Eastern Turkey Explorer - 11 Days

Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Istanbul – the only city in the world to straddle two continents. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the streets in the Sultanahmet District, head to a local hangout for panoramic views of the Marmara Sea or visit the ancient hippodrome, the Blue Mosque. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and dig into an authentic Turkish kebab.

This morning, you’ll board a train and travel to Sivas – the heart of Anatolia. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcast. When you arrive, take an orientation walk through the city’s old quarters, known for its impressive Seljuk architecture. Along the way, visit the Cifte Minare and Buruciye Madrasahs and learn about the region’s history before returning to Sivas for a free evening.

Depart Sivas this morning and travel southeast to Adiyaman. When you arrive, visit one of Turkey’s most iconic sites, Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO site that dates back to 1st century BC. Stop at the ancient Roman Cendere Bridge before reaching the summit for sunset. Unwind as the giant stone heads start to glow in the golden evening light and learn about the story and history layered into this magnificent site.

Set off early this morning to the ancient city of Mardin. On the way, you'll stop in Diyarbakır – known for its black basalt walls, rich Kurdish culture and tasty local food. If you're hungry, be sure to try a liver kebab (a true local favourite). Then, continue through the rugged Mesopotamian landscape to Mardin – a hilltop city with golden stone buildings and sweeping views all the way to Syria. After checking into your accommodation, join your leader on a short walk around the area to help you get your bearings. Then you’re free to explore the city’s winding streets – maybe with a glass of local Syriac wine to end the day.

After breakfast, take a guided walk through Mardin’s old streets. Explore the city’s main sights with your local leader, walk past the historic madrasahs and lively bazaars. After, visit the Living Museum and meet local artisans, including copper workers and telkari (fine silver filigree) artists, who are keeping the centuries-old tradition alive. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the beautiful Deyrulzafaran Monastery and the historic Kasımiye Medrese just outside the city.

Start your day with one of the most significant sites of human civilization - Gobekli Tepe – an archeological site over 11,600 years old which features the oldest known megaliths! As you walk through the site, see the tall T-shaped stone pillars, decorated with animals and symbols, and learn about the religious rituals that existed long before farming began. After, head to Sanliurfa, also known as the City of Prophets. When you arrive, listen to the inspiring story of Nahil Guesthouse that's committed to support local women's livelihood and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch there. The afternoon is free. Maybe visit the Sanliurfa Archeology Museum, which displays artifacts from Gobeklitepe and the region or stroll through the bazaars. Tonight, maybe join Sira Gecesi Night – a tradition in Sanliurfa that's now been revived with music and dances to celebrate human connections and the beauty of life.

Before heading to Gaziantep this morning, you’ll stop in Halfeti – a small town part of the global Cittaslow (slow city) network. Located by the Euphrates River, Halfeti is famous for the old village of Savasan, partially submerged after the Birecik Dam was built. The sunken mosque and abandoned stone houses tell a quiet story of the past. Then, set off on a scenic hike along the Degirmendere Trail. This lesser-known path winds through wild nature, rocks and lakes. After the hike, take a boat tour on the Euphrates to see the sunken city up close, where minarets and rooftops rise above the water. Later this afternoon, you’ll arrive in Gaziantep. Maybe find a local restaurant for dinner or walk through the lively bazaars and try some of the city’s famous pistachios and baklava.

Gaziantep is Turkey’s undisputed culinary capital and a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy – which is why today is all about tasting the local flavours! You’ll start the day like the locals do with a hot bowl of Beyran soup (a mix of meat, rice, garlic and spices). Then, set off through the streets on a food crawl, sampling some of the city’s signature dishes including ali nazik (smoked mashed eggplant topped with spiced beef), katmer (flaky pastry with clotted cream and pistachios) and gaziantep (Turkish coffee, sometimes infused with pistachio). You’ll then discover the birthplace of baklava, Gaziantep, where layers of golden pastry are made with great care. See the spice markers and coppersmith bazaar, where you can buy handmade souvenirs or fragrant local spices.

After breakfast, you’ll travel into the heart of Anatolia to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Catalhoyuk – one of the world’s oldest and best preserved Neolithic settlements. Explore the closely packed mudbrick houses and learn about the daily life in this early community. After, drive to Konya, passing through wide plains and beautiful Anatolian landscapes. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations.

This morning, head south toward the Mediterranean coast, stopping for lunch in Ormana Village – an old Yoruk settlement tucked in the Taurus Mountains. Located near the streams that feed the Manavgat River, Ormana is part of the Ibradi District, whose ancient name means 'land of abundant waters’. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with stone and timber houses, some restored and others still holding stories of the past. Then continue to Antalya – a lively coastal city blending Roman history with beach-town vibes. The rest of the day is free – maybe explore the Old Town’s Ottoman mansions and Roman harbour or relax at a seaside café as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – a great chance to reflect on the week, share stories and celebrate the memories made across Turkey.

As there are no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Antalya longer, just chat to your booking agent ahead of time.