Iconic GAP Tour | 4 Nights Accommodation, Departing from Istanbul and Ankara

After picking up our valued guests from the designated meeting points, we begin our night journey with information provided by our guide regarding the tour program and travel details.

Vehicle Departure Points and Times:
• 19:00 Inçirli Ömür Plaza Opposite – In front of Nevada Cafe
• 19:30 Mecidiyeköy – In front of Mado
• 20:00 Kadıköy Civil Registry Office Entrance
• 20:10 Kozyatağı Hilton Hotel Entrance
• 20:30 Kartal Bridge – Towards Ankara
• 20:45 Gebze Center Entrance
• 21:15 İzmit Intercity Bus Terminal Entrance – Bus Stops
• 21:45 Sakarya Bus Terminal
• 01:00 Ankara Armada AVM Opposite (Next Day)

After our night journey, we take breakfast as an extra during a break on our route in the morning hours and arrive in Adana. We begin our city tour with the Sabancı Central Mosque, one of Adana's iconic structures, known for its magnificent architecture along the Seyhan River. Then, we see the Taşköprü (Stone Bridge), which has survived from the Roman era to the present day and is one of Adana's most important symbols, taking a photo break while enjoying the river view.

After our tour of Adana, we turn our route towards Gaziantep, which was granted the title "Gazi" in 1921 due to its heroism during the War of Independence. Upon arriving in Gaziantep around noon, we take a lunch break so you can explore the city's world-renowned culinary culture. During this free time, you can try the city's standout flavors such as katmer, yuvalama, various kebabs, Antep pistachios, and Gaziantep baklava.

After our meal break, we begin exploring Gaziantep's treasures of history and culture. First, we visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where unique mosaics excavated from the ancient city of Zeugma are displayed. Guided by our guide, we view mosaics ranging from daily life scenes of the Roman era to mythological depictions, including the Gypsy Girl Mosaic, which has become the symbol of the museum. After the museum tour, we view the Gaziantep Castle panoramically and continue towards the city's historic bazaars.

We tour the heart of Gaziantep's traditional commerce: the Coppersmiths Bazaar, Elmacı Market, Yemeni Shoes Bazaar, and Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Bazaars; having the opportunity to closely familiarize ourselves with products unique to the city, from copper craftsmanship and mother-of-pearl inlaying to traditional Yemeni shoes, Antep pistachios, and baklava. After our bazaar tour, we have free time at the Tahmis Coffee House, which completes Gaziantep's historical atmosphere. Guests who wish can taste the famous menengiç coffee or Turkish coffee here, and they can make their purchases according to our guide's recommendations.

After our free time, we complete our city tour of Gaziantep and head to our hotel. After settling into our rooms, we have dinner at our hotel and conclude the day.

Food, Drink, and Accommodation Information:
• Morning Breakfast: Not included in the tour fee. (Available as an optional extra at a restaurant.)
• Lunch: Not included in the tour fee. (Available as an optional extra at a restaurant.)
• Dinner: Included in the tour fee and served at the hotel.
• Accommodation: Gaziantep Hotels (Half Board)

After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we proceed to Adıyaman following the Yavuzeli – Besni route. From there, guests who wish to participate will join our minibuses waiting for us in Kahta for the Nemrut Mountain Tour, which will be conducted as an extra activity. The first stop of our tour, where we will explore the thousands-year-old heritage of the Kingdom of Commagene, is the Karakuş Tumulus, one of the monumental tomb areas belonging to King I. Antiochos' family. After seeing the columns surrounding the tumulus and the eagle figure that gave the region its name, we continue our journey.

Our next stop is the Cendere Bridge, one of the most important historical structures from the Roman period that has reached us today. With a history of approximately eighteen centuries, we listen to our guide's explanations at the bridge and take a photo break. Then, continuing our ascent by minibus, we reach Nemrut Mountain at an altitude of approximately 2,150 meters. On Nemrut Mountain, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we explore the monumental sacred area built by King I. Antiochos of Commagene. Alongside our guide's explanations, we visit the East and West Terraces, Zeus Oromasdes, Apollon Mithras, Herakles Artagnes, and the statues of Commagene, as well as the protective Lion and Eagle statues, and take photo breaks amidst Nemrut's impressive scenery.

