Iconic Lands Where the Sun Rises: Southeastern Anatolia (GAP), Tarsus and Adana Tour | 4-Night Bus Tour Departing from Uşak

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

19:30 In front of Uşak National Sovereignty Park (opposite the Traffic Inspection Office)

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

Dining 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 a breakfast (extra) break at Zeugma Restaurant, we begin exploring Gaziantep, one of Southeastern Anatolia's most important cultural and gastronomic cities.

Our first stop is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, considered one of the most important mosaic museums in the world. Accompanied by invaluable mosaics, statues, and archaeological artifacts unearthed from the ancient city of Zeugma on the banks of the Euphrates River, we witness the splendor of the Roman era. We have the opportunity to get a close 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 set off toward Şanlıurfa. We head toward 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. Following our visit to Göbekli tepe, we will take a short lunch (extra) break at our restaurant, where we will have the opportunity to taste Urfa delicacies, before beginning our tour of Şanlıurfa.

After our break, we set off toward 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 faith tourism. Accompanied by our guide's explanations, we visit the Halil-ur-Rahman Mosque, the Station and Cave of Prophet Abraham, Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake, and Balıklı Lake, considered sacred, gaining a close 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 get to know Şanlıurfa's famous spice culture more closely. Here, we have the opportunity to browse 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 guests who wish to join, we attend the Urfa Sıra Gecesi (extra) program, one of the most important traditions of Southeastern Anatolian culture. We spend an unforgettable evening accompanied by local music, folk songs, performers keeping the sıra gecesi tradition alive, and a variety of delicious Urfa dishes. This special organization, 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: Dinner service is not available at our hotel 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 have dinner independently in Şanlıurfa.

Sıra Gecesi Menu: Çorba Soup, Stuffed Meatballs, Sour Eggplant Dolma, Urfa Kebab, Bostana Salad, Çiğ Köfte, 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 served 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 the morning, 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 view panoramically 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 will have, we have the opportunity to browse local products and photograph this historic atmosphere.

After our Harran tour, we depart for Mardin, the stone city of Mesopotamia. Our first stop is the Deir al-Zafaran Monastery, one of the most important religious centers of the Syriac Orthodox world. Used as a patriarchal center for centuries and named after the saffron flowers that grow around it, this impressive structure 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, famous for its local delicacies. Guests who wish may have the opportunity to try Mardin Plate, as well as stuffed ribs, sembusek, ikbebet, alluciye, and a variety of special flavors from the regional cuisine.

After lunch, we begin exploring the streets of Old Mardin, 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 bazaars of Mardin in succession. Accompanied by our guide's explanations, we have the opportunity to become closely acquainted with 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.

After 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.

After having 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 take 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 travelling 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 views overlooking the Mesopotamian Plain and fully experience Midyat's distinctive atmosphere. During our free time after the tour, you may visit the silver workshops where you can see the finest examples of the world-famous Telkâri art and examine a variety of special handmade jewellery. You may 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 depart 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 moved to a new settlement area following the construction of the Ilısu Dam, we listen to Hasankeyf's poignant yet equally fascinating story accompanied by our guide's explanations. During our panoramic tour, we see the Zeynel Bey Mausoleum, Artuqid Bathhouse, 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 take, we enjoy the unique views of the Tigris Valley and receive detailed information from our guide about the history of Hasankeyf, one of Mesopotamia's most important historical heritages.

After 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. After our meal break, depending on our guide's initiative and the available time, an Extra Malabadi Bridge Tour may be arranged with the participation of all guests. After our meal break, we arrive in Diyarbakır, one of the historical and cultural capitals of Southeastern Anatolia. First, we enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent Diyarbakır Walls, which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and then visit the Ulu Mosque, considered one of the oldest places of worship in Anatolia. We then take a pleasant walk through the Historic Hasan Pasha Inn, Four-Legged Minaret, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House and the Sur İçi district, whose narrow streets carry traces of the past into the present. After becoming closely acquainted with Diyarbakır's rich history, culture and unique atmosphere 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.

Dining and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Open buffet or set-menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: To 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.

After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart for 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 located on the East and West Terraces, the tumulus, and 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 on the return journey, one of the most intact surviving bridges from the Roman period. After listening to our guide's explanations about this historic structure, which attracts attention with its approximately two-thousand-year history, we view the Karakuş Tumulus panoramically, built as a mausoleum for the royal women of Commagene, 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 departing for 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 giant dam rising over the Euphrates River and learn from our guide about its great importance to Turkey in terms of energy and irrigation.

Following our visit here, we turn once again toward Halfeti, famous for its enchanting atmosphere on the banks of the Euphrates. Together with our guests who wish to do so (extra), we join 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 beauties 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 depart 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 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 Gaziantep specialties, 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 here by tasting the famous menengiç coffee.

Afterward, during our free time, we have the opportunity to shop for Gaziantep's world-famous baklava, pistachios, various spices, and local products. Following our free time, we depart for our hotel. Dinner and overnight 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.

After the breakfast we will have 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 take 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 the symbols of Adana. After listening to our guide's account of 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 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 exquisite flavors 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.

Then, in Tarsus, the city where one of the important figures of Christianity, Saint Paul, was born, we visit the St. Paul Well, which, according to legend, was located in the courtyard of his house. After receiving information from our guide at this site of historical and religious significance, we proceed to the Site of the Prophet Daniel, which holds an important place in the Islamic world. As we feel 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 take 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, dating from the Roman period and known according to legend as the gate through which the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra entered Tarsus, and listen to our guide's account of the story of this historic structure.

At the final stop of our Tarsus tour, we take a panoramic view of the Nusret Mine-laying Ship, one of the unforgettable symbols of Turkish maritime history that played a major role in the victory of Gallipoli, and take a photo break. Through our guide's explanations, we once again recall the strategic importance of the Nusret Mine-laying Ship in the Gallipoli War.

Following our enjoyable and fulfilling tour, we begin our return journey and bid farewell to you, our valued guests, with the hope of meeting again at another organization, 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 at another organization; goodbye.