Cappadocia to Gaziantep - 5 hour drive

Zeugma Mosaic Museum - Starting at 8:00 am, our adventure kicks off with a meeting at your hotel in Cappadocia. We’ll embark on a 3.5-hour drive to our first stop in Kahramanmaras, where you’ll have the pleasure of indulging in the internationally acclaimed goat milk ice-cream. Following this, a one-hour drive will take us to Gaziantep, where a delightful lunch awaits us. After our meal, we’ll immerse ourselves in exploration at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
Renowned for hosting Turkey’s finest-preserved mosaics, the Gaziantep Mosaic Museum proudly exhibits the riches of the Zeugma Ancient City, listed as a UNESCO Tentative Site since 2021. These 2000-year-old mosaics enchant visitors with their unmatched patterns, vivid hues, and exquisite artistry. Covering an expansive 1450 m² area, the museum also features 140 m² of frescoes, 4 Roman fountains, 20 columns, 4 limestone sculptures, a bronze statue of Mars, along with grave steles and sarcophagi.

Gaziantep Province - Furthermore, our schedule encompasses a stroll through the historic streets of Gaziantep, a tour of the copper market, and a stop at a renowned baklava shop (given Gaziantep’s status as the birthplace of Baklava). Later in the evening, after dinner, we’ll venture to Tahmis Coffee House, Turkey’s oldest coffee establishment dating back to 1635, to savor the famous pistachio coffee. Once our explorations conclude, we’ll retire for the night in Gaziantep.

Sanliurfa Museum & Harran

Sanliurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum - After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, our journey proceeds with a picturesque 2-hour drive to Sanliurfa. Our first destination is the impressive Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of approximately 10,000 artifacts—exceeding Turkish standards. Among the treasures on display are the world’s oldest statue, a replica of the Göbeklitepe D Temple, the authentic Nevali Çori Temple, and numerous periodical animations. Additionally, visitors will be captivated by some of the most aesthetically stunning mosaics in the world at the adjacent Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, which complements the experience at the Sanliurfa Museum.

Cave of Abraham - After lunch, our exploration of Sanliurfa continues within the city center, steeped in historical significance as the former residence of Old Testament prophets such as Jethro, Job, Elijah, and Abraham. Bestowed with the title “The City of Prophets,” Sanliurfa also holds the narrative of Prophet Moses, who tended sheep in the region for seven years before returning to Egypt.

A highlight of our visit is the revered Pool of Prophet Abraham, where legend has it that Abraham, defying Nimrod’s religion, miraculously survived being thrown into the fire. According to belief, the fire transformed into water, and the firewood into the carps now visible in the pool. As we wander through the streets, the city’s allure reveals itself in its harmonious fusion of diverse cultures and ethnic groups.

Harran Ruins - Continuing our journey, we embark on a one-hour drive to Harran, once the dwelling place of Prophet Abraham. Despite its setting in a dry, arid plain, Harran boasts a storied history stretching back 5000 years. Serving as a crucial trade hub between Anatolia and Mesopotamia, Harran flourished, preserving its distinct culture. The city is famed for its unique adobe houses, often referred to as bee-hive houses, along with a castle and an 8th-century university building. Harran’s cultural significance has earned it a place on the UNESCO Tentative List since 2000.

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

Gobeklitepe & Karahantepe, Sunset on Mount Nemrut

Gobeklitepe - After savoring breakfast at the hotel, our journey continues with a brief 30-minute drive to reach 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.