After our visit to Nemrut Mountain, we return to Kahta by minibus and transfer to our tour vehicle. We continue our journey with views of Atatürk Dam Lake and take a photo break at the Nissibi Bridge, which rises over the Euphrates River on the Kahta – Siverek route. After our break, we head towards Diyarbakır, one of the most important cities in terms of history and culture in Southeastern Anatolia.

Upon arrival in Diyarbakır, we begin our city tour and visit the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, one of the oldest and most significant places of worship in Anatolia. Next, we see the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum House, famous for his memorable lines "Yaş otuz beş! Yolun yarısı eder." (Age thirty-five! Half the road is done). If the building is under restoration or closed to visitors, it will be viewed from the outside. After seeing this important example of traditional civil architecture in Diyarbakır, we complete our city tour and move to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.

Food and Accommodation Information:
• Morning Breakfast: Included in the tour fee and taken at the hotel.
• Lunch: Not included in the tour fee. (Optional extra meal taken at a restaurant.)
• Dinner: Included in the tour fee and taken at the hotel.
• Accommodation: Hotels in Adıyaman or Diyarbakır (Half Board)

After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we continue our tour of Diyarbakır. During our panoramic tour where we will witness the city's thousands of years of history with its historic walls, we see Mardin Gate, Keçi Burcu and the Tigris Basin, and take photos of the region's characteristic landscapes. Then we reach On Gözlü Bridge, one of Diyarbakır's iconic structures located on the Tigris River, and after a short photo break here, we follow the Bismil route to move towards Batman.

After arriving in Batman, we join the Malabadi Bridge Tour, which will be organized as an extra for interested guests. (Optional extra.) After seeing Malabadi Bridge, one of the important structures of the region with its historic stone craftsmanship and magnificent arch, we are given free time for lunch. After lunch, we turn our route towards Hasankeyf, one of the oldest settlement areas of Mesopotamia.

In Hasankeyf, which has a history of thousands of years along the banks of the Tigris River, we explore the historical heritage of the region accompanied by the new landscape formed after the Ilısu Dam. With the explanations of our guide, we see Hasankeyf Castle, historic cave settlements, artifacts reaching us from El Rızk Mosque and the Tigris Valley, and listen to Hasankeyf's story stretching from the past to the present. After the free time we give, we get into our vehicle and move towards Midyat, one of the most special stops of Southeastern Anatolia with its stone architecture and Syriac culture.

After arriving in Midyat, we begin our tour among the narrow streets and characteristic stone houses of the city. We get up close with telkari craftsmanship, one of the most important handicrafts of the region passed down from generation to generation by Syriac masters, and offer shopping opportunities for interested guests. Then we see Midyat Guest House, one of the finest examples of Midyat's stone architecture and also known for various series and film shoots. In this structure that stands out with its stone craftsmanship, courtyards and terraces, we explore Midyat's unique architecture and take a photo break.

During the free time we spend in the historic streets of Midyat, interested guests can shop for products specific to the region and try Syriac coffee and local flavors. After our free time, we complete our tour and move towards our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Food, Drink and Accommodation Information:
• Morning Breakfast: Included in the tour fee and taken at the hotel.
• Lunch: Not included in the tour fee. (Taken optionally at an extra restaurant.)
• Dinner: Included in the tour fee and taken at the hotel.
• Accommodation: Mardin or Midyat Hotels (Half Board)

After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we arrive at Mardin, the enchanting city of Mesopotamia paved with golden stones. In this unique city, which the local people call "The Capital of Civilizations" and "The Stone City of Anatolia," our first stop is Deyrulzafaran Monastery, which has hosted the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate for centuries. At the monastery, one of the most important religious centers of Syriac culture, we explore the historical structure and its unique architecture guided by our guide.

