MYSTERIOUS MESOPOTAMIA: WHERE HISTORY BEGAN, THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATIONS, AND THE CENTER OF BELIEF
When you embark on the Mardin-GAP tour, a journey where history and nature intertwine begins. This route, stretching from the mysterious streets of ancient cities to sacred sites, invites you to a unique experience in the heart of Mesopotamia. Midyat, rediscovered in recent years with its stone mansions and unique atmosphere, which have hosted TV series, stands out as one of the most impressive stops on this journey. This adventure, enriched by Mardin's fascinating stone architecture, Harran's fertile lands, Nemrut's magnificent statues, and Halfeti's underwater stories; takes you to a different time period at every step with the legends of Balıklıgöl, the art of the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and the secrets of Göbeklitepe. If you are ready, let's explore this historical and cultural richness together.
TOUR PROGRAM;
DAY 1 | MARMARIS – IZMIR TRANSFER – IZMIR – GAZIANTEP FLIGHT – ZEUGMA MOSAIC MUSEUM – COPPERMAKERS' MARKET – HAMMAM MUSEUM – HOTEL
We will meet with our valued guests at 23:45 on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Eşref Girginç Park (opposite LC Waikiki). After meeting with our representative, we will depart for Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport in our comfortable vehicle. After completing the necessary check-in and baggage procedures, we will begin our journey with SunExpress Airlines flight XQ 9128, 06:00 Izmir – Gaziantep flight. After approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes of flight, we will arrive in Gaziantep at 07:40. After our arrival in Gaziantep, we will have a free breakfast break to rest from our travel fatigue. After breakfast, we begin exploring Gaziantep, one of the most impressive cities in Southeastern Anatolia. Our first stop is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to the world-famous Gypsy Girl Mosaic. Showcasing unique artifacts from the Roman period and reflecting the elite life of Mesopotamia, this museum is also one of the largest mosaic museums in the world. We tour the museum in detail with explanations from our guide. Following our museum visit, we proceed to the Copper Bazaar, one of the best examples of Gaziantep's historical and cultural fabric. In this bazaar, where copper craftsmanship is still practiced as a handicraft, we enjoy a pleasant stroll accompanied by the sounds of hammers at every corner. On our way, we pass through the Zincirli Bedesten Bazaar, visit the Hamam Museum, and reach a point where we can enjoy a panoramic view of Gaziantep Castle. After our tours, we offer you free time. Guests who wish to discover the world-famous flavors of Gaziantep cuisine can... You can enjoy baklava, katmer, beyran, various kebabs, chickpea wrap, or take a short break at the famous Tahmis Coffee. After free time, we will meet at the time and place specified by our guide and proceed to our hotel in Gaziantep. After settling into the hotel, we will have dinner at the hotel and leave the day's fatigue behind by resting. Accommodation and dinner: Gaziantep – 4★ Safir Hotel
DAY 2 | OPTIONAL HALFETI BOAT TOUR – GÖBEKLİTEPE – BALIKLIGÖL – SIRA NIGHT (OPTIONAL) – ŞANLIURFA
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we will check out of our rooms and set off towards Şanlıurfa, considered the heart of Mesopotamia. During our journey, accompanied by our guide's explanations about the region, we will begin to feel the historical and cultural fabric of Southeastern Anatolia step by step. On our journey from Şanlıurfa, we reach Halfeti, a place that deeply affects visitors with its story submerged under the waters of the Euphrates River. Formerly known as Rumkale, this settlement eventually took its name from the legend of Halil and Fatma and became known as Halfeti. We see the village of Savaşan, submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam on the Euphrates River; and we offer an optional Halfeti boat tour for those who wish. Guests participating in the boat tour have the opportunity to see the houses, half of which are underwater, and the unique Euphrates view up close, while those who do not participate can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Halfeti. We will have a lunch break at our restaurant overlooking the Euphrates River, giving us the opportunity to taste the local flavors.

