This private 5-day Mesopotamia tour covers some of southeastern Turkey’s most important archaeological, historical and cultural sites. Beginning with a flight from Istanbul to Mardin, the route continues through Dara, Midyat, Sanliurfa, Gobekli Tepe, Mount Nemrut, Gaziantep and Antakya.
During the tour, you will explore the historic streets of Mardin, visit ancient settlements and monasteries, see the monumental stone pillars of Gobekli Tepe and travel to the summit of Mount Nemrut. The programme also includes sites connected with Roman, Syriac Christian and early Islamic history, together with regional museums and traditional towns.
As this is a private tour, transportation and guided sightseeing are arranged exclusively for your party. The itinerary is suitable for travellers who want to experience several major destinations in southeastern Turkey within a compact five-day programme.
Travellers interested in the archaeology and cultural history of southeastern Turkey may also explore our [Turkey Package Tours]. For more routes starting from Istanbul, visit our [Turkey Tours from Istanbul] page.
Private 5-Day Tour of Mesopotamia and Gobekli Tepe Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Mardin
- You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport for your flight to Mardin.
- Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and begin exploring the historic centre of Mardin. The programme includes the old stone streets, traditional houses and important landmarks such as the Grand Mosque, Kasimiye Madrasa and Deyrulzafaran Monastery.
- Your guide will explain the cultural and religious history of the city, which has been shaped by Muslim, Syriac Christian and other local communities.
- At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Overnight in Mardin.
Day 2: Dara, Nusaybin and Midyat Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will travel to Dara, an important ancient settlement near the Syrian border. You will explore its rock-cut structures, cisterns, burial areas and other remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
- You will then continue to Nusaybin, ancient Nisibis, which was an important commercial and intellectual centre in northern Mesopotamia. The programme includes sites such as Mor Yakup Church, subject to local access conditions.
- Later, you will visit Midyat, known for its traditional stone houses, narrow streets and Syriac Christian heritage. The tour may also include Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the oldest active Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the region.
- At the end of the tour, you will return to Mardin.
- Overnight in Mardin.
Day 3: Gobekli Tepe and Sanliurfa Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will leave Mardin and travel to Gobekli Tepe, one of the world’s oldest known monumental archaeological sites.
- You will see the circular structures and T-shaped stone pillars created by prehistoric communities more than 11,000 years ago. Your guide will explain the archaeological importance of the site and how its discovery changed ideas about early human settlement and ritual activity.
- You will then continue to Sanliurfa, where you will visit the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum and the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum.
- The programme also includes the historic Pool of Sacred Fish, traditionally associated with the Prophet Abraham, and time to explore the surrounding old bazaar area.
- Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 4: Mount Nemrut and Commagene Sites (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will travel towards Adiyaman and continue to Mount Nemrut.
- At the summit, you will see the monumental statues and royal sanctuary built for King Antiochus I of Commagene. Your guide will explain the history of the Commagene Kingdom and the meaning of the statues, reliefs and burial monument.
- You will then visit other important Commagene sites, including Arsemia, the Cendere Bridge and the Karakus Tumulus.
- Access to Mount Nemrut depends on weather, road and seasonal conditions.
- At the end of the tour, you will continue to Gaziantep.
- Overnight in Gaziantep.
Day 5: Antakya Tour and Return to Istanbul (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will leave Gaziantep and travel to Antakya.
- Depending on opening conditions and the operating programme, you will visit important historical sites such as the Church of St. Peter and locations connected with ancient Antioch and early Christianity.
- Where available, the programme may also include an archaeological or mosaic museum visit. Your guide will adjust the route according to current site access and opening conditions.
- At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.
- Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.