This 4-day Eastern Turkey tour is designed for travelers seeking a deeper, more authentic journey into the origins of civilization. Exploring the heart of Mesopotamia, this itinerary combines world-class archaeological sites, ancient cities, and rich local culture, offering a unique perspective on Turkey beyond the classic routes.
From the mystical atmosphere of Gobeklitepe - regarded as the zero point of history - to the sacred city of Sanliurfa, the monumental statues of Mount Nemrut, and the timeless stone architecture of Mardin, each destination reveals a distinct chapter of human history. The journey concludes with a scenic boat trip in Halfeti and a visit to the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep, seamlessly blending archaeology, nature, and gastronomy into a truly unforgettable experience.
DAY 1 - Transfer from your hotel in Istanbul to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Early morning flight to Sanliurfa (around 07:00 am). Upon arrival, meet our staff and transfer to the city center.
SANLIURFA, ABRAHAM’S CAVE, HARRAN & GOBEKLITEPE TOUR (L)
Begin your day with a visit to Sanliurfa city center, exploring the oriental bazaar, Prophet Abraham’s Cave and the sacred Pools of Holy Carp. Continue to Harran, famous for its mud-brick beehive houses and its association with Prophet Abraham, as mentioned in the Book of Genesis. Visit the ruins of Harran, including the city walls, the remains of one of the oldest Islamic universities, and the 8th-century castle.
After free time in Harran village, drive to Gobeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back nearly 12,000 years (circa 10,000 BC). Return to your hotel in Sanliurfa.
Accommodation in Sanliurfa
DAY 2 - ARSEMIA & MOUNT NEMRUT TOUR (B, L)
Pick-up from the hotel around 09:00 am. En route, visit the ancient ruins of Arsemia, the Roman Cendere Bridge, and the Karakus Tumulus. Drive up Mount Nemrut and walk to the summit to witness a spectacular sunset among the colossal stone heads of gods and kings. Free time to explore the site before returning to Sanliurfa.
(In case of unfavorable weather conditions, Mount Nemrut may be skipped.)
Accommodation in Sanliurfa
DAY 3 – MARDIN TOUR (B, L)
Pick-up from the hotel around 08:00 am. Discover the historic old city of Mardin, known for its labyrinth-like streets, traditional stone houses and panoramic Mesopotamian views. Visit key landmarks such as the Great Mosque of Mardin and Mardin Museum. Return to Sanliurfa.
Accommodation in Sanliurfa
DAY 4 – SANLIURFA, HALFETI & GAZIANTEP TOUR (B, L)
After breakfast, depart Sanliurfa and drive to Halfeti for a scenic boat trip along the Euphrates River. Continue to Gaziantep to visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the copper bazaar and Gaziantep Castle.
After the tour, transfer to Gaziantep Airport for an evening flight to Istanbul (recommended flight time: after 19:30). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Sultanahmet or Taksim.
END OF OUR SERVICE
Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Turkey, including cultural landmarks Mount Nemrut and Gobeklitepe.
PRECIOS:
Narli House Boutique Hotel - standard room or similar | 1.130 Euro per person * single suppliment is 245 Euro |
Palmyra Boutique Hotel - standard room or similar | 1.175 Euro per person * single suppliment is 280 Euro |
Stone House By Cevahir - standard room or similar | 1.190 Euro per person * single suppliment is 295 Euro |
Astarte Hotel - standard room or similar | 1.235 Euro per person * single suppliment is 330 Euro |
BOOK YOUR TRIP
No credit card required for inquiry – Response within 24 hours.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Hotel accommodations are based on bed & breakfast. Standard check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 11:00.
• All tours are operated as regular group tours and include English-speaking licensed guides, entrance fees, lunch (drinks excluded) and air-conditioned transportation. Private tour options are available upon request.
• Professional guiding services are provided during scheduled sightseeing tours only. Transfers between cities (flights or intercity buses) and free time outside the tour program are unguided.
• This itinerary can be customized according to your travel preferences. Please contact us for tailor-made options.
• Tour programs may be adjusted due to weather conditions or operational reasons.
• Prices are subject to availability and may vary during peak seasons, festivals or for last-minute bookings. Domestic flight fares depend on economy class availability and may change according to travel dates and seasonal demand. Please contact us to reconfirm prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the 4 days Eastern Turkey tour suitable for solo travelers?
A: Absolutely! We welcome solo travelers. You can join our small group tours to meet like-minded explorers or opt for a private tour for a more personalized experience.
Q2: Can the itinerary be customized?
A: Yes, the itinerary can be tailored based on your interests, travel dates and pace.
Q3: Are entrance fees and guided tours included?
A: Yes, all major entrance fees and professional licensed guides are included.
Q4: What is the best time of year to visit Eastern Turkey?
A: The best time to visit is from April to June and from September to October, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor exploration.
Q5: Does this tour involve a lot of walking?
A: The tour includes moderate walking at archaeological sites and city centers. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Gobeklitepe is a series of mainly circular and oval-shaped structures set on the top of a hill, about 15 km away from the city of Sanliurfa Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Archaeologically categorized as a site of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A Period (c. 9600–7300 BC). There is an archeological proof that these installations were not used for domestic use, but predominantly for ritual or religious purposes. Subsequently, it became apparent that Gobeklitepe consists of not only one, but many of such Stone Age temples.
Harran is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, famous for its unique beehive houses and its role as an ancient center of science and learning. According to biblical tradition, it is where Prophet Abraham spent part of his life, making it a place of great historical and spiritual significance.
Zeugma was an important Roman city located along the Euphrates River, renowned today for its stunning mosaics. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep houses some of the finest Roman mosaics ever discovered, including the world-famous “Gypsy Girl,” offering a remarkable insight into ancient art and daily life.