This 8-day Central and Southeastern Turkey tour combines Istanbul and Cappadocia with the archaeological and cultural heritage of Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Harran, Gobekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut.
The journey begins in Istanbul before continuing to Cappadocia, where you will explore rock-cut churches, underground settlements and the region’s distinctive valleys. From there, the route moves into southeastern Turkey to visit Gaziantep’s museums and local landmarks, the historic centre of Sanliurfa, ancient Harran and the prehistoric site of Gobekli Tepe.
The programme concludes with Mount Nemrut and the remains of the Commagene Kingdom before returning to Istanbul. Domestic flights, guided sightseeing, transportation and accommodation are arranged as part of the itinerary.
Travellers who want to explore more of Turkey may also browse our [Turkey Package Tours]. For shorter routes focusing on the southeast, see our [Mesopotamia and Gobekli Tepe Tour].
8-Day Central and Southeastern Turkey Tour Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul and Dinner Cruise (Dinner)
- Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
- In the evening, you will join a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus. During the cruise, you can see Istanbul’s illuminated waterfront, palaces, bridges and historic buildings from the water.
- Dinner and traditional entertainment are included during the cruise.
- At the end of the evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Flight to Cappadocia and Northern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
- Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and begin exploring the northern part of the region. The programme includes the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where you will see rock-cut churches and chapels decorated with Byzantine frescoes.
- You will also visit panoramic viewpoints, traditional settlements and valleys formed by Cappadocia’s volcanic landscape. Depending on the daily route, the tour may include locations such as Pasabag, Devrent Valley, Avanos and Uchisar.
- At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 3: Southern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will explore the southern part of Cappadocia.
- The tour includes one of the region’s underground cities, where you will see tunnels, storage rooms, ventilation shafts and living spaces carved beneath the ground.
- You will then continue to Ihlara Valley, known for its rock-cut churches and walking paths along the Melendiz River. Depending on the programme, you may also visit Selime Monastery, panoramic viewpoints and traditional villages.
- At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel.
- Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 4: Cappadocia to Gaziantep (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will leave Cappadocia and travel towards Gaziantep.
- Upon arrival, you will explore the city’s historical and cultural sites. The programme includes the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which houses an important collection of Roman mosaics discovered at the ancient city of Zeugma.
- You may also visit the historic bazaar area, traditional workshops and local neighborhoods according to the available time.
- At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Overnight in Gaziantep.
Day 5: Gaziantep to Sanliurfa Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will travel to Sanliurfa, a city associated with several periods of ancient and religious history.
- The programme includes the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum and the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, where you can see archaeological finds from prehistoric settlements and later civilisations of the region.
- You will also visit the Pool of Sacred Fish, traditionally associated with the Prophet Abraham, and explore the surrounding historic bazaar and old city area.
- At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 6: Harran, Gobekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will travel to Harran, known for the remains of its ancient settlement and traditional beehive-shaped houses. Your guide will explain the city’s long history and its importance as a centre of trade, learning and religion.
- You will then continue to Gobekli Tepe, one of the world’s oldest known monumental archaeological sites. You will see its circular enclosures and T-shaped stone pillars, created by prehistoric communities more than 11,000 years ago.
- Later, you will travel towards Adiyaman and continue to Mount Nemrut, subject to weather, road and seasonal conditions. At the summit, you will see the monumental statues and royal sanctuary built for King Antiochus I of Commagene.
- At the end of the programme, you will continue to your hotel.
- Overnight in Adiyaman.
Day 7: Adiyaman to Istanbul (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.
- Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
- The rest of the day will be free for you to rest or explore Istanbul independently.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 8: Departure from Istanbul (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will have free time until your scheduled airport transfer.
- You will be picked up from your hotel according to the departure time of your international flight and transferred to the airport.
- This marks the end of your 8-day Central and Southeastern Turkey tour.