DAY 1: ANKARA – GAZIANTEP
Gaziantep – Zeugma Mosaic Museum Gaziantep Castle (Ayıntap) – Sedefçiler Bazaar – Almacı Bazaar – Bakırcılar Bazaar – Tütün Hanı – Kastels – Tahmis Coffee – Şanlıurfa – Göbeklitepe – Balıklıgöl – Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake (Şanlıurfa Sıra Gecesi)
Dear Guests, we meet at Esenboğa Airport at least 2 hours before the flight time for individual check-in procedures and proceed with our flight to Gaziantep. After meeting with our guide waiting at the airport, we arrive in Gaziantep, known for its rich culture. Our first sightseeing stop in Gaziantep will be the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where unique mosaics unearthed from the historic city of Zeugma, submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam, are exhibited. After the guide's explanations, we proceed to lunch to experience the famous cuisine of Gaziantep. We complete our culinary journey by tasting the famous Ali Nazik, küşleme, and various kebabs. After lunch, we panoramic view and photograph the Gaziantep Castle (Ayıntap), also known as Kale-i Füsun or Kefen Castle, located in the city center. Next, we begin to explore the historical bazaars of the city. Walking through the Bakırcılar Bazaar, amidst the echoes of the copper artisans' hammering, we visit Almacı Bazaar and Zincirli Bedesten. Continuing our tour, we see the Tahmis Coffee, which was used as a coffee house and library in the 17th century within the Tekke Mosque Complex. Then, we visit the Tütün Hanı, where you can see the kastels used for underground water distribution networks. During the free time for shopping, we have the opportunity to purchase local products such as copper handicrafts, spices, pistachios, mother-of-pearl inlaid artworks, and baklava. Lastly, we taste the famous Gaziantep katmer before leaving this beautiful city. Our next destination is the Prophet City Şanlıurfa, which is home to the sacred lands where Prophet Ibrahim was born and thrown into the fire, Prophet Job suffered, and Prophet Shu’ayb worshipped. Our first sightseeing stop in Şanlıurfa is Göbeklitepe, which has a history of 12,000 years and sheds light on human history. At this unique site, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019, we discover the mysteries of the stone structures that are still not fully understood. We embark on an impressive discovery journey with our guide in Göbeklitepe, where only 20% has been unearthed during 30 years of excavation work. Afterward, we return to the city center of Şanlıurfa to visit Balıklı Göl (Halil-ür Rahman Lake) and the Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake, which is said to have formed from the tears of King Nimrod's daughter Zeliha. Then, we take a shopping break in stores selling Şanlıurfa’s famous isot and regional products. At the end of the day, we settle into our hotel in Şanlıurfa. Guests who wish can participate in a sıra gecesi that allows them to closely experience the culture of the region and taste local flavors (Extra – Meal Included). Guests who do not wish to participate in the sıra gecesi can have their dinner at their own expense.
Breakfast: Will be taken at a rest area along the route. (Extra)
Lunch: Will be taken in Gaziantep. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken at the sıra gecesi. (Extra)
Accommodation Hotel: Rabis Hotel – Vilayetler Evi, Gülizar Hotel, Akgöl Hotel, etc.
DAY 2: ŞANLIURFA – MARDİN
Şanlıurfa – Hz. Job Prophet's Patience Site – Harran – Harran Grand Mosque – Round Houses – Dara Ancient City – Mardin – Grand Mosque – Arched Windows – PTT Building – Deyr-ul Zafaran (Mor Gabriel) Monastery
Dear Guests, after having breakfast at our hotel, we set off to see the Patience Site of Hz. Job and Harran for an extra tour. We visit the patience site known to be where Prophet Job stayed until he recovered from a serious illness, and then we head to Harran, famous for its unique culture and round houses. Here, we visit Harran Grand Mosque, which is believed to be the oldest mosque built during the Islamic period in Turkey, the first Islamic university (Harran University), and the Inner Castle and Historical Walls. Afterward, we will have the opportunity to get to know this unique architecture by visiting one of the conical-roofed houses. After our tour, we leave Şanlıurfa and head towards Mardin. If there is sufficient participation and suitable timing, we will visit the Dara Ancient City (Extra). Located 30 km southeast of Mardin in Oğuz Village, Dara Ancient City is one of the most important settlements in Upper Mesopotamia, known for its rock-carved structures and extensive architecture. After visiting this ancient city, we head to Mardin. Mardin, a city of the meeting of religions and languages, has a fascinating atmosphere with its blend of Assyrian, Arab, and many other cultures and beliefs. During our walk through the narrow and stone streets of Old Mardin, which is under protection for its stone craftsmanship and urban texture, we see the largest mosque in Mardin, the Grand Mosque (Camii Kebir), the arched windows, the Şehidiye Medrese, and the historical PTT Building. Afterward, we take a short break to enjoy tea and coffee while overlooking the Mesopotamia Plain. After our break, we go to Deyr-ul Zafaran Monastery. This important monastery was used as the patriarchal center by the Syriacs for more than 1000 years, where we visit the 4000-year-old Sun Temple (Sin Temple), the Healing Center, the Church, and the Baptismal. Depending on the intensity and worship hours in the area, an alternative visit to Mor Gabriel Monastery may be conducted. Dinner and accommodation will take place in our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Mardin (Extra).
