Mardin – Midyat – Urfa – Adıyaman – Gaziantep
Mesopotamia, Göbekli Tepe and the gastronomy of the southeast
9 Days / 8 Nights
Nine days across upper Mesopotamia: honey-stone Mardin, Syriac monasteries, the world's oldest temple at Göbekli Tepe, Mount Nemrut and the mosaics and kitchens of Gaziantep.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Mardin
Panoramic tour of the old city: the Ulu Mosque, the Old Post Office and the historic terraced streets above the Mesopotamian plain. Dinner and overnight at the Erdoba or Yay Grand Hotel.
Day 2 — Around Mardin
Breakfast. Visits to the Kasımiye Medrese, the Deyrulzafaran Monastery and the Syriac village of Savur. Dinner and overnight in Mardin.
Day 3 — Hasankeyf → Midyat → Dara
Breakfast. Excursion to Hasankeyf, Midyat, the Mor Gabriel Monastery and the ancient city of Dara. Optional excursion available (€16). Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 — Şanlıurfa → Göbekli Tepe
Breakfast and drive to Urfa. Visits to Göbekli Tepe, Urfa Fortress and Balıklıgöl, the Sacred Fish Lake. Dinner and overnight at the El Ruha or Manici Hotel.
Day 5 — Urfa Museums & Bazaar
Breakfast. The Archaeology Museum, the Mosaic Museum and the historic bazaar. Optional traditional Sıra Gecesi evening (€19). Dinner and overnight in Urfa.
Day 6 — Adıyaman → Mount Nemrut
Breakfast and transfer to Adıyaman. Optional excursion to the colossal statues of Mount Nemrut (€20). Dinner and overnight at the Isias Hotel.
Day 7 — Halfeti → Rumkale → Gaziantep
Boat tour of Halfeti, Rumkale and the sunken village of Savaşan, followed by the Birecik bald ibis sanctuary. Continuation to Gaziantep. Dinner and overnight at Zeynep Hanım Konakları or the Kule Hotel.
Day 8 — Gaziantep Highlights
Breakfast. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Gaziantep Castle, the Hamam Museum and the copper bazaars of the city centre. Dinner and overnight in Gaziantep.
Day 9 — Gaziantep Free Day
Breakfast. A free day for personal activities, shopping or optional tours. Overnight in Gaziantep.
