SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA, TURKEY TOUR 2026- WITHOUT FLIGHT

Day 1 – Arrival in Diyarbakır

Tour Program
Upon your arrival at Diyarbakır Airport, you will be greeted by our cultural guide and transferred to our private vehicle. From there, we will head directly to a local restaurant for a welcome meal. After enjoying our meal, we proceed to our hotel in Diyarbakır for check-in and rest.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at our hotel in Diyarbakır.

Travel Distance by Vehicle:

• Diyarbakır Airport to Hotel: 6 km (~11 minutes)
  Total Distance: 6 km

Meal Information:
Saturday: Dinner in Diyarbakır

Day 2 – Diyarbakır City Tour & Transfer to Mardin

Tour Program
After enjoying an open buffet breakfast at the hotel, we begin our full-day Diyarbakır tour. We will visit the following highlights:

• Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)

• Diyarbakır City Walls

• Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House

• Ahmet Arif House

• Hasan Pasha Caravanserai

• Ten-Arched Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü)

• Hevsel Gardens

• Meryem Ana Church, Surp Giragos Armenian Church, Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque, Four-Legged Minaret, Saint George Church, and more…

After sightseeing and some free time in the historical city center, we depart for Mardin—a journey of approximately 1.5 hours.

Upon arrival, we start our Mardin tour with a visit to the Kasımiye Madrasa, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture and a symbol of philosophical education in the region. We continue exploring this open-air museum city by walking through its narrow streets, discovering:

• Mardin Museum

• Latifiye Mosque

• Mardin Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)

• PTT Building (featured in many Turkish TV series and films)

• Şehidiye Mosque and Madrasa

• Sabancı City Museum

• Traditional stone houses and passageways (Abbaras)

• Copper Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı)

• Mor Behnam (Forty Martyrs) Church

After free time in the city center, we check in at our hotel in Mardin for the night.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at our hotel in Mardin.

Travel Distances by Vehicle:

• Hotel to İç Kale (Diyarbakır Castle): 11 km (~21 minutes)

• İç Kale to Hevsel Gardens: 2 km (~5 minutes)

• Hevsel Gardens to Mardin: 86 km (~1 hour 4 minutes)
  Total Distance: 99 km (~1.5 hours)

Meal Information:
Sunday: Breakfast in Diyarbakır, Dinner in Mardin

Day 3 – Spiritual Heritage of Mardin & Mesopotamian Ruins

Tour Program
After enjoying a rich buffet breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey with a visit to the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most important centers of the Syriac Orthodox Church. After an in-depth guided tour, we head to the ancient city of Dara, also known as the “Ephesus of Mesopotamia.” Located along the Silk Road, Dara offers insight into ancient water engineering with the world’s first known dam, underground cisterns, rock tombs, and fortress ruins. You’ll also learn about the fire temples built in honor of the Zoroastrian deity Ahura Mazda.

We then continue to Beyazsu, a tranquil riverside picnic area considered a “slice of paradise,” where you’ll have free time for lunch in nature.

In the afternoon, we visit the Virgin Mary Church (Yoldath Aloho / El Hadra) and Mor Gabriel Monastery, the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world. We then proceed to Midyat, known as “Little Mardin.” Here we visit the famous Midyat State Guesthouse (used in many TV series), where you can capture breathtaking views and admire the region’s iconic yellow limestone architecture.

After free time for exploration and photos, we return to our hotel in Mardin for overnight stay.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mardin.

Travel Distances by Vehicle:

• Hotel → Deyrulzafaran Monastery: 10 km (~14 min)

• Monastery → Dara Ancient City: 27 km (~24 min)

• Dara → Beyazsu: 53 km (~46 min)

• Beyazsu → Mor Gabriel Monastery: 47 km (~42 min)

• Mor Gabriel → Midyat: 22 km (~22 min)

• Midyat → Mardin: 67 km (~1 hr 3 min)
  Total Distance: 226 km (~3 hr 31 min)

Meal Information:
Monday: Breakfast in Mardin, Lunch/Dinner in Nusaybin region

Day 4 – Discovering the Soul of Şanlıurfa

Tour Program
After breakfast, we check out from our hotel and set off for Şanlıurfa, the city of prophets. Our first stop is the iconic Balıklıgöl Complex, where we visit:

• Halil-ür Rahman Mosque

• Rızvaniye Mosque

• Balıklıgöl (Fish Lake)

• Ayn Zeliha Lake

• The Cave of Prophet Abraham

• Şanlıurfa Fortress

Following our spiritual and historical immersion, we head to Kızılkoyun Necropolis, an ancient rock-cut burial site, before continuing to Gümrük Hanı, part of the city’s traditional bazaar district. Here, you can sip on traditional coffee and enjoy free time for shopping or relaxing.

In the evening, after checking in to our hotel and having some rest, we gather again for a memorable Traditional “Sıra Gecesi” Dinner (Orient Night), a cultural music and food night that reflects the authentic spirit of Urfa.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa.