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Accommodation Hotel: Mardin Park Dedeman Hotel, Raymar Hotel, Katori Hotel, Midyat Elite World Hotel, etc.
DAY 3: MARDİN – ADIYAMAN
Midyat – Guest House – Hasankeyf – Diyarbakır – On Eyed Gate – Hevsel Gardens – Mardin Gate – Four-Legged Minaret – Grand Mosque – Adıyaman
After breakfast at our hotel, we set out for Midyat. We begin our Midyat tour by visiting the Midyat Guest House, where many productions, notably the series Sıla and Hercai, were filmed. After taking plenty of photos here, we enjoy a pleasant walk among the historical Midyat Houses. At the end of our walk, we reach the city center and visit shopping points where you can buy Midyat’s world-famous crafts, such as Silver and Telkari products, and the Blue Almond Candy made from the root of the Lahor Tree. After our free time here, we meet with our vehicle and head towards Hasankeyf, which has been relocated to its new site due to being submerged under the waters of Ilısu Dam. Here, we see Zeynel Bey Tomb and other historical artifacts and then allow some free time. Guests who wish can participate in the extra Hasankeyf Boat Tour. After the boat tour, we reach Diyarbakır. We panoramically view the 9000-year-old Diyarbakır Walls and Urfa Gate from our vehicle, along with the narratives from our guide. Afterward, we visit the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, which was converted into a mosque in 639 and is one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia. Meeting with our vehicle at the Mardin Gate, we panoramically see the Hevsel Gardens by the Tigris River, Keçi Bastion, and the On Eyed Bridge. After leaving Diyarbakır, we head towards Adıyaman and Kahta via the Siverek route, crossing the Nissibi Bridge built on the Atatürk Dam Lake in 2015, which is 610 meters long. We reach our hotel in Adıyaman and Kahta. Dinner and accommodation will take place at our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Batman. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Accommodation Hotel: Kahta Taşsaray Bardakçı Hotel, Diyarbakır Malabadi Hotel, Sv Business Hotel, Adıyaman White Star Hotel, Adıyaman Samos Hotel, etc.
DAY 4: ADIYAMAN – ADANA
Adıyaman – Mount Nemrut – Cendere Bridge – Halfeti – Halfeti Boat Tour
Dear Guests, together with the guests who wish, we set off early in the morning with minibuses waiting for us to visit Mount Nemrut, known for the most beautiful sunrise in the world (Extra). Then we reach the summit of Mount Nemrut, located at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level via Kahta. Here we see the tumulus built in honor of the Commagene King Antiochus, the east and west terraces, and the gigantic statues. After the presentations, we enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view. Then we again take our minibuses and proceed to see Arsemia, the summer capital of the Commagene Kings, and reach the Cendere Bridge built by the legendary IX. Legion of the Roman Empire. After the presentations and photo sessions here, we return to our hotel for breakfast. After having breakfast, we leave the hotel and continue our way to Halfeti, a corner of paradise via Bozova. We see the Atatürk Dam Lake and arrive at Halfeti, which resembles a piece of heaven. Together with the guests who wish, we can embark on a delightful journey with our boat waiting for us on the banks of the Fırat River in underwater Halfeti. During our boat tour, we will get the opportunity to see the remains of Rumkale, an ancient settlement, and the submerged minaret of Savaşan Village. (Extra) After completing our boat tour, we return to Halfeti, famous for its black roses. After leaving Halfeti, we head to Çukurova Airport, and after we arrive at the airport, we complete our check-in procedures and say goodbye until we meet in our next organization.
*If the accommodation hotel is in Diyarbakır, the sunrise tour to Nemrut will be done during the day.
*The Halfeti and Halfeti Boat Tour will be conducted as long as the program duration allows. (Extra)
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Adıyaman or Halfeti. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken in a suitable facility along the route. (Extra)
Accommodation Hotel: There is no hotel accommodation tonight.