6 Days Wonderful Eastern Turkey Tours

Have you ever heard of Gobeklitepe, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history?
Did you know that Southeastern Turkiye (Turkey) is home to the world’s longest and widest city walls (after the Great Wall of China)?

Are you interested in exploring the ancient cities of Mesopotamia and their rich cultural heritage? Let’s discover Turkey with our Turkey tours.

Then look no further!

Southeastern and Eastern Turkey are full of wonders, serving as the cradle of numerous civilizations over the centuries. Here, you’ll find some of the world’s oldest temples, churches, and mosques. From the monumental statues on Mount Nemrut to the architectural marvels of Mardin’s ancient Christian monasteries, this region offers a chance to discover a hidden gem of history and culture.

Day 1 – Mount Nemrut in Adiyaman

Depending on your flight schedule, we will arrange your transfer and pick you up from your hotel to take you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Adıyaman. Upon arrival in Adıyaman, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kahta (15 km away), where you will have lunch. At 14:00, your tour will begin with a visit to the Tumuli, Karakush, and the tomb of the Four Queens, dating back to the 1st century BC. You will also explore the Roman (Cendere) Bridge, built in the 2nd century AD, as well as the Eski Kahta Castle and the ancient site of Arsameia. The highlight of the day will be a visit to Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 250 BC by King Antiochus of Commagene. After seeing the monumental statues of Nemrut you will finally enjoy a stunning sunset from the peak of this magnificent mountain.

Day 2 – Diyarbakir

Diyarbakır is a city rich in history and culture, home to numerous civilizations and a vibrant mix of traditions. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and visit the Tigris Bridge (also known as the Ten-Eyed Bridge), which spans the Tigris River. Built in 1065 during the Marwanid period, the bridge is constructed entirely from local basalt stone and features 10 arches. Locals and visitors alike flock to the bridge to stroll, take photos, sing, and dance. If you have some extra time, enjoy a cup of tea at one of the charming tea houses by the river.

Along the way, you’ll also see the ancient Hevsel Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site that, along with the Diyarbakır Fortress, forms an integral part of the city’s historical landscape. The city’s impressive walls are the tallest in the world and the second-longest after the Great Wall of China.
After soaking in the views, take the opportunity to explore the city’s historic mosques and churches. Don’t miss the Grand Mosque of Diyarbakir, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From there, you will visit other notable sites, including the Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque (also known as the Four-Legged Mosque), the Church of St. George (dating back to the 4th century AD), the Artuqid Khan, and the Ardabil Pavilion, which overlooks the entire delta and is over 800 years old.

You’ll also explore the Surp Giragos Church (an Armenian church), Mar Petyun Church (Chaldean Catholic), and the Ancient Virgin Mary Church (Assyrian). These sites reflect the rich cultural and religious diversity that has coexisted in Diyarbakir for centuries.
After enjoying a drink at Hasanpaşa Meyhanesi, you will head to Midyat, where you’ll spend the night, continuing your journey through this captivating region.

Day 3 – Mardin

After breakfast at your hotel in Midyat, you’ll begin your day by exploring the main highlights of this charming, historic town. Wander through the cobbled streets, where ancient churches and cave houses are scattered throughout. Your guide will take you to see the impressive Mor Gabriel Monastery, dating back to the 4th century, and the Meryem Ana Monastery, from the 6th century.

Next, you will head to Mardin, located about an hour away. A province of Mardin, Midyat, is just the beginning of your exploration of this ancient region. Mardin is renowned for its rich history of diverse beliefs and languages, as well as its remarkable stonework and architecture. The city is famous for its grand mosques, churches, monasteries, and madrasahs, all built from the local yellowish stone.

As you explore Mardin with your guide, you’ll visit several iconic sites, including the Deyrüzzaferân Monastery, the historic Erdoba Houses, the Kasimiye Medrese, and the Old Mardin Bazaar, which is brimming with local culture and charm.

In the late afternoon, you’ll continue your tour with a visit to the ancient city of Dara, founded by the Roman Empire. Explore its fascinating ruins, including water tunnels, underground cisterns, cave tombs, and the Roman Necropolis, offering a glimpse into the region’s deep history.

Day 4 – Urfa

On the fourth day, you’ll visit Urfa, home to the world’s oldest temple, Gobeklitepe. No matter how many places you’ve seen in Turkey, Şanlıurfa will leave you in awe. Not only is it home to Göbeklitepe, but it is also the birthplace of Abraham, the patriarch revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This makes Urfa a deeply significant destination for many.

Göbeklitepe, dating back to the 10th millennium BC, is one of the main reasons tourists flock to Şanlıurfa. It is here, in this ancient site, that the Neolithic revolution began over 12,000 years ago. The circular structures and massive stone pillars of Göbeklitepe are truly awe-inspiring.

Urfa’s strategic location, near water and key trade routes, has made it a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. As one of the oldest centers of both polytheistic and monotheistic religions, Urfa holds immense importance for those interested in religious history.

Your tour will begin with a visit to the key landmarks of this mystical city of Mesopotamia. Your guide will take you to explore Gobeklitepe, Urfa Castle, Urfa Museum, Fish Lake, ancient monasteries and the bustling marketplace. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to sample the unique flavors and experience the music of the region at local restaurants.

At the end of your day, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel to relax after a fascinating journey through one of Turkiye’s most historic cities.

Day 5 – Antep

With a population of approximately 1.6 million, Gaziantep is the largest city in southeastern Turkey and one of the highlights of your itinerary. Renowned across the country for its exceptional cuisine, Gaziantep is particularly famous for its pistachio baklava, widely considered the best in Turkey.

Indulge in as much as you like, then burn it off by strolling through the city’s charming streets. Like Sanliurfa, Gaziantep boasts a captivating old town, filled with historic Seljuk and Ottoman-era houses.

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide and driver, who will take you on a tour of the city. Start by visiting the castle by the lake, known as Greek Kale Zerrin Castle, and enjoy a boat trip on the Euphrates River in the Halfeti district, where you’ll see partially submerged amulets, schools, and houses. Your tour will continue with a visit to the Birecik district, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the endangered Bald Ibis birds by the Euphrates River.

Next, you’ll explore the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest of its kind in the world. Zeugma was an ancient city of the Commagene Kingdom, located about 30 miles (50 km) east of Gaziantep. The museum displays stunning mosaics excavated from this historic site, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient past.

The day’s tour will conclude here, and you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll spend the night in Gaziantep.

Day 6 – From Antep to Istanbul

On the sixth day, after exploring the captivating region of Turkiye(Turkey), you’ll have some free time to shop for souvenirs in Antep. Later, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel, marking the end of our services.