Iconic Gap Tour | 3-Night Stay | By Bus | Departing from Sakarya

We begin our tour by welcoming our guests at the designated departure points. With information provided by our tour vehicle and professional guide, we depart from Istanbul for an unforgettable journey extending into the unique history of Southeastern Anatolia.

DEPARTURE POINTS;

19:30 Sakarya Sapanca Berceste Facilities

Continuing our journey with breaks along the way, we proceed with our night travel.

Dining and Accommodation Information:
Dinner: Taken at suitable rest facilities along the route. (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: No accommodation included. Night travel via tour vehicle.

"From the city of mosaics to the zero point of history, to the land of prophets..."

After our journey throughout the night, we arrive in the morning at Gaziantep, one of the most important cities of Southeastern Anatolia with its gastronomy as well as its thousands of years of history and cultural heritage.

Alongside guests who wish, we take an extra breakfast break, where we have the opportunity to taste Gaziantep's local breakfast flavors. After breakfast, we head to our first visit of the day, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum.

We tour the museum, which displays unique artifacts brought from the ancient city of Zeugma, located on the banks of the Euphrates River and unearthed during rescue excavations carried out during the construction of the Birecik Dam, accompanied by our guide's narration. We see valuable mosaics that bring the daily life, mythology, and artistic understanding of the Roman period to our present day; and we get to know up close the world-famous Gypsy Girl Mosaic, which has become the symbol of the museum.

After our museum visit, we move to Gaziantep city center and begin exploring the historical texture of the city. After seeing the Gaziantep Castle panoramically, we reach the bazaar area, the heart of the city's centuries-old trade and craftsmanship culture.

During our tour around the Coppersmiths Bazaar, Almacı Market, Yemeni Coppersmiths Bazaar, Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Artisans Bazaar, and Baklava Makers Bazaar with our guide, we have the opportunity to get to know Gaziantep's traditional handicrafts and local products up close.

Then, we take a short break at Tahmis Coffee House, one of Gaziantep's most special venues dating back to the 17th century. Guests who wish can enjoy the historical atmosphere while sipping menengiç coffee or Turkish coffees.

After our tour, we have free time and an extra lunch break until the time determined by our guide. During this period, guests who wish can explore Gaziantep's world-famous gastronomy; they can taste local delicacies such as various kebabs, lahmacun, yuvalama, içli köfte (stuffed meatballs), and katmer. Additionally, they can shop for baklava, pistachios, spices, and local products.

After meeting again in our vehicle at the designated time, we head towards Şanlıurfa. During our journey, we receive information from our guide about the Euphrates Basin, the Mesopotamian geography, and the region's thousands of years of history, arriving at Göbeklitepe.

We tour Göbeklitepe, considered one of the world's oldest known monumental ritual areas with its approximately 12,000-year history, which has caused us to reevaluate much of what is known about human history, accompanied by our guide's narration. In the area listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, we see the T-shaped monumental pillars adorned with animal figures and various symbols; and we gain information about how and why hunter-gatherer communities built such large structures.

After our visit to Göbeklitepe, we head to Şanlıurfa city center, commonly known among the public as the "City of Prophets".

We begin our tour in Şanlıurfa with Balıklıgöl, one of the city's most important historical and spiritual centers. While touring the area believed to be where Hz. Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, accompanied by our guide's narration, we see the Halil-ür Rahman Lake, Ayn Zeliha Lake, Rızvaniye Mosque, and Mevlid-i Halil Complex. Then, we visit the Hazrat Ibrahim Cave, believed to be the birthplace of Hz. Ibrahim, and gain information about the region's history of faith and its place in Şanlıurfa culture.

After our tour in Şanlıurfa, we take a shopping break at a local product store featuring the region's traditional flavors and handmade products for guests who wish. Here, you can particularly examine and shop for Urfa isot (chili pepper), homemade pepper and tomato pastes, various spices, and local products.

After shopping, we move to our hotel, settle into our rooms, and take a short rest break.

In the evening, along with guests who wish, we additionally join the Urfa Sıra Gecesi program with dinner, one of the indispensable traditions of Şanlıurfa culture.