Travel Distances by Vehicle:

• Mardin → Şanlıurfa (via Kızılkoyun): 193 km (~2 hr 25 min)

• Balıklıgöl → Hotel: 3 km (~11 min)

• Hotel → Sıra Gecesi (Orient Night) Venue: 4 km (~9 min)

• Return to Hotel: 2 km (~8 min)
  Total Distance: 202 km (~2 hr 53 min)

Meal Information:
Tuesday: Breakfast in Mardin, Dinner during Sıra Gecesi (Orient Night) in Şanlıurfa

Day 5 – The Cradle of Civilization: Göbeklitepe, Harran & Arrival in Gaziantep

Tour Program
After breakfast at our hotel, we check out and begin a deeply meaningful day in the lands where human history was first written. Our journey starts with a visit to Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple in the world, predating even Stonehenge. With its T-shaped megaliths and mysterious carvings, Göbeklitepe offers a transformative experience, connecting you to the roots of belief and community.

Next, we visit the Prophet Job’s (Hz. Eyüp) Patience Shrine, a serene spiritual site believed to bring healing and strength to those in need. The sacred water and the cave where Prophet Job endured his trials add depth to this sacred stop.

We then head toward the legendary plains of Harran, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Here, we explore:

• The ruins of the Harran University, once a beacon of science and philosophy,

• Iconic beehive-shaped houses,

• City walls and ancient gates that whisper stories from the past.

After this immersive cultural experience, we continue on our route to Gaziantep, the gastronomic capital of Türkiye, for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Gaziantep.

Travel Distances by Vehicle:

• Şanlıurfa → Göbeklitepe: 22 km (~25 min)

• Göbeklitepe → Prophet Job’s Shrine: 14 km (~19 min)

• Job’s Shrine → Harran: 48 km (~50 min)

• Harran → Gaziantep: 196 km (~2 hr 15 min)
  Total Distance: 280 km (~3 hr 50 min)

Meal Information:
Wednesday: Breakfast in Şanlıurfa, Dinner in Gaziantep

Day 6 – The Spirit of Gaziantep: Art, Resistance & Culinary Legacy

Tour Program
Today we begin by exploring the vibrant city of Gaziantep, which seamlessly blends history, art, and flavor. Our first stop is the iconic Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to world-renowned mosaics including the hauntingly beautiful Gypsy Girl. Here, Roman mythology and artistry come to life beneath your feet.

We then take a walk through Bey Mahallesi, a historic district that once housed diverse communities living in harmony. Cobblestone alleys and well-preserved houses tell silent stories of a shared past.

We continue to visit:

• The Gaziantep Toy Museum, where nostalgia meets tradition,

• The Atatürk Memorial House,

• The Panorama 25 December Museum, which details the city’s heroic resistance during the War of Independence.

After a lunch break, our cultural journey continues with:

• The Turkish Bath Museum, showcasing Ottoman bath rituals,

• The Money Museum, displaying coins and banknotes through history,

• The Emine Göğüş Culinary Museum, a tribute to Gaziantep’s globally acclaimed cuisine.

In the late afternoon, we dive into local bazaars:

• Zincirli Bedesten,

• Coppersmiths’ Bazaar,

• Almacı Market,

…and wrap up our day at the historic Tahmis Coffeehouse, sipping traditional Menengiç or Dibek coffee.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Gaziantep.

Travel Distances by Vehicle:

• All locations are within Gaziantep city limits

• Total travel: ~12 km (~28 minutes) (excluding walking tours)

Meal Information:
Thursday: Breakfast and Dinner in Gaziantep

Day 7 – Legends on the Euphrates: Halfeti, Rumkale & Mount Nemrut Sunset

Tour Program
After enjoying our open buffet breakfast at the hotel, we set out for a breathtaking day along the legendary Euphrates River. Our destination is Halfeti, a picturesque town partially submerged by the Birecik Dam—part of Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia Project.

Upon arrival, we board our private boat for a cruise on the shimmering waters of the Birecik Dam Lake. As we glide along, we’re greeted by magnificent views, starting with Rumkale, a majestic fortress perched where the Euphrates meets the Merziman River. The tour continues past ancient cave dwellings and the hauntingly beautiful, partially sunken village of Savaşan, where only the mosque’s minaret remains above the water.

We then drive to Kahta, a town in Adıyaman, for a delicious lunch. Afterward, we begin our ascent into history with a journey through the Nemrut Mountain National Park, home to the lasting legacy of the Kingdom of Commagene.

Our first stop is the Karakuş Tumulus, a royal burial site built for Commagene women, easily recognized by its famous eagle-topped column. We continue to the Cendere Bridge, constructed during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus nearly 1900 years ago—an incredible example of ancient engineering still standing strong today.

