Tour the Treasures of Mesopotamia

Arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) or Istanbul Airport (IST). After customs procedures (passport control and baggage claim), meeting with the assistant outside the airport terminal and transfer to the selected hotel. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

10%

History

40%

Adventure

10%

Food

30%

After breakfast, at the scheduled time, we transfer to the airport for the domestic flight (PC 2402, 05:50-07:25) bound for Gaziantep. Upon arrival, we immediately immerse ourselves in history with a visit to the Zeugma Archaeological Museum, the repository of the most important Roman mosaics in the world. This modern, technologically advanced structure will transport us directly into the opulent Roman villas of the ancient Mesopotamia valley.

We continue to the center of Gaziantep (ancient Ayintab), a city renowned for its exceptional gastronomy and considered the home of the world's best baklava. We will take a pleasant walk in the old town, visiting the lively Copper Market. Leaving Gaziantep, we head towards the legendary Euphrates River and the town of Halfeti. Here, we will board a small, comfortable boat for a scenic excursion on the river.

Following lunch, the day continues with the departure for Urfa, the ancient city of Mesopotamia celebrated as "the city of prophets" and the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. Upon arrival, we will immediately explore its most sacred and mythical places: the Cave of Abraham and the evocative Sacred Lake. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Culture

50%

History

50%

Food

10%

The day begins with a visit to the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum, a crucial stop for understanding Ancient Mesopotamia. This extraordinary museum houses not only an impressive collection ranging from the Paleolithic period, but also essential finds from Göbekli Tepe. Here we will admire the most important and mysterious piece: the “Balıklıgöl Statue,” considered the oldest sculpture in the history of humanity, shrouded in an aura of enigma.

Afterwards, we will move on to visit Göbekli Tepe (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in person. This ancient prehistoric sanctuary, located at the highest point of a mountain range about 15 km away, was erected around 11,500 years ago by hunter-gatherers, predating agriculture and sedentary life. The site, still under excavation, has revolutionized the understanding of the Eurasian Neolithic, leaving unanswered the mystery of its intentional burial around 8000 BC. After lunch along the way at a local restaurant, we will continue the journey towards Mardin. This is the evocative city of Syriac Christianity, a unique place where the liturgy is still celebrated in the ancient Aramaic language. Arrival in Mardin, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Culture

30%

History

40%

Adventure

30%

Food

10%

The day begins with the exploration of Mardin. The city appears as a caramel-colored vision perched on the slopes, dominated above by the remains of its fortress. We will venture into the intricate labyrinth of the historic center, admiring the majestic Iraqi Seljuk dome of the Ulu Camii Mosque (12th century) and the Zinciriye Madrasa, whose minarets rise in the heart of the old town. We will walk along Cumhuriyet Street, the main artery where the chaotic yet fascinating bazaar unfolds, rich in copper and brass craftsmanship, Aleppo soaps, and the unmistakable scent of freshly baked bread. Afterwards, we will visit the Syriac Monastery of Deyrul Zafaran (Saffron Church), one of the oldest in the world. Residence of the Assyrian Orthodox Patriarch for 640 years, the monastery takes its name from the precious spice cultivated in the surrounding area and is still today an important pilgrimage destination.

After lunch, we will leave Mardin and head towards Diyarbakir. Known in classical times as Amidiya, this city was a crucial Roman outpost on the defensive line against the Parthian-Sasanian empires, annexed to Rome in 297 AD.
In Diyarbakir, we will begin a fascinating walking tour, entering its imposing black walls and strolling through its narrow, lively streets. We will stop at Hasan Pasa Hani, a caravanserai now perfect for a tea break. We will then continue to the Great Mosque, the oldest in Anatolia (originally the Christian cathedral of Saint Thomas), and to the distinctive Four-Legged Minaret of Kasim Khan, linked to a legend promising good fortune to those who pass seven times between its columns. Dinner and overnight stay in Diyarbakir.

Culture

60%

Nature

30%

History

50%

Adventure

10%

The day is entirely dedicated to one of Turkey’s archaeological wonders. In the morning, we will depart for the majestic Mount Nemrut (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters, this extraordinary site preserves impressive colossal statues, erected in 38 BC at the behest of King Antiochus I as part of his funerary complex.

After lunch, we will reach the summit of Mount Nemrut. Here stands the tumulus of King Antiochus, a conical structure about 50 meters high, made of small stones. On either side, on two terraces, it is possible to admire the colossal heads and bodies of Greco-Babylonian deities such as Zeus, Heracles, Apollo, and the Tyche of Commagene, which originally surrounded the royal tomb. In the afternoon, after completing the exploration of this mythical place, we will resume the journey towards Malatya, a city famous for its thriving apricot cultivation. Arrival, dinner, and overnight stay in Malatya.

