7 Days Middle and Eastern Turkey Tour

7 Days Middle and Eastern Turkey Tour

Highlights: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Gaizantep, Sanliurfa, Harran, Gobeklitepe, Nemrut, Adiyaman

Discover Turkey’s historical treasures with a tour of Gobeklitepe and Harran. Gobeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sanliurfa, is an astonishing 12,000-year-old temple complex, predating even the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. Its towering T-shaped limestone pillars adorned with totems and enigmatic symbols have rewritten history.

Harran, dating back to 25th-20th centuries BC, is a cultural hub steeped in significance. It’s associated with the prophet Abraham and has a rich history, from various empires to being home to Asia Minor’s oldest mosque and the birthplace of the first Islamic University.

Join us on this captivating journey through time, where ancient wonders await your exploration.

7 Day Middle and Eastern Turkey Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul

Upon your arrival at Istanbul airport, we’ll be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: North Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)

Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, we’ll transport you to Cappadocia for a day of exploring the unique rock formations, famously known as “fairy chimneys.” Our tour includes a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum, where you’ll explore rock-carved churches and caves. Additionally, we’ll visit Dervent, Monk’s Valley, Zelve, Avanos Village, and Cavusin Village. At the conclusion of the tour, we’ll drive you to your hotel for an overnight stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 3: South Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast )

*Optional Hot Air Balloon Tour in the morning.*

After breakfast, we’ll commence the South Cappadocia tour. Our day’s adventures begin in Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik), known for its rock-carved birdhouses and the evileye tree. We’ll delve into one of the region’s largest underground cities, Derinkuyu Underground City, and embark on a hike in Rose Valley, where you’ll marvel at the ever-changing hues of the rose-colored rocks. This region is known for its unique cave tunnels, houses, and churches. Following the tour, we’ll transport you back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day 4: Cappadocia – Gaziantep (Breakfast)

In the early morning, we’ll leave Cappadocia and journey to Gaziantep. Along the way, we’ll make a stop in Kahramanmaras for lunch, where you’ll have the opportunity to savor the famous ice cream. Upon arriving in Gaziantep, we’ll visit the Gaziantep Mosaic Museum, home to the Belkis-Zeugma Mosaics and other regional discoveries. We’ll also explore the city of Gaziantep, renowned for its copper bazaar and intricate copper craftsmanship. You’ll have the chance to taste Gaziantep’s renowned baklava and witness the skilled work of local copper artisans. Overnight in Gaziantep.

Day 5: Sanliurfa (Breakfast )

Following breakfast, we’ll drive to Sanliurfa. Our first stop is the Urfa Archaeological Museum, where you can view exhibitions featuring artifacts discovered in Harran and Gobeklitepe. We’ll then visit Balikligol, a sacred site with biblical and Quranic significance, including the cave believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. The day concludes with a leisurely walk through Sanliurfa’s covered bazaar. Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Day 6: Harran – Gobeklitepe – Nemrut (Breakfast )

After breakfast, we’ll journey to Harran, known for its conical-shaped domes and beehive houses. Explore the ruins of the oldest Islamic University and Harran Castle. Our adventure continues to Gobeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before proceeding to Kahta. Along the way, we’ll visit Arsemia Castle, cross the Septimus Severus Bridge (Cendere Bridge), and see the Tumulus Tomb of Karakus. Upon reaching Kahta, we’ll climb Mount Nemrut to witness a breathtaking sunset over the colossal statues of ancient gods and Commagene Kings, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The day concludes in Adiyaman for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Adiyaman to Istanbul (Breakfast)

On the final day of your tour, we’ll take a flight back to Istanbul from Adiyaman. Upon arrival in Istanbul, we’ll drive you to your hotel in Istanbul.