Iconic Land of the Rising Sun: Southeastern Anatolia, Tarsus and Adana Tour | 4 Nights’ Accommodation, Bus Tour Departing from Izmir

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 program.

Departure Points
16:00 Fahrettin Altay (In Front of Ziraat Bank)
16:15 Konak (Bus Stop in Front of YKM)
16:30 Alsancak (Train Station)
16:45 Bornova (Ege University Emergency Service Intersection)

Throughout our journey, we continue our overnight trip with necessary breaks, pleasant conversations, and information about the region shared by our guide, continuing on our way to greet the new day in Mesopotamia's fascinating atmosphere.

Food and Accommodation Information:
Dinner: Served at suitable rest facilities along the route. (Extra/optional)
Accommodation: There is no accommodation. Overnight journey by tour vehicle.

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 valuable mosaics, sculptures, and archaeological artifacts unearthed from the ancient city of Zeugma on the banks of the Euphrates River, we bear witness to the grandeur of the Roman period. We have the opportunity to get a closer look, together with our guide’s explanations, at unique works depicting mythological stories, particularly the world-famous “Gypsy Girl” Mosaic.

Following our museum visit, we begin our journey toward Şanlıurfa. We set off toward Göbeklitepe, recognized 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 site accompanied by our guide’s explanations. As we listen to the changing understanding of history following the discovery of Göbeklitepe, we experience the excitement of witnessing one of the most important archaeological discoveries in human history. After our visit to Göbeklitepe, and before beginning our Şanlıurfa tour, we will take a short lunch (extra) break at our restaurant, where we will have the opportunity to taste the flavors of Urfa.

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-ur-Rahman Mosque, the مقام and Cave of Prophet Abraham, Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake, and the sacred Balıklı Lake, gaining an in-depth understanding of the region’s historical, religious, and cultural significance.

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 break.

In the evening, together with 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 a variety of delicious Urfa dishes. This special event, where we will closely experience the region’s hospitality and traditional way of life, 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 organization. Guests who do not wish to attend the Sıra Gecesi program may arrange their own dinner freely 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.

Dining and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Will be taken during free time in Gaziantep (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Halfeti (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: 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.

After having breakfast at our hotel in Şanlıurfa, we depart for Harran, one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia, for the extra Harran Tour, which will take place if all our guests participate. In this ancient city, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, we visit the iconic Conical Domed Houses and get to know the region's unique architecture up close. We then see panoramic views of 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 provided, we have the opportunity to browse local products and photograph this historic atmosphere.

Following our Harran tour, we depart for Mardin, the stone city of Mesopotamia. Our first stop is the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most important religious centers of the Syriac Orthodox world. This impressive structure, used as a patriarchal center for centuries and named after the saffron flowers that grow 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.

After our monastery visit, we proceed to Mardin city center and take a break for lunch (extra) at our restaurant, which is famous for its local delicacies. Guests who wish may have the opportunity to try Mardin Platter as well as stuffed ribs, sembusek, ikbebet, alluciye and other special flavors of the regional cuisine.

After 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 Kasımiye Madrasa, Şehidiye Mosque, the Grand Mosque, Abbaras (stone passageways), Republic Square, Tellallar Bazaar and the historic bazaars of Mardin in succession. 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 enchanting atmosphere of Old Mardin, we depart for the Extra Dara Ancient City Tour, which will take place if all our guests participate. The ancient city of Dara, 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 visit the rock tombs, water cisterns, necropolis area and surviving historical ruins.

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.

Food, Beverage 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.

Following breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we begin exploring Midyat, one of the most impressive places in Mesopotamia with its stonework and multicultural character. 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 its magnificent mansions built from Midyat's distinctive limestone, elegant stonework and narrow streets, we feel as though we are travelling back in time. During our tour, we see the region's landmarks, including 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 following our 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 handcrafted jewellery. You can also make the most of your time by shopping for Midyat's famous Syriac wines, natural cosmetic products and local souvenirs.

Following our free time, we depart for Hasankeyf, one of Mesopotamia's most important settlements, with a history of approximately 12,000 years, situated on the banks of the Tigris River. In this ancient city, which was moved to a new settlement area following the construction of the Ilısu Dam, we listen to Hasankeyf's sad yet equally captivating story accompanied by our guide's explanations. During our panoramic tour, we see the Zeynel Bey Mausoleum, 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 hillsides. During the short tea and photo break we will take, 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.

