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- Iconic Lands of the Rising Sun: GAP, Tarsus and Adana Tour | 4-Night Bus Tour Departing from Manisa
Iconic Lands of the Rising Sun: GAP, Tarsus and Adana Tour | 4-Night Bus Tour Departing from Manisa
Tour Detail
Discover Mesopotamia’s thousands of years of history, its ancient civilizations, and the unique culture of Southeastern Anatolia! On this special route stretching from Göbeklitepe to Nemrut, Şanlıurfa to Mardin, and Halfeti to Gaziantep, experience historic cities, UNESCO heritage sites, breathtaking landscapes, and the region’s unforgettable flavors all in one journey.
Gaziantep – Şanlıurfa – Mardin – Midyat – Diyarbakır – Adıyaman – Adana – Tarsus 4 Nights’ Accommodation Round Trip | BusTour Program
Movement and Night Journey
We begin our unforgettable journey, during which we will discover Mesopotamia's thousands of years of history, ancient civilizations, and unique cultural heritage, by meeting our valued guests at the designated departure points. After taking our seats in our comfortable tour vehicle, we set off toward Southeastern Anatolia accompanied by our professional guide's briefing about the tour itinerary.
Departure Points
17:30 In front of Turgutlu Pekdemir Shopping Mall (Manisa)
18:00 In front of Salihli Lidya Sardes Hotel (Manisa)
Throughout our journey, we continue our overnight travel with necessary breaks, pleasant conversations, and information about the region shared by our guide, continuing on our way to greet the new day in the captivating atmosphere of Mesopotamia.
Dining and Accommodation Information:
Dinner: Served at suitable rest facilities along the route. (Extra/optional)
Accommodation: There is no accommodation. Overnight travel by tour vehicle.
Gaziantep – Zeugma Mosaic Museum – Göbeklitepe – Şanlıurfa – Pool of Sacred Fish – Station of Prophet Abraham – Ayn-I Zeliha Lake – Sıra Night
Following our overnight journey, we arrive in Gaziantep in the morning. After our breakfast (extra) break at Zeugma Restaurant, we begin exploring Gaziantep, one of the most important cultural and gastronomic cities of Southeastern Anatolia.
Our first stop is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, considered one of the most important mosaic museums in the world. Accompanied by priceless mosaics, statues and archaeological artifacts unearthed from the ancient city of Zeugma on the banks of the Euphrates River, we witness the grandeur of the Roman period. We have the opportunity to get a closer look at unique works depicting mythological stories, especially the world-famous "Gypsy Girl" Mosaic, together with our guide's explanations.
Following our museum visit, we begin our journey towards Şanlıurfa. We depart for Göbeklitepe, regarded as the oldest known monumental temple complex in human history and included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At this unique archaeological site, which sheds light on world history with its 12,000-year history, we closely observe the T-shaped standing stones, the animal figures on them and the excavation area accompanied by our guide's explanations. As we listen to how our understanding of history changed with the discovery of Göbeklitepe, we experience the excitement of witnessing one of the most important archaeological discoveries in human history. After our visit to Göbekli Tepe, before beginning our tour of Şanlıurfa, we will take a short lunch (extra) break at our restaurant, where we will have the opportunity to taste Urfa's specialties.
After our break, we depart for Şanlıurfa. In this ancient city, known as the City of Prophets, our first stop is the Balıklıgöl Complex, one of the most important centers of religious tourism. Accompanied by our guide's explanations, we visit the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, the Station and Cave of Prophet Abraham, Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake and the sacred Pool of Fish, learning more about the historical, religious and cultural significance of the region.
Following our tour, we take a short break at a local shop where we can become more familiar with Şanlıurfa's famous spice culture. Here, we have the opportunity to examine and shop for natural spices, homemade tomato pastes and local products, especially isot, which has become a symbol of Urfa.
We then settle into our hotel and take a short rest.
In the evening, together with our guests who wish to participate, we attend the Urfa Sıra Gecesi (extra) program, one of the most important traditions of Southeastern Anatolian culture. We enjoy an unforgettable evening accompanied by local music, folk songs, artists who keep the Sıra Gecesi tradition alive and delicious Urfa dishes. This special event, where we will experience the region's hospitality and traditional lifestyle up close, will be one of the most enjoyable memories of our Mesopotamia tour.