Sıra geceleri, which were held in homes in a specific order in the past for friendship, solidarity, conversation, and cultural sharing, have over time become one of the most important cultural traditions of Şanlıurfa. During our evening, which will be held with traditional Urfa folk songs, hoyratlar, local folk dances, and music, we have the opportunity to get to know Şanlıurfa culture up close while tasting the region's local dishes.

Guests who do not wish to participate in the Sıra Gecesi program can have their evening meals freely at restaurants in Şanlıurfa according to their own preferences. After our Sıra Gecesi program, we return to our hotel and retire to rest.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For tonight's hotel accommodation, dinner is not included. Dinner will be provided as part of the program for guests participating in the additionally organized dinner Sıra Gecesi program.

Food & Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Will be taken at a restaurant determined in Gaziantep (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Gaziantep (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be taken at Sıra Gecesi in Şanlıurfa (Extra/Optional)

Accommodation: Şanlıurfa / Orta Doğu Otel, Rever Otel, Hotel Vera Şanlıurfa, Grand Gülizar Otel, Elite World Inn Otel, Grand Urfa Otel, Narlı Ev Butik Otel, etc.

"On the ancient paths of Mesopotamia; from Harran, where stone turns into poetry, to Mardin..."

 

After taking breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from Şanlıurfa and head towards Harran, whose history dates back thousands of years. Included in our tour program, during our visit to Harran, we explore the traces of one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia alongside our guide's narration.

In Harran, historically known for science, astronomy, mathematics, and trade, we first see the conical domed Harran houses, which have become the symbol of the region. These unique structures, designed to remain cool in summer and warm in winter, are among the finest examples of traditional Mesopotamian architecture that have survived to the present day.

Next, we visit the remains of Harran University and the Great Mosque, considered one of the oldest Islamic educational centers in Anatolia, and listen to our guide explain Harran's importance in the world of science and education during the Middle Ages. After a photo stop in Harran's unique atmosphere, we board our vehicle.

Completing our visit to Harran, we continue our journey towards Mardin via Viranşehir and Kızıltepe. During this trip along the Mesopotamian Plain, we receive information from our guide about the region's history, cultural structure, and the traces left by various civilizations in this geography.

The first program in the Mardin region will be an extra organized visit to Dara Ancient City. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The visit to Dara Ancient City is organized as an extra activity, and participation of all guests in the group is required for the tour to take place. If not all members of the group participate, the extra tour to Dara Ancient City will not be conducted.

Dara Ancient City, one of the most impressive ancient settlements in Mesopotamia, was established as an important border and garrison city during the Eastern Roman Empire period. We visit Dara with our guide's narration, noting its rock-cut structures, necropolis areas, cisterns, water channels, and water systems that reveal the advanced engineering of the era. In particular, the massive underground water structures and rock tombs are among the most impressive sections of the ancient city that have reached us today.

After our visit to Dara, we begin our visit to Old Mardin, which resembles an open-air museum with its stone mansions, narrow streets, abbaras (stone passageways), mosques, churches, and its unique view overlooking the Mesopotamian Plain.

First, we visit the Zinciriye Madrasa. In this madrasa, notable for its stonework, courtyard, and commanding view over the Mesopotamian Plain, we learn from our guide about the building's history and architectural features.

Next, walking through Mardin's narrow and stone-paved streets, we see the Mardin Grand Mosque, one of the city's iconic structures. Following this masterpiece of Artuklu architecture, we visit the Şehidiye Mosque, an important part of the Old Mardin silhouette with its elegant minaret.

As we continue our walk through the labyrinth-like streets of Old Mardin, we pass through abbaras, one of the most unique elements of the city's traditional architecture. These stone passageways connect houses and streets together. After seeing them, we visit the Şahtana Mansion, a fine example of Mardin's civil architecture.

During our guided walk, we enjoy the unique atmosphere of Mardin up close while admiring the stone mansions, traditional markets, narrow streets, and the vast, endless view of the Mesopotamian Plain.

After our tour, we are given free time in Old Mardin. Guests who wish may taste Mardin's famous Syrian pastry, almond sugar, dibek coffee, myrrh, and local coffee varieties; they can also shop for filigree silverwork, soap, spices, and local products. Additionally, they can take photos on the stone streets and enjoy the unique urban fabric created by the historic Mardin houses.

