Eastern Turkey Discovery

Welcome to Turkey! Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide. Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar. After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.

After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Istanbul to Mardin, one of southeastern Türkiye’s most atmospheric cities. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin exploring this remarkable hilltop destination, where honey-coloured stone houses, narrow lanes, ancient faiths, and Mesopotamian views create a truly unforgettable setting.

Set out on a guided city tour through Mardin’s historic old town, discovering its layered cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and centuries-old streets. Visit key highlights such as the Great Mosque, Zinciriye Madrasa, Kasımiye Madrasa, and the bustling local bazaars, while your guide brings the city’s stories, craftsmanship, and diverse history to life.

After the tour, enjoy some free time to wander through the stone streets, browse local shops, sample regional flavours, or take in panoramic views over the plains of Mesopotamia. 

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most important spiritual and historical landmarks in the region. Set just outside Mardin, this ancient Syriac Orthodox monastery is known for its peaceful courtyards, honey-coloured stone architecture, and centuries of religious heritage.

After exploring the monastery with your guide, continue towards Diyarbakır, a city rich in history, culture, and striking architectural character. Upon arrival, discover the city’s impressive old walls, atmospheric streets, and historic landmarks as you get a first taste of one of southeastern Türkiye’s most fascinating destinations.

Later, enjoy time to settle in, take a gentle walk through the old city, or experience Diyarbakır’s local atmosphere before the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, depart Diyarbakır and travel towards Mount Nemrut, one of Türkiye’s most extraordinary archaeological and natural landmarks. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as the journey leads through southeastern landscapes, rural settlements, and mountain roads towards this remarkable UNESCO-listed site.

Upon arrival, visit the summit of Mount Nemrut, famous for its colossal stone heads, ancient royal tomb sanctuary, and dramatic panoramic views. As your guide shares the story of the Kingdom of Commagene and King Antiochus I, take in the atmosphere of this remote mountain setting, where history, myth, and landscape come together in unforgettable fashion.

After exploring Mount Nemrut, continue to Adıyaman for check-in at your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure, with time to rest after a scenic and history-filled day.

After breakfast, depart Adıyaman and travel towards Göbeklitepe, one of the world’s most significant archaeological discoveries and a landmark that has transformed our understanding of early human history. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as the journey continues through the heart of southeastern Türkiye.

Explore the ancient site of Göbeklitepe with your guide, discovering its mysterious stone circles, carved pillars, and extraordinary ritual spaces dating back thousands of years. As you walk through this remarkable UNESCO-listed site, learn about its importance as one of the earliest known monumental temple complexes in the world.

Then, continue to Şanlıurfa, a city deeply connected to faith, history, and tradition. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, with time to wander through the atmospheric old town, sample local flavours, or soak up the city’s warm southeastern character.

After breakfast, depart Şanlıurfa and travel towards Harran, one of the region’s most distinctive historic settlements. Explore its famous beehive-shaped houses, ancient ruins, and atmospheric streets as your guide shares stories of Harran’s long history, once home to one of the world’s earliest centres of learning.

Continue your journey towards Gaziantep, stopping en route to discover the remarkable heritage of Zeugma. Known for its extraordinary Roman mosaics and ancient riverside history, Zeugma offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and cultural richness of the region’s past.

Upon arrival in Gaziantep, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. You may choose to explore the city’s lively streets, sample its famous cuisine, or relax after a day filled with history, archaeology, and southeastern Türkiye’s unique character.

After breakfast, set out on a guided city tour of Gaziantep, one of southeastern Türkiye’s most vibrant cultural and culinary capitals. Explore the city’s historic streets, traditional bazaars, and atmospheric old quarters as your guide introduces you to Gaziantep’s rich heritage, local craftsmanship, and deep-rooted food culture.

Visit key highlights such as Gaziantep Castle, the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar, and the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to some of the world’s most remarkable Roman mosaics. Along the way, enjoy time to experience the city’s famous flavours, from baklava and pistachios to regional dishes that have helped make Gaziantep a UNESCO-recognised gastronomy destination.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am).