Tour Code : EN-138

Silk Road Journey 10 Days - 9 Ngt

Arrive at Van Airport, meet the assistant guide, who will be waiting for you, and transfer to the hotel.
In your free time, explore this beautiful city of the East. Visit the Van Cat House, a unique white breed with two different eye colours.
Overnight stay in Van.  (Dinner)

Today's provincial tour will begin at Van Castle, also known as Tuspa Castle, built by Urartu King Sarduri 2800 years ago. The castle, located near Van Lake, became the capital of the Urartu Kingdom under the name Tuspa. We will explore the castle's rock tombs, which belonged to Urartu Kings. Following our visit to the Van Archeology and Ethnography Museum, we will travel to Akdamar Island in Lake Van's Edremit district to admire the stunning stonework of the Turkish state-restored Akdamar Church and watch boats from the pier.
We will move on to Doğubeyazıt. We will arrive in Doğu Beyazıt after crossing Tendürek mountain and its stunning views. We will have a short lunch break and visit the famous İshak Pasha Palace. It is said that the construction of the 116-room palace took 99 years after a tour of this magnificent palace overlooking Mount Ararat.
Visit the Noah's Ark monument at the foot of Mount Ararat, 35 km away.

Since 1983, the search for the remains of the sacred ship has accelerated here. American researchers, especially James Irwin, have examined this place in many aspects and discovered findings that claimed to belong to Noah's ark. Return to our hotel and take beautiful pictures.
Accommodation Doğubeyazit.  ( Breakfast - Dinner )