Following our visit to Hasankeyf, we stop in Batman, located along our route, for lunch (extra) at our restaurant, where we can taste one of the most special delicacies of Southeastern Anatolian cuisine. Following our meal break, an Extra Malabadi Bridge Tour may be organised with the participation of all guests, at our guide's discretion and depending on the available time. Following 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, regarded as one of the oldest places of worship in Anatolia. We then enjoy a pleasant walk through the Historic Hasan Paşa Inn, Four-Legged Minaret, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House and the Sur İç İçi area, whose narrow streets bring traces of the past into the present. After getting to know Diyarbakır's deep-rooted history, culture and unique atmosphere up close, accompanied by our guide's explanations, we set off towards Adıyaman. In the evening, we arrive at our hotel and settle into our rooms. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Adıyaman.

Meals 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 as an open buffet or set menu at the hotel (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.

After the breakfast we will have at our hotel in the morning, we set off towards Kahta to discover the magnificent heritage of the Kingdom of Commagene. Here, we board our minibuses (extra) and begin our tour of Mount Nemrut National Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We reach Mount Nemrut, located at an altitude of approximately 2,150 meters and home to one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites, featuring a 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, and 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 surviving from the Roman period, 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 panoramically, built as a monumental tomb for the royal women of Commagene, and receive information about the history of the region. Following our tour, we return to Kahta, board our tour vehicle, and continue our journey by setting off towards Gaziantep.

We continue our excursion with Atatürk Dam, one of Turkey’s largest engineering projects, located along our route. During our break at the observation terrace, we panoramically view the massive dam rising over the Euphrates River and learn from our guide about its great importance for Turkey in terms of energy and irrigation.

Following our visit here, we once again turn towards Halfeti, famous for its fascinating 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, having 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 enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this delightful town to the fullest. 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 panoramically, which have hosted the city’s commercial life for centuries, and then enjoy a pleasant walk through Bakırcılar Bazaar, where the finest examples of handcrafted work are displayed. During our tour, we also have the opportunity to see Yemeniciler Bazaar, famous for its traditional handmade yemeni shoes, Almacı Market, featuring local spices, dried produce, and flavors unique to Antep, and 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 enjoy the historic atmosphere by tasting the famous menengiç coffee here.

Afterwards, 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, Beverage, 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.

After having 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 view the Historic Stone Bridge panoramically, standing over the Seyhan River for approximately two thousand years and having become one of Adana's symbols. After listening to our guide's account of the bridge's story stretching from the Roman period to the present day, we visit Sabancı Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Türkiye. After receiving information from our guide about the mosque, which draws attention with its elegant architecture and magnificent domes, we take a short photo break on the banks of the Seyhan River.

Following our tour of Adana, we have free time for lunch (extra). Guests who wish may take the opportunity to taste the special delicacies of Adana cuisine.

After our meal break, we depart for Tarsus, which has hosted countless civilizations throughout its thousands of years of history. In this ancient city, which has maintained its importance from Antiquity to the present day, our first stop 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 St. Paul's Well in Tarsus, the city where Saint Paul, one of the important figures of Christianity, was born; according to legends, the well is located in the courtyard of his house. After receiving information from our guide at this site, which draws attention with its historical and religious significance, we continue to the Shrine of the Prophet Daniel, which holds an important place in the Islamic world. As we experience the spiritual atmosphere of the region, we learn important information about the history of this sacred site.

We continue our tour in Old Tarsus, whose stone streets and historic buildings practically transport visitors back in time. During our enjoyable walk through the narrow streets, we discover historic houses, traditional bazaars, and the city's unique character. Afterwards, we see Cleopatra's 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's account of the history of this historic structure.

At the final stop of our Tarsus tour, we view the Nusret Mine-Laying Ship panoramically and take a photo break; the ship is one of the unforgettable symbols of Turkish naval history and played a major role in the victory of Çanakkale. Through our guide's explanations, we once again remember the strategic importance of the Nusret Mine-Laying Ship in the Çanakkale War.

Following our enjoyable and eventful 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.

After the necessary breaks we will take during our overnight journey, we reach our drop-off points in Konya, Afyon, Uşak, Salihli, Turgutlu and İzmir, and see off our valued guests at the points where we picked you up. We hope to meet again on another occasion. Goodbye.