Istanbul, Cappadocia & Mesopotamia - 9 Days

Upon arrival in Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, you will then be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander through the bustling markets or enjoy a traditional Turkish tea, the choice is yours.

Today, we will wander through the vibrant city that bridges Europe and Asia. We’ll explore the iconic Topkapi Palace, including its hidden gems—the Hagia Irene and the Harem. Next, marvel at the architectural brilliance of the Blue Mosque and the St Sophia Museum, and walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the heart of chariot races and public gatherings.

In the afternoon, you may opt for a 'Half Day Bosphorus Cruise', navigating the waters that divide Europe and Asia, offering a unique perspective of both continents.

Istanbul - Cappadocia. After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our included onward flight to Cappadocia. Once we have arrived, we will be met by our local guide, who will introduce us to the area's unique attractions. We will explore the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, famous for its otherworldly landscape, and see the iconic fairy chimneys. We will also tour an underground city, uncovering its fascinating multi-level history. Be sure to have your camera ready for the many photograph-worthy sights!

Tonight, you have the option to attend a Turkish folklore event, featuring traditional dance and belly dancing—a memorable experience not to be missed. We will stay overnight in a charming boutique cave hotel.

This morning, we'll delve deeper into the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. Our journey begins at Pigeon Valley, famed for its dovecotes carved into the cliffs. Following this, we'll explore the striking geological formations of Red Valley, offering picturesque hikes. We then visit Cavusin Village, known for its ancient rock houses and churches. Our day concludes in Avanos, where we'll discover the traditional art of hand-made pottery, a craft passed down through generations. We will then head back to our cave hotel.

Cappadocia - Kahramanmaras - Adiyaman. Today, we depart from Cappadocia early in the morning, heading towards Adiyaman through Kahramanmaras. Our journey culminates with a visit to the awe-inspiring Mount Nemrut. Here, we explore the ancient Tombs of the Commagene Kingdom, with their monumental statues of gods. As we ascend to the Tumulus of Antiochos, once the capital of this ancient kingdom, we prepare to witness a breathtaking sunset. This historic funerary site, hidden for nearly two thousand years, provides a stunning backdrop as the sky transforms into a palette of tranquil colours.

Adiyaman - Harran - Sanliurfa. After breakfast, we'll head to Sanliurfa formerly known as Urfa, enroute we will take a scenic route that includes views of the impressive Ataturk Dam. We'll then stop in the historic town of Harran, renowned for its distinctive mud-brick houses and ancient city walls. Once in Sanliurfa, we'll visit the revered Holy Pools of Abraham and explore the cave thought to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. After, we will make our way to our hotel.

Today, we will make our way to Göbekli Tepe, a groundbreaking archaeological site that is transforming our understanding of early human civilisation. Here, we'll encounter the world’s earliest known religious structures, remarkably dating back 11,000 to 13,000 years, predating the invention of pottery and writing, and built millennia before monumental sites like Stonehenge or the Egyptian Pyramids.

We then continue to the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, known for its beautifully preserved Roman mosaics, including scenes of Amazon warriors. Next, we’ll visit the Kizilkoyun Necropolis with its rock-carved tombs, before concluding at the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum, home to remarkable artefacts from Göbekli Tepe and the wider region.

This morning, we set off on a picturesque drive to Gaziantep, enroute we will stop for a visit in Halfeti. In Halfeti, we will take a boat trip on the serene Euphrates River to explore the partially submerged city and gain insights into its intriguing history and culture.

Afterwards, continue on to Gaziantep, renowned for its culinary delights. Our first stop is the acclaimed Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which showcases some of the most remarkable Roman mosaics, offering a window into the region's ancient heritage.

After, you'll have some leisure time in Gaziantep's city centre. You can wander through the local bazaars, pick up traditional products, or enjoy lunch featuring the city’s famed dishes such as baklava, kebabs, or beyran soup. Your guide will be able to give you suggestion for lunch.

In the late afternoon, we will transfer to Gaziantep Airport to catch your included domestic flight back to Istanbul.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time to further explore Istanbul, grab a coffee, or relax before your transfer to the airport.