After breakfast, drive through to Ahlat, Doğu anadolu coğrafyasının büyüleyici manzarasınde zevkli bir yolculuk sonbrası Ahlat’a varış.
Ahlat is the largest Turkish-Islamic cemetery in the world. Founded in 1200 by the Seljuks, it boasts 8,169 tombstones, some 3.5 meters long. The inscriptions and decorations on these tombstones make them incredibly unique and worth seeing after visiting the Grand Vault, Emir Bayindir Mosque, and the tombstones.
Dinner and accommodation in Tatvan. ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast, the early departure from Tatvan through Midyat. Bitlis is a region where some villages still preserve Anatolia's traditional culture and lifestyle, which has remained unchanged for centuries. Among these villages, Uzuntaş Village and Gayda Village are worth mentioning for their unique stone houses, earthen roofs, and terrace houses built adjacent to each other. In 2024, Hizan Honey, produced in Bitlis, was awarded the best natural honey in the world, receiving a gold medal. During our visit to Uzuntas village, we took stunning photographs and visited a village house.
Uzuntaş and Gayda villages are among the oldest villages in Anatolia. They attract attention with their earth-roofed stone houses, natural life, and hospitable local people. In Uzuntas Village, you can experience the last connection from the Hiitians, Hattians, and Urartians to the present day.
Later, we continue our journey to Midyat. Lunch break in a local restaurant at Batman.
Since Hasankeyf was submerged under the waters of the Tigris dam, the ancient artefacts were moved to the newly established town of Hasankeyf. Visit Hasankeyf and arrive in Midyat. There will be a lunch break at a local restaurant.
Midyat is famous for its stone architectural buildings, which are unique to the region, and its fine handcrafted silver or gold jewellery called Telkari.
 Dinner and accommodation in Midyat  ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast drive 70 Km and arrive at Mardin
Mardin is the cradle of Mesopotamian Civilization. Where people from different religions and sects live together in peace, you’ll see many door knockers and beautifully carved old doors, each with a history of their own. The small passages built under the houses to create narrow streets are called Abbara, and they are the characteristic features of the city. Next, we will visit the Mardin Museum, Latifiye Mosque, the Great Mosque of Mardin, and the old Post Office Building, which reflects the best examples of the region’s stonework. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to shop in the old Mardin Mazaar.
You may visit the local market, where you can find the famous almond candy of Mardin, local desserts, and jewellery made of silver, gold, and precious stones. Finally, we will visit the Kasimiye Madrasah (Mosque Kebir), which had extraordinary architecture and provided university-level education in the Seljuk period.
Visit the Deyrul-Zafaran Monastery, 10 km from the centre of Mardin. Built in the 5th century, it was one of the important religious centres of the Assyrians. Within the monastery complex are structures such as the Mor Hanonya Church, the Sun Temple, the Virgin Mary Church, and the House of Saints, which are built with the best examples of Mardin stonemasonry. Deyrul-Zafaran Monastery was the official seat of the patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church until 1932. 
Dara Ruins: Visit the ancient city of Dara, founded by the Roman Emperor Anatasiun as an advanced outpost city in 500 BC. The rock houses in Dara and the magnificent water cisterns built during the Roman period are fascinating.
Dinner and accommodation in Mardin. ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast, depart for Diyarbakır. Visit Zerzevan Castle, and Mithras Temple on the way.  
Zerzevan Castle: 3,000-year-old Zerzevan Castle, a candidate for the Unesco World Heritage list, in the Çınar district of Diyarbakır. In Zerzevan Castle, which was used as a "military settlement" during the Roman Empire, there is the Mithras Temple, the mystery religion of Rome. Mithras is the Sun God who controls the entire universe. Rites in the temple were always held in secret. Thousands of people come here every year and perform rituals secretly.
Arrive and Lunch break in Diyarbakir.
Diyarbakır has been one of the most important cities of Northern Mesopotamia throughout history. It is the cradle of civilisations, where many religions, languages, and cultures have been integrated. 
First, we will visit the 5th Harem-i Sharif of Islam and Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, one of the first mosques in Anatolia. Then, we will visit Diyarbakır City Walls, which are on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.
We will have coffee breaks in the historical Hasan Pasha Inn.
Visit Sheikh Muhattar Mosque, built during the Akkoyunlu period, and famous for its Four-Legged Minaret. The minaret's architecture, built on four pillars, will amaze you. 
Dinner and overnight stay in Diyarbakir ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast, depart through Nemrut Mountain from Diyarbakir, where the tumulus of Antiochos I of Commagene King and giant statues are located. This might be the part that will remain in your memories as the most unique place on this tour. With the narration of our guide, we will admire the rich history. On the way to Mount Nemrut via Kahta, visit Arsemia Ancient city, the summer capital of the Commegena Kings. Karakuş Tumulus for Kommegene king Sister and wife.  Roman Cendere Bridge. Arrive at the summit by minibus. After a tiring climb, we will see the Zeus, Apollo, Heracles, I Antiochhos, Commagene, Eagle, and Lion sculptures on the eastern terrace of the Nemrut summit. The tumulus of Antiochos of Commagene King is at the top, and altars and sculptures are on the western terrace. It is impossible not to be impressed by the magnificent view and the beauty of the colossal statues at the top of Mount Nemrut. Sunrise and sunset each have a different beauty in the endless horizon. We will depart for Adıyaman after the Mt. Nemrut tour.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kahta - Karadut Village  NEMRUT EUPHRAT HOTEL  or Park Dedeman Otel Adiyaman  ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After departure from Mt.Nemrut towards Sanliurfa, visit Gobeklitepe, the oldest temple in the world, with a history of 12,000 years dating back to the Stone Age. One of the most important archaeological discoveries of our time, Göbeklitepe is thought to be the first pilgrimage centre of the world, as it rewrites history. During our tour here, our guide will answer the following questions surrounding the area: Who built Göbeklitepe 12,000 years ago and why? Why was Göbeklitepe, the oldest temple in the world, abandoned and buried with soil on purpose? The technology and mathematical knowledge used to build the Temple with rock megaliths weighing 16 tons is still a mystery.  Lunch break in a local restaurant At Sanliurfa.
Sanliurfa: Visit Halil-Ür Rahman Mosque, the old and new Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, Ayn-el Zeliha Lake, and the Balıklıgöl, Halil-Ür Rahman Lake, where Prophet Abraham is said to have been thrown into the fire. The burning logs turned into fish, whereas the fire turned into water. We will also visit the cave where Prophet Abraham was born.
Next, we will visit the Urfa Archeology Museum and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, which has an indoor area of 29,000 square meters and exhibits many historical artefacts from Anatolian civilisations.
We will have a lunch break at a local Restaurant. Then, we will visit the old bazaar and Ulucami (Grand Mosque).
Note: We have dinner with local music specific to Şanlıurfa, called Sıra Gecesi.
Overnight stay in Sanliurfa (Breakfast – Dinner)

