Circuit Istanbul / Cappadocia Mesopotamia

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a full-day city tour of Istanbul. Our first stop will be at the iconic Hagia Sophia, a world-renowned architectural marvel and one of the largest and most imposing churches in the world. Recently converted into a mosque, it is a sight to behold and a must-visit for any traveler. Next, we will head to Topkapi Palace, which served as the residence of sultans from 1478 to 1856. This sprawling and organic monumental complex comprises several bandstands, gardens, and areas, located in a historic center at the entrance to the Horn region or Golden Horn. Our next stop will be at the breathtaking Blue Mosque, famed for its six minarets, terraces, and domes that rise in the center of the building. You will be awed by the perfection of this impressive work of architecture. After enjoying a scrumptious lunch, we will visit the Roman Hippodrome, where quad bike races and circuses were held for over a thousand years, providing entertainment to the inhabitants of Constantinople. We will conclude the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant covered market where you will have some free time to explore and indulge in some shopping.After the tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel for your overnight accommodation. Meals: Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on an early departure to the airport to catch your flight to Kayseri, the gateway to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, we will embark on a visit to the Saruhan Caravanserai, a 12th-century inn built for commercial caravans. We will enjoy lunch on the Silk Road, before continuing our tour in the afternoon with a visit to the Zelve Valley, where Muslims and Christians lived together until 1924. Along the way, we will pass through the Devrent Valley and appreciate the unique formations known as the Fairy Chimneys. Arriving in the ancient city of Ortahisar, we will proceed to the hotel for dinner and accommodation in Cappadocia, a region known for its unique landscapes and fairy-tale-like rock formations. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

After breakfast, we will embark on a full day excursion in Cappadocia. Our first stop will be the Göreme Open Air Museum, where we will explore churches built into the rocks adorned with interior frescoes. Next, we will visit the ancient city of Uchisar, followed by a stroll through the scenic Pigeon Valley. We will then head to the Paşabağ or Valley of the Monks, featuring natural mushroom-shaped rock formations. Later, we will visit the city of Avanos, known for its pottery. We will explore the depths of an underground city, either Serhatlı or Özkonak, that served as a sanctuary for early Christians during the 6th and 7th centuries. Our final visits of the day will be to a carpet factory to witness the creation of Turkish rugs renowned around the world, as well as to a local jewelry store famous for its exquisite pieces made from onyx stone. We will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation in Cappadocia. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

