DAY 1: GAZIANTEP
Upon arrival to Istanbul airport, connected flight to Gaziantep. Then transfer to the hotel.
We will stay in the hotel.
DAY 2: GAZIANTEP/RUMKALE/SANLIURFA
After breakfast in the hotel, we will 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 archaeologists.
Then we will drive to Halfeti. On the way, we will stop to take pictures of bald ibis colony in Birecik. We will have a boat ride on Euphrates from Halfeti to Rumkale. Rumkale, Roman castle was the seat of the Armenian Catholicos in 12th and 13th centuries.
Finally, we will drive to Sanlıurfa.
We will have dinner in the hotel.
DAY 3: SANLIURFA/MARDIN
After breakfast in the hotel, we will explore Sanlıurfa (Urfa) that is ancient Edessa. 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.
In late afternoon, we will drive to Mardin.
We will have dinner in the hotel.
DAY 4: MARDIN/DIYARBAKIR
After breakfast in the hotel, we will stroll in the narrow streets and alleys of Mardin to admire fine stone carvings 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 Der Zafaran monastery belong to Assyrian Christian community.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Diyarbakır.
We will have dinner in the hotel.
DAY 5: DIYARBAKIR/NEMRUD/ADIYAMAN
After breakfast in the hotel, we will have sightseeing in Diyarbakır, ancient Amidiya. 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.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Nemrud Mountain. On the way we will see Old Kahta, that is ancient Arsameia. We will see beautiful sunset on Nemrud Mountain against gigantic statues. Be ready for a dreamlike experience.
In the evening, we will drive to Adıyaman.
We will have dinner in the hotel.
DAY 6: DEPARTURE
After breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Malatya and have a flight to Istanbul.