Culture

50%

History

40%

Party

10%

Adventure

10%

The morning begins with departure for the fairy-tale region of Cappadocia. As we approach, we will be welcomed by an indescribable harmony: a kaleidoscope of colors painting the landscape, where shades of red and brown blend into grays, greens, and yellows, creating scenery unique in the world.

After lunch, we will begin our exploration with a panoramic stop at the famous “Three Beauties of Ürgüp,” the iconic mushroom-shaped rock formations that offer a perfect setting to admire the town below. We will then continue to the picturesque village of Ortahisar. Here, we will visit its imposing natural castle, a geological structure 86 meters high that was carved and transformed into dwellings by the Hittites centuries ago. In the evening, after dinner, there will be the possibility (optional and payable on site) to attend the fascinating Sema ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes, a mystical and cultural experience.

Culture

50%

History

20%

Adventure

30%

The day will be dedicated to exploring Cappadocia, the birthplace of Saint George, a unique place in the world where volcanic nature blends with cultural history. We will begin the morning with a walk through the fascinating Devrent Valley, known as the “fairy chimneys” valley, where erosion has sculpted a spectacular landscape of pinnacles and obelisks. We will continue with a visit to one of the ancient underground cities (Ozkonak or similar), built by early Christian communities as shelters from attacks. We will make a short stop to discover local art in a carpet and kilim workshop.

The highlight of the morning is the Göreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an exceptional complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries carved into volcanic rock and decorated with frescoes dating back to the 11th century. After lunch, the afternoon continues among the evocative volcanic landscapes of the Avcilar (“Hunters”) and Güvercinlik (“Pigeon”) valleys. We will admire a breathtaking panoramic view of Uchisar Castle, carved into the tuff rock. We will conclude the day with a visit to a workshop specializing in the processing of semi-precious stones, gold, and silver. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. In the evening, there will be the possibility (optional and payable on site) to attend a lively Turkish folk dance show.

Breakfast. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take the scheduled flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to the selected hotel. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

40%

Nature

10%

History

60%

Food

10%

After breakfast, the morning is dedicated to the half-day "Fener Balat" excursion. We begin by heading to the Golden Horn, the natural estuary offering characteristic panoramas and separating the historic area from modern Istanbul. Our first visit is to the evocative Church of St. Stephen, a unique architectural masterpiece in the world as the only Orthodox church entirely built in iron, symbolizing the Bulgarian struggle for ecclesiastical independence in the 19th century. We then continue into the picturesque UNESCO-protected neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, considered among the oldest in Constantinople. Here we will visit the Cathedral of St. George, the important seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate since the 15th century.

The excursion culminates at the lively Spice Bazaar (or Egyptian Bazaar), a feast for the senses. Built in the 17th century, it is today one of Istanbul’s most evocative markets, an explosion of scents, colors, and stalls full of exotic spices, sweets, and typical dried fruits. The excursion ends here, with free return to the hotel.

Optional Excursion: Chalcedon and Asian Istanbul. In the afternoon, there is the possibility (optional, payable on site) to join the "Chalcedon" excursion. We will cross the Eurasia Bridge to reach Çamlıca Hill, the highest point of the Asian side, offering a magnificent panorama of all Istanbul. We will continue to Kadıköy, one of the liveliest districts, with free time for lunch (on your own), during which you can taste typical Turkish street food. In the afternoon, we will visit the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, the former summer residence of the Ottoman sultans. The excursion ends here, with free return, free dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel.

Culture

50%

History

30%

Adventure

20%

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our full “Imperial” visit. We start at the ancient Hippodrome, once the beating heart of chariot races in Constantinople, admiring its imposing obelisks. Continuation of the visit to the Basilica Cistern, built in 532 under Emperor Justinian I, an extraordinary example of Byzantine hydraulic engineering, featuring majestic columns and vaulted arches. Built between the 4th and 5th centuries to supply water to ancient Constantinople, they still preserve the charm of their underground spaces and imposing columns, which bear witness to the greatness of the Eastern Roman Empire. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, the visit focuses on the Imperial Topkapi Palace (excluding the Harem section), which was the sumptuous residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries. Its architecture, enriched with magnificent decorations and furnishings, clearly reflects the power and majesty of the Empire. We will continue with an external view of the Hagia Sophia (now a mosque, entrance not included), the supreme masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. The day concludes with free time for shopping in the legendary Grand Bazaar. The excursion ends here, with free return, free dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel.

Optional Excursion: Bosphorus Cruise. In the late afternoon, there is an optional excursion (payable on site) by boat on the Bosphorus. This cruise offers a unique and spectacular perspective to admire both the European and Asian sides of the city, dotted with its most important palaces, mosques, and fortresses, before returning to the hotel. The excursion ends here, with free return, free dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast and transfer to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) or Istanbul Airport (IST) at the scheduled time for the return flight.