Original Eastern Anatolia - The Cradle of Mankind
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the historical and cultural wonders of Eastern Anatolia. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage of the region, taking you from the bustling city of Van to the ancient ruins of Hasankeyf, the volcanic landscapes of Nemrut, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Gobekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut. Explore the labyrinthine streets of Mardin, marvel at the architectural splendors of Diyarbakir, and immerse yourself in the vibrant bazaars of Sanliurfa. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guides, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Included
9 nights: hotel in double room
all journeys in private vehicles
Ferry to Akdamar Island
all entrance fees according to the program
German speaking tour guide
Meals: 9×F, 9×A
Scheduled flight from/to Frankfurt to Van and back from Gaziantep with Turkish Airlines or another airline in Economy Class
Destinations
Gaziantep
Istanbul
ŞanlıurfaMap
Attractions
Mount Nemrut
Old Halfeti
Hasankeyf Castle
Haleplibahçe Mozaik Müzesi
Hasan Paşa Hanı
Mor Gabriel Monastery
Zinciriye Medresesi
Göbekli Tepe
Zeugma Mosaics MuseumDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Istanbul to Van
- Istanbul - Arrival day
- More
- Urartu Müzesi
- More
Begin your journey with a flight to Van via Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the city center. Known as the 'Pearl of the East', Van boasts a history of over 3000 years. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant Cumhuriyet Caddesi, lined with numerous stores, restaurants, and cafes. Enjoy a group dinner and rest up for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Van to Tatvan via Akdamar Island
Day 2: Van to Tatvan via Akdamar Island
- Akdamar Adası
- Van Cat House
- More
Depart from Van and drive to the remnants of the once impregnable Van Castle. Continue along the scenic Lake Van to Tatvan, making a stop at the quaint village of Gevas. Take a ferry to Akdamar Island and visit the 10th-century Akdamar Church, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Arrive in Tatvan in the afternoon for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Day 3: Tatvan to Diyarbakir via Nemrut Volcano
Day 3: Tatvan to Diyarbakir via Nemrut Volcano
- Diyarbakır Walls
- Hasan Paşa Hanı
- More
After breakfast, embark on a leisurely hike up the Nemrut Volcano, named after the legendary King Nimrod. Enjoy a picnic break in the crater before continuing to Diyarbakir. Spend the afternoon exploring the old city center, home to one of the world's largest and best-preserved pre-modern fortifications. Visit the city's main attractions, including the large mosque, the former St. Thomas Church, and St. George's Church. End the day with a cup of Turkish coffee in the historic Hasan Pasha Hani.
Day 4 – Day 4: Diyarbakir to Mardin via Hasankeyf and Midyat
Day 4: Diyarbakir to Mardin via Hasankeyf and Midyat
- Hasankeyf Castle
- Mor Gabriel Monastery
- Midyat guest house
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Drive to Mardin, stopping en route in the ancient city of Hasankeyf to explore its old palace, mosque, caves, rock dwellings, and ancient tombs. In Midyat, enjoy a traditional Turkish tea before discovering the old town's labyrinthine alleyways, beautiful stone houses, and handcrafted ornaments. Visit the Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, before reaching Mardin for an overnight stay.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Mardin and Dara
Day 5: Exploring Mardin and Dara
- Mardin Evleri
- Emir Hamamı
- Zinciriye Medresesi
- Mor Hananyo Monastery
- More
Spend the day exploring Mardin, the cultural center of Eastern Anatolia. Visit the 'Zinciriye Medresesi' madrasah, the Ulu Camii mosque, and the Mardin Kalesi fortress. Later, visit the Zafaran Monastery and the late antique, Eastern Roman fortress city of Dara. Marvel at the city's rock tombs, dungeon, cisterns, aqueducts, places of worship, and city walls before returning to Mardin for the night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Mardin to Sanliurfa via Gobekli Tepe
- Şanlıurfa
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- Haleplibahçe Mozaik Müzesi
- Göbekli Tepe
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Travel to Sanliurfa, also known as 'Urfa', and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gobekli Tepe, one of the oldest known man-made religious structures. Explore the narrow streets of Urfa and visit the Halil Rahman Mosque with its sacred carp in the fishpond of Abraham. Spend the night in a local hotel.
Day 7 – Day 7: Free Day in Sanliurfa
- Şanlıurfa
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Enjoy a day at leisure in Sanliurfa. You can choose to explore the old city center with its maze of houses and winding alleys, or visit the colorful bazaars. Don't miss the chance to try a traditional Turkish snack in one of the small cafes. Overnight stay in your hotel.
Day 8 – Day 8: Sanliurfa to Kahta-Karadut via Mount Nemrut
Day 8: Sanliurfa to Kahta-Karadut via Mount Nemrut
- Mount Nemrut
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Travel to Kahta-Karadut, a small village at the foot of Mount Nemrut. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the summit of Mount Nemrut, one of the highest elevations in northern Mesopotamia, and marvel at the altars and huge statues. Enjoy the breathtaking views, especially at sunset, before retiring to your hotel for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Kahta-Karadut to Gaziantep via Halfeti
- Gaziantep
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- Old Halfeti
- Zeugma Mosaics Museum
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Head to Gaziantep, stopping en route in Halfeti. Explore the old town submerged in the Euphrates, the Rum-Kale fortress, and the world's only Black Roses. Take a short river cruise to experience a half-submerged village with its sunken mosque. Once in Gaziantep, visit the world's largest mosaic museum, Zeugma, the Seljuk-era citadel, the Kurtulus Mosque, and a historic shopping arcade. Enjoy a cup of traditional Turkish coffee to round off the day.
Day 10 – Day 10: Departure from Gaziantep
- Gaziantep - Departure day
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Transfer to Gaziantep airport for your journey home, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of your adventure through Eastern Anatolia.
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