Note: Our hotel does not provide dinner service this evening. Guests who wish may have dinner as part of the extra Sıra Gecesi event. Guests who do not wish to participate in the Sıra Gecesi program may have dinner at their own leisure in Şanlıurfa.
Sıra Gecesi Menu: Soup Soup, Stuffed Meatballs, Sour Eggplant Dolma, Urfa Kebab, Bostana Salad, Raw Meatballs, Şıllık Dessert, Ayran, Tea, Water and traditional Mırra coffee service.
Dining and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: It will be taken during free time in Gaziantep (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: It will be taken during free time in Halfeti (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: It will be taken at the Sıra Gecesi Entertainment in Şanlıurfa. (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: Şanlıurfa / Orta Doğu Hotel, Rever Hotel, Hotel Vera Şanlıurfa, Grand Gülizar Hotel, Elite World Inn Hotel, Grand Urfa Hotel, Narlı Ev Boutique Hotel and similar hotels.
Harran – Conical Domed Houses – Deyrulzafaran Monastery – Mardin – Old Mardin – Kasımiye Madrasa – Abbaras – Ancient City of Dara – Midyat
Following breakfast at our hotel in Sabah, we depart for Harran, one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia, for the extra Harran Tour that will take place if all our guests participate. In this ancient city, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, we visit the Conical Domed Houses, which have become its symbol, and get to know the region's unique architecture up close. We then see panoramic views of the Harran Grand Mosque, Harran Castle, and the ruins of Harran University, considered one of the world's first Islamic universities, and during the short free time we provide, we have the opportunity to examine local products and photograph this historic atmosphere.
Following our Harran tour, we depart for Mardin, the stone city of Mesopotamia. Our first stop is Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most important religious centers of the Syriac Orthodox world. This impressive structure, which was used as a patriarchal center for centuries and takes its name from the saffron flowers growing around it, fascinates visitors with its stonework, courtyards, sun temple, churches, and mystical atmosphere. Accompanied by our guide's explanations, we gain detailed information about the monastery's history, Syriac culture, and the religious history of the region.
Following our monastery visit, we proceed to Mardin city center and take a break for lunch (extra) at our restaurant, renowned for its local delicacies. Guests who wish may have the opportunity to try Mardin Platter, as well as stuffed ribs, sembusek, ikbebet, alluciye, and the region's other special flavors.
Following lunch, we begin exploring the Old Mardin streets, which resemble an open-air museum with their stone architecture. During our walk through the narrow, stone-paved streets, we visit Kasimiye Madrasa, Şehidiye Mosque, the Grand Mosque, Abbaras (stone passageways), Republic Square, Tellallar Bazaar, and the historic Mardin bazaars, respectively. Through our guide's explanations, we have the opportunity to get to know up close the architecture, traditions, and history of this ancient city, where different religions and cultures have coexisted for centuries.
After a short free time in the fascinating atmosphere of Old Mardin, we depart for the Extra Dara Ancient City Tour, which will take place if all our guests participate. Dara Ancient City, one of the most important ancient settlements in Mesopotamia, is known as an important garrison city established to protect the eastern border of the Eastern Roman Empire. Accompanied by our guide's explanations, we witness thousands of years of history as we explore the rock tombs, water cisterns, necropolis area, and historical ruins that have survived to the present day.
Following our tour, we depart for Midyat. We arrive at our hotel in the evening and settle into our rooms. Dinner and accommodation will be at our hotel.
Dining and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Served at the hotel as an open buffet or set menu. (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be served at a local restaurant in Mardin. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Served at the hotel as an open buffet or set menu. (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Mardin or Midyat / Raymar Hotel, Büyük Mardin Hotel, Parkmar Hotel, Katori Hotel, Mariad Hotel, Dayman Hotel, Akuti Hotel, Bay Grand Hotel, and similar hotels.