We then visit the ancient city of Arsameia, the Commagene Kingdom’s summer capital, before ascending to Mount Nemrut, rising 2,150 meters above sea level. At the summit, we meet the monumental statues of gods such as Zeus-Oromasdes, Apollo-Mithras, Heracles-Artagnes, and Kommagene-Fortuna, surrounding the tomb of King Antiochus.

We conclude this epic day by watching the sunset from Mount Nemrut, an unforgettable moment steeped in silence and history. After sunset, we travel to Diyarbakır for our final overnight stay.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Diyarbakır.

Travel Distances by Vehicle:

• Gaziantep → Halfeti: 101 km (~1 hr 13 min)

• Halfeti → Kahta: 146 km (~2 hr 7 min)

• Kahta → Cendere Bridge: 20 km (~26 min)

• Cendere Bridge → Mount Nemrut: 23 km (~42 min)

• Mount Nemrut → Diyarbakır: 164 km (~2 hr 16 min)
  Total Distance: 454 km (~6 hr 44 min)

Meal Information:
Friday: Breakfast in Gaziantep, Lunch in Kahta, Dinner in Diyarbakır

Day 8 – Farewell & Departure

Tour Program
After our final breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Diyarbakır Airport for departure. Guests who prefer may also check out and continue their onward journey independently. We bid you farewell with warm wishes and hope to see you again on another unforgettable adventure.

Travel Distances by Vehicle:

• Hotel → Airport: 8 km (~12 minutes)
  Total Distance: 8 km (~12 min)

Total Route Summary for the Tour:

Distance Covered: 1,287 km
Total Travel Time: ~19 hours 19 minutes

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS ACCOMMODATION IN QUALITY HOTELS

Day 1 – DIYARBAKIR: Ramada by Wyndham Hotel, Divan Hotel, Diyarbakır In Garden Hotel, or similar
Day 2 – MARDIN: Hilton Hotel, Ramada Hotel, or similar
Day 3 – MARDIN: Hilton Hotel, Ramada Hotel, or similar
Day 4 – SANLIURFA: Hilton Hotel, Nevali Hotel, or similar
Day 5 – GAZIANTEP: Teymur Hotel, Dedeman Hotel, Shimall Hotel, or similar
Day 6 – GAZIANTEP: Teymur Hotel, Dedeman Hotel, Shimall Hotel, or similar
Day 7 – DIYARBAKIR: Ramada by Wyndham Hotel, Divan Hotel, Diyarbakır In Garden Hotel, or similar

General Terms and Conditions:

The general terms and conditions are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently from it. The tour brochure is valid as of 14.02.2025. Any tour brochure for the same tour published at a later date shall supersede and invalidate the previous one.

• Cancellations made up to 30 days prior to the tour departure date may be canceled free of charge and kept as an open credit, or refunded with a €250 deduction. Cancellations made within 30 days of the tour departure are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.

• Reservations can be made by paying 50% of the tour fee via bank transfer. The remaining balance must be paid 1 month before the tour date.

• For payments made by credit card, the full tour fee must be paid at the time of reservation.

• The tour duration is 8 days and 7 nights, with 7 nights of hotel accommodation.

• Seat numbers are not guaranteed at the time of reservation.

• Transportation and hotel notes added to the reservation are not guaranteed.

• Child discounts applied in tour packages are valid for one child accompanied by two adults.

• For children aged 0–7, a separate bed may not be provided in hotel accommodations.

• A gradual price increase system may be applied to the tour.

• Unused transportation, accommodation, sightseeing tours, and similar services are non-refundable.

• In case the minimum required number of participants is not reached, the producer agency reserves the right to cancel the tour up to 7 days before the departure date. In such cases, the producer agency is obliged to inform the guests personally.

• For tours canceled by the producer agency, the agency is required to refund the full amount paid without any deductions.

• For tours including flights, the airline’s terms and conditions apply to flight-related services. Cancellation insurance does not cover air transportation. Economy class is used in flight-inclusive tour programs.

• The tour guide may make changes to the program schedule (order of visits during the day or changes between days) due to weather conditions, road conditions, or other necessary reasons.

• The producer agency is not responsible for sites listed in the program but not visited due to force majeure (weather, road conditions, crowding at sites, etc.).

• Participants are required to carry medical reports regarding any health conditions, pregnancy, or medications that must be taken regularly during the tour.

• The hotels listed in the program are the preferred accommodation facilities. Due to occupancy or force majeure, hotels of equivalent standard may be substituted.

• Participants should choose clothing, accessories, and footwear (boots, slippers, sandals, water shoes, etc.) suitable for the region’s geography, weather conditions, and tour concept.

• The type of vehicles used during the tour is determined by the number of participants as follows:
  Buses: for 28–46 people
  Midibuses: for 17–27 people
  Minibuses: for up to 16 people

THE ABOVE-WRITTEN TOUR PROGRAM HAS BEEN ORIGINALLY PREPARED BY THE PRODUCER AGENCY IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONSUMER LAW NO. 6502.