For centuries, Cappadocia has served as the gateway from the East to the West, and today it remains the premier starting point for Eastern Turkey tours. Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through Antep, Urfa, Göbeklitepe, Dara, Mardin, and Nemrut. Begin with a breathtaking sunset atop Mount Nemrut, then marvel at Göbeklitepe's ancient construction, dating back 12,000 years. Experience the charm of Urfa’s Holy Lake and Cave of Prophet Abraham, and explore Mardin’s active Syriac monasteries, Armenian churches, and Arabian mosques. Conclude your trip by admiring the world-renowned mosaic collections at Zeugma.
08:30 AM: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cappadocia or from Nevşehir and Kayseri Airports and set off towards Karatayhan Caravanserai, following the historic Silk Road.
10:00 AM: Arrive at Karatayhan Caravanserai, built in 1240 by the renowned Seljuk Vizier Celaleddin Karatay. This ancient structure, once serving as a haven for traders, is notable for its unique stone carvings and detailed entrance gate. You will have approximately 30 minutes to explore this remarkable monument before we head to Tekir Valley.
12:30 PM: Enjoy a meal featuring some of Turkey’s most organic and natural dishes in Tekir Valley, which links Central Anatolia with Mesopotamia. While traversing the valley, you’ll witness herds of lambs, sheep, cows, and the legendary goats of the Taurus Mountains, also known as the Anatolian Alps. To end your meal, savor the handmade Turkish ice cream made from goat's milk in Kahramanmaras, renowned for its delicious taste.
02:00 PM: Depart Kahramanmaras for Gaziantep to explore the impressive Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
03:00 PM: Arrive at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, a significant site for art historians and archaeologists. The museum showcases artifacts from Late Antiquity, Early Syrian, and Christian iconography, including Roman statues, fountains, and columns. One highlight is the Maenad mosaic from the 2nd century AD, known for its unique "three-quarter gaze" technique from the Hellenistic Period.
04:00 PM: Depart from the Zeugma Mosaic Museum and head to Urfa.
06:00 PM: Arrive in Urfa and begin exploring the Historical Covered Bazaar, where you will encounter a vast array of spices, Turkish delights, and copper items, evoking the atmosphere of the 12th and 13th centuries.
06:30 PM: Visit the Cave of Prophet Abraham, believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham and a site of pilgrimage for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The cave is also famed for its healing waters.
07:00 PM: Visit the Holy Lake (Balıklıgöl), associated with the legend of Prophet Abraham's fiery ordeal and ancient temples dedicated to the goddess Atargatis. The fish in the lake are considered sacred and are not to be touched or eaten.
07:30 PM: Transfer to your boutique hotel in old city Urfa for overnight accommodation.
08:30 AM: After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Göbeklitepe.
09:30 AM: Arrive at Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple, discovered by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt. This cult center, dating back 12,000 years, is considered the cradle of civilization and offers crucial insights into the Neolithic period.
11:00 AM: Depart for Dara Ancient City, with a lunch break to sample regional cuisine.
02:30 PM: Arrive in Dara, a crucial settlement of Upper Mesopotamia established in 505 AD as a military garrison to guard the Eastern Roman Empire's border against the Sassanids.
03:30 PM: Depart for Deyrulzafaran Monastery.
04:15 PM: Arrive at Deyrulzafaran Monastery, originally a Pagan temple built in 900 BC, later converted to a Hellenic temple, then a Roman castle, and finally a Syriac Monastery in the 4th century AD. The monastery remains active, and you will receive blessings during your visit.
05:30 PM: Drive to Mardin.
06:00 PM: Arrive in Mardin and check into your hotel. Overnight in Mardin.
Optional: For an additional experience, join the "Folkloric Mesopotamian Dancing and Dinner Show" from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
09:00 AM: After breakfast, explore Mardin, one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia and Babylonia. Visit Ulu Mosque (Great Mosque), Mardin Castle, and wander through the ancient streets. Conclude your exploration at Kasimiye Madrasah, a 15th-century complex featuring a mosque, school, and tomb with unique stonework and traditional decorations.
01:00 PM: Have lunch and depart for Cendere Bridge.
05:00 PM: Arrive at Cendere Bridge, a remarkable example of Roman engineering built between 193-211 AD. The bridge, with its main and evacuation arches, is constructed from large, smooth-cut stones.
05:30 PM: Depart for Arsemia Ruins.
05:45 PM: Arrive at Arsemia Ruins, the summer capital and administrative center of the Commagene Kingdom, founded in the 2nd century BC. Explore the ceremonial road, the Mithras relief stele, Antiochos-Herakles handshake stele, and the tomb temple of Mithridates Callinichos.
06:15 PM: Depart for Mount Nemrut to witness the sunset.
07:30 PM: Arrive at the summit of Mount Nemrut to see the Tumulus of Antiochus I, built in 62 BC, and the sculptures of Western and Eastern gods. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset experience.
09:30 PM: Dinner and overnight stay in Kahta.
09:00 AM: After breakfast, depart for the largest dam in the Middle East.
10:15 AM: Arrive at Atatürk Dam for a brief break and enjoy views of the dam. Sample the region’s delicious Turkish coffee and rosehip tea.
10:45 AM: Depart for Halfeti, an ancient town submerged by the Atatürk Dam.
12:00 PM: Arrive in Halfeti, known as the “Land of Karagul,” and embark on a boat tour to explore this hidden paradise, famous for its unique architecture, natural beauty, and black roses.
02:00 PM: Enjoy a local lunch in Halfeti.
03:30 PM: Depart for Cappadocia.
10:00 PM: Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to your hotel or to Nevşehir and Kayseri Airports. Alternatively, you can be dropped off at Gaziantep Airport for flights to Istanbul or Izmir (to visit Ephesus).
Group Discounts 1 pax = €910 2 pax = €1150 3 pax = €1450 4 pax = €1750 5 pax = €2050 6 pax = €2350 Contact us for a coupon code for group discounts.