Anatolia Tour South to North - 14 Days/13 Nights

Arrive at Gaziantep Airport, meet your assistant guide, and transfer to the hotel.
Gaziantep is the largest and most modern city in the Southeast. Explore the city on your own. You can purchase handmade souvenirs, spices, pistachios, baklava, and other unique handicrafts from Gaziantep.
Overnight stay in Gaziantep.

After breakfast, visit The Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which displays the world-famous Gypsy Girl mosaic, other mosaics, prehistoric fossils, and numerous artefacts from ancient civilisations in Mesopotamia. Stroll through Gaziantep's old town, Castle, Zincirli Bedesten, Almacı Bazaar, and Bakırcılar Bazaar.
Lunch break in a local restaurant, enjoy local delicacies such as Ali Nazik Kebabı or other kebabs, and Antep Baklava. Afterwards, drive to Ancient Zeugma and Halfeti.
Ancient Zeugma was founded in 300 BC by Seleucus Nikator I, a general of Alexander the Great. It was an extraordinarily wealthy and magnificent city during the Roman and Commagene periods.
Halfeti was founded in 2000 BC by the Assyrian King Salmanassar III. Much of ancient Halfeti was submerged by the Birecik Dam. We will take a boat tour around the Halfeti Dam Lake, where we will see mostly submerged houses and the Roman Castle (Rumkale) on the hill.
Accommodation in Adıyaman.
Distance: 250 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner

DAY 3 :  Adıyaman - Mt.Nemrut – Arsemeia -  Harran - Şanlıurfa    (B – D)
Early departure from the Adıyaman hotel to Mt.Nemrut (75 km)
Mount Nemrut is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Today's tour is filled with spectacular visual feasts. The summit is cold, so bring warm, thick clothing and sneakers. We'll leave the hotel at 3:30 AM and climb Mount Nemrut to witness the breathtaking sunrise. Enjoy the unforgettable sunrise at the summit, home to the monumental tumulus of King Antiochus I of Commagene and the colossal statues of the gods, and make a wish in this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Afterwards, Drive to Harran. We see on the way Karakuş Tumulus: the tombs of the sister and wife of the Commagene King, And The Cendere Roman Bridge, built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211). It is a magnificent, monumental example of ancient Roman architecture. This region, which is home to Arsemia, the summer capital of the Commagene kingdom on the Nemrut road in the Kahta district of Adıyaman.
Lunch break on the way from Kahta to drive to Şanlıurfa via Harran.
Harran, an ancient settlement, dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. It is known for its conical-domed houses and for being home to the first Islamic university. Visit Harran's conical-domed houses and historical sites.
Accommodation in Şanlıurfa  
Distance: 330 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner

Şanlıurfa is known as the city of prophets. Stroll in Sanliurfa and visit the historic Halil-ür Rahman Mosque,  Ayn-el Zeliha Lake and the sacred Balıklıgöl, believed to be the site where Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire.  Visit the cave where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been born.
Then wander through the ancient Ottoman covered bazaar and the Bedesten and Gumrukhan, where locals shop.
Visit the Şanliurfa Archaeology Museum complex, which exhibits archaeological artefacts from Mesopotamia. The world's oldest life-size human statue: "Urfa Man" (Balıklıgöl Statue) (9000 years old); Göbeklitepe and Nevali Çori temple finds; statues; a rich collection spanning the Palaeolithic to the present; and wonderful Roman-period mosaics
Göbeklitepe is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the oldest open-air temple in the world, dating back to the Neolithic Age, with a history of 12,000 years, and has recently changed the course of human history. On the Göbeklitepe tour, which marked a new era in the history of world archaeology, we will gaze in amazement and admiration at this temple, built by humans 12,000 years ago from rocks weighing tons.
Karahantepe: This archaeological site, located among the mysterious stone hills of Şanlıurfa, dates back 12,000 years. However, according to some commentators, there was not only worship here, but also communication with the sky, the stars, and perhaps unknown intelligences.
Accommodation in Şanlıurfa  
Distance: 350 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner
Sıra Gecesi: A unique program where dinner, conversation, and entertainment are accompanied by music specific to Sanliurfa.

