Day 1: Arrival in Gaziantep via Istanbul
Welcome to Gaziantep! Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and escorted to your hotel, where you can take some time to unwind and acclimate to your surroundings. In the evening, join us for a delightful welcome dinner, where you will have the chance to sample some of Gaziantep's renowned culinary offerings.
Day 2: Gaziantep Exploration
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we embark on a journey to the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum, located just outside the city. This remarkable museum houses an extraordinary collection of ancient mosaics that reflect the artistic brilliance of the region's past. Following this, we will stroll through the vibrant bazaars of Gaziantep's historic quarter, where you can indulge in the local delicacies, particularly the famed baklava, renowned for its exquisite taste and craftsmanship.
Day 3: Journey to Kahta
This morning, we set off for Kahta, immersing ourselves in the rich history of the ancient Commagene civilization. Our explorations will include the Karakus Tumulus, an ancient burial site for royal women, and a stunning 2000-year-old Roman bridge. We will also visit the Antiochus Tumulus, perched atop Mount Nemrut. Here, we’ll discover the iconic colossal stone heads that guard the burial mound of King Antiochus, learning about the sacred rituals once performed at this majestic site. As the day comes to a close, we will stay to witness the breathtaking sunset over this remarkable landscape before returning to our accommodation in Kahta.
Day 4: Mount Nemrut and Gobekli Tepe
Today, we begin our journey towards Urfa, making a scenic stop at Ataturk Lake for stunning panoramic views. Our first highlight will be the extraordinary site of Gobekli Tepe, considered the world’s oldest temple, dating back over 9,000 years. This archaeological wonder features intricate stone circles and carved pillars, offering intriguing insights into the lives of Neolithic people. In the afternoon, we will visit Abraham’s Cave, believed to be the birthplace of the Biblical prophet, and a significant pilgrimage site, where you can see sacred fish swimming in the pools nearby. We will then wander through Urfa's lively bazaar, sampling delectable street food and experiencing the local culture.
Day 5: Harran and Urfa
Following breakfast, our day begins at the Archaeology Museum, where we will delve into the fascinating artifacts from the Neolithic Era. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local family's home, allowing for an authentic taste of regional hospitality. Our journey continues to the small town of Harran, famous for its unique beehive-style houses, constructed from mud and perfectly designed to withstand the area's temperature extremes. After a day of exploration, we will return to Urfa for the night.
Day 6: Arrival in Mardin
We will set off for Mardin, a city known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Upon arrival, we’ll begin our exploration of this enchanting city, admiring its beautifully carved stone houses that blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Day 7: Mardin Monastery Visit
Today, we will visit the ancient Deyrulzafaran Monastery, where services are still conducted in Aramaic, the language of the Bible. Dating back to the 5th century, this Byzantine church is a significant link to early Christianity. We will also take in the exquisite architecture of Mardin's stone houses, learning about the history and culture that shape this unique region.
Day 8: Zerzevan and Diyarbakir
This morning, we head to the Roman castle of Zerzevan, home to a temple dedicated to the ancient religion of Mithraism. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local archaeologist, we will explore the rich history of this mystical cult. Next, we continue to Diyarbakir, the heart of Turkey’s Kurdish population, where we will walk along the impressive ancient city walls, visit a traditional caravanserai, and explore the vibrant old city.
Day 9: Lake Van and Van City
Our adventure takes us to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. We will embark on a boat journey to Akdamar Island, home to a stunning Armenian church renowned for its breathtaking frescoes depicting Biblical scenes. After returning to the lake shore, we will proceed to the city of Van for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Van Castle and Ishak Pasa Palace
We begin our day with a visit to Van Castle, an ancient Urartian citadel that has stood for nearly three millennia, housing the tombs of Urartian kings. We then journey to the picturesque Ishak Pasa Palace, a beautifully preserved Ottoman outpost offering stunning views of Mount Ararat. We will conclude the day in Kars, where the city's elegant architecture reflects its 19th-century Russian influence, including a visit to a local cheese market to sample the region's exquisite cheeses.
Day 11: Exploring Ani and Erzurum
This morning, we venture to the remarkable ancient city of Ani, the once-thriving capital, now an evocative site with its stunning palaces, churches, and fortified walls. Following our exploration, we continue to Erzurum for the night.
Day 12: Erzurum to Trabzon
Our day begins with a tour of Erzurum, home to remarkable examples of Seljuk architecture, including the impressive 12th-century Grand Mosque and the Yakutiye Madrassah. We will then make our way towards the Black Sea, stopping at the Sumela Monastery, dramatically perched against a sheer rock face and adorned with exquisite Biblical frescoes. Our journey will conclude in Trabzon, where we will sample the local seafood and visit the Hagia Sophia Cathedral.
Day 13: Trabzon to Istanbul
After breakfast, we will check out and enjoy sightseeing in Trabzon until it’s time for our transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 14: Discovering Istanbul
After breakfast, we embark on a full-day city tour of Istanbul. Our journey begins at the Hippodrome, the historical center of Byzantine civic life, where remnants of its glory still stand. Next, we will visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles. We will also explore the Suleymaniye Mosque, the masterpiece of architect Sinan. After lunch, we will tour the Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for over four centuries, showcasing extraordinary collections of artifacts and artworks. Our day culminates with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace featuring over 4,000 shops, followed by a relaxing Bosphorus dinner cruise—a quintessential Istanbul experience.
Day 15: The Wonders of Istanbul
Our final full day in Istanbul begins with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel dating back to the 6th century. Close by, we will explore the Yerebatan Sarnici, the impressive underground cistern supported by 336 Corinthian columns. Next, we head to the Kariye Museum (St. Chora), renowned for its breathtaking frescoes that exemplify Byzantine art. After a tranquil stroll in its garden, we will drive along the historic Byzantine city walls, marveling at their imposing structure before concluding our sightseeing at the Mosaic Museum, dedicated to preserving exquisite mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries. We will return to our hotel for the night.
Day 16: Departure from Istanbul
After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
