Tour Highlights
Gallery
Location Map
Itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Cappadocia | Airport Transfer
We meet at Kayseri Airport and drive to the hotel in central Cappadocia, one of Turkey's most popular travel destinations and a UNESCO-listed region.
Hotel: Agarta Cave Hotel or similar
Stay: Cappadocia
DAY 2 – Cappadocia Highlights Tour | Uçhisar Castle – Göreme Open Air Museum – Avanos – Paşabağı
Today we see the major highlights of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and rock-cut architecture. We start with Uçhisar Castle, a naturally formed rock structure filled with caves used as dwellings, storage rooms, and stalls. As it is the highest spot in central Cappadocia, it was always a strategic point during wartime. We walk up to the top of the castle for panoramic views.
We then continue to the Göreme Open Air Museum, one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cappadocia. Here, we see the best-preserved churches of the region. Cappadocia was inhabited by early Christians from Caesarea (Kayseri) in the 4th century. They formed a monastic life that flourished and expanded in the 7th century. Monasteries, chapels, and cathedrals were carved into the volcanic rocks. Göreme Open Air Museum hosts the finest examples, dating back to the 11th–12th centuries AD, and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1985.
We then drive to the pottery-making town of Avanos, divided by the Red River (Kızılırmak), the longest river in Turkey. With its old Greek houses and charming riverside atmosphere, Avanos is one of the most characteristic towns of Cappadocia. Besides tourism and agriculture, traditional pottery making has dominated the local economy for over 4,000 years. We cross the river on a wobbly bridge, have lunch in town, and visit a local pottery atelier to see the pottery-making process.
In the afternoon, we drive to Paşabağı, also known as Monks Valley, where the fairy chimneys (monolith rock formations) were once inhabited by hermits following St. Simeon's lifestyle. We stroll around the unique three-headed fairy chimneys and then continue to Devrent Valley, widely known as Imagination Valley. Here, the valley slopes and hilltops were formed distinctively by strong wind and flood erosion.
We then return to the hotel.
Stay: Cappadocia
Hotel: Agarta Cave Hotel or similar
DAY 3 – Ihlara Valley Tour | Underground City & Selime Monastery
Optional hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia in the early morning. Cappadocia is one of the best hot air balloon destinations in the world. At sunrise, dozens of balloons take off and create a stunning skyline over the fairy chimneys. As it is the best way to witness the unique landscape from above, this experience has become the most popular activity and highlight of the region.
In the morning, we start with a short photo break and then drive to Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the top highlights of Cappadocia. Underground cities served as living quarters and shelters during wartime throughout history. Although the first inhabitants are believed to be the Hittites, most of these cities were reformed and enlarged by early Christian communities to protect themselves against Arab–Sasanid raids. With long passages, labyrinth-like tunnels, chapels, wineries, and numerous storage rooms, these underground cities resemble subterranean villages with the capacity to shelter thousands of people. Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the largest in the region, consists of four levels open to the public and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
We continue to Ihlara Valley, a gorge stretching 14 km from Ihlara to Selime town. It was formed by the Melendiz River, which still flows through the valley and supports local agriculture. The gorge also provided an ideal refuge for early Christian monks. There are caves, churches, storage areas, and safe hideaway tunnels on both sides of the river. We walk approximately 3 km along the river, seeing rock-cut churches and cultivated fields along the way.
After lunch at one of the authentic riverside restaurants, we drive to Selime Monastery, situated on a hilltop overlooking Selime town. This 9th-century religious complex consists of a cathedral, chapel, education hall, dormitory, and kitchen. Some wall paintings can still be seen inside the churches. We ascend to the top following a steep path and stroll around the rock dwellings while enjoying panoramic views.
Later, we drive to see a crater lake called Narlıgöl, a 65-meter-deep warm spring lake surrounded by hills. The lake forms a heart shape when the water level decreases in summer. Depending on the season, there is a chance to swim in the lake. We then return to the hotel.
