Cappadocia to Gaziantep - 5-hour journey

Zeugma Mosaic Museum - The day begins at 8:00 am with a gathering at your hotel in Cappadocia. From there, a 3.5-hour drive will take us to our initial stop in Kahramanmaras, where you can enjoy the world-famous goat milk ice cream. Following this, a one-hour drive will bring us to Gaziantep for a delightful lunch. Post-lunch, we’ll explore the Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
Renowned for its well-preserved mosaics, the Gaziantep Mosaic Museum showcases the treasures of the Zeugma Ancient City, a UNESCO Tentative Site since 2021. These 2000-year-old mosaics captivate with their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and exceptional craftsmanship. Spanning 1450 m², the museum also includes 140 m² of frescoes, 4 Roman fountains, 20 columns, 4 limestone sculptures, a bronze statue of Mars, as well as grave steles and sarcophagi.

Gaziantep Province - Our itinerary also includes a walk through Gaziantep’s historic streets, a visit to the copper market, and a stop at a famous baklava shop, as Gaziantep is the birthplace of Baklava. In the evening, after dinner, we’ll visit Tahmis Coffee House, Turkey’s oldest coffee establishment dating back to 1635, to enjoy the renowned pistachio coffee. After our explorations, we’ll spend the night in Gaziantep.

Sanliurfa Museum & Harran

Sanliurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum - After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Sanliurfa. Our first stop is the impressive Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum, which houses an extensive collection of around 10,000 artifacts, surpassing Turkish standards. Highlights include the world’s oldest statue, a replica of the Göbeklitepe D Temple, the original Nevali Çori Temple, and various periodical animations. Visitors will also be enchanted by some of the world’s most beautiful mosaics at the adjacent Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, enhancing the experience at the Sanliurfa Museum.

Cave of Abraham - After lunch, our exploration of Sanliurfa continues in the city center, rich in historical significance as the former home of Old Testament prophets like Jethro, Job, Elijah, and Abraham. Known as “The City of Prophets,” Sanliurfa also holds the story of Prophet Moses, who tended sheep here for seven years before returning to Egypt.

A highlight of our visit is the revered Pool of Prophet Abraham, where legend says Abraham, defying Nimrod’s religion, miraculously survived being thrown into the fire. According to belief, the fire turned into water, and the firewood into the carps now seen in the pool. As we stroll through the streets, the city’s charm unfolds in its harmonious blend of diverse cultures and ethnic groups.

Harran Ruins - Our journey continues with a one-hour drive to Harran, once home to Prophet Abraham. Despite its location in a dry, arid plain, Harran boasts a rich history spanning 5000 years. As a vital trade center between Anatolia and Mesopotamia, Harran thrived, preserving its unique culture. The city is famous for its distinctive adobe houses, often called bee-hive houses, along with a castle and an 8th-century university building. Harran’s cultural importance has earned it a place on the UNESCO Tentative List since 2000.

After a delightful dinner at a charming restaurant in Sanliurfa, we will spend the night in this vibrant city, further immersing ourselves in its rich culture and history.

Gobeklitepe & Karahantepe, Sunset on Mount Nemrut

Gobeklitepe - After breakfast at the hotel, our journey continues with a short 30-minute drive to Göbeklitepe, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkey. Göbekli Tepe stands as an unparalleled testament to monumental human-made architecture. Scientifically confirmed as the world’s oldest temple, dating back an astonishing 11,500 years, the site is adorned with numerous limestone pillars intricately carved with stylized T-shaped images. Archaeoastronomers speculate on their potential astronomical alignment function, adding to the site’s intrigue. Our next stop will be at Karahantepe, a newly discovered and still under-excavation site, promising further archaeological wonders.

Karahantepe - Karahantepe is a significant Pre-Pottery Neolithic Site nestled in the Taş Tepeler Region of Southeast Turkey, located within the province of Şanlıurfa. The term “Taş Tepeler” translates to “stone hills,” perfectly describing an area adorned with numerous archaeological sites, marked by T-shaped anthropomorphic pillars reminiscent of those found at Göbekli Tepe. What sets Karahantepe apart is its association with the same cultural context as Göbekli Tepe, albeit with notable differences. While Göbekli Tepe’s imagery displays a higher degree of formality, realism, and intricate craftsmanship, Karahantepe’s depictions, though still ritualistic, are less finely rendered and possess a more dynamic quality.

Mount Nemrut - After enjoying lunch in Sanliurfa, our journey continues with a 1.5-hour drive to Adiyaman. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel to refresh and prepare for the ascent to Mount Nemrut. Subsequently, we embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to reach the summit of Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Upon reaching the national park entrance, we’ll embark on a 20-minute hike to the summit. Once atop, a breathtaking panorama awaits, offering one of the world’s most mesmerizing sunsets amidst statues of gods and kings. After this awe-inspiring experience, we’ll descend from the mount and return to our hotel in Adiyaman for a delightful dinner. The night concludes with an overnight stay in Adiyaman.

Drive back to Cappadocia or Flight back to Istanbul

Adiyaman - On the following day, you’ll have the choice to either embark on a scenic drive back to Cappadocia or opt for a convenient flight back to Istanbul. The flight tickets are included as well. Whether you choose the road to savor the landscapes or the skies for a quicker return, both options promise a memorable journey reflecting the rich cultural and historical tapestry of your Turkish adventure.

• All admission fees to museums on the itinerary
• Lunch
• Dinner
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Hotel accommodations with breakfasts
• Parking fees
• Departure flight tickets from Adiyaman Airport to Istanbul Airport

• Gratuities
• Beverages

Embark on a captivating 3-night journey through the heart of Turkey’s rich history and cultural heritage. Our adventure commences at the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where Turkey’s most exquisite mosaics transport you back in time. From there, we venture to Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest temple complex, where towering T-shaped pillars stand as silent sentinels of humanity’s earliest spiritual endeavors. Nearby lies Karahantepe, a newly unearthed archaeological marvel, offering a fascinating glimpse into Neolithic life &culture. As our journey nears its culmination, we make our way to the majestic Mount Nemrut, where a breathtaking sunset awaits. Atop this ancient mountain, adorned with colossal stone statues and mausoleums, we witness nature’s grandeur and the legacy of ancient civilizations, casting a golden hue over the horizon as day gives way to night. Join us on this unforgettable expedition as we uncover the treasures of Turkey’s past and marvel at the wonders of its present.

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.