Embark on a multi-day tour to Mount Nemrut in Southeastern Turkey and discover the monumental statues and ancient gods that adorn its summit. Explore the rich history and cultural significance of this 7,000 feet tall memorial for Kings and Gods of the ancient world.
DAY 1: ISTANBUL • ADIYAMAN
Malatya - City of apricots
Malatya, located in the southwest Eastern Anatolia Region, the crossroads of Central, Mediterranean, Eastern and Southeast Anatolia, is the most important apricot production region in Turkey and in the world producing 7-10% of the world’s table apricots and 80-85% of dried apricots. Although apple, pear, peach, walnut and mulberry can also be grown in this area, the fruit growers of Malatya specialize in apricot culture and still call apricot the ancient name of mish mish despite the fact that the Turkish name of apricot is kayisi.
Cendere Bridge - After transfer, you will visit the 14th-century castle at Eski Kale (Arsameia of Nymphaios) and a magnificent 3rd-century Roman bridge at Cendere.
DAY 2: NEMRUD > URFA • ISTANBUL
Mount Nemrut - Mount Nemrut
The mausoleum of Antiochus I (69–34 B.C.), who reigned over Commagene, a kingdom founded north of Syria and the Euphrates after the breakup of Alexander’s empire, is one of the most ambitious constructions of the Hellenistic period. The syncretism of its pantheon, and the lineage of its kings, which can be traced back through two sets of legends, Greek and Persian, is evidence of the dual origin of this kingdom’s culture.
Sanliurfa - the city’s Sacred Carp Pools of Abraham
Balıklıgöl (or Pool of Abraham, Halil-ÜR Rahman Lake), is a pool in the southwest of the city center of Şanlıurfa, Turkey known in Jewish and Islamic legends as the place where Nimrod threw Abraham into a fire. Balıklıgöl and neighbouring Aynzeliha pools are among the most visited places in Şanlıurfa.
Harran - You will then proceed to Harran to visit the ruins of Islam’s first university, dating from the 8th century.
- Transportation from/to your address via proper, comfortable vehicle
- Domestic flight tickets
- Professional tour guide experience in various languages
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Personal expenses
- Mount Nemrut Admission fee (50 TRY per person)
- Lunch
- Drinks
Located in the southeastern region of Turkey, Mountain Nemrud houses a monumental tribute to the kings and deities of ancient times. Rising to a height of 7,000 feet, the mountain’s apex is adorned with massive sculptures erected in 62 BC under the orders of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene. These formidable figures, representing the king himself, lions, eagles and an array of antique divinities such as Hercules - Vahagn, Zeus-Aramaz, Oromasdes (linked with the Iranic god Ahura Mazda), Apollo-Mithras, and Tyche, border the tomb sanctuary.
On the burial mound, identical effigies and ancestral figures can also be found. The mound measures 49 m (161 ft) in height and spans a diameter of 152 m (499 ft). The figures bear Greek-style faces complemented with Persian attire and hairstyles. One of the striking features on the western terrace is a large slab featuring a lion, imprinted with celestial arrangements and the planets Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter as on 7th July 62 BC speculated to be the construction commencement date of this monument.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