After meeting again at the time set by our guide, we move towards our hotel. After settling into our rooms, we have dinner at our hotel.

After dinner, we join those guests who wish to attend the extra organized Traditional Reyhani Night program. On this special night reflecting the cultural richness of Mardin and its surroundings, we spend a pleasant evening accompanied by local music, traditional entertainment, and the Reyhani dance, unique to the region. Guests who do not wish to participate in the Reyhani Night program may rest at our hotel.

After the program, we return to our hotel and retire for the night.

Food, Drink, and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: To be taken during free time in Mardin (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Buffet or set menu at the hotel. (Included in Tour Price)

Accommodation: Mardin / Raymar Hotel, Kervansaray Artuklu Hotel, Bilen Hotel, Parkmar Hotel, Mardiva Hotel, etc.

"From stone mansions to the banks of the Tigris, following the traces of Mesopotamia's thousands of years..."

After taking breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from Mardin and head towards Midyat, one of the most special settlements in Southeastern Anatolia, known for its stonework, traditional mansions, and traces of Syriac culture.

Upon arriving in Midyat, we pass through historic stone houses and narrow streets to reach the Midyat Guest House, one of the district's most visited structures. We visit this magnificent stone mansion, famous for hosting many TV series and films, particularly the series Sıla; from its terrace, we enjoy a unique view of Midyat's stone houses and its historical texture. After taking a photo break, we continue our tour.

We then visit a filigree workshop to get up close with filigree art, one of the most important handicrafts associated with Midyat, which is created by skillfully working fine silver threads. Here, we receive information about the filigree process from the masters, and we provide free time for shopping to guests who wish to do so.

Next, we take a short break to taste blue almond candy, a famous local delicacy of Midyat known for its distinctive color, and to shop for local products.

After completing our tour of Midyat, we head towards Hasankeyf, a place that has hosted different civilizations along the banks of the Tigris River for thousands of years.

During the free time in Hasankeyf, interested guests can participate in an extra Hasankeyf Boat Tour. During our boat trip on the Tigris River, we have the opportunity to see Hasankeyf's natural beauties, valleys, and its historical texture remaining above the water level from a different perspective.

After our boat tour, if our program and schedule allow, a guided visit to Malabadi Bridge may be organized as an extra activity by our guide.

Rising in all its splendor over the Batman River, the Malabadi Bridge is one of Anatolia's most important historical bridges dating back to the Artuqid period. Built in the 12th century and notable for its impressive stonework, we listen to our guide's commentary and take a photo break.

After our tour, we continue our journey towards Diyarbakır via Batman. Upon arriving in Diyarbakır, one of the oldest cities of Mesopotamia that has hosted many civilizations throughout history, we begin our city tour. Passing through the Diyarbakır City Walls, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the city's historical gates, we explore the city's thousands of years of history alongside our guide's commentary.

Next, we visit the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, one of the oldest and most important Islamic structures in Anatolia. We tour the courtyard and sections of this significant building, which contains architectural traces from different periods, accompanied by our guide's explanations.

After visiting the Grand Mosque, we walk through old Diyarbakır streets to reach the Mardin Gate, one of the four main entrances to the city walls. Here, we meet our vehicle and continue to see Diyarbakır's iconic landmarks.

We view the Hevsel Gardens, located on the banks of the Tigris River and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the Diyarbakır City Walls; the Goat Tower (Keçi Burcu), one of the most impressive sections of the walls; and the historic On Gözlü Bridge, which has become one of the city's symbols, panoramically.

After completing our tour of Diyarbakır, we continue our journey in the direction of Siverek – Kahta – Adıyaman.

Along the way, we cross the Nissibi Bridge, which connects the two shores of Atatürk Reservoir and holds an important place in regional transportation. During our bridge crossing, we enjoy views of the Firat Basin and Atatürk Reservoir before continuing our journey towards Adıyaman.

In the evening, we arrive at our hotel in Adıyaman and settle into our rooms. After relieving the day's fatigue, we have dinner at our hotel and retire for rest.

