9-day Southeast and Cappadocia Turkey tour – Mardin, Urfa, Gaziantep

Get ready to be mesmerized by the beauty of Istanbul from the moment you arrive! Your guide will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel or embark on a half-day tour of the city's historical heart. Admire the stunning Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, the grand Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon, you have the option to take a Bosphorus cruise, where you'll get to take in the epic skyline of the city. End the day with a delicious dinner and transfer to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. Istanbul is waiting for you!

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the charming city of Mardin! After a short domestic flight from Istanbul, we'll arrive in this unique city known for its UNESCO-protected Artuqid architecture and diverse cultural influences. Stroll through the picturesque old town, explore the charming back streets, bustling bazaars, and historic landmarks like the Great Mosque and Zinciriye Madrasa. Our knowledgeable guide will share with you the city's captivating legends and stories. Savor a delicious lunch and end the day with a delicious dinner and comfortable overnight stay at the hotel. Join us on this journey of discovery and uncover the hidden gems of Mardin!

Explore the ancient history and cultural diversity of Urfa on a journey you won't forget! Discover the world's oldest-known temple, Göbekli Tepe, dating back to 10,000 BCE. Uncover Urfa's rich heritage through visits to Abraham's Cave, the Pools of Holy Carp and charming mud-brick houses in Harran. Immerse yourself in the city's past by touring the ruins of city walls, oldest Islamic university and an 18th century castle. End the day with a relaxing stay at our hotel in Sanliurfa, complete with dinner and overnight accommodations.

Embark on an exciting day of history and culture as we depart at 8am. First stop: ancient Gobekli Tepe temple, the oldest known temple in the world, pre-dating Stonehenge by 6000 years. Enjoy a guided tour and photo opportunity before heading to Sanliurfa to visit the Archaeology and Mosaic Museum. See life-size replicas of the megaliths from Gobekli Tepe and take a lunch break in the city center of Urfa. After that, we'll head to Gaziantep, known for its rich history and culture.

Join us for an exciting journey to the picturesque Adiyaman! We'll start the day with breakfast before setting off to explore this mountainous region in southeast Turkey. Take in the stunning views of the Euphrates River and immerse yourself in history by visiting the Artemia Roman bridge and the Karakus Tumulus Tomb. Cap off the day with a delicious dinner and a comfortable night's stay at our hotel.

Come with us to discover the beauty of Mt. Nemrut at sunrise! We'll hike 25 minutes to the summit, where you'll be amazed by the towering statues of kings and gods. Your guide will share interesting stories about the Commagene Kingdom as you take in the panoramic views and capture stunning photos. Later we'll drive to Cappadocia, where we'll visit the 13th century Seljuk Caravansary "Karatayhan" and the picturesque Tekir Valley. End the day with a comfortable overnight stay in a hotel in Cappadocia and a delicious dinner.

Rise and shine for an unforgettable experience in Cappadocia! Start your day with an optional hot air balloon ride to see the breathtaking landscapes from above. After breakfast, we'll explore the must-see sights like the Goreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley and Uchisar. Learn about the ancient underground cities and get closer to the volcanic Mt. Hasan. After lunch, we'll visit a traditional carpet and ceramic shop, where you can watch pottery-making demonstrations and even try it yourself. Optional Turkish Night with dancing in the evening.

Join us for a scenic drive through charming Turkish towns and villages to the capital city of Ankara, We'll make a photo stop at the beautiful Salt Lake and visit the Ataturk Mausoleum before lunch. Afterwards, we'll continue on to Bolu for dinner and overnight. Don't forget to visit a jewelry shop in Cappadocia, where you can admire handcrafted pieces and learn about the renowned local jewelers and their use of precious metals and stones.

Explore the rich culture of Istanbul with us! After breakfast, we'll embark on a 250km, 3-hour journey to the city. Once we arrive, get ready for a half-day sightseeing tour that includes a Bosphorus cruise a visit to the famous spice market and the chance to see the Golden Horn. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in Istanbul.