Midyat – Midyat Guest House – Hasankeyf – Zeynel Bey Tomb – Diyarbakır – Hasan Pasha Inn – Four-Legged Minaret – Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House – Kahta – Adıyaman
After having breakfast at our hotel, we begin exploring Midyat, one of the most impressive places in Mesopotamia with its stonework and multicultural structure. In this ancient district, where Syriac, Arab, and Kurdish cultures have coexisted for centuries, we enjoy a pleasant walk through the historic stone streets accompanied by our guide. As we discover the magnificent mansions built from Midyat's distinctive limestone, elegant stone carvings, and narrow streets, we feel as though we are traveling through time. During our tour, we see Midyat Guest House (Sıla Mansion), Şahtana Mansion, the historic Midyat houses, and the bazaar area, accompanied by our guide's explanations. We take photo breaks with the unique view overlooking the Mesopotamian Plain and fully experience Midyat's distinctive atmosphere. During the free time we will have after the tour, you can visit silver workshops where you can see the finest examples of the world-famous Telkâri art and examine a variety of special handmade jewelry. You can also make the most of your time by shopping for Midyat's famous Syriac wines, natural cosmetic products, and local souvenirs.
After our free time, we set off for Hasankeyf, one of the most important settlements in Mesopotamia, located on the banks of the Tigris River and boasting a history of approximately 12,000 years. In this ancient city, which was relocated to a new settlement area following the construction of the Ilısu Dam, we listen to Hasankeyf's sad yet equally impressive story accompanied by our guide's explanations. During our panoramic tour, we see the Zeynel Bey Mausoleum, the Artuqid Bathhouse, the Minaret of the El Rızk Mosque, Hasankeyf Castle, the remains of the historic Stone Bridge over the Tigris River, and thousands-of-years-old cave settlements carved into the slopes. During our short tea and photo break, we enjoy the unique view of the Tigris Valley while receiving detailed information from our guide about the history of Hasankeyf, one of Mesopotamia's most important historical heritages.
After our visit to Hasankeyf, we take a break in Batman, located along our route, for lunch (extra) at our restaurant, where we can taste one of the most special flavors of Southeastern Anatolian cuisine. Following our meal break, an Extra Malabadi Bridge Tour may be arranged with the participation of all guests, depending on our guide's initiative and the available time. After our meal break, we arrive in Diyarbakır, one of the historical and cultural capitals of Southeastern Anatolia. First, we view the magnificent Diyarbakır Walls, which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, panoramically, and then visit the Ulu Mosque, considered one of the oldest places of worship in Anatolia. We continue with a pleasant walk through the Historic Hasan Pasha Inn, Four-Legged Minaret, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House, and the Surici area, whose narrow streets carry traces of the past into the present. After getting to know Diyarbakır's deep-rooted history, culture, and unique atmosphere up close through our guide's explanations, we set off toward Adıyaman. We reach our hotel in the evening and settle into our rooms. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Adıyaman.
Dining and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Open buffet or set-menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Midyat (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served at the hotel as an open buffet or set menu (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Diyarbakır or Adıyaman / Mira Hotel, Sur Palace Hotel, Taşsaray Bardakçı Hotel, Samos Hotel, White Star Hotel, Rabat Hotel, and similar hotels.
Kahta – Mount Nemrut – Cendere Bridge – Karakuş Tumulus – Atatürk Dam Viewing Terrace – Halfeti – Sunken City Boat Tour – Gaziantep – Zeytin Inn – Customs Inn – Coppersmiths’ Bazaar – Yemeni Makers’ Bazaar – Almacı Bazaar – Zincirli Bedesten – Tahmis Coffeehouse
After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we set off toward Kahta to discover the magnificent legacy of the Kingdom of Commagene. Here, we board the minibuses waiting for us (extra) and begin our tour of Mount Nemrut National Park, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We arrive at Mount Nemrut, located at an altitude of approximately 2,150 meters and home to one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites, with its monumental tumulus dedicated to the gods and ancestors by King Antiochus I. Accompanied by our guide's explanations, we have the opportunity to closely discover the colossal statues of the gods, eagle and lion reliefs, the tumulus located on the Eastern and Western Terraces, as well as the mysterious history of the Kingdom of Commagene. During our free time at the summit, we enjoy this unforgettable atmosphere while photographing the unique mountain scenery.
Following our visit to Mount Nemrut, we take a short photo break at Cendere Bridge, one of the best-preserved bridges from the Roman period still standing today, on our way back. After listening to our guide's explanations about this historic structure, which draws attention with its approximately two-thousand-year history, we view the Karakuş Tumulus, built as a monumental tomb for the royal women of Commagene, panoramically and receive information about the history of the region. After our tour, we return to Kahta, board our tour vehicle, and continue our journey by setting off toward Gaziantep.
