November Mid-Term Break Special: Iconic Aircraft Ajet GAP Tarsus and Adana Tour | 4-Night Stay, Departing from Istanbul

On our first day of the tour, we begin our journey stretching back thousands of years into the history of Southeastern Anatolia by meeting early in the morning at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. We must be present at the airport with our identification documents at least two hours before the flight departure time. As we take off on AJet Airlines' scheduled flight VF3228 departing at 06:45 towards Gaziantep Airport, we feel that ahead of us lies not just a trip, but a time travel experience where we will follow the traces of civilizations. After approximately 1.5 hours of flight, we land on Gaziantep's fertile lands, meet our waiting guide, and board our vehicle. Following a breakfast stop (extra) along the route, 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 among the world's most important mosaic museums. Alongside valuable mosaics, sculptures, 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. Starting with the world-famous "Gypsy Girl" Mosaic, we have the opportunity to closely familiarize ourselves with unique works telling mythological stories alongside our guide's narration.

After our museum visit, we begin our journey towards Şanlıurfa. We head towards Göbeklitepe, recognized as humanity's oldest known monumental temple complex and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At 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 carved upon them, and the excavation area alongside our guide's explanations. While listening to how the understanding of history has changed since the discovery of Göbeklitepe, we experience the excitement of witnessing one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in human history. After our visit to Göbeklitepe, before starting our tour of Şanlıurfa, we will take a short lunch break (extra) at our restaurant where we will have the chance to 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. Alongside our guide's narration, we visit Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, the Tomb and Cave of Prophet Ibrahim, Ayn-ı Zeliha Spring, and the sacred Balıklı Göl (Fish Lake), getting to know closely the historical, religious, and cultural significance of the region.

After our tour, we take a short break at a local shop where we can closely familiarize ourselves with Şanlıurfa's famous spice culture. Here, we have the opportunity to examine and purchase natural spices, homemade pastes, and local products, starting with isot, which has become a symbol of Urfa. Afterwards, we check into our hotel and take a short rest break. In the evening, together 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 accompanied by local music, folk melodies, artists keeping the Sıra Gecesi culture alive, and delicious Urfa dishes. This special event, where we will closely feel the hospitality of the region and its traditional way of life, will be one of the most enjoyable moments of our Mesopotamia tour.

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

Sıra Gecesi Menu Content: Soup, İçli Köfte, Ekşili Patlıcan Dolması, Urfa Kebabı, Bostana Salad, Çiğ Köfte, Şıllık Dessert, 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 during 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 breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we head to Harran for the Harran Tour, one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia. 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 panoramic sights of Harran Grand Mosque, Harran Castle, and the ruins of Harran University, considered one of the first Islamic universities in the world. During the short free time provided, we examine local products and have the opportunity to capture photos in this historical atmosphere.

After our visit to Harran, we move towards Mardin, the stone city of Mesopotamia. Our first stop is 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. Guided by our tour guide, 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 experience the special tastes of regional cuisine, including Mardin Tabak, stuffed ribs, sembusek, ikbebet, alluciye, and other delicacies. After lunch, we move to our shop featuring local Mardin specialties. While taking a short tea break, we listen to presentations on the famous Blue Almond Candy, Mardin Çöreği, and region-specific nuts. Guests who wish can make purchases and take these special Mardin flavors home with them.

Subsequently, we begin exploring the old streets of Mardin, which, with their stone architecture, resemble an open-air museum. During our walk through narrow, stone-paved streets, we visit Kasımiye Madrasa, Şehidiye Mosque, Ulu Camii, Abbaralar (stone passages), Cumhuriyet Square, Tellallar Bazaar, and the historic Mardin markets. With our guide's explanations, 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 depart for the Extra Dara Ancient City Tour, which will be conducted with the participation of all guests. 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. Guided by our tour guide, we explore rock tombs, water cisterns, necropolis areas, and historical remains that have reached us today, witnessing thousands of years of history.

After our tour, we head towards Midyat. We arrive at 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: Served at the hotel as buffet or set menu. (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be served at a local restaurant in Mardin. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Served at the hotel as buffet or set menu. (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Mardin or Midyat / Raymar Hotel, Büyük Mardin Oteli, Parkmar Hotel, Katori Hotel, Mariad Hotel, Dayman Hotel, Akuti Hotel, Bay Grand Hotel, and similar hotels.

After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we begin exploring Midyat, one of Mesopotamia's most captivating places known for its stone craftsmanship and multicultural heritage. In this ancient district where Syriac, Arab, and Kurdish cultures have coexisted for centuries, we enjoy a pleasant walk through historic stone streets accompanied by our guide. As we discover Midyat's magnificent mansions built from its unique limestone, elegant stone carvings, and narrow alleys, it feels like traveling back in time. During our tour, we visit iconic structures of the region including Midyat Guest House (Sila Konagi), Shatana Mansion, historic houses in Midyat, and the bazaar area, all while listening to our guide's descriptions. We take photo breaks to admire the unique panoramic views overlooking the Mesopotamian Plain and fully experience Midyat's distinctive atmosphere. During the free time after the tour, you may visit silver workshops showcasing some of the finest examples of the world-renowned Telkari art and examine handcrafted jewelry pieces. Additionally, you can make purchases of famous Syriac wines from Midyat, natural cosmetic products, and local souvenirs.