After breakfast in Şanlıurfa, departure towards Mardin. First stop at Dara Ancient City, an important Roman frontier settlement known for its rock tombs, cisterns, and impressive archaeological remains. Continue to Midyat via Nusaybin, a historic Mesopotamian city shaped by Roman, Persian, and early Christian heritage.  Coffee break in Beyazsu for a relaxing break by natural spring waters surrounded by lush greenery.
Arrival in Midyat to explore traditional stone houses, churches, narrow streets, and the rich Syriac cultural heritage, famous for silver filigree craftsmanship. Afterwards, we proceed to Mardin.
Panoramic city tour overlooking the Mesopotamian plains, followed by hotel check-in and overnight stay in Mardin.
Mardin, with its stone architecture dominating the Mesopotamia plain, offers a captivating view, and its historical madrasas, monasteries, mosques, and terrace houses resemble an open-air museum. Known for centuries of peaceful coexistence among Muslims, Syriac Christians, Arabs, and Turks, Mardin offers one of Türkiye’s most authentic cultural experiences.  Following a panoramic city tour, we will check into our hotel.
Accommodation in Mardin
Distance: 360 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner

This morning, discover the timeless beauty of Mardin, a hilltop city overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plains. Walking through atmospheric stone streets and hidden abbara passages, guests admire finely carved limestone mansions and the city’s distinctive architecture.  Explore Mardin, Kasımiye Madrasa, the historic Mardin Grand Mosque, and Şehidiye Madrasa, as well as Mor Behnam (Kırklar) Church, followed by free time in the traditional bazaar, regional handicrafts, almond sweets, natural soaps, and local artisan products.
Deyrul-Zafaran Monastery served as the patriarchate of the Syriac Orthodox Church until 1932.  Mor Gabriel Monastery is a spiritual centre dating back to the 4th century. in the Tur-Abdin region.
Lunch break in a local restaurant, at Mardin. Continue toward Diyarbakır.
Visit  Zerzevan Castle, a remarkably preserved Roman frontier garrison, and explore the underground Mithras Temple, once used for mysterious initiation rituals of Roman soldiers.
Diyarbakır is one of the oldest cities in the Near East. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diyarbakır City Walls, among the longest surviving defensive walls in the world. Visit the historic Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, considered one of Islam’s five holy sanctuaries, and its courtyard sundial, linked to medieval scholar Al-Jazari.  Enjoy a relaxing coffee break at Hasan Paşa Han, a beautifully restored 16th-century Silk Road caravanserai, followed by time to explore the lively Kaleiçi Bazaar and experience authentic local life.
Accommodation in Diyarbakır
Distance: 130 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner

Depart Diyarbakır after breakfast and travel east across the historic landscapes of Upper Mesopotamia. Our first highlight is the magnificent Malabadi Bridge, a masterpiece of Artuqid engineering from the 12th century and one of the finest medieval stone bridges in Anatolia.
Driving through dramatic mountain scenery, we reach historic Bitlis, 2000 years BC. Once an important Silk Road settlement known for its stone architecture.  We take a lunch break in Bitlis and sample the famous Büryan Kebab.
Our journey proceeds to Ahlat, famed for its extraordinary Seljuk legacy. Visit the monumental medieval tombstones of the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery, a unique open-air museum showcasing the artistry and spiritual traditions of Anatolia’s Seljuk era, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Van.
Arrival in lakeside Tatvan, beautifully located on the shores of Lake Van, where volcanic landscapes meet Anatolia’s largest lake. Evening at leisure on the shore of Lake Van.
Accommodation in Tatvan
Distance: 340 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner

Today, we explore Van, a historic city on the shores of Lake Van that once served as the capital of the ancient Urartian Kingdom and today offers a vibrant blend of history, culture, and local life.
Begin the day with a scenic boat trip to Akdamar Church, a stunning 10th-century Armenian church famous for its biblical carvings and breathtaking island setting. Continue to Van Fortress (ancient Tuşpa), where panoramic views reveal the legacy of the Urartian civilisation.
Lunch break in a local restaurant. Next, visit the Van Museum, which displays unique artefacts from the Urartian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Akkoyunlu, Karakoyunlu, and Ottoman periods.
Drive through dramatic landscapes to visit Hoşap Castle, an impressive mountain fortress that once protected Silk Road trade routes. Back in the city, experience local life and stop at the renowned Van Cat House, home to the famous white Van cats known for their unique eyes. Accommodation in  Van
Distance: 300 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner 