Today's departure towards Gaziantep and first visit to Ancient Harran.
Harran:
 Harran is an ancient city that has been continuously inhabited since the 6th millennium BC. It was once the capital of the Assyrian and Umayyad civilisations. We will be welcomed by its conical domed houses and historical sights, such as the Konik Harran Houses, Harran Mound, and El Firdevs Mosque. Umayyad Caliph Mervan built the mosque, also known as Cennet Mosque, after the Harran's trip and arrived at the Halfeti dam.
Halfeti: Halfeti has a rich history dating back to 855 BC. It was once ruled by cultures such as the Assyrians, Byzantines, Romans, Armenians, and Ottomans. One of its unique features is that it's the only place in the world where black roses grow. We take a boat trip to visit old Halfeti, now submerged by the Euphrates River due to the Birecik Dam. Along the way, you'll see Rumkale, the former centre of the Armenian Bishopric, the half-submerged village of Savaşan, and the sunken minaret, all offering exciting and beautiful views.
We have a lunch break at Halfeti Dam after the boat trip. Next, visit the ancient Zeugma.
Zeugma: Zeugma is an ancient city in the Belkıs village of the Nizip district of Gaziantep. The city was founded by Seleucus I, one of Alexander the Great's generals, and was initially named Nicator Selevkeya Euphrates. It later became a city in the Kingdom of Commagene. In the first quarter of the 1st century BC, it became part of the Roman Empire and was renamed "ZEUGMA."
Throughout history, Zeugma was an essential point for trade caravans and armies crossing the Euphrates River, dating back to the Age of Assyrian Trade Colonies. Unfortunately, most of the ancient city was submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam, completed in 2000.
Zeugma Mosaic Museum is the second-largest mosaic museum in the world. The famous Gypsy Girl Mosaic is exhibited here. Then, there will be free time for shopping and lunch while visiting Bakırcılar Bazaar, Almacı Bazaar, and Zincirli Bedesten. 
Sightseeing city tour and overnight in Gaziantep  ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, you will have free time, depending on your flight time. Then, you will be transferred to the airport.

 Customised ToursWe can create a tour program at your request and offer an itinerary that suits your personal, educational, cultural, and budgetary requirements. Please contact us with your requests.

