INTRO

April to October

South Eastern Anatolia

Two of the world’s noblest rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, rise in Eastern Anatolia and this region has been known as the “ Cradle of Civilization” , the “Fertile Crescent” and the location of the legendary Mesopotamian plain. 

In the South Eastern Anatolia Tour, you will also be visiting the Tur Abdin Region situated just west of Tigris River between the cities Mardin, Nusaybin, Hasankeyf and Cizre. The name “ Tur Abdin” is from the Syriac Language meaning “ the mountain of servants of God” and considered to be the heartland of the Syriac Orthodox belief.

South Eastern Anatolia Tour highlights  

* Culinary capital of Gaziantep   *World’s first Temple of Göbeklipe *Holly City of Urfa * Harran 

* Zeugma Mosaic , Urfa Archaeology Museums *Ancient Zeugma  * Diyarbakir Walls  

* Castle Town of Mardin & Tur Abdin Region * *Sun set at Mt. Nemrut 

*The Northern arc of the Fertile Crescent * Mesopotamian Plane

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1 - Fly into Istanbul airport where a Fields of Anatolia Travel representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Overnight in Istanbul. 

** Depending on your wish you may stay 2 or 3 days in Istanbul before proceeding to South Eastern Anatolia Tour 

Day 2 - Fly to Gaziantep and start a full day tour visiting the Zeugma mosaics museum, the old city, and the market. Overnight in Gaziantep.

Day 3 - Visit the ancient site of Zeugma, before continuing to Halfeti & Rumkale. Continue to Urfa and take a tour around the city, visiting the Balikli Gol and Gumrukhan. Overnight in Urfa.

Day 4 - Visit the ancient ​ site of Göbekli Tepe, then take in the exhibits of the Urfa museum before driving out to visit Harran. Overnight in Urfa.

Day 5 -  Depart Urfa for Mardin and on your journey visit Deyrul Zafaran and Kasimiye monasteries. Later visit Sakib Sabanci ethnographic museum and explore the beautiful castle town of Mardin’s historical and religious sites as well as its markets by walking Overnight in Mardin.

Day 6 – Depart for Midyat and on the way there visit nearby historical site of Dara, and Beyaz Su promenade. Continue to the Midyat to visit the beautiful Mor Gabriel monastery. Overnight in Midyat . 

Day 7 – Depart for Diyarbakir and on the way stop in Hasankeyf, which was once a stunning historical site now under the Ilısu dam water ,despite local and international objections, the city and its archaeological sites have been flooded as part of the Ilısu Dam project. Some of the historical buildings have been relocated and there is a small museum with the photos of the once amazing site of Hasankeyf. Continue to Diyarbakir and visit the historic center including an Orthodox Syriac church, an Armenian Church and the Ulu Jamii mosque and market place before visiting Diyarbakir’s famous walls, reputed to be the world’s largest Wall after China’s Great Wall. Overnight in Van 

Day 8 – Drive to Kahta and see the Karakus Tumulus. Next visit Roman Cendere Bridge and Arsemia and get to Mount Nemrut in time to see the sunset. Overnight in Adiyaman.

Day 9 - Take a morning drive around Adiyaman then transfer to the airport for your departure flight.