Istanbul • Gaziantep • Halfeti • Urfa
01
… / ISTANBUL
¡Welcome to Istanbul!
Reception at the International Airport and transfer to the selected hotel.
Overnight. ( – )
02
BYZANTIUM / CONSTANTINOPLE / ISTANBUL
Breakfast at the hotel. You will enjoy a full day city tour visiting some of the most famous and impressive sites as the St. Sophia, a magnificent sample of Byzantine architecture from the 6th century, the Hippodrome, where once spectacular races and games took place, the Blue Mosque, one of the underground cisterns that were built during the Byzantine era.
Free time to enjoy your lunch at one of the local restaurants. Furthermore, we will explore the mazes of the famous Grand Bazaar, offering all kinds of traditionally handicrafted items and jewellery in thousands of shops.
Overnight (B)
03
ISTANBUL / GAZIANTEP
Breakfast.
This morning, we will be transferred to Istanbul’s domestic terminal for a flight to Gaziantep. After arrival, we will take some time to explore the city, located on the historical Silk Road. At the bazaars you can still watch how traditional handicrafts as copperware, handmade shoes, silver jewellery etc. are made. We will also visit the amazing Zeugma Mosaic museum, where you will see some of the finest mosaics of ancient times.
Overnight (B, D)
04
GAZIANTEP / HALFETI / ADIYAMAN
Breakfast.
We will travel through the lovely landscape of Mesopotamia to Halfeti, located on the Euphrates River. On our way, we will pass pistachio orchards. One of the highlights of our tour is awaiting us here. During an unforgettable boat tour, we will not only see one of the most impressive Roman fortresses (Rumkale), but also sunken villages and traces of old civilizations. On our way to Adiyaman, we will also see the impressive Atatürk Dam, the largest of all Turkey.
Overnight. (B, D)
05
MOUNT NEMRUT/ MARDIN
Breakfast.
Early departure to Mount Nemrut. King Antiochus, emperor of Commagene, had not only built his pyramid grave on the highest mountain of the area (2.150 m), but also erected colossal statues of various gods and himself on two terraces. The entrance of the tomb was not found so far. Experience unforgettable views of this astonishing and unique place. Our route continues to Diyarbakir, one of the oldest continuously settled cities of Anatolia. After a short tour of the city seeing the main sites, we will continue to another highlight of our tour, Mardin. This city with a breathtaking view of the Mesopotamian plane is also known to be an important Christian center, many people speak Arameic, the language of Jesus even today.
Overnight. (B, D)
06
DEYRUL ZAFARAN MONASTERY / GOBEKLITEPE / URFA
Breakfast.
We will visit one of the most beautiful monasteries, which is still active, this morning. It was built upon a temple to Shamash, the Assyrian god of the sun. The foundation can still be seen. The name of the monastery derives from Saffron, which had been used in the cement to create a scent. Continue through the beautiful landscape to another highlight: Göbeklitepe, where recently a discovery was made, that changed the history of mankind. Several sanctuaries have been built 12.000 years ago and decorated with tools that were not supposed to exist at this time. The facts that there is no entrance to the inner circle of the temple and it is the exact center of the so called Fertile Crescent leave many questions to answer.
Overnight (B, D)
07
URFA CITY TOUR / HARRAN
Breakfast. Later, we will drive southwards to Harran. This city was not only located on one of the most important trade routes of antiquity, it was also the main growing place for crops of the area. The first university of Human history was built here. The world famous beehive houses, built without wood, are unique and unchanged since 3.000 years. Italian architects were fascinated by the technique, as the rooms provide an ideal and constant temperature and tried to rebuild them. Thereafter, we will enjoy a city tour of Urfa, the ancient Edessa, a city with rich history and birthplace of Abraham. The Palace complex surrounding the Abrahams cave with it’s famous ponds of sacred carp fish is a place of pilgrimage even today and one of the main attractions. The narrow streets, bazaars, old churches and mosques, many beautiful Han’s (houses of the rich and lodgings for tradesmen) which you will see on our tour, will give you the feeling of being in another historical era. In the evening, you will have an opportunity to experience a “sira gecesi” – a very special evening entertainment unique to this area featuring typical folklor music, atmosphere and snacks.
Overnight. (B, D)
08
URFA/ …
Breakfast.
Transfer to Urfa airport depending on your flight arrangements (if more than one transfers are needed, surcharges may apply) (B)
Include
- Transfer from International Airport – Hotel – Airport.
- 07 nights accommodation at selected hotels + breakfast.
- City Tour + the Mazes of the famous Grand Bazaar – Regular Service.
- Tour to historical Silk road + Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
- Tour to Landscape of Mesopotamia+ boat tour + Roman Fortresses.
- Tour to Mount Nemrut + Diyarbakir + Mardin.
- Tour to Gobeklitepe.
- Tour to Harran + city tour to Urfa.
- All visits, excursions including entrance fees according to the program.
- Food mentioned according to the itinerary.
- Personal assistance
- Official local guide in English.
Not Included
- Early check in / late check out.
- International and domestic air tickets (except flight on day 3!) and tax rates or contributions of the stories such as: VAT, airport tax, fuel taxes, administrative fee, airport taxes and other charges.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Medical assistance card on days that passengers do not take tours.
- Services not specified in the itinerary.
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(511) 215 6000Ext. 2405
incoming@domiruth.com
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