We continue our tour with Atatürk Dam, one of Turkey's largest engineering projects, located along our route. During our break at the observation terrace, we enjoy a panoramic view of the enormous dam body rising over the Euphrates River and learn from our guide about its great importance for Turkey's energy and irrigation needs.
Following our visit here, we turn our route once again toward Halfeti, famous for its enchanting atmosphere on the banks of the Euphrates. Together with our guests who wish to join (extra), we take part in the Sunken City Boat Tour and have the opportunity to closely see the historic settlement submerged beneath the dam waters, the mosque whose minaret remains above the water, and the unique natural beauty of the Euphrates Valley. After our boat tour, we have a short free time in Halfeti and fully enjoy the atmosphere of this peaceful town. Guests who wish may have lunch (extra) at the floating restaurants located here.
Following our visit to Halfeti, we set off for Gaziantep, the gastronomic capital of Southeastern Anatolia. During our walk through the historic bazaar district, we view Zeytin Han and Gümrük Han, which have hosted the city's commercial life for centuries, panoramically, and then enjoy a pleasant walk through Coppersmiths' Bazaar, where the finest examples of handicrafts are displayed. During our visit, we also have the opportunity to see Yemeniciler Bazaar, famous for its traditional handmade yemeni shoes, Almacı Market, offering local spices, dried foods, and flavors unique to Antep, as well as Zincirli Bedesten, which has preserved its historic character to the present day.
Following our bazaar visit, we take a short break at Tahmis Coffeehouse, one of Gaziantep's symbols with a history of approximately four centuries. Guests who wish may savor the famous menengiç coffee here and enjoy the historic atmosphere.
Afterward, during our free time, we have the opportunity to shop for Gaziantep's world-famous baklava, Antep pistachios, varieties of spices, and local products. Following our free time, we head to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation will be at our hotel in Gaziantep.
Food and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Open buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Halfeti (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Open buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Gaziantep / Hotel Uğurlu, Büyük Veliç Hotel, Kule Hotel Gaziantep, Gaziantep Plaza Hotel, Utku Bey Hotel, and similar hotels.
Adana – Historic Stone Bridge – Sabancı Central Mosque – Tarsus – Seven Sleepers Cave – St. Paul’s Well – Shrine of the Prophet Daniel – Old Tarsus – Cleopatra’s Gate – Nusret Mine-Laying Ship – Return Journey
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we leave Gaziantep and begin our journey toward the fertile lands of Çukurova. Following a short rest break along the way, we arrive in Adana, one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean region.
First, we see a panoramic view of the Historic Stone Bridge, which has stood on the Seyhan River for approximately two thousand years and has become one of Adana's symbols. After listening to our guide recount the bridge's story, extending from the Roman period to the present day, we visit the Sabancı Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Türkiye. After learning from our guide about the mosque, which draws attention with its elegant architecture and magnificent domes, we take a short photo break along the Seyhan River.
Following our visit to Adana, we have free time for lunch (extra). Guests who wish may take the opportunity to taste the many special flavors of Adana cuisine.
After our meal break, we depart for Tarsus, a city that has hosted countless civilizations throughout its thousands of years of history. Our first stop in this ancient city, which has maintained its importance from antiquity to the present day, is the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, considered sacred in the Christian and Islamic worlds. Accompanied by our guide's explanations, we learn about the cave's history and its place in different faiths.
We then visit the St. Paul Well in Tarsus, the city where St. Paul, one of the important figures of Christianity, was born, and which is said to be located in the courtyard of his house. After receiving information from our guide at this site, notable for its historical and religious significance, we proceed to the Shrine of Prophet Daniel, which holds an important place in the Islamic world. As we sense the spiritual atmosphere of the area, we learn important details about the history of this sacred site.
We continue our tour in Old Tarsus, whose stone streets and historic buildings seem to transport visitors back in time. During our pleasant walk through the narrow streets, we discover historic houses, traditional bazaars, and the city's distinctive character. Afterwards, we see the Cleopatra Gate, which has survived from the Roman period to the present day and is known, according to legend, as the gate through which Egyptian Queen Cleopatra entered Tarsus, and we listen to our guide recount the story of this historic structure.
