8 Days Istanbul - Cappadocia - Mt Nemrut - Gobeklitepe - Mardin Tour

Today, you will embark on a full-day guided tour of Istanbul's main highlights. Visit the Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Empire, and the iconic Blue Mosque. Explore the Hippodrome Square, the former center of Constantinople's activities, and admire the exterior of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a former Eastern Orthodox Church. End your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest covered markets. Overnight in Istanbul.

Today, you have the option to start your day with a hot air balloon flight over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia. Explore the Red Valley, famous for its rock-cut churches, and hike through the breathtaking fairy chimneys. Visit Cavusin, a Greek village known for its rock-cut churches, and the Ozkonak Underground City, the largest underground city in Cappadocia. After visiting the Pigeon Valley, famous for its dovecotes, end your day with a visit to the Ortahisar Castle, the biggest fairy chimney in Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Depart from Cappadocia and cross the Tekir plateau towards Adiyaman and Mt Nemrut. Visit the Seljuk Karatay Caravansaray and enjoy a tea break in Pinarbasi. Stop at Kahramanmaras, known for its delicious ice cream, and visit Arsemia, the ancient capital of the Commagene Kingdom. Continue to the Severus (Cendere) Bridge and the Karakus Tumulus, a burial site for the royal family. In the evening, ascend Mt Nemrut, watch the sunset over the plateau, and visit the ancient rock statues. Overnight in Adiyaman.

Today, drive to Sanliurfa, visiting the Ataturk Dam, Turkey's largest, along the way. Visit Gobekli Tepe, believed to be the site of the world's oldest temple. After lunch in Sanliurfa, visit Harran, a village of Mud-Brick 'beehive' houses mentioned in the book of Genesis. Explore the ruins of Harran, including city walls, the oldest Islamic university, and an 18th-century castle. In Sanliurfa, visit the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, the Prophet Abraham Cave, and the Pools of the Holy Carp. Wander around the oriental covered bazaar. Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Today, drive to Mardin, a city under UNESCO's protection. Visit the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, the residence of the Metropolitan of Mardin, and explore Mardin Center. Visit Kırklar Church, Protestant Church, Latifiye Mosque, Mardin Museum, Cumhuriyet Square, PTT Building, Old Bazaar, Lower Bazaar, Arasa İş Han, Baharatçılar Çarşısı, Bakırcılar Bazaar, Ulu Mosque, Zinciriye Madrasa, and the Old Girls’ Vocational High School. Overnight in Mardin.