In the footsteps of Ancient civilisations.
Explore some of the world’s oldest cities, ruins, and archaeological sites, including Göbekli Tepe and Harran on this 5 days tour.
Highlights:
– Gaziantep
– Mount Nemrut
– Şanlıurfa
– Göbeklitepe
– Karahantepe
– Harran
Day 1: Flight Gaziantep
After flight to Gaziantep we are met at the airport and visit the Zeugma Mosaic museum,which contains the fine Roman mosaics of Zeugma, a city which stood on a crossing of the Euphrates river and now has been flooded by the construction of the Birecik Dam, the old quarter and colourful bazaars of Gaziantep. ( 28 km- 30 mins)
Overnight in Gaziantep, Ali Bey Konak (BB)
Day 2: Gaziantep -Mount Nemrut.
After breakfast we take the long scenic road towards 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 old Kahta castle, Karakuş burial mound, Cendere Roman bridge, Karakuş tümülüs and Mount Nemrut, dinner and night at Nemrut Euphrat hotel. (228 km-4hrs)
Dinner and overnight at Nemrut Euphrat hotel(HB)
Day 3: Mount Nemrut – Göbekli tepe- Şanlıurfa
Following breakfast we journey to Göbeklitepe. 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. After visit we continue to Şanlıurfa where we will visit a number of the holy places this city of the
prophets has to offer, the old bazaars and when possible museum. (196 km- 3 hrs)
Overnight in Şanlı Urfa. Müzepotamia hotel (BB)
Optional: Join us on a traditional Urfa ‘sıra geces ‘ night including dinner, music and dancing.
Day 4: Şanlıurfa – Karahantepe – Soğmatar – Harran- Gaziantep
The excavations in Karahantepe started recently, in 2019. A series of circular enclosures and T-shaped monoliths (250 of them) similar to Göbeklitepe have been uncovered. The sacred Hill of Soğmatar has two reliefs of gods, dated 165 AD, and many inscriptions in Syriac. It was used for sacrificies to the gods. Harran is 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 continue to Gaziantep for dinner and overnight(330 km – 4,5 hrs)
Overnight: Gaziantep
Ali bey konak (BB)
Day 5: End of program. Onward Travel
İncludes:
– Accommodation in boutique hotels
– 4 x breakfast and 1 x dinner
– Transport
– English speaking, official licensed Turkish guide
Excludes:
– Breakfast on the first day.
– Lunches and 3 x dinner
– Sıra Night in Şanlıurfa (dinner, music, dance . ca € 30 )
– Personal expenses.
– Admissions fees.
– Return flights or other transport to Gaziantep .
** This tour goes ahead with minimum 6 – maximum 13 persons.
