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- Iconic Southeastern Anatolia Tour | 3-Night Stay, Including Flights, Departing from Ankara and Returning from Şanlıurfa
Iconic Southeastern Anatolia Tour | 3-Night Stay, Including Flights, Departing from Ankara and Returning from Şanlıurfa
Tour Detail
As you explore the most unique historical cities and unique culture of Mesopotamia, you will have an unforgettable travel experience with history, taste and culture.
Tour Program
Gaziantep / Bakırköy Bazaar / Zeugma Mosaic Museum / Antep Castle / Tahmis Coffee House / Halfeti / Rum Castle / Şanlıurfa / Balıklı Göl / Aynzeliha Göl
FROM GAZIANTEP TO URFA – ALONG THE WATERS OF THE FIRAT AND THE TRACES OF ANCIENT CITIES
On the first day of our tour, we arrive at Ankara Esenboğa Airport at least two hours before our flight time. After completing check-in and baggage procedures, we begin our journey that will open the gates of Mesopotamia with a flight to Gaziantep. Our flight time is 07:40, AJet Airlines' scheduled flight. The moment we disembark, lands breathing life into thousands of years of civilizations welcome us. At the airport exit, we board our vehicle with our guide who will meet us and make our first contact with the city. A short breakfast break is provided for guests who wish to stop along the way. In Gaziantep, which deserves the title of "Gastrocity" not only for its flavors but also for its deep-rooted culture, our first stop is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where time is carved into stone. In these unique mosaics dating back to the Roman period, mythology, humanity, and fate intertwine. The Gypsy Girl, whose gaze still watches visitors, creates a silent bond between past and present. After visiting the museum, we head towards the heart of the city. While the centuries-old Gaziantep Castle greets the city from above; traditional arts shaped by masters in the Coppersmiths Bazaar, Mother-of-Pearl Artisans, Yemeni Shoes Market, and Elmacı Bazaar reveal Gaziantep's living memory. During our break at Tahmis Coffee House, once a meeting point for caravans, merchants, and travelers, the aroma of menengiç coffee mingles with the conversations of the past. During our free time, you can get lost in this historical texture and shop for local products. Departing at the designated time, we reach Halfeti, surrounded by the calm waters of the Firat River, where time flows slowly. In this melancholic town famous for the Black Rose, interested guests have the opportunity to see the old villages submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam and Rumkale, built on steep cliffs, via an extra boat tour. As we glide over the Firat, traces of the past silently wink at us from beneath the water. After the boat tour, we take a short extra lunch break. With the last light of the day, we turn our route towards Şanlıurfa, the city of faiths and legends. Upon arrival, we reach the Balıklıgöl complex, considered the heart of the land of prophets. According to legend, in this sacred place where fire turned into water and wood into fish; the mystical atmosphere of Urfa is felt by visiting the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, Rızvaniye Mosque, Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake, and the Hz. Ibrahim Shrine. After our tour, we settle into our hotel and surrender to the tranquility of the day. Interested guests can join the Urfa Sıra Gecesi program, an extra event indispensable to Urfa nights, and get to know the soul of these lands more closely amidst folk songs, hoyratlar, and ancient stories.
Important Note: Dinner is not included in tonight's accommodation. Dinner can be taken as an extra within the framework of the Dinner-Included Sıra Gecesi program.
Food & Drink Information:
Breakfast: Can be taken as an optional regional breakfast in Gaziantep (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: Can be taken during free time at a designated restaurant in Halfeti (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Interested guests can join the Dinner-Included Sıra Gecesi Program (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: Şanlıurfa / Middle East Hotel – Vera Hotel – Güven Hotel – Harran Hotel – Grand Urfa Hotel – Gülizar Hotel and similar.
