Discover Mesopotamia 7 days

Flight to  Gaziantep. After being met at the airport visit to Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the biggest mosaic museum in the world containing 1700 m2 of mosaics. The Zeugma mosaics date from the Roman and Late Antique periods and are regarded as some of the finest Roman mosaics in the world. A small but magnificent mosaic called The Gypsy Girl is the most famous piece in the museum’s collection. Among the Turks Gaziantep is famous for its cuisine and it is a pleasure to stroll and discover the colourful bazaars
Overnight in Gaziantep, Zeynep Hanım Konağı (BB )

After breakfast we continue towards Adıyaman and head to Nemrut Mountain National Park. The summit of Mount Nemrut is home to one of Turkey’s most iconic sights. The fascinating and eerie funerary mound of King Antiochus I of the Kingdom of Commagene sits a top this 2,150-meter peak. The spectacular terraces are littered with the toppled remnants of giant stone statues that were once majestically lined up to celebrate Antiochus’ own glory and the glory of the gods. After visiting Karakuş burial mound and Cendere Roman bridge, it’s time to climb Mount Nemrut and watch the sunset.
(228 km- 4hrs)
Dinner and overnight at Nemrut Euphrat hotel(HB)

Following breakfast we drive to Göbeklitepe ( Unesco) the place were history was rewritten This historic place is the oldest discovered human- built holy place in the world and built between 9.000 and 10.500 BC. It is more than 6.000 years older than Stonehenge in England. We then continue to Şanlıurfa for a visit to the spectecular archaeology museum, a number of of the holy places this city of the prophets has to offer, the old bazaars and old town.
(200 km- 3 hrs)
Overnight in Şanlı Urfa. Müzepotamia Butik otel (BB)

Following breakfast we head for Harran, one of Turkey’s most exotic corners. Among the imposing ruins of the old city live an Arabic speaking tribal population in beehive-shaped houses built of unbaked mud. According to an early chapter of the Jewish bible the patriarch Abraham lived here with his father Terah. Harran’s Temple of Sin was one of the holiest sanctuaries of the ancient Near East. It was already old when Shalmanesser III of Assyria renovated it in the 9th century BC After visiting the main remains of Harran we head towards Mardin. We conclude the day exploring the colourful streets of old Mardin and a wonderful dinner.
(296 km – 4 hrs)
Overnight in Mardin. Artuklu Kervan sarayı hotel (BB)

After breakfast we head to Dara to explore the ruins and amazing underground water system. Named after the Roman Emperor Anastasius, this Roman garrison town is carved out of rock and the remains are nothing short of impressive. In Dara, the first dam and irrigation canals in Mesopotamia were built.  On the way back to Mardin we visit  ‘ Deyrüzzaferan ‘ Saffron  ‘monastery, a Syriac monastery dating from the 15 th century.  Back in Mardin we visit the beautiful medrese of Kasım Padişah, a local leader who reigned 1469 to 1503. The compound surrounds a courtyard with a monumental recess, built over a natural spring.
( 70 km- 2 hrs)
Overnight in Mardin . Artuklu Kervan Sarayı hotel (BB)

From Mardin we drive to Midyat. Not so long ago archeologists discovered an undergound city in Estel, Midyat which we will visit  before lunch in Midyat .The stone houses of Midyat are built with the processing of limestone, which is obtained around Mardin. The soft limestone is very suitable for shaping. Stone masters have used this very well and built stone houses suitable for climatic conditions in the past. After lunch we continue to the Syriac village of Anıtlı in Turabdin region, a plateau populated by around 80 villages and 70 churches and monasteries. The Virgin Mary church in Anıtlı ( Hah in Syriac ) is a beautiful example of monastic architecture.
We then continue to Hasankeyf which is completely submerged under the waters of the ilisu Reservoir for a 60 mins boattrip along the caves and visit to the Zeynel bey Türbesi. This 15 th century tomb is the only preserved monument of the site
Dinner and overnight in Diyarbakır.
(290 km – 5 hrs)
*** Overnight in Diyarbakır. SV Business hotel (BB)

The last day of the journey is spent in Diyarbakır. On the city walk we’ll visit the Ulu camii or Grand mosque, drink coffee at Hasan Paşa Han, visit the four- legged minaret and churches and give you time to explore the city yourself before transferring you to the airport for your flight back to domestic or international destinations.
End of Program.

• Accommodation; centrally located
• 6 x breakfast and 1 x dinner
• Transport
• English speaking, official licensed Turkish guide
Excludes:
• Breakfast on the first day.
• Lunches and 5 x dinner
• Personal expenses.
• Admissions fees.
• Flights to Gaziantep and from Diyarbakır to other places in Turkey or homeland.
•
** This tour goes ahead with minimum 8 – maximum 13 persons