People Per person in
Double
Single Room Extra Bed Children Fee
3 Pax 3607.00 4196.00 3607.00
7 - 11
3313.00
3 - 6
1104.00
4 Pax 2992.00 3580.00 2992.00
7 - 11
2697.00
3 - 6
899.00
5 Pax 2765.00 3353.00 2765.00
7 - 11
2471.00
3 - 6
824.00
6 Pax 2484.00 3073.00 2484.00
7 - 11
2190.00
3 - 6
730.00
7-9 Pax 2268.00 2857.00 2268.00
7 - 11
1974.00
3 - 6
658.00
10-14 Pax 1879.00 2468.00 1879.00
7 - 11
1585.00
3 - 6
528.00
15-19 Pax 1690.00 2279.00 1690.00
7 - 11
1396.00
3 - 6
465.00
20-24 Pax 1636.00 2225.00 1636.00
7 - 11
1342.00
3 - 6
447.00
25-29 Pax 1572.00 2161.00 1572.00
7 - 11
1278.00
3 - 6
426.00
30-40 Pax 1512.00 2101.00 1512.00
7 - 11
1218.00
3 - 6
406.00
People Per person in
Double
Single Room Extra Bed Children Fee
3 Pax 3802.00 4390.00 3802.00
7 - 11
3410.00
3 - 6
1705.00
4 Pax 3186.00 3775.00 3186.00
7 - 11
2795.00
3 - 6
1397.00
5 Pax 2959.00 3548.00 2959.00
7 - 11
2568.00
3 - 6
1284.00
6 Pax 2678.00 3267.00 2678.00
7 - 11
2287.00
3 - 6
1143.00
7-9 Pax 2462.00 3051.00 2462.00
7 - 11
2071.00
3 - 6
1035.00
10-14 Pax 2074.00 2662.00 2074.00
7 - 11
1682.00
3 - 6
841.00
15-19 Pax 1885.00 2473.00 1885.00
7 - 11
1493.00
3 - 6
747.00
20-24 Pax 1831.00 2419.00 1831.00
7 - 11
1439.00
3 - 6
720.00
25-29 Pax 1767.00 2355.00 1767.00
7 - 11
1375.00
3 - 6
688.00
30-40 Pax 1706.00 2295.00 1706.00
7 - 11
1315.00
3 - 6
657.00

** Tour Type    : Private Tour
** Price Policy : Price changes depending on people's number.
** Ask about private tour price discount rates on particular dates.

Price includes

Private Airport transfers.

9 nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast

9 dinners ( in the Hotels or Local restaurants)

All tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary

Sira Gecesi party with Dinner in Sanliurfa

Experienced and educated professional tour guide.

All parking, highway, and  bridge fees

Private air-conditioned and non-smoking vehicle wan with an experienced driver

Highway, bridge, and parking fees

VAT – City Tax

Price Excludes

Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Personal expenses

Meals other than those specified.

Beverages during dinners

Tips for the guide, driver, restaurant, and hotel.                   

Cancellation Policy  
- For cancellations made 45 days before the tour, 100% refund. (Except per person 175 € for register, bank commission, and domestic flight ticket cost)
- For cancellations made 44 - 30 days before the tour, 50% refund. (Except for the Bank Commission)
- For cancellations made 29 - 15 days before the tour, 20 % refund.
-No refund cancellation 14 days before the tour. A 100-percent Penalty will be applied.

Tip policy The minimum tip fee recommended for the tour guides, drivers, waiters, hotel staff and luggage carriers serving on the tour is 7 Euros per person per day. It is paid in cash to the Travel Agency officer and distributed to the tour operators upon arrival in Turkey.                    

Remarks
- Please note that travel health insurance is mandatory.
- Confirms the selected hotels' availability on the booking date. If unavailable, book similar hotels booked.
- The guide may change the tour program due to bad weather, traffic jams, or similar situations.
- If any location in the itinerary is closed, we will arrange to visit other places.
- During the tours, you will walk approximately 2 km daily on uneven and cobblestone surfaces, inclines, and steps.
- You should wear comfortable clothing, flat walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and get sunscreen.
- Please bring a raincoat, warm clothes, winter walking shoes, an umbrella, etc., to stay comfortable in winter.
- When visiting religious places like churches, mosques, and cathedrals, it is recommended to wear plain clothing, including closed and long skirts
- The order of the sites visited may change to avoid crowds.
- Please ensure that you carry your passport for all domestic flights. Domestic flights are economy class, and the luggage limit is 15 Kg.