After breakfast, departure for Kars. A perfect photo stop at Muradiye Waterfall, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and impressive nature. Arrival in Doğubeyazıt, passing through the magnificent Tendürek Pass, offering panoramic views of the region's rugged terrain. Visit the magnificent İshak Paşa Palace, an architectural masterpiece that combines Ottoman, Persian, and Seljuk influences. Completed over 100 years ago, the palace overlooks the majestic Mount Ararat and Doğubeyazıt.
Lunch break in Iğdır or Doğubeyazıt. Following the visit, continue towards Kars via Iğdır. 
Upon arrival and check-in, enjoy an evening stroll through the city centre. Kars province is known for its distinctive Russian-era architecture, and it offers a unique cultural atmosphere shaped by various civilisations and climates.
Accommodation in  Kars
Distance: 360 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner 

Today, explore Kars, the Armenian Ani Ruins, Ottoman Monuments & Anatolian Traditions. Stroll through Kars, a city on the border shaped by Armenian, Ottoman, and Russian influences. Highlight monuments are the Fethiye Mosque, Kars Castle, the Kümbet Mosque, and the Church of the Twelve Apostles. Next stop is the Ani ruins.
Ani Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once known as the “City of 1,001 Churches.” Situated dramatically along the Arpaçay Canyon on the historic Silk Road. Visit the Manuçehr Mosque, the magnificent Ani Cathedral, the Church of the Apostles, and the Virgin's Monastery.
Lunch break in Kars. Enjoy local, traditional goose dishes and Kars cheeses. Arrive in Erzurum after a pleasant 3-hour journey.
Erzurum, a significant trade and defence centre on the Silk Road, is one of the most important tourism and historical cities in Eastern Anatolia, bearing the traces of the Seljuk, Ottoman, and Republic periods with its monumental madrasas, historical buildings, caravanserais, and rich cultural heritage.
Our Erzurum City tour visits the historical highlights of Erzurum: Nene Hatun Bastion, a symbol of Ottoman resistance; the iconic Double Minaret Madrasa, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture; Erzurum Grand Mosque; the historic Üç Kumbetler tomb complex; and Yakutiye Madrasa.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring authentic Erzurum cuisine, highlighted by freshly prepared Çağ Kebab, one of Türkiye’s most celebrated regional dishes.
Accommodation in  Erzurum
Distance: 320 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner

We are setting off from Erzurum towards Trabzon. Enjoy a pleasant journey through the lush green Black Sea valleys, passing via Bayburt and Gümüşhane, with the impressive landscapes of the Eastern Anatolian Plateau.
Gümüşhane, situated on the historical Silk Road, is one of the hidden cultural and natural destinations of the Eastern Black Sea region. City Sightseeing and coffee break in Gümüşhane. Then visit Karaca Cave and  Sümela Monastery.
Karaca Cave was discovered in 1983. It is famous for its extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and colourful dripstone formations displaying striking shades of red, blue, green, yellow, and purple.
Lunch break in Macka or Hamsiköy on the way.
Sümela Monastery, a historic Greek Orthodox monastery dramatically perched on a cliff 300 meters above a forested valley.  This spiritual sanctuary offers stunning architecture, frescoes, and unforgettable panoramic views.
Accommodation in  Trabzon 
Distance: 360 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner

Trabzon, located on the Black Sea coast, has historically been one of the important port cities of the Black Sea Region, a meeting point for trade, culture, and civilisations. With its natural beauty, historical monasteries, plateaus, and rich cuisine, it is one of Turkey's most impressive Black Sea destinations
After a delicious breakfast, visit Hagia Sophia, a beautiful Byzantine church. Visit Ataturk Mansion, and enjoy panoramic views from Boztepe. Trabzon's handmade woven (Telkari and Kazaziye) gold and silver jewellery is famous. Drive to Uzungöl, one of Trabzon's famous tourist destinations. Enjoy your time in Uzungol. Take a coffee break in Sürmene, famous for its knife making, and visit a knife workshop.
Accommodation in  Trabzon 
Distance: 200 Km – Meal: Breakfast – Dinner

Transfer to Trabzon Airport and fly to Istanbul early.  Transfer to the Istanbul Hotel. Free day for shopping and relaxing in the fantastic city of Istanbul.
Optional Bosphorus Cruise and Grand Bazaar Tour, half-day on request. 
Accommodation in  Istanbul 
Meal:  Breakfast

After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, a private transfer to Istanbul Airport is subject to flight time.  Hope to see you on another Turkiye holiday.
Meal: Breakfast

Tour Customise
Upon your request, we can create a tour program and offer an itinerary that suits your personal, educational, cultural, and budgetary requirements. Please get in touch with us with your requests.