After our free time, we head towards Hasankeyf, one of the most important settlements in Mesopotamia with a history dating back approximately 12,000 years, located on the banks of the Tigris River. In this ancient city that was relocated to a new settlement area following the construction of the Ilisu Dam, we listen to Hasankeyf's melancholic yet equally compelling story alongside our guide's narration. During our panoramic tour, we visit Zeynel Bey Mausoleum, Artuklu Hamam, El Rızk Mosque Minaret, Hasankeyf Castle, remnants of the historic Stone Bridge over the Tigris River, and thousands of years-old cave dwellings carved into the slopes. During our short tea and photo break, we enjoy the breathtaking views of the Tigris Valley while receiving detailed information from our guide about the history of Hasankeyf, one of Mesopotamia's most significant historical heritages.

Following our visit to Hasankeyf, we stop at a restaurant along our route in Batman where we can taste one of the most special flavors of Southeastern Anatolian cuisine for lunch (extra). After our lunch break, depending on the guide's initiative and time availability, an Extra Malabadi Bridge Tour may be organized with participation from all guests. After our lunch break, we arrive in Diyarbakır, one of the capitals of history and culture in Southeastern Anatolia. First, we view the magnificent Diyarbakır Walls, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, panoramically, then visit the Ulu Cami, considered one of the oldest places of worship in Anatolia. Continuing our journey, we enjoy a pleasant walk through the Sur Inner District, which carries traces of the past into the present with its narrow streets, visiting the Historic Hasan Pasa Han, Four-Legged Minaret, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House. After getting to know Diyarbakır's deep-rooted history, culture, and unique atmosphere closely with our guide's descriptions, we set off towards Adıyaman. In the evening hours, we reach our hotel and settle into our rooms. Dinner and accommodation are at our hotel in Adıyaman.

Food, Beverage, and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Midyat (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served as buffet or set menu at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Diyarbakır or Adıyaman / Mira Hotel, Sur Palace Hotel, Tasaray Bardakci Hotel, Samos Hotel, White Star Hotel, Rabat Hotel, and similar hotels.

We are heading to Kahta for the extra Nemrut Mountain tour, where we will discover the magnificent legacy of the Kingdom of Commagene. After boarding our minibuses waiting for us here, we 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 world's most impressive archaeological sites, known for its monumental tumulus dedicated by King I. Antiochos to the gods and his ancestors. Along with our guide's explanations, we have the opportunity to closely explore the giant statues of the gods, eagle and lion reliefs, the tumulus, and the mysterious history of the Kingdom of Commagene 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 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 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 along the way. During our break at the observation 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 again 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 allow some free time in Halfeti and 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 trade 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 its history dating back approximately four centuries. Interested guests can enjoy the historical atmosphere by tasting the famous menengiç coffee here.

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 having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from Gaziantep and begin our journey towards the fertile lands of Çukurova. After a short rest stop along the way, we arrive in Adana, one of the most important cities on the Mediterranean coast. First, we view the historic Taşköprü (Stone Bridge), which has stood for approximately two thousand years over the Seyhan River and has become one of Adana's symbols, from a panoramic perspective. After listening to our guide's narration about the bridge's history stretching from the Roman era to the present day, we visit the Sabancı Central Mosque, one of Turkey's largest mosques. After receiving information from our guide about the mosque, known for its elegant architecture and magnificent domes, we take a short photo break by the banks of the Seyhan River.

Following our tour of Adana, we are given free time for lunch (extra). Guests who wish may have the opportunity to taste the unique flavors of Adana cuisine. After our lunch break, we head towards Tarsus, an ancient city that has hosted countless civilizations throughout its thousands of years of history. Our first stop in this timeless city, which has maintained its importance from antiquity to the present day, is the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, considered sacred in both the Christian and Islamic worlds. Along with our guide's narration, we listen to the history of the cave and its place in different faiths. Next, we visit the St. Paul Well, located in the courtyard of the house where St. Paul, one of the important figures of Christianity, was born, according to legend. After receiving information from our guide at this historically and religiously significant site, we proceed to the Mausoleum of Prophet Daniel, which holds an important place in the Islamic world. While experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of the region, we gain important information about the past of this sacred place. After visiting the Mausoleum of Prophet Daniel, we continue with our tour program after a break where we can shop while examining tahini and various local specialties specific to Tarsus and its surroundings. We continue our tour in Old Tarsus, which takes visitors back in time with its stone streets and historical structures. During our enjoyable walk through the narrow streets, we explore the historical houses, traditional markets, and the unique fabric of the city. Afterwards, we see the Gate of Cleopatra, which dates back to the Roman era and is believed to be the gate through which the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra entered Tarsus according to legend, and we listen to the story of this historical structure with our guide's narration.

At the final stop of our Tarsus tour, we view the Nusret Mine Ship, one of the unforgettable symbols of Turkish naval history that played a major role in the victory of the Gallipoli Campaign, from a panoramic perspective and take a photo break. With our guide's narration, we once again recall the strategic importance of the Nusret Mine Ship during the Gallipoli War. After our enjoyable and full tour, we move towards Çukurova Airport for our flight departing at 23:20 from Adana - Sabiha Gökçen. We bid farewell to you, dear guests, and look forward to seeing you at another of our events.

Meal Information:
Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a suitable restaurant along the tour route (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be taken during free time in the area (Extra/Optional)

Accommodation: It is the return day. No accommodation.