At the final stop of our Tarsus tour, we see a panoramic view of the Nusret Mine Layer, one of the unforgettable symbols of Turkish maritime history that played a major role in the victory at Gallipoli, and take a photo break. Through our guide's explanations, we once again remember the strategic importance of the Nusret Mine Layer in the Gallipoli Campaign.
After our enjoyable and action-packed tour, we begin our return journey and bid farewell to you, our valued guests, with the hope of meeting again on another occasion, accompanied by the necessary breaks we will take along the way.
Following the necessary breaks during our overnight journey, we reach our drop-off points in Konya, Afyon, Uşak, Salihli, Turgutlu and İzmir and bid farewell to you, our valued guests, at the points where we picked you up. We hope to meet again on another occasion; goodbye.
General Information
Child Discount and Circular Rules
The child discount is valid for the 7–12 age range.
The tour circular is valid as of its publication date, 19.01.2026. Circulars published on later dates for the same tour invalidate the previous circular.
Mandatory additional services are included in the tour price.
Important Information About Tours Including Flights
- On tours including flights, all procedures related to flights are subject to the provisions of the airline contract.
- Cancellation insurance does not cover air transportation.
- A tiered pricing system is applied; the advertised prices start from the lowest class.
- Economy class flights are used on tour programs including flights.
- Flight tickets are issued as a combined round trip. If the outbound flight is not used, the return flight also becomes invalid in accordance with the airlines’ “sequential use” rule. Therefore, participation in only the return flight is not possible.
Museum – Ancient Site – National Park Entrance Fees
All museum, ancient site and national park entrance fees are the responsibility of our guests. At museums and ancient sites where the Müzekart is valid, our guests may obtain a card from Müzekart sales points before or during the tour in order to benefit from its advantages.
Package Price Coverage
Our package tour prices include hotel accommodation, transportation and the excursions specified in the program.
Rest Stops
Breaks are taken at rest facilities along the route. Due to crowding, renovation or similar force majeure reasons, rest stops may be changed, provided that 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 depending on the number of participants and the availability of the assigned personnel. Extra tours conducted along the route may take place even if not all guests participate. Guests who do not wish to join the extra tour are directed by our guide to rest areas before the 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 conditions or similar reasons, the guide may make changes to the program sequence (the visiting points within a day or between days) if deemed necessary.
Go-Turkey cannot be held responsible for points that cannot be visited despite being included in the program due to force majeure reasons (weather conditions, road conditions, crowding at visiting points, etc.) or because guests fail to comply with the timings provided by the guide.
Health Information
Our guests are required to carry with them reports and information concerning any health problems they may experience during the tour, pregnancy status or medications they regularly use.
Accommodation Information
The hotel names specified in the program are the preferred accommodation facilities. Hotels may be changed depending on availability. If requested, information about the hotel where guests will stay is shared with them no later than 48 hours before the tour departure. If the hotel is changed due to crowding or force majeure reasons, provided that the standards remain the same, our guests will be informed by Go-Turkey representatives.
Important Notes
- On tours including flights, flight delays may occur due to congestion.
- Night tours are extra and are organized depending on participation.
Vehicles Used
Tour vehicles are planned as follows according to the number of participants:
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)
Midibus (17–27 people):
Isuzu Turkuaz
(ABS, ASR, air conditioning, monitor, refrigerator, announcement system)
Minibus (up to 16 people):
VW Volt, VW Volt EL, Mercedes Sprinter, Mercedes Sprinter EL
(Specially designed reclining seats, ABS, ASR, air conditioning, refrigerator, announcement system)
Recommendations
- Clothing and footwear suitable for the geographical features and weather conditions of the tour region should be chosen.
- It is recommended that you bring the necessary charging equipment for taking photographs and videos.
- Regularly used medications should not be forgotten; allergic, chronic or hereditary conditions should be reported to the guide.
- Personal care products, a backpack and personal items that will make the journey more enjoyable should be kept with you.
- For programs including boat tours and swimming breaks, it is recommended that you bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and similar sea equipment.
The tour program and explanations above have been originally prepared by Go-Turkey. They may not be copied, reproduced or published without permission. The program has been prepared in accordance with the Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 and should be considered as a whole.
Manisa