After breakfast, we will depart for Niğde, located approximately 15 kilometers away. Prior to arriving in Niğde, we will visit the Monastery of Eski Gümüş. Here, we will have the opportunity to view the church, which features numerous impressive frescoes, as well as the dining room, storerooms, bedrooms, cemetery, and courtyard, all of which have been carved into rock. In Niğde, we will visit a rare Islamic mausoleum, known as Hüdavend Hatun, which is adorned with mythological reliefs on the exterior. Additionally, we will visit the Sungur Bey mosque, located adjacent to the citadel, which features a European Gothic style not typically seen in the Islamic East. We will then continue on to the Taurus mountain range, passing through the famous "Gate of Cilicia", one of the two passages between Inner Anatolia and Southern Anatolia towards Syria. Notably, the Hittites passed through this area in 1300 BC to invade Syria, and the Crusades also passed through here during the Middle Ages in an attempt to conquer Jerusalem. Our next stop will be in Tarsus, which was once the capital of the Roman Cilicia region and has a history spanning at least 4,000 years. Alexander the Great once swam in the cold river that runs through the city, and we will visit the remains of Saint Paul's birthplace, as well as the Arch where Antony received Cleopatra. Our lunch break will take place near the Barada River waterfall. Following our departure from Tarsus, we will be traveling to Adana - a thriving metropolis and current capital of Cilicia, boasting a population of 2 million inhabitants. Once we arrive at the city center, we will visit the Ulu Cami Mosque, which is renowned for its distinctive style and beauty, resulting from a synthesis of Anatolian and Syrian architecture. We will also take a stroll to see the grand Hadrian's Bridge and the modern Sabanci Mosque, which are situated next to the lake and the Seyhan River. We will be dining and lodging in Adana for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we will be departing towards the East. Before leaving this region, we will visit the ruins of Anazarbus, another former Roman capital of Cilicia, which is abundant with ancient monuments. Additionally, we will also observe the remarkably preserved Yılanlı fortress that has been standing since the time of the Crusades. Our journey will lead us to climb the Amanos Mountains, leaving the Mediterranean behind and entering the historical region of Upper Mesopotamia. Upon arriving in Gaziantep, we will make a stop at the citadel, where we will find a diverse market offering an array of items. Gaziantep serves as Türkiye's primary production site for pistachios and handicrafts. We will dine and stay overnight in Gaziantep. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in the morning, known for its stunning mosaics from the Anglo-Hellenic/Roman city of Zeugma. The city, once controlling the bridge over the Euphrates River, was prosperous due to trade, but much of it is now submerged. The journey then takes the travelers to Adıyaman, exploring the ancient Commagene kingdom, characterized as a mystical land "between east and west, between earth and sky." Stops include the Karakuş Tumulus, a monumental tomb for the ruling dynasty's women, and the well-preserved Roman bridge (Cendere). The highlight is Mount Nemrut, where visitors ascend to witness the impressive statues of King Antiochus I Epiphanes and deities. The tour covers the "Eastern Terrace" and the "Western Terrace" with the famous "Belas" statues. The day concludes with a descent from the mountain, dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After our breakfast, we will proceed to Diyarbakır, a city known for its large Kurdish population, by crossing the Euphrates River via the new bridge. According to the Bible, the Euphrates River is one of the four rivers that flowed from Paradise, making our journey to Mesopotamia from Türkiye a significant one. During our visit, we will explore the famed basalt walls, once considered invincible, the Great Mosque featuring intriguing Arabic/Roman architecture, and the largest Armenian church in Türkiye, Surp Giragos. Our itinerary also includes a visit to a Caravansarai, a grand shopping center among other notable landmarks. We will make a stop at the ruins of Hasankeyf, also known as the city of caves. We will then commence our climb up the mountain of the servants of the god "Tur Abidin", as it was known in the Middle Ages.Upon arrival in Midyat, we will embark on a tour of the churches and monasteries belonging to the Syrian sect, which for centuries have been the focal point of Midyat and the nearby city of Mardin. The local residents of Midyat are renowned for their intricate silver craftsmanship. Following our exploration of the churches and palaces, we will make our way to Mor Gabriel, an extensive complex of monasteries dating back to the fourth century. We will conclude our day with dinner and accommodation in Midyat. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, we will commence our journey towards Mardin, the regional capital situated atop a massive rock formation that offers breathtaking views of the Syrian plain stretching out for hundreds of kilometers. This region, known as the ancient Turkmen kingdom of Artuklu, boasts a distinct and unique architectural style and art. Between 1100 and 1400, the region experienced a period of harmony and cooperation among various religions and sects, resulting in significant advancements in all fields. Our itinerary will include a visit to the Kasimiye Medersa, the Church of the Forty Martyrs, the Syrian Monastery of Deir Zafaran (which served as the seat of the Syrian Patriarchate for nearly a thousand years), and other notable sites. After lunch, we will proceed to the ruins of the Byzantine city of Dara, which was once the primary center of resistance against invading Persians. From there, we will travel approximately 230 kilometers to reach Şanliurfa. We will conclude our day with dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Şanlıurfa, historically known as Edessa, situated around a large spring amid rocky terrain. The city holds significance with the discovery of a 9,000-year-old statue, linked to Göbeklitepe, suggesting the origin of one of the oldest civilizations. The itinerary includes a walk through the "sacred fish ponds" region, exploration of the largest market in eastern Turkey, a visit to King Abgar Ukkama's palace remains with large mosaics, and a highlight at Göbeklitepe, an archaeological site dating back up to 12,000 years. The journey continues to Harran, one of the world's oldest cities, featuring a Middle Ages citadel, the Umayyad mosque, and famous conical houses. The day concludes with a return to Şanlıurfa, providing time to explore the vibrant market, followed by dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we will transfer to Sanlıurfa airport for the flight to Istanbul. Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a delightful morning with a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar, which dates back to the 17th century and is located in the historic district of Eminönü in Istanbul. After this visit, embark on a full-day Bosphorus tour via a regular boat that takes you through the Sea of Marmara, showcasing the beautiful monuments on both the Asian and European sides of the city, including Dolmabahce Palace, Çiragan Palace, and the fortress of Rumeli Hisarı. A visit to the stunning Beylerbeyi Palace awaits in the afternoon, built in the 19th century with white marble by Sultan Abdulaziz as a summer residence for the sultans and a guest house for foreign dignitaries. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch before climbing up to Çamlica Hill, also known as the Hill of Lovers, for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bosphorus Strait. Conclude the day with a transfer back to your hotel for comfortable accommodation. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Istanbul International Airport for your final departure. Meal: Breakfast