Mesapotamia
The cradle of civilisation
between the Tigris and Euphrates River
Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, everything began in Mesopotamia with the first identifiable civilization. This is where the first form of writing developed by the Sumerians appeared, and where agriculture thrived. Immerse yourself in the history and wild nature of this region inhabited by a mix of cultures: Turkish, Kurdish, Assyrian, and Arabic. Guaranteed change of scenery!
Day 1 : Arrival
Arrival in Adiyaman and welcome by your guide. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay with breakfast.
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Day 2 : Mount Nemrut, the Mountain of the Gods
At an altitude of 2000m, Nemrut Dagi dominates the surrounding valleys and offers a breathtaking view.
At the top of the mountain, colossal statues of kings and gods guard the tumulus of King Antiochus I, ruler of Commagene in the 1st century BC. An unforgettable moment of your trip to Turkey.
Ascent to the mountain passing through the Roman bridge of Cendere and the Karakus tomb (Commagene queens).
After the visit, drive to Diyarbakir (2h30) and start the tour of the city. The walls of Diyarbakir are among the most important structures in the city.
Lose yourself in the maze of small streets and caravanserais.
Day 3 : Mardin, the Pearl of Mesopotamia, and Midyat
In the easternmost reaches of Turkey, Mardin is an undiscovered national gem.
Unlike the concrete resorts in the south of the country, Mardin is an adorable little Mesopotamian town with dwellings on a mountain in a fabulous fortified mosaic.
You will discover this wonderful city by taking an endless labyrinth of stairs offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains. You won't resist the powerful charm of Mardin.
Tur Abdin, the Midyat region, is a mountainous region in southeastern Turkey. It is one of the historical centers of the Syriac Orthodox Christians. The population is mainly Syriac. Located in the center of a Christian enclave, the city has nine Syriac Orthodox churches.
You will see the Syriac monasteries Mor Gabriel and Deyrulzafaran (among others).
Day 4 : Urfa, the City of Abraham
An essential stop on the Silk Road, the city of Şanlıurfa has remained a prosperous religious and commercial center in southeastern Turkey.
Despite rampant urbanization, the city - one of the oldest in the world - has preserved an astonishing atmosphere of the "Thousand and One Nights" with a mix of people of various origins: Turkish-Arab-Kurdish-Syriac.
Şanlıurfa, an old lady of over twelve thousand years considered one of the oldest cities in the world, is also known as the "city of prophets." You will also visit the old bazaar with its age-old craftsmen.
Göbeklitepe, the oldest stone monument on the planet, has transformed the way archaeologists perceive the beginnings of civilization. This archaeological site provides many insights into how humans lived at the beginning of the Neolithic era 12,000 years ago and is also of great beauty.
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Day 5 : Halfeti Dam and Gaziantep, the Baklava Capital!
Halfeti is a village that has been submerged by a dam, a local tourist attraction, especially for ferry trips to visit the ruins of the nearby fortress of Rumkale. The countryside is also attractive, although the green valley of the past is now underwater.
Drive to Gaziantep, where you will visit the archaeological museum and the superb mosaic museum: Zeugma. You will also take a tour of the city in the authentic old town.
Lose yourself in its labyrinth of small streets, its maze of spice merchants. Gaziantep is renowned for its pistachios and baklava. A honey pastry with these green dried fruits.
Day 6 : Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight or onto another region of Turkey.
