and possibly the oldest in Turkey .

Driving to Mardin (apps. 1.5 hours’ drive).

Overnight: Mardin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Embark on a day of exploration with a visit to the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, dating back to the 5th century and serving as a spiritual center for the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Kafro village, situated in the southeastern part of Mardin, is a Syriac village that has become one of the most visited places in the region in recent times. Kafro village stands out not only as a cultural heritage but also for its historical and delicious pizza restaurant.

For dinner, we will be dining on regional specialties inside the historical Syriac mansion at Cercis Murat Konak founded by Ms. Ebru Baybara Demir who has been awarded the Basque Culinary World Prize.

Overnight: Mardin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the significant Dara Ancient City, an essential Silk Road settlement established in the 5th century. Witness well-preserved ruins, including city walls, gates, and various structures, before enjoying a home-cooked lunch with a local family. Take a guided tour through the Old Town of Mardin, meandering along narrow streets, admiring unique architecture.

Driving to Sanlıurfa (apps. 3.5 hours’ drive).Göbekli Tepe is  the world's oldest known temple,located near the village of Orencik in the Şanlıurfa province of Turkey. Dating back to 9600-7300 BCE, this archaeological site stands out with its massive stone pillars adorned with animal figures. Göbekli Tepe is significant for being constructed during the Neolithic era and representing a culture more complex than previously thought. Harran is an ancient city located in the Şanlıurfa province of Turkey, presently serving as a town. Known as one of the world's oldest continuous settlements, Harran has hosted civilizations such as the Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Romans, and others throughout history. Harran is renowned for its round-shaped traditional houses, historical ambiance, and as the location of Harran University.

Optional Activity:
Sıra Night with dinner
A region-specific traditional event, the "Sıra night" is a cultural gathering where a musician or a group, typically known as the "saz ensemble," consisting of musicians playing saz (a traditional stringed instrument), drummers, and a clarinet player, provides the participants with a musical feast. During these events, Turkish folk music songs are played, traditional folk dances are performed, and often entertaining games are organized among the participants.

Overnight: Sanlıurfa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

There are no activities planned for today.

Optional Tour: Mt. Nemrut Guided Tour

Nemrut Mountain, (apps. 3.5 hours’ drive). there is a temple complex consisting of colossal statues and monumental structures built by King Antiochus I from the Kingdom of Commagene, which ruled in the 1st century BCE. Antiochus I constructed a monumental tomb where he elevated his own statue to a divine status, symbolically sharing the space with the gods. This complex is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Overnight: Sanlıurfa

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Driving to Gaziantep  (apps. 1.5 hours’ drive).

Embark on a flavorful morning by visiting one of the many baklava shops, indulging in the sweet Turkish confection made of phyllo pastry and nuts. Traverse to the town of Halfeti, located on the east bank of the Euphrates River, and savor lunch at a local restaurant. Engage in a captivating boat excursion along the Euphrates River, offering a close-up view of partially submerged buildings—a poignant reminder of a town affected by the construction of the dam in the 1990s. Continue your journey to the Zeugma Antique City, founded in the Hellenistic period and flourishing under Roman rule. Wander through the ancient streets, marveling at well-preserved statues and structures.

Overnight: Gaziantep

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Dive into the world of art and history with a visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, renowned for its extraordinary mosaic collection. Stroll through the narrow streets of the historical Bey district, indulging in the flavors of Turkish coffee or tea at a popular coffee house. Immerse yourself in the traditions of Gaziantep as you take a guided walk through the historical bazaars, witnessing craftsmen practicing their traditional trade at the Coppersmith Bazaar. Later, check into your room and freshen up before a delightful dinner.

Overnight: Gaziantep

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

You’ll be transferred to Gaziantep Airport for your return flight back to Istanbul Airport.

Optional airport transfers are available upon request in Istanbul (not included in the tour price).

Meals: Breakfast included

Please advise your flight departure details, including which airport, at least 14 days prior to your departure.