Food and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a local restaurant in Midyat or Diyarbakır (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served as buffet or set menu at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)

Accommodation: Hotels such as Bardakçı Taşsaray Hotel, Kommagene Hotel, Samos Hotel, White Star Hotel, Rabat Hotel, Nemrut Euphrat Hotel, etc., in Kahta or Adıyaman.

"From the throne of the gods to the hidden beauties of the Euphrates, from Mesopotamia to Çukurova..."

On our last day, we depart from our hotel for the extra Nemrut Mountain Tour, which will be organized for those guests who wish to join.

Boarding vehicles suitable for the region's conditions, we ascend towards Nemrut Mountain, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique sacred site, built by King Antiochos I of Commagene in the 1st century BC and located at an altitude of approximately 2,150 meters, is one of Anatolia's most impressive archaeological heritages, featuring colossal statues of gods, royal portraits, and a monumental tumulus. Guided by our tour guide, we explore Nemrut Mountain's terraces and the giant statues that have challenged time atop the mountain for centuries, taking a photo stop amidst the region's breathtaking scenery.

The Nemrut Mountain tour will take place subject to favorable weather, road, and seasonal conditions.

After visiting Nemrut Mountain, we continue tracing the traces of the Kingdom of Commagene in the region. First, we view the Karakuş Tumulus panoramically, believed to have been built in honor of the royal family's women. We learn about this structure, which stands out with its monumental columns and eagle figure, from our guide.

Next, we reach the Cendere Bridge, one of the most impressive examples of Roman engineering in Anatolia. Built during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus and having stood for nearly two thousand years, we view the bridge with our guide's commentary and take a photo stop alongside the natural beauties formed by the Cendere River.

After completing our tours in the Commagene geography, we continue our journey to the Atatürk Dam, one of Turkey's most important engineering projects. Located on the Euphrates River and being one of the key investments of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), we view the dam panoramically from the viewing terrace and learn from our guide about its importance for the regional economy, energy production, and agricultural irrigation.

After our break here, we head towards Halfeti, known for its unique nature and history along the banks of the Euphrates River.

In Halfeti, which has taken on a completely new appearance after part of the old settlement was submerged following the construction of the Birecik Dam, we join those guests who wish to participate in the extra Sunken City Boat Tour.

During our boat trip on the Euphrates River, we view Rumkale, one of the region's most impressive structures, panoramically; then we proceed towards Savaşan Village, largely submerged under the reservoir waters. We see the Sunken Minaret, which rises from the water and has become one of Halfeti's symbols, and enjoy a pleasant boat ride alongside the Euphrates' unique views.

After our boat tour, during the free time in Halfeti, guests may choose to have their extra lunch at local restaurants, spend time by the Euphrates riverbank, or shop for local products specific to Halfeti.

Gathering in our vehicle at the time set by our guide, we depart from Halfeti and begin our return journey towards Adana via the Gaziantep – Osmaniye route.

Upon arriving in Adana in the evening, depending on time and traffic conditions, we conduct a short panoramic city tour. We view the Taş Köprü (Stone Bridge), which has stood as the symbol of the city for centuries over the Seyhan River, with roots extending back to the Roman era. Then, we view the Sabancı Central Mosque, one of Adana's modern symbols known for its magnificent architecture along the Seyhan River bank, and continue with our guide's commentary.

If the program flow and our schedule allow, before leaving Adana, an extra dinner stop may be arranged at the Historic Big Clock and surrounding kebab houses so that guests can taste Adana's famous Adana kebab and liver. If there is insufficient time, this stop will not be made. Afterward, we begin our return journey and complete our tour.

Following our visit to Adana, we head back to our starting points. With you, our valued guests, we come to the end of our tour stretching from Gaziantep to Şanlıurfa, from Harran to Mardin, from Midyat to Hasankeyf, from Diyarbakır to Nemrut Mountain, and from Halfeti to Adana; a tour filled with history, culture, gastronomy, and the unique geography of Mesopotamia. We bid farewell, hoping to meet again at another tour organization.

Food and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: To be taken during free time in Halfeti (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: No dinner is organized on the return day.

Accommodation: No accommodation on the return day.