November Mid-Term Break Special: Iconic Land Of The Rising Sun, GAP And Tarsus Adana Tour | 4 Nights Accommodation, Bus Trip From Ankara

We begin our unforgettable journey to explore the thousands of years of history, ancient civilizations, and unique cultural heritage of Mesopotamia by meeting our valued guests at designated departure points. After taking our seats in our comfortable tour vehicle, we head towards Southeastern Anatolia with an informative briefing from our professional guide about the tour program.

Departure Point & Times;
23:59 Ankara Asti Berat Buffet Front

During our journey, we continue our night travel with necessary rest stops, pleasant conversations, and information shared by our guide about the region, proceeding on our way to greet the new day in the enchanting atmosphere of Mesopotamia.

Dining and Accommodation Information:
Dinner: Served at suitable rest facilities along the route. (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: No accommodation provided. Overnight travel by tour vehicle.

After our night journey, we arrive in Gaziantep in the morning. After a break for breakfast (extra) at Zeugma Restaurant, we begin to explore 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 world's most important mosaic museums. Alongside valuable mosaics, statues, and archaeological artifacts brought to light 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 close to unique works telling mythological stories, including the world-famous "Gypsy Girl" Mosaic, with the guidance of our tour leader.

After our museum visit, we begin our journey towards Şanlıurfa. We head towards Göbeklitepe, recognized as the world's oldest monumental temple complex and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this unique archaeological site with a history dating back approximately 12,000 years, which sheds light on world history, we closely observe the T-shaped standing stones, the animal figures on them, and the excavation area alongside our guide's explanations. While listening to how the understanding of history has changed with the discovery of Göbeklitepe, we experience the excitement of witnessing one of the most important archaeological discoveries in human history. After our visit to Göbekli Tepe, before starting our tour of Şanlıurfa, we will take a short break for lunch (extra) at our restaurant where we can taste Urfa flavors.

After our break, we move towards 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. With the explanations of our guide, we visit the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, the Tomb and Cave of Prophet Ibrahim, Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake, and the holy Balıklı Göl, getting to know the historical, religious, and cultural importance of the region up close.

After our tour, we take a short break at a local shop where we can get to know Şanlıurfa's famous spice culture up close. Here, we have the opportunity to examine and purchase natural spices, homemade pastes, and local products, with isot being the symbol of Urfa.

Later, we check into our hotel and take a short rest break.

In the evening, along with guests who wish, we participate in the Urfa Sıra Gecesi (extra) program, one of the most important traditions of Southeastern Anatolian culture. We spend an unforgettable evening with local music, folk melodies, artists keeping the Sıra Gecesi culture alive, and delicious Urfa dishes. This special event, where we will feel the hospitality and traditional lifestyle culture of the region up close, will be one of the most enjoyable moments of our Mesopotamia tour.

Note: There is no dinner service at our hotel this evening. Guests who wish may have their dinner within the framework of the extra Sıra Gecesi organization. Guests who do not wish to participate in the Sıra Gecesi program can evaluate their dinners freely in Şanlıurfa.

Sıra Gecesi Menu Content: Çorba Çorbası, İçli Köfte, Ekşili Patlıcan Dolması, Urfa Kebabı, Bostana Salatası, Çiğ Köfte, Şıllık Tatlısı, Ayran, Tea, Water, and traditional Mırra refreshment.

Food and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Will be taken independently in Gaziantep (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: Will be taken independently in Halfeti (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be taken at the Sıra Gecesi Entertainment 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 and similar hotels.

After taking our breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we head to Harran, one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia, for the Harran Tour. In this ancient city that has hosted many civilizations throughout history, we get to know the region's unique architecture up close by visiting its iconic Conical Dome Houses. Afterwards, we view the Harran Grand Mosque, Harran Castle, and the ruins of Harran University, considered one of the first Islamic universities in the world panoramically, and during the short free time provided, we have the opportunity to examine local products and capture photos in this historical atmosphere.

After our visit to Harran, we move towards 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, which served as a patriarchal center for centuries and takes its name from the saffron flowers growing around it, enchants visitors with its stonework, courtyards, sun temple, churches, and mystical atmosphere. Along with our guide's commentary, we gain detailed information about the monastery's history, Syriac culture, and the region's religious past.

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

After lunch, we begin exploring the old streets of Mardin, which, with its stone architecture, resembles an open-air museum. During our walk on narrow, stone-paved streets, we visit in order the Kasimiye Madrasa, Şehidiye Mosque, Ulu Mosque, Abbaralar (stone passages), Cumhuriyet Square, Tellallar Bazaar, and the historic Mardin markets. With our guide's commentary, we have the opportunity to closely discover the architecture, traditions, and history of this ancient city where different religions and cultures have lived together for centuries.

After a short free time in the enchanting atmosphere of Old Mardin, we set off for the Extra Dara Ancient City Tour, which will be carried out with the participation of all guests. Known as an important garrison city established to protect the eastern border of the Eastern Roman Empire, Dara Ancient City is one of the most important ancient settlements in Mesopotamia. While touring the cave tombs, water cisterns, necropolis area, and historical remains that have reached us today along with our guide's commentary, we witness thousands of years of history.

After our tour, we move towards Midyat. We reach our hotel in the evening hours and settle into our rooms. Dinner and accommodation will take place at our hotel.

Food, Drink, and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Taken at the hotel as a buffet or set menu. (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a local restaurant in Mardin. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Taken at the hotel as a buffet or set menu. (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Mardin or Midyat / Raymar Hotel, Büyük Mardin Oteli, Parkmar Otel, Katori Otel, Mariad Otel, Dayman Otel, Akuti Otel, Bay Grand Otel, and similar hotels.