Stay: Cappadocia
Hotel: Agarta Cave Hotel or similar
DAY 4 – Drive to Gaziantep via Kahramanmaraş (5.5 hrs)
Today we leave Cappadocia and drive to Gaziantep, one of the culinary capitals of Southeastern Turkey. En route, we stop in Kahramanmaraş to taste the most famous Turkish ice cream, known for its unique texture and flavor.
Upon arrival in Gaziantep, we check in to our hotel and have free time to relax.
Stay: Gaziantep
Hotel: Anadolu Evleri Hotel or similar
DAY 5 – Zeugma Mosaic Museum & Coppersmith Bazaar
Today we visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in the city of Gaziantep, the largest mosaic museum in the world, displaying approximately 1,700 m² of mosaics. The museum opened to the public on 9 September 2011. Its collection of Hellenistic Greek and Roman mosaics focuses on the ancient city of Zeugma, believed to have been founded as Seleucia by Seleucus I Nicator, founder of the Seleucid Kingdom, after serving as a hetairoi military officer in the army of Alexander the Great.
Gaziantep is also recognized as a City of Gastronomy in Turkey, offering a rich culinary heritage. We have the opportunity to taste local delicacies in the city center and explore traditional local bazaars, including the Coppersmith Bazaar, before returning to the hotel.
Stay: Gaziantep
Hotel: Anadolu Evleri Hotel or similar
DAY 6 – Drive to Şanlıurfa | Göbeklitepe & Old Town Tour (2 hrs)
We depart for Şanlıurfa to explore Göbeklitepe, located in Upper Mesopotamia, a region that witnessed the emergence of the world's earliest farming communities. Monumental structures, interpreted as communal enclosures, were erected by groups of hunter-gatherers during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period (10th–9th millennia BC). These monuments were likely used for social gatherings and ritual activities.
Göbeklitepe features distinctive T-shaped limestone pillars, some reaching up to 5.50 meters in height. Several pillars, which are abstract representations of the human form, display low reliefs of clothing such as belts and loincloths, as well as high and low reliefs of wild animals. Recent excavations have also revealed remains of non-monumental structures believed to be domestic buildings.
After our visit, we continue to Şanlıurfa Old Town, one of the most important historical centers of Mesopotamia, before transferring to the hotel.
DAY 7 – Urfa Museums & Drive to Kahta, Adıyaman (4 hrs)
Today we check out from Şanlıurfa and visit the Şanlıurfa Mosaic and Archaeological Museum, one of the largest museum complexes in Turkey, showcasing artifacts from Upper Mesopotamia.
After the museum visit, we drive to Kahta, the gateway to Mount Nemrut, where we will climb the mountain the following day. En route, we pass through many local towns and traditional villages, giving you the opportunity to observe rural Anatolian village life and daily activities.
Stay: Nemrut area
Hotel: Euphrates Hotel or similar
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DAY 8 – Cendere Bridge, Karakuş Tumulus & Mount Nemrut Sunset
Today we start with Karakuş Tumulus, an artificial burial mound standing 35 meters high on top of a natural hill. The Turkish name “Karakuş” means Black Bird and refers to the column crowned with an eagle sculpture located at the summit of the tumulus.
We then have a short photo break at the historic Cendere Bridge, a remarkably preserved Roman bridge dating back nearly 2,000 years.
Before sunset, we drive to Mount Nemrut, the monumental resting place of King Antiochus I Theos of the Kingdom of Commagene. Mount Nemrut is one of the most fascinating ancient sites in Turkey and is consistently ranked among the top archaeological sites in Asia Minor. The Hierothesion of Antiochus, with its colossal statues and mysterious inscriptions, is a truly sensational sight on a global scale and remains an archaeological site full of unanswered questions.
We drive partway up the mountain and then climb to the West Terrace to witness the famous Mount Nemrut sunset, one of the most iconic experiences in Eastern Turkey. Return to the hotel afterward.