HOTELS

Standard  Package  Hotels 
Van (1)                 - Ramada Van 4* or Van Life 3*
Doğubeyazit (1)  - Tehran Hotel 3*
Tatvan (1)            - Tasar Hotel 4*
Midyat (1)           - Royal Midyat 4*
Mardin (1)           - Yay Grand Hotel 4*
Sanliurfa (1)        - Grand Gulizar 4*
Diyarbakir (1)      - SV BUsiness 4*
Nemrut (1)          - Nemrut Euphrat Hotel
Gaziantep (1)      - Novotel Gaziantep 4*

 

GOLD  Package  Hotels 
Van (1)                 - Hilton Van 5*
Doğubeyazit (1)  - Tehran Hotel 3*
Tatvan (1)            - Tasar Hotel 4*
Midyat (1)           - Royal Midyat 4*
Mardin (1)           - Raymar Hotel 5*
Sanliurfa (1)        - Nevali Hotel 5*
Diyarbakir (1)      - Divan Hotel 5*
Nemrut (1)          - Ramada Adiyaman 4*
Gaziantep (1)      - Tugra Hotel 5*
** Sample hotels are confirmed on the booking date if they are available. Otherwise, similar hotels are booked.

HIGHLIGHTS

Van
Akdamar Church
Tuspa Castle
Muradiye waterfall
Doğu Beyazit
Ishak Pasha Palace
Mount Ararat
Noah!s Ark
Tatvan
Ahlat
Uzuntas Village
Hizan
New Hasankeyf
Midyat
Mor Gabriel Monastery
Kasımiye Madrasah
Dara ancient city
Deyrul Zafaran Monastery
Mardin
Diyarbakir
Zerzevan Castle
Mithra Temple
Diyarbakır Grand Mosque
Hasan Pasha Han
Mount Nemrut
Arsemia Ruins
Karakus Tumulus
Cendere Bridge
Sanliurfa
Göbeklitepe
Harran
The pool of prophet Abraham
Halil ul Rahman Mosque
Sanliurfa Castle
Sanliurfa Museum
Gaziantep
Zeugma Museum

Let us know your opinions about the tour, your opinions are very valuable to us.

There are no comments for this tour yet. Be the first to comment on the form above.

No route defined for this tour
Tour Code
EN-138
Tour Name
Silk Road Journey 10 Days - 9 Ngt
Departure Point
Van, Türkiye
Start Date
End Date
Number of Rooms

10 Days Eastern Turkey tour  Van to Gaziantep

 

10 days Eastern Turkey tour on the Silk Road starts in Van and finishes in Gaziantep. Embark on a journey to explore the breathtaking natural wonders of Turkey's Eastern and Southeastern regions and delve into the rich historical heritage of the Assyrians, Urartians, and Hittite civilisations. The 10-day Southeast tour follows the ancient Silk Road, taking you on a mesmerising trip through the mysteries and facts of Mesopotamia, the cradle of human civilisation.
During your trip, you will visit some of the most remarkable sites in the region, including the Göbeklitepe temple and Karahantepe, built over 12,000 years ago in Sanlıurfa. These sites will leave you in awe of the ancient civilisations that thrived in the region. You will also have the opportunity to explore other treasures of the area, such as the Gaziantep Mosaic Museum and Urfa Archeology Museum, which are home to everyday artefacts and relics from the past.

As you travel along the Silk Road, you will also visit Tuspa Castle, Akdamar Church on the island of Lake Van, and the majestic Mount Ararat, which is believed to be the location of Noah's Ark. In Ahlat, you will visit the world's largest monumental Islamic cemetery, a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage.
To round off your trip, you will have the chance to indulge in the delicious dishes of Anatolia, which have been passed down through generations from the Urartians, Assyrians, and Hittites. Each dish is a testament to the unique blend of cultures and flavours of the region's rich culinary heritage.

Akdamar Church - Van

Information
  • Tour Code : EN-138
  • Duration : 10 Days
  • Start : Van, Türkiye
  • End : Gaziantep, Türkiye
  • Tour Season : 10 Apr - 20 Nov
  • Transfer : Vehicle
  • Distance : 2.200 Km
REQUEST FORM
Similar tours

Shall we call you?