We are heading to Kahta for the extra tour of Mount Nemrut, which will allow us to explore the magnificent legacy of the Kingdom of Commagene. Upon arrival, we board our minibuses and begin our visit to Mount Nemrut National Park, a site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We reach Mount Nemrut, located at an altitude of approximately 2,150 meters, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, known for its monumental tumulus dedicated by King I. Antiochos to the gods and his ancestors. Guided by our tour guide, we have the opportunity to closely observe the giant statues of the gods, as well as the eagle and lion reliefs, the tumulus, and the mysterious history of the Kingdom of Commagene located on the East and West Terraces. During the free time at the summit, we take photos of the unique mountain views and enjoy this unforgettable atmosphere.

After our visit to Mount Nemrut, on our way back, we stop briefly for photos at Cendere Bridge, one of the most intact bridges from the Roman era that has survived to the present day. After listening to our guide's explanations about this historical structure with a history of approximately two thousand years, we view Karakuş Tumulus, built as a royal mausoleum for the women of the Commagene kings, panoramically and learn about the region's history. After our tour, we return to Kahta, board our tour vehicle, and continue our journey towards Gaziantep.

We continue our tour with Atatürk Dam, one of Turkey's largest engineering projects located along the route. During our stop at the observation terrace, we view the massive dam body rising over the Euphrates River panoramically and learn about its great importance for Turkey's energy and irrigation through our guide's explanations.

After our visit here, we turn our route towards Halfeti, famous for its enchanting atmosphere on the banks of the Euphrates. With interested guests, we join the (extra) Sunken City Boat Tour, where we have the opportunity to see up close the historical settlement submerged under the dam waters, the mosque with its minaret standing above the water, and the unique natural beauties of the Euphrates Valley. After our boat tour, we are given some free time in Halfeti to fully experience the peaceful atmosphere of this town. Interested guests may have lunch (extra) at the floating restaurants available here.

After our visit to Halfeti, we head to Gaziantep, the gastronomic capital of Southeastern Anatolia. During our walking tour in the historic bazaar area, we view Zeytin Han and Gümrük Han, which have hosted the city's commercial life for centuries, panoramically, and then enjoy a pleasant walk in Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Coppersmiths' Bazaar), where the finest examples of handicrafts are displayed. During our tour, we also have the opportunity to see Yemeniciler Çarşısı, famous for its traditional handmade yemeni shoes; Almacı Pazarı, featuring local spices, dried goods, and flavors unique to Antep; and Zincirli Bedesten, which has preserved its historical texture until today.

After our bazaar tour, we take a short break at Tahmis Kahvesi, one of the symbols of Gaziantep with a history of approximately four centuries. Interested guests can enjoy the famous menengiç coffee here and savor the historical atmosphere.

During the subsequent free time, we have the opportunity to shop for Gaziantep's world-famous baklava, pistachios, various spices, and local products. After our free time, we move to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation will take place at our hotel in Gaziantep.

Food, Drink, 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: Buffet or set menu dinner at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Gaziantep / Hotel Uğurlu, Büyük Veliç Otel, Kule Hotel Gaziantep, Gaziantep Plaza Otel, Utku Bey Otel, and similar hotels.

After taking breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we head towards Kahta to explore the magnificent legacy of the Kingdom of Commagene. Here, we board our minibuses (extra) and begin our visit to Nemrut Mountain National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We reach Nemrut Mountain, located at an altitude of approximately 2,150 meters, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, featuring a monumental tumulus dedicated by King I. Antiochos to the gods and his ancestors. Guided by our tour guide, we have the opportunity to closely familiarize ourselves with the giant statues of the gods, eagle and lion reliefs, the tumulus, and the mysterious history of the Kingdom of Commagene located on the East and West Terraces. During the free time provided at the summit, we capture photos of the unique mountain scenery and enjoy this unforgettable atmosphere.

After our Nemrut tour, on our return journey, we take a short photo stop at Cendere Bridge, one of the most solid bridges from the Roman period that has survived to the present day. After listening to our guide's explanations about this historical structure with a history of approximately two thousand years, we view the Karakuş Tumulus, built as a royal mausoleum for the women of the Commagene kings, panoramically and gain information about the region's history. After our tour, we return to Kahta, board our tour vehicle, and continue our journey towards Gaziantep.

We continue our tour with the Atatürk Dam, one of Turkey's largest engineering projects located along the route. During our break at the viewing terrace, we observe the massive dam body rising over the Euphrates River panoramically and learn about its great importance for Turkey's energy and irrigation through our guide's explanations.

After our visit here, we turn our route towards Halfeti, famous for its enchanting atmosphere on the banks of the Euphrates. With interested guests (extra), we join the Sunken City Boat Tour, having the opportunity to see up close the historical settlement submerged under the dam waters, the mosque with its minaret standing above the water, and the unique natural beauties of the Fırat Valley. After our boat tour, we are given some free time in Halfeti and fully experience the atmosphere of this peaceful town. Interested guests may have lunch (extra) at the floating restaurants available here.

After our visit to Halfeti, we move towards Gaziantep, the gastronomic capital of Southeastern Anatolia. During our walk in the historic bazaar area, we view the Zeytin Han and Gümrük Han, which have hosted the city's commercial life for centuries, panoramically, and then enjoy a pleasant walk in the Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Coppersmiths Bazaar)**, where the finest examples of handicrafts are displayed. During our tour, we also have the opportunity to see the Yemeniciler Çarşısı (Yemeni Makers Bazaar)**, famous for its traditional handmade yemenis, the Almacı Pazarı**, filled with local spices, dried goods, and flavors unique to Antep, and the Zincirli Bedesten, which has preserved its historical texture until today.