Take your journey to the next level and discover the heart of Turkey’s cultural and historical heritage through its lesser-known regions with our 8-Day Middle and Eastern Turkey Tour Package. Begin in Cappadocia, where surreal valleys, fairy chimneys, and ancient cave churches tell stories carved in stone, and underground cities reveal how early communities once lived in secrecy. In Gaziantep, we will visit the world-renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which showcases masterpieces of antiquity, and the bustling copper bazaar with skilled artisans. We will also try legendary baklava, which holds the city’s spirit. Moving on to Sanliurfa, the “City of Prophets,” you will visit the Urfa Archaeological Museum, the sacred Pool of Fish, and the cave believed to be the birthplace of Abraham. Nearby Harran enchants with its beehive houses, ancient ruins, and the remains of the world’s first Islamic university, while Gobeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple, opens a window to humanity’s earliest spiritual life. The journey culminates at Mount Nemrut, where colossal statues of gods and kings gaze over the valleys, offering one of the most breathtaking sunsets you will ever see. This unforgettable tour blends stunning landscapes, living traditions, and the deep roots of civilization into one extraordinary experience.
Day 1: Arrival – Dinner Cruise (Dinner)
- We will meet you at the airport in Istanbul and take you to your hotel.
- In the evening, we will drive you to the port for the Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus in the evening, which offers stunning views of Istanbul, traditional Turkish dishes, and entertainment.
- After dinner, return to your hotel.
Day 2: Northern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
- We will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul early in the morning and drive to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
- We will meet you at the airport upon your arrival in Cappadocia and drive to Uchisar Castle for a panoramic view of the region.Next, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring the rock-carved churches and the fantastic frescoes covering the walls.
- We will visit the pottery workshops in Avanos to observe traditional techniques that are still in use. Afterward, we will visit Monk’s Valley (Pasabag) to see the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and the rock-carved monk cell of St. Simeon.
- We will drive you back to your hotel after visiting Devrent Imagination Valley, where you can see animal-shaped fairy chimneys.
Day 3: Southern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
*** Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight (Please book it in advance)
- After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Goreme Panorama Point to see Cappadocia from a different angle.
- Next, we will drive to Red Valley for a 4-km hike. You will see rock-carved churches, pigeon houses, and local farms on the hike. After visiting Cavusin Village, we will drive to Love Valley to see pillar-shaped rock formations. We will visit Kaymakli Underground City, an underground settlement used as a shelter by early Christians.
- After visiting Pigeon Valley, we will drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 4: Cappadocia – Gaziantep (Breakfast)
- We’ll start the day with an early drive from Cappadocia to Gaziantep, stopping in Kahramanmaraş for a delicious lunch and a chance to try its famous ice cream.
- Once we arrive in Gaziantep, we’ll visit the impressive Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to the stunning Belkıs-Zeugma mosaics and other remarkable regional finds. Afterward, we’ll drive to Gaziantep’s Copper Bazaar. This bazaar is renowned for its intricate copperwork, crafted by skilled artisans. We’ll also try the world-famous baklava, a sweet treat that perfectly captures the region’s rich culinary tradition.
- We’ll stay overnight in Gaziantep tonight.
Day 5: Sanliurfa (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we’ll drive to Sanliurfa. Our first stop is the Urfa Archaeological Museum, where you can see artifacts from the nearby ancient sites of Harran and Gobeklitepe. Next, we’ll visit Balikligol, a sacred area associated with stories from the Bible and the Quran. Here, we’ll also explore the cave believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. Our last stop is the covered bazaar of Sanliurfa. We’ll take a relaxed stroll through Sanliurfa’s lively covered bazaar and experience this marketplace authentically.
- Tonight, we’ll stay overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 6: Harran – Gobeklitepe – Nemrut (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we’ll visit Harran, known for its iconic beehive-shaped houses, and explore the ruins of the ancient Islamic University and Harran Castle.
- Next, we’ll visit Gobeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a marvel of ancient history, before continuing to Kahta.We’ll stop at Arsemia Castle, cross the historic Cendere Bridge, which was built by Septimus Severus, and visit the Karakus Tumulus Tomb.
- Upon reaching Kahta, we’ll climb Mount Nemrut to experience a breathtaking sunset over the colossal statues of ancient gods and the Commagene Kings, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
- After this unforgettable day, we’ll drive to Adiyaman and stay overnight.
Day 7: Adiyaman to Istanbul (Breakfast)
- Today, we will pick you up from your hotel according to your flight schedule and drive you to Adiyaman Airport for your flight to Istanbul.
- Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will escort you to your hotel.
Day 8: Departure (Breakfast)
- Free morning in Istanbul. We will drive you to the airport according to your flight schedule for your flight back home.