Şanlıurfa / Göbeklitepe / Harran / Harran University / Cone-domed houses / Old Mardin / Republic Square / Latifiye Mosque / Ulu Mosque / Historic PTT Building / Deyrulzafaran Monastery / Mardin Streets / Dara Ancient City
FROM ŞANLIURFA TO MARDİN – THE LANDS WHERE CIVILIZATION WAS BORN
On the second day of our tour, after having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we set off towards Göbeklitepe, one of the oldest known centers of faith in human history. Dating back approximately 12,000 years, this unique archaeological site has fundamentally changed our perspective on world history with its temple structures built before the transition to settled life. During our visit among the T-shaped colossal pillars, we explore the Neolithic people's world of faith and the secrets behind this mysterious structure through our guide's narration. After our visit, we turn our route towards Harran, whose name means "the place where roads meet" and is one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia. With a history of approximately 5,000 years, Harran was an important center of science, trade, and culture; there we see the remains of Harran Grand Mosque and University, considered the first university of the Islamic world, as well as the castle, caravanserai, and region-specific Conical Dome Harran Houses. This unique architecture is a living testament to the harmony that the local people have maintained with nature for centuries. After our visit to Harran, following the Viranşehir – Kızıltepe route, after approximately three hours of travel, we arrive in Mardin, known as the "Capital of Civilizations." This ancient city, where stone has been transformed into art, is a unique open-air museum where Syriac, Arab, Kurdish, and Turkish cultures have lived together for centuries. For interested guests, an extra Dara Ancient City tour is organized at this point. (The visit to Dara Ancient City will be an extra program and will take place only upon full participation.) In Dara, one of the important garrison cities of the Eastern Roman period, we have the opportunity to see rock tombs, water cisterns, and wall remains. Our first stop in Mardin is the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, which served as the patriarchal center of the Syriac Orthodox Church for centuries. This building, notable for its golden-yellow stones and mystical atmosphere, carries Mesopotamia's ancient faith heritage to the present day. Then, by visiting the Kasımiye Madrasa, which stands out with its commanding position over the Mesopotamian Plain, we closely experience the scientific and architectural understanding of the Artuklu period. Continuing our tour, we go for a walk accompanied by our guide through the Old Mardin streets. While walking through narrow stone streets, arched passages, and abbars; we have the opportunity to see the Grand Mosque, Şehidiye Mosque, Latifiye Mosque, Historical PTT Building, Republic Square, and historical buildings around it. At every step, we will encounter the traces left by stone craftsmen from centuries ago until today and feel Mardin's timeless spirit. After free time in the bazaar area, we proceed to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation will be held at our hotel in Mardin or Midyat.
NOTE: Interested guests can join the Mardin Night Tour, also known as "gece gerdanlık gündüzü seyranlık," to explore the Old Mardin Streets under night illumination, or they can participate in the Mardin Reyhani Night. (Extra)
Food & Drink Information:
Breakfast: Served at the hotel as Buffet or Set Menu (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Can be taken at a selected restaurant in Mardin (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Served at the hotel as Buffet or Set Menu (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Mardin / Raymar Hotel - Artuklu Caravanserai Hotel - ParkDedeman Mardin - Yay Grand Hotel - Anemon Hotel etc. Midyat / Katori Hotel - Matiat - Asur Hotel etc.
Mardin / Midyat / Midyat Guesthouse / Telkari Workshop / Sıla Mansion / Hasankeyf / Batman / Diyarbakır / Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum House / On-Globe Bridge / Mardin Gate / Four-Legged Minaret / Diyarbakır Great Mosque / Adıyaman
FROM MIDYAT TO DIYARBAKIR – IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF STONE, SILVER AND ANCIENT RIVERS
On the third day of our tour, after having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we set off towards Midyat, one of the most important centers of Syriac culture. This stone city, where different beliefs and cultures have lived together for centuries, takes visitors on a journey through time with its narrow streets and elegant architecture. Our first stop in Midyat is the Midyat Guesthouse, which has become one of the region's symbols. This historic building, which has hosted many TV series and films such as Sıla, Hercai and Ah Bir Bulut Olsam, reflects some of the finest examples of Syriac stoneworking. During our visit to the Guesthouse, we take photo breaks among courtyards and arched passages. Then, we visit a telkâri workshop to get up close with the telkâri tradition, which Syriac masters have turned into an art and identity over centuries. Guests are given the opportunity to see examples of this elegant art form, where fine silver wires are patiently worked, and to shop if they wish. After our telkâri visit, we