DAY 1: ANTAKYA

Upon arrival to Istanbul airport, connected flight to Antakya (Hatay). Then transfer to the hotel.

We will stay in the hotel.

DAY 2: ANTAKYA/GAZIANTEP

After breakfast in the hotel, we will visit Mosaic Museum of Antakya. We will see beautifully preserved Roman mosaics excavated from the Roman villas in Daphne in the neighborhood of ancient Antioch, Antakya. Then we will visit the Grotto of Saint Peter.

Later on, we will drive to Gaziantep and visit the Archaeological Museum to see the incredible mosaics excavated from the Roman villas in Zeugma on the Euphrates. The excavation of these mosaics in recent years created a huge interest in the circles of archeologists.

We will have dinner in the hotel.

DAY 3: GAZIANTEP/HARRAN/SANLIURFA

After breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Sanlıurfa (Urfa) that is ancient Edessa. On the way, we will stop to take the pictures of almost extinct bald ibis colony in Birecik. The locals called their town the city of the prophets. It is related to Abraham, Job, Elijah, Jethro, Noah, Moses and Lot. Even according to Father of Christian history, Jesus sent a letter and napkin to the King of Urfa, Abgar. We will visit Prophet Abraham’s Cave in Mevlid-i Halil Mosque and Sacred Pools of Halil-ür Rahman and Ayn Zeliha. We will have a look to local art manufactures in market district. Then we will drive to Harran and see the exceptional beehive shape sun dried mud brick houses.

We will have dinner in the hotel.

DAY 4: SANLIURFA/MARDIN

After breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Mardin that is famous with stone carving masonry. We will stroll in the narrow streets and alleys of Mardin to admire fine masonry of the buildings. We will see medieval structures such as Grand Mosque and Hatuniye Medrese that used to be theological school. In the afternoon we will visit Deyrul  Zaferan Monastery belong to Assyrian Christian community.

We will have dinner in the hotel.

DAY 5: MARDIN/DIYARBAKIR

After breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Diyarbakır, ancient Amidiya. The locals call it the Paris of the East. It has the longest town defense wall in the world. It is originally Roman and Selcuk Turks made additions. We will visit Grand Mosque. Its façade was built with recycled Roman columns and marbles. We will stroll in the old town area to admire medieval stone carvings of Zinciriye and Mesudiye Medrese that used to be theological schools. In addition, we will have time to see local art crafts.

We will have dinner in the hotel.

DAY 6: DIYARBAKIR/NEMRUD/ADIYAMAN

After breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Nemrud Mountain. On the way we will see Old Kahta, that is ancient Arsameia. We will have a look to Karakus and Cendere Bridge and finally head to Nemrud. Be ready for a dreamlike experience. We will see beautiful sunset on the mountain against gigantic statues built on the top of the tumulus of the Commagene king.

We will have dinner in the hotel.

DAY 7: DEPARTURE

After breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Malatya and have a flight to Istanbul.