After our visit to Göbeklitepe, we proceed to the city center of Şanlıurfa. Here, we visit Balıklıgöl (Halil-ür Rahman Lake) and Aynzeliha Lake, which are the subject of legends. In this region, considered sacred due to the stories of Prophet Abraham being thrown into the fire, we feel the mystical atmosphere and see the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque. According to legend, after Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, a miracle occurred, and the surroundings became a garden of roses. It is believed that the place where this miracle took place is Balıklıgöl and its surroundings. This visit, which combines the spirituality and history of Urfa, is one of the most impressive moments of the day. After our tours, we return to our hotel in Şanlıurfa and settle into our rooms. In the evening, an optional Urfa Sıra Gecesi (traditional evening gathering) is organized for our guests who wish to participate. In this special evening, accompanied by Mesopotamian melodies, folk songs, and regional rituals, we have the opportunity to get to know the culture of the region closely and enjoy pleasant moments. Guests who do not wish to participate in the traditional evening gathering can have a free dinner to try Urfa's famous kebabs. Accommodation: Şanlıurfa – 5★ Nevali Hotel & Convention Center (Room – breakfast)
DAY 3 | ŞANLIURFA – NEMRUT MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK – MIDYAT
After breakfast at our hotel in Şanlıurfa, we leave our hotel and set off towards Nemrut Mountain National Park, whose mystery remains unsolved and which captivates visitors with its grandeur. Located within the borders of Adıyaman province and situated at a point overlooking Mesopotamia with its height of 2150 meters, Nemrut Mountain is a unique cultural heritage that was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. What makes Nemrut so special is its ancient tomb structure, monumental sculptures, architectural remains, and unique view located at its summit. King Antiochus I, one of the powerful rulers of the Kingdom of Commagene, had the most magnificent monuments of the Hellenistic Period built on this peak to show his gratitude to the gods and his ancestors. During our tour, accompanied by our guide's explanations, we feel this fascinating atmosphere where mythology and history intertwine; we capture unforgettable photographs among the giant statues. After completing our visit to Mount Nemrut, we turn our route towards the fascinating geography of Mesopotamia, which carries the stories carved in stone. Along the way, the impressive views of the Mesopotamian Plain accompany us, and we reach Midyat, famous for its stone mansions and historical atmosphere. The ancient culture and mystical atmosphere felt in the narrow streets of Midyat allow us to closely experience the spirit of the region. We settle into our hotel and take a rest.
We have dinner at our hotel and leave the day's fatigue behind by resting.
Accommodation and dinner: Midyat – Midyat Asur Imperial / Elite World / Milena Hotel etc.
DAY 4 | HASANKEYF – MIDYAT – ​​FILIGREE ART – DARA ANCIENT CITY – MARDIN HOTEL

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin the day by following the ancient traces of Mesopotamia. Our first stop is Hasankeyf, located on the banks of the Tigris River, notable for its thousands of years of history. This impressive settlement, one of the oldest living areas of Mesopotamian civilizations, has maintained its importance throughout history with its cave structures, historical bridge, and strategic location. We visit the new settlement area created after the old Hasankeyf was submerged under the dam waters, and listen to our guide's explanations about the historical and cultural importance of the region. During a short break on the banks of the Tigris, we feel the atmosphere of this unique geography. After our visit to Hasankeyf, we turn our route to the enchanting Midyat, which stands out with its stone architecture and Syriac culture. With its centuries-old mansions, narrow streets, and magnificent stone structures, Midyat evokes a feeling of traveling through time. During our guided walking tour, we explore the historical fabric of Midyat and learn about filigree art, one of the region's most important handicrafts. We offer the opportunity to see the exquisite silverwork crafted by master hands and, for those who wish, to shop. After our Midyat tour, we head to the ancient city of Dara, known as the Ephesus of Mesopotamia. Founded by the Persians in 300 BC and spread over a large area, this important ancient settlement features churches, an agora, bridges, water cisterns, dungeons, and rock-carved tombs that have survived to this day. With our guide's explanations, we discover the multifaceted history of Dara and closely examine the traces of civilization carved into the stones. After completing our visits for the day, we depart for Mardin. Upon arrival at the hotel, we check into our rooms and have dinner. We leave the day's fatigue behind by relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of a Mesopotamian evening. Accommodation and dinner: Mardin – 4★ Park Dedeman Mardin Hotel

DAY 5 | DEYR-ÜL ZAFERAN MONASTERY / MOR GABRIEL – OLD MARDIN STREETS – MARKET AND FREE TIME – DIYARBAKIR – IZMIR FLIGHT – MARMARIS TRANSFER
After breakfast at our hotel, we check out of our rooms and begin the day with a special visit that sheds light on the religious history of Mesopotamia. Depending on the program and the density of people in the region, our first visit of the day will be to either the Deyr-ül Zaferan Monastery or the Mor Gabriel Monastery, considered one of the most important centers of ancient Syriac culture.