are given free time among the historic houses of Midyat. After feeling the soul of Midyat among stone balconies, narrow streets and abbaras, we meet our waiting vehicle in the bazaar and take a short break for local dried coffee and nuts. Then we turn our route towards Hasankeyf, the silent witness of Mesopotamia. Located on the banks of the Tigris River, Hasankeyf, standing with its thousands of years of history, is like an open-air museum with its caves and historical structures. Here we see Hasankeyf Castle, the hidden water tunnel, the minaret of El-Riziq Mosque and the caves carved into the rocks. After a short free time, we move towards Batman. After having an extra lunch in Batman, an extra Malabadi Bridge tour is organized for guests who wish. After lunch, we arrive at Diyarbakır, one of the ancient cities of Mesopotamia. After viewing the On Gözlü Bridge located on the Tigris River and the fertile Hevsel Gardens panoramically, we begin our tour at important points of the Diyarbakır Walls, considered one of the oldest defensive structures in the world with its approximately 9,000-year history: Keçi Burcu and Mardin Gate. Then, we visit the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia and accepted as the 5th Harem-i Şerif in the Islamic world. Afterwards, we see the Dört Ayaklı Minare (Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque), built by Kasım Bey in 1500 during the Akkoyunlu period, which stands out with its unique architecture built on four columns. After our Diyarbakır tour, we bid farewell to this ancient city and follow the Diyarbakır–Siverek–Kahta–Adıyaman route. Crossing the Nissibi Bridge, which rises over the Euphrates River and is known as the "Gates of the East", we reach our hotel in Adıyaman. Dinner and accommodation will be held at our hotel. (NOTE: Our overnight stay tonight will be in either Diyarbakır or Adıyaman depending on the end time of our tour program.)
Food & Drink Information
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel as Open Buffet or Set Menu (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a Local Restaurant in Batman (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel as Open Buffet or Set Menu (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Adıyaman / Taşsaray Bardakçı Hotel, Park Dedeman Hotel, Samos Hotel and similar. Diyarbakır / Sv Business Hotel, Plaza Hotel and similar.
Nissibi Bridge / Kahta / Nemrut Mountain / Karakuş Tomb / Cendere Bridge / Shopping in Şanlıurfa / Airport
AT THE SUMMIT OF NEMRUT – THE HERITAGE OF GODS AND KINGS
On the final day of our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we set off following the route of the Atatürk Dam, one of the iconic structures of the GAP Region. We take a short photo stop at the Nissibi Bridge, which rises over the Euphrates River and connects the two banks of the region; with this magnificent view, we proceed towards Kahta. Upon arrival in Kahta, we begin the extra Nemrut Mountain program organized for interested guests. On this journey tracing the footsteps of the Kingdom of Commagene, our first stop is the Karakuş Tumulus, known for its eagle statue, built by King I. Antiochos in memory of his mother and sister. This monumental tomb, constructed on a high terrace, reflects the grand burial traditions of the kingdom. Continuing our tour, we visit the Cendere Bridge, approximately 1,800 years old, which carries the engineering genius of the Roman Empire to the present day. Rising like an elegant arch among the mountains, this structure remains a witness to history despite all the wear of time. Then, we reach the Nemrut Mountain Summit, located at an altitude of 2,150 meters and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the magnificent tumulus where King I. Antiochos had his own tomb and pantheon of gods built awaits us. The colossal statues of Zeus (Oromasdes), Apollo, Mithras, Helios, Hermes, Heracles, Ares, Commagene, Tyche, and King Antiochos, situated on the East and West terraces, display a unique synthesis of Greek and Persian beliefs. Guided by our guide’s explanations, we recall Antiochos’ worldview, which regarded himself as equal to the gods, and his famous will: "Let my birthday be celebrated as a festival every month and every year; during these days, let tables be set for the gods, my people, and me, so that people may eat and drink and rejoice."
With these words, we strive to understand not only a monument but also a king's desire for immortality and his world of faith. After our visit to Nemrut Mountain, we board our bus and begin our return journey. Crossing the Atatürk Dam Bridge, we head towards Şanlıurfa. Before concluding our tour, depending on the guide's schedule, we take a shopping break at our store offering local products specific to Urfa. We have the opportunity to obtain the region's signature flavors such as pistachios, isot, red pepper flakes, dried stuffed vegetables, tomato paste, and dried tomatoes. Interested guests may use this time to enjoy a lunch break experiencing the local tastes of Urfa cuisine. At the scheduled time, we depart for Şanlıurfa Airport and begin our return journey with the AJet Airlines 21:00 scheduled flight from Şanlıurfa to Ankara Esenboğa. Completing our tour with memories gathered in this unique landscape, we bid farewell to you, dear guests, looking forward to meeting again on another cultural journey.
