SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY TOUR
Day 1 - ARRIVAL ISTANBUL
Welcome to Istanbul, the city on two continents. You are met by your tour manager and escorted to your hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 - ISTANBUL
Morning visit to old town (UNESCO World Heritage-1985); see the Hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisk, The Serpent Column, visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Continue to Topkapi Palace and Harem and close the day with a colorful visit to Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 3 - MARDIN
Early flight to Mardin. Drive to Midyat, Tur-'Abdin in Aramaic. Visit the 4th century Mor Gabriel Monastery and Grand Mosque from the 12th century. Visit ateliers of skillful silver filigree masters and have free time in the historic narrow streets and mingle with the locals. Return to Mardin and visit Deyrulzafaran Monastery from the 5th century that is built on a former Sun Temple (1000 BC). Chances to make unforgettable memories and take surrealistic pictures all day long. Overnight in Mardin.
Day 4 - SANLIURFA
Set off for Urfa, the birthplace of Abraham. See the oldest temple ever found in the world, Gobeklitepe from 11.000 years ago. Visit Harran and remains of the trading fortress, also the first Islamic university. Spend some time in the colorful old bazaar, an enjoyable experience to mix with the locals and rest with a Turkish coffee at the end of the day. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
DAY 5 - ADIYAMAN - NEMRUT
Morning in Urfa; visit Pond of Holy Fish and Cave of Abraham where it is accepted entirely holy and revered highly. See the Ataturk Dam on the way, the 5th largest one in the world, a man-made lake that is seen from space that has transformed the once semi-desert lands into green cotton fields. Overnight in Kahta.
DAY 6 - GAZIANTEP
Early morning for the unique experience of watching the sunrise from atop Mt. Nemrut (UNESCO World Heritage-1987). Continue to Gaziantep; land of kebabs, pistachio baklava, and mosaics. Visit the ancient site of Zeugma and see the Bald-ibis Biogenetic Reserve in Birecik (also Hermit Ibis), a unique chance to see the species that are extinct everywhere else on the planet. Overnight in Gaziantep.
DAY 7 - ISTANBUL
Visit the Gaziantep Archeology Museum before you leave for Istanbul, see the breathtaking mosaics from Zeugma and age-old artifacts from the region which includes the remains of a 3,500 years old mammoth. Drive to the airport for flight to Istanbul. Overnight and farewell dinner is at the hotel in Istanbul.
DAY 8 - DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport for flight back home or next destination.