Stay: Nemrut area
Hotel: Euphrates Hotel or similar
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DAY 9 – Diyarbakır Tour | UNESCO Sites & Drive to Mardin (5 hrs)
After breakfast, we depart for Diyarbakır, crossing the Nissip Bridge near the Atatürk Dam, enjoying scenic views along the way. Throughout history, Diyarbakır has been one of the most important cities of Northern Mesopotamia, known as a cradle of civilizations where many religions, languages, and cultures have coexisted.
Our tour begins with the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, considered the 5th Harem-i Sharif of Islam and one of the earliest mosques in Anatolia. We then visit the Diyarbakır City Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a coffee and shopping break at the historic Sülüklü Han.
Later, we see the Sheikh Muhattar Mosque, built during the Akkoyunlu period and famous for its unique Four-Legged Minaret, an architectural marvel supported by four stone pillars. We also visit the graves of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Suleiman Mosque.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Mardin. Our carefully designed Mardin tour program allows us to experience the city like locals. We visit Deyrulzafaran Monastery, which served as the center of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate for over 1,000 years, and see the 4,000-year-old Sun Temple, hospital, church, and baptistery.
Stay: Mardin
Hotel: Sahran Konağı or similar
DAY 10 – Full Day in Mardin | Old City Exploration & Free Time
This is the best day to relax and explore Mardin, one of the most atmospheric cities of Mesopotamia. We start our tour of Old Mardin with the Kasımiye Madrasah, an important historical complex reflecting the city's rich cultural mosaic. The architectural structures create a mystical atmosphere shaped by Muslim, Syriac, Turkish, and Arab influences, making Mardin a unique place where religions and languages meet.
We continue to the Ulu Mosque and its minaret. Mosque Kebir, Şehidiye Madrasa, and the historic PTT House are also among the landmarks we will visit.
During free time in Mardin, you will have the opportunity to shop for local products and souvenirs. It is recommended to buy extra luggage to take home natural soaps (from Sabuncu Mehmet), nuts, almonds, Mardin-specific almond candies, dried fruits, sweets, rosaries, and various handmade accessories. The afternoon is left free to explore the city on your own.
Dinner and accommodation in Mardin.
Stay: Mardin
Hotel: Sahran Konağı Hotel or similar
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DAY 11 – Midyat, Meryem Ana Church, Ancient Villages & Drive to Tatvan (4 hrs)
After breakfast, we depart from Mardin and travel through the Midyat region, visiting Meryem Ana Church, Hah Village, and Anıtlı Village. During the day, we visit a Yezidi village and cemetery, offering insight into the ancient belief systems of Mesopotamia, including influences associated with Zoroastrian traditions.
We then continue our journey to Tatvan for overnight. Tatvan is well known for its local cuisine, especially Büryan Kebab, considered the best place in the region to taste this traditional dish.
Stay: Tatvan
Hotel: Kardelen Hotel or similar
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DAY 12 – Van Lake Tour | Akdamar Island, Van Castle & Urartian Heritage (2.5 hrs)
Today's regional tour begins with a drive to Akdamar Island, located in the Edremit district of Lake Van. We take a boat transfer from the pier to admire the remarkable stone craftsmanship of the state-restored Akdamar Church, one of the finest examples of medieval Armenian architecture in Eastern Turkey.
After returning to the mainland, we enjoy picturesque photo stops featuring Lake Van and surrounding mountain scenery. In Van, we may also visit the Van Cat House to see the famous Van cats up close.
We then visit Van Castle, also known as Tuspa Castle, built by Urartian King Sarduri approximately 2,800 years ago. Located near Lake Van, the fortress served as the capital of the Urartian Kingdom under the name Tuspa. We explore the castle's rock tombs belonging to Urartian kings.
Following our visit to the Van Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, dinner and accommodation will be provided in Van. Overnight in a local homestay in Van, if available, offering an opportunity to experience local life.
Stay: Van
Accommodation: Homestay or similar
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DAY 13 – Departure from Van | Flight to Istanbul
After breakfast, we drive to Van Airport for your flight to Istanbul.
Tour ends.