Dining Information:
Breakfast: Served at the hotel as Buffet or Set Menu (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: To be taken optionally in Şanlıurfa (Extra/Optional)
Dinner:No dinner planned on the return day due to the flight schedule
General Information
Child Discount and Circular Rules
Child discount is valid for the 7–12 years age range.
The tour circular is valid as of the publication date of 19.01.2026. Subsequent circulars published for the same tour on later dates invalidate previous circulars.
Mandatory additional services are included in the tour price.
Important Information Regarding Flight Tours
- In flight tours, all operations related to flights are subject to the terms of the airline contract.
- Cancellation insurance does not cover air travel.
- A tiered pricing system is applied; advertised prices start from the lowest class.
- Economy class flights are used in flight tour programs.
- Air tickets are issued as round-trip together. If the outbound flight is not used, the return flight also becomes invalid due to the airlines' "sequential use" rule. Therefore, participation in only the return flight is not possible.
Museum – Archaeological Site – National Park Entries
All museum, archaeological site, and national park entry fees are borne by the guests. Guests can obtain a card from Müzekart sales points before or during the tour to take advantage of benefits at museums and archaeological sites where the Müzekart is valid.
Packaged Price Coverage
Our package tour prices include: hotel accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing tours specified in the program.
Rest Stops
Rest stops are provided at rest facilities along the route. Due to congestion, renovation, or other compelling reasons, changes may be made to rest stop locations, provided they are equivalent in terms of service quality and location.
Extra Tours and Program Flow
Night tours and extra excursions included in the tour program are organized based on the number of participants and the availability of staff. Extra tours conducted along the route may take place even if not all guests participate. Guests who do not wish to join an extra tour will be directed by our guide to rest areas before city entrances or to city centers. In this case, guests who agree to wait at the rest area are considered to have participated in the tour.
Due to weather conditions, road status, or similar reasons; if the guide deems it necessary, changes may be made to the program sequence (visits within a day or between days).
Go-Turkey cannot be held responsible for points that are part of the program but cannot be visited due to compelling reasons (weather conditions, road status, congestion at visit points, etc.) or because guests fail to adhere to the timing given by the guide.
Health Declaration
Guests must carry reports and information regarding any health issues they may experience during the tour, their pregnancy status, or medications they continuously use.
Accommodation Information
The hotel names specified in the program are priority accommodation facilities. Changes to hotels may be made depending on availability. At the latest 48 hours before the tour departure, upon request, accommodation information will be shared with guests. In case of hotel changes due to congestion or compelling reasons, provided the standards remain the same, guests will be informed by Go-Turkey authorities.
Important Notes
- In flight tours, flight delays may occur due to congestion.
- Night tours are extra and are organized based on participation.
Vehicles Used
Tour vehicles are planned according to the number of participants as follows:
Bus (28–46 people):
Mercedes Travego / Tourismo, Neoplan Cityliner / Tourliner, Mitsubishi Safir
(ABS, ASR, air conditioning, monitor, refrigerator, kitchen unit, reading lamps, announcement system, CD/DVD)
Minibus (17–27 people):
Isuzu Turkuaz
(ABS, ASR, air conditioning, monitor, refrigerator, announcement system)
Mini-bus (up to 16 people):
VW Volt, VW Volt EL, Mercedes Sprinter, Mercedes Sprinter EL
(Special design reclining seats, ABS, ASR, air conditioning, refrigerator, announcement system)
Suggestions
- Clothing and footwear suitable for the geographical structure and weather conditions of the tour region should be chosen.
- It is recommended that you bring necessary charging equipment for photo and video shoots.
- Do not forget regularly used medications; allergic, chronic, or hereditary conditions should be reported to the guide.
- Personal care products, backpacks, and personal items that will make the journey enjoyable should be carried with you.
- In programs featuring boat tours and swimming breaks; it is recommended to bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and similar sea equipment.
The tour program and explanations above have been originally prepared by Go-Turkey. They cannot be copied, reproduced, or published without permission. The program has been prepared in accordance with Law No. 6502 on the Protection of Consumers and should be evaluated as a whole.
Esenboğa Airport