Next, we visit Kasımiye Madrasa, one of Mardin's most impressive structures, commanding a view over the Mesopotamian Plain. After taking a photo break at the madrasa, known for its stone craftsmanship, courtyard, and infinity pool, we begin our walk through Mardin's narrow streets. Accompanied by our guide, we stroll among the city's iconic landmarks such as Kırklar Church, Abbaralar, the Old PTT Building, Ulu Mosque, and Şehidiye Mosque, getting up close to some of the finest examples of stone architecture and gradually discovering Mardin's mystical atmosphere.

With interested guests, we undertake the Dara Ancient City Tour, one of the most important ancient settlements of Mesopotamia. (Optional extra – organized upon sufficient participation.) After our free time and lunch break, we follow the route via Kızıltepe – Viranşehir to reach Göbeklitepe, the site that led to the rewriting of human history. At Göbeklitepe, the world's oldest known temple complex with a history dating back approximately 12,000 years, we explore the mysterious world of the Neolithic period guided by our tour leader and visit this unique archaeological site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Following our visit to Göbeklitepe, we turn our route towards Şanlıurfa, the City of Prophets. On the way, we reach Harran, whose name means "The Place Where Roads Meet" and is one of the most important settlements of Mesopotamia with a 5,000-year history. Here, we witness the region's ancient culture by visiting Harran University (Ulu Mosque), Harran Castle, the historic Caravanserai, and the world-famous Conical Harran Houses.

After our visit to Harran, we proceed to Şanlıurfa and check into our hotel. In the evening hours, interested guests can experience an unforgettable Mesopotamian night by participating in the Sıra Gecesi Program, a dinner event combining Urfa's traditional music, folk dances, and local flavors. (Optional extra.)

Important Note: Tonight's hotel accommodation includes bed and breakfast. Dinner is not included in the tour price. Interested guests may participate in the dinner-inclusive Sıra Gecesi program.

Dining and Accommodation Information

• Morning Breakfast: Included in the tour price and served at the hotel.

• Lunch: Not included in the tour price. (Optional extra, available at restaurants.)

• Dinner: Not included in the tour price. (Optional extra, available during the dinner-inclusive Sıra Gecesi program.)

• Accommodation: Şanlıurfa Hotels (Bed and Breakfast)

After having breakfast at our hotel, we begin our tour of Peygamberler Şehri Şanlıurfa. In our walking tour through the spiritual and historical center of the city, we first visit Balıklıgöl, which has become the symbol of Şanlıurfa. After hearing the story of this area, believed to be where Hz. Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, from our guide, we visit Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, Hz. Ibrahim's Shrine, Rızvaniye Mosque, and Ayn Zeliha Lake.

Following our visits, we have free time in the city center of Şanlıurfa, where we can closely observe the traditional bazaar culture. During this time, guests may choose to explore the historic Bedesten Bazaar, shop at copperware shops and local product stores, or enjoy their coffee at Gümrük Han, one of the city's important meeting points with its historic atmosphere.

We meet at our vehicle at the scheduled time, depart from Şanlıurfa, and after approximately one hour of travel, arrive at Halfeti, located on the banks of the Euphrates River and known for its black rose and unique stone architecture. Due to the construction of the Birecik Dam, part of the old settlement is now submerged; those interested join us for a Halfeti Boat Tour. (Optional extra.)

As our boat moves along the Euphrates River, we view Rumkale, one of the region's most impressive historical structures, in panoramic views, and listen to stories about the old settlements submerged under the dam waters from our guide. One of the most striking points of our boat tour is Savaşan Village, where we see the historic mosque minaret rising from the water and witness Halfeti's iconic landscapes. After the boat tour, we return to Halfeti and allow time for photos and free exploration.

After enjoying our time in Halfeti, we conclude our tour of Southeastern Anatolia, rich in history, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty, and begin our return journey to Istanbul. After necessary stops for refreshments and meals along the route, we arrive in Istanbul in the morning, drop off our valued guests at their designated points, and bid farewell until another Go-Turkey organization.

Food, Drink, and Accommodation Information:
• Morning Breakfast: Included in the tour fee and served at the hotel.
• Lunch: Not included in the tour fee. (Optional extra, available at a restaurant.)
• Dinner: Not included in the tour fee. (Served at a facility on the return journey.)
• Accommodation: This is the return day; no accommodation is provided.