Mesopotamia

Information

11-day tour that will take us from Istanbul to the southeast of Anatolia to join the wonderful Turkish Mesopotamia, there we will visit Mardin, Urfa, Antep and more places full of history. Then we will leave by bus to the majestic Cappadocia, a wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape, formed by volcanic lava from more than 3 million years ago . We finish our tour returning to Istanbul but first visiting the capital of Türkiye, Ankara, where we will visit the Mausoleum of the founder of the Turkish Republic.

Tour Gallery

Tour Plan

• DAY 01: [-/-/-] ARRIVAL - ISTANBUL
  Welcome to Türkiye , a country with a unique history and culture, where you will experience an extraordinary holiday. A new world of experiences awaits you, where the differences of East and West are combined in one country. Arrival by international flight to the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST), inaugurated in April 2019 and today the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration and collecting your bags, you must go to our meeting point (check your voucher) where our team will meet you. Then we will meet our drivers and modern vehicles for your transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest.
• DAY 02: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Departure for a panoramic tour of one of the oldest areas of the city where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, whose construction was completed under the reign of the Roman Emperor Valens in 368. We will continue to appreciate the Walls of Constantinople, which remind us of the times when they were seen as invincible, limiting access by land and sea to the so-called "Eis-tin Poli/ or Inner City", possibly from where Istanbul got its name. We will cross the Galata Bridge over the "Golden Horn" where we will have a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the Tower that gives the bridge its name and the Asian side. Then we will enter the Beyoglu district to appreciate the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with traces of classical European architecture at the gateway to the Middle East. This area is an open-air commercial and tourist center, full of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars around its famous pedestrian street with its nostalgic train. At the end of the visit, you will have free time. You will return to the hotel after the optional excursions have finished, depending on the schedule and meeting point.
  
  Possibility of taking the optional excursion “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek quarter in Fener and contemplate the magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Mosque of Suleymaniye the Magnificent, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and which has the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with special charm due to its color and aroma, the place par excellence to buy teas, herbs, nuts, typical sweets and of course spices; Culminating with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, we will appreciate the wonderful views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas and the bridges that connect both sides of this city. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
• DAY 03: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL - FLIGHT - MARDIN
  Breakfast. Departure to the airport to take a flight to Mardin (not included in the price of the program - check the mandatory supplement) . Arrival in Mardin where you will see a charming city located in the southeast of Turkey, offering you a breathtaking panoramic view. This historic city, with its cobbled streets and traditional architecture, the center of Mardin and its magnificent castle, monasteries. Dinner and accommodation.
• DAY 04: [B/-/D] MARDIN
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking the “CHARMS OF MIDYAT” excursion: Midyat’s charm lies in its old stone houses and authentic atmosphere. One of Midyat’s highlights is its Mor Gabriel Church, which dates back to the 4th century and is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. With its impressive architecture and sacred atmosphere, the Mor Gabriel Church is a place of great historical and religious importance. We end with a tour of Midyat, a city full of charm and authenticity. Its distinctive architecture, rich history, craftsmanship and delicious cuisine make it a fascinating destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the culture and tradition of this region of Turkey. Dinner Accommodation in Mardin.
• DAY 05: [B/-/D] MARDIN - URFA
  Breakfast. Departure to Urfa. We begin our sightseeing tour of Urfa and its historic center with the sacred lake of Balıklıgöl. According to legend, this is the place where Abraham was thrown into the fire for defying King Nimrod. The carp living in the lake are considered sacred. You can also admire the ancient fortress on top of a hill. We continue to the beautiful Rızvaniye Mosque, known for its impressive domes and Ottoman architecture. It is a peaceful place to appreciate local spirituality and culture.
  
  Possibility of taking the optional excursions: “ANCESTRAL MESOPOTAMIA”: Visit to Göbeklitepe. Visit to the Urfa Archaeological Museum for being an archaeological site in Turkey dating back to approximately 9600 BC. It is considered one of the most important finds of prehistory due to its age and the complexity of its structures. The site consists of large stone pillars carved with animal and human figures, indicating a surprising artistic skill for the time. Göbekli Tepe has redefined our understanding of the development of human societies by suggesting that ritual and religious practices may have been the initial driving force for the creation of sedentary settlements and agriculture. / “MESOPOTAMIA NIGHT” . Sira Night is a presentation with traditional Şanlıurfa music, which is accompanied by the taste of the delicacies of local cuisine. A night full of surprises and fun for our guests.
• DAY 06: [B/-/D] URFA - HALFETI - ANTEP
  After breakfast, visit Harran, one of the oldest cities in the world, where we can see its famous University, which together with the ruins offer a fascinating view of antiquity. In Haram we will also see the typical Beehive Houses, their curious conical shape, are made of mud bricks (to prevent the entry of heat). We continue on our way to Gaziantep. Arrival, dinner and accommodation.
  
