From Istanbul to Adıyaman Flight

Adıyaman - At 08:30, guests will be picked up from their hotel and transferred to Istanbul airport. The flight to Adıyaman departs at 11:10, arriving at 13:00. Upon arrival, guests will be met at the airport and will begin the Mount Nemrut tour, including a lunch stop at a local restaurant. The tour will start with visits to Karakus Tumulus, Cendere Bridge, New Castle, and Arsemia. The highlight will be Mount Nemrut, where visitors can admire the world-renowned statues. The East and West Terraces offer a stunning sunset view. After exploring Nemrut, there will be time to take photos in the nearby valleys before returning to the hotel.

Karakus Tumulus - The guide will provide detailed information about the Karakuş Tumulus, a funerary monument for Queen Isias and Princesses Antiochis and Aka I of Commagene, constructed by Mithridates II of Commagene between 30–20 BCE. Located near the modern village of Çukurtaş in Kâhta District, Adıyaman Province, Turkey, “Karakuş” means “black bird,” named after a column topped by an eagle. The site is 12 kilometers from Kâhta, Turkey, and is surrounded by groups of three Doric columns, each about 9 meters high, topped with steles, reliefs, and statues of a bull, lion, and eagle. An inscription indicates the presence of a royal tomb that housed three women.

Cendere Bridge - The guide will share insights about the Severan Bridge, a late Roman bridge near the ancient city of Arsameia (now Eskikale), 55 km northeast of Adıyaman in southeastern Turkey. It spans the Cendere Çayı (Chabinas Creek), a tributary of Kâhta Creek, on provincial road 02-03 from Kâhta to Sincik in Adıyaman Province. This bridge was documented and illustrated in 1883 by archaeologists Osman Hamdi Bey and Osgan Efendi. The visit will last approximately 2 hours.

Arsemia Antik Kenti - The guide will provide information about Arsemia, once the summer residence of the Commagene kings, located 60 kilometers from Adıyaman. At the base of this ancient city, there is a magnificent relief depicting Heracles (or possibly Artagnes, a Persian deity identified with Heracles) shaking hands with King Mithridates of Commagene from around 50 BC. Nearby is the largest Greek inscription in Anatolia. The visit will last about 1 hour.

Mount Nemrut - Mount Nemrut, or Nemrud, is a 2,134-meter-high mountain in southeastern Turkey, known for its summit adorned with large statues surrounding what is believed to be a royal tomb from the 1st century BC. It is one of the highest peaks in the eastern Taurus Mountains, located 40 km north of Kahta, near Adıyaman. In 62 BCE, King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene constructed a tomb-sanctuary on the mountain top, flanked by huge statues 8–9 meters high of himself, two lions, two eagles, and various Greek, Armenian, and Iranian gods, such as Heracles-Artagnes-Ares, Zeus-Oromasdes, and Apollo-Mithras-Helios-Hermes. These statues were originally seated, with each god’s name inscribed on them. The heads of the statues have been removed from their bodies and are now scattered throughout the site. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular sunset before returning to the hotel.

From Adıyaman to Şanlıurfa City

Şanlıurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum - After breakfast, guests will begin exploring Şanlıurfa. The city has been inhabited since the time of the Babylonians, followed by the Hurrites, Hittites, Assyrians, and Greeks. The tour includes visits to the Urfa Archaeological Museum and Aleppo Bahce Mosaic Museum, which house extensive collections from the Harran and Gobeklitepe areas. Guests will also visit the holy sites at Ainzelha, a lake with millions of domesticated fish, and the cave where the prophet was born. A walk through the local covered bazaar of Şanlıurfa and the town will reveal many hidden treasures. A delicious lunch featuring kebabs will be enjoyed.

Potbelly Hill - Göbekli Tepe is one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites, dating back as far as 12,000 years. It was constructed before the advent of writing or pottery and is considered the world’s oldest ritual complex. This fascinating site is prompting archaeologists to reconsider their understanding of early human history.

Balıklıgöl - Visitors will explore Abraham’s cave, the birthplace of the prophet Abraham, and the Pool of Prophet Abraham, believed to be the site where Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire by Nimrod.

Şanlıurfa - After exploring the city, guests will be driven to the airport for their evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, they will be met and transferred to their hotel, marking the end of the services.

• Entry/Admission - Sanliurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum
• Entry/Admission - Arsemia Ancient City
• Entry/Admission - Nemrut Mountain National Park
• Entry/Admission - Karakuş Tumulus
• Museum Tickets
• Accommodation
• Entry/Admission - Göbekli Tepe
• Lunch
• Entry/Admission - Balikligol
• All Airport Transfers
• Breakfast
• Entry/Admission - Mountain Nemrut
• Domestic Roundtrip Flights

• Personal Expenses
• Meals

The Secrets of the Commagene Kingdom: Mount Nemrut is renowned for its colossal mausoleum and statues of gods, constructed for King Antiochus I of Commagene, who reigned in Adıyaman. These impressive structures were created to honor the gods and the king’s ancestors. Notably, there are two identical sets of statues: one set greets the sunrise, while the other bids farewell to the sunset. Isn’t it magnificent?

Şanlıurfa, often referred to as the city of prophets, is also home to Göbeklitepe, the earliest temple crafted by human hands. With its diverse population and vibrant traditions, this city is the jewel of Mesopotamia. Don’t postpone this visit any longer; it will transform your view of the world.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.