  On the way between Urfa and Antep you can take the optional excursion “EUPHRATES RIVER CRUISE”: On our route we will stop in Halfeti, the region where Black Roses (in Turkish Karagül) are produced. Lunch. Boat cruise on the Euphrates River and around the Ancient Greek Fortress. It offers a spectacular view with its traditional black stone houses, contrasting with the crystal clear water of the river and the surrounding green landscape, creating a picturesque setting . Arrival, dinner and accommodation.
• DAY 07: [B/-/D] ANTEP - CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast. Panoramic tour of the beautiful city of Antep, starting with the citadel: we will walk through the narrow cobbled streets and admire the Ottoman architecture. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “THE LEGACY OF ZEUGMA AND ANTEP” : Departure to visit the Zeugma Museum, world-renowned for the beauty and historical value of its mosaics. The museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the mosaics discovered in the ancient city of Zeugma, which was an important Roman city in the past. These mosaics are true works of art, with exquisite details and vibrant colors that have stood the test of time. We will also have the opportunity to taste the famous baklava; a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey and Copper Bazaar.
  
  We head towards Cappadocia. Arrival at the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
• DAY 08: [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast. Today we will visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape, formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th century frescoes. Visit the stunning valleys of the region with their “otherworldly” landscapes. We will also appreciate the views of the symbols of the region's geological formations, the famous "Fairy Chimneys". We will stop to enjoy the incredible and extensive panoramic view of the Pigeon Valley, which owes its name to the numerous pigeons housed in the rocks, as in Cappadocia these animals have long been a source of food and fertilizer. We will visit an underground city in Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of our tour, we will visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces that are true treasures. We will then visit a gemstone and jewelry center with exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation.
  
  Optional programs in Cappadocia: “TURKISH NIGHT” Presentation of folkloric dances in a typical cave with local drinks; “JEEP SAFARI” adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops to take the best photos; “BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
• DAY 09: [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA - ANKARA - ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Departure for Ankara for the visit of the Anitkabir to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. The Mausoleum is a place of great historical and emotional importance in Ankara. This impressive monument is the final resting place of the Turkish leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. We continue to Istanbul.
• DAY 10: [-/-/-] ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Delve into the historic center of the city, where you can observe the variety of vestiges of the different empires that shaped present-day Istanbul: the imposing Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans and main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire; Hagia Sophia with its majestic Byzantine architecture and mix of Christian and Islamic religious elements; the Roman Hippodrome, center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years; the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.
  
  During the afternoon we will have the opportunity to take part in a special optional “ISTANBUL STREET GASTRONOMY”: This food tour is a unique experience walking through the streets of the most historic region of Istanbul in the heart of ancient Constantinople that invites diners to taste a selection of typical and traditional bites. With this food tour, we will visit the hidden treasures of Istanbulite flavor through a combination of textures and artistic presentations, participants have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the gastronomic diversity, while enjoying a feast for the senses. It is an opportunity to discover new flavors, ingredients and culinary techniques, appreciate the art and passion hidden behind each dish. A food tasting is a journey of discovery, a gastronomic adventure that delights the palate and creates memorable memories.
• 11 DAY 11: [-/-/-] ISTANBUL - DEPARTURE
  Breakfast. Transfer to the Airport (IST) and return flight. End of our services.
  
  Important notes : Accommodation may be provided in Izmir or Kusadasi, depending on the season. The order of the itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to guide availability and closing days of the monuments, always respecting the visits to be made. The order of the optional excursions between days 2 and 3 may also be changed. Closing days for visits: Sunday - Grand Bazaar | Tuesday - Topkapı Palace. Similar tours are offered or the order of the day is changed in case of closure. Overnight stays in Istanbul are operated in two ways: 3 at the beginning + 1 at the end // or // 2 at the beginning + 2 at the end. In case the Grand Bazaar is closed, the Spice Bazaar will be visited.