NOTE: One of these two monasteries will be visited according to our guide's plan. The Deyr-ül Zaferan Monastery, with its impressive structure built in the 5th century, was used as a Sun Temple in the past and as a fortress during the Roman period, and housed the Syriac Patriarchate for many years. Mor Gabriel Monastery is considered one of the oldest active Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the world and, with its stonework and mystical atmosphere, is among the most special structures in the region. During our visit, accompanied by our guide's explanations, we will get to know the multifaceted history of faith in Mesopotamia up close. After our visit, we will turn our route back to the streets of Old Mardin, a city where stone speaks. With its centuries-old yellow limestone architecture, narrow and winding streets, arched passages, and terraces overlooking the view, Mardin is practically an open-air museum. During our walking tour, we will see important works such as the Mardin Grand Mosque, the Zinciriye Madrasa with its commanding position overlooking the Mesopotamian Plain, and the Şehidiye Mosque, one of the city's iconic structures. During the free time we will give in the historical bazaar, you can shop for local products and experience the unique atmosphere of Mardin one last time. We will meet at the time determined by our guide and depart for Diyarbakır. Upon our arrival in the city, our first stop is the Ten-Eyed Bridge, located on the Tigris River and one of the city's landmarks. We photograph this historical structure with the river view in the background, capturing unforgettable moments of our trip. Afterwards, we enjoy a panoramic view of the Diyarbakır Walls, one of the longest and most magnificent defensive structures in the world, and visit the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, considered one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia. With its architectural structure, stonework, and multicultural past, the Grand Mosque is one of the works that most powerfully reflects the historical depth of the city. In the final part of our tour, we go to the Copper Bazaar and take a short shopping break for souvenirs unique to Diyarbakır. After meeting at the time determined by our guide, we depart for Diyarbakır Airport to catch the 18:15 Diyarbakır – İzmir flight (SunExpress XQ9293). Upon arrival in İzmir, we collect our luggage and depart for Marmaris with our waiting vehicle. Upon arriving in Marmaris, we will drop you off at the points where we met, and after this special journey we shared in the ancient lands of Mesopotamia, we bid farewell with the hope of meeting again in new adventures.
NOTE: Our company cannot be held responsible for any changes in flight times that may occur due to airline companies. In such cases, our company reserves the right to make changes to the tour program.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS-INFORMATION
**Child discounts are valid only when staying with two adults.
**Seating arrangements in our vehicle are determined by seat numbers; seat numbers are automatically assigned after the first payment. If you have any concerns regarding seat numbers, please contact us.
**The type of vehicle (minibus, midibus, or bus) used for the tour will be determined according to the final number of participants. Our company assigns the most suitable vehicle for the tour based on the demand. **The assigned seat numbers are not valid for Marmaris-airport and airport-Marmaris return journeys. There is no seating arrangement during these transfers, and our guests can sit wherever they wish.

**Our guide reserves the right to make changes to the program and itinerary, provided that all visits are completed, taking into account circumstances that may affect the course of the tour, such as weather and road conditions.
**If physical conditions make a visit impossible (road, weather, natural disaster, etc.), our agency cannot be held responsible for the cancellation of that visit.
**Our company cannot be held responsible for changes in flight times that may occur due to airlines. In such cases, our company reserves the right to change the tour program.
**Our company cannot be held responsible for any extra costs that may arise due to changes in flight times by airlines.
**During the tour, guests are kindly requested to take care of their personal belongings on the bus, in hotels, and at the visiting points. Our agency is not responsible for items forgotten or lost in buses, hotel rooms, or common areas. It is recommended that valuable items (cash, ID, passport, jewelry, etc.) be kept in hotel safes as much as possible, and that personal belongings be checked upon arrival and departure.

**A tour is not just about the places visited, but also about the people who make the journey enjoyable. Our guide's knowledge, our driver's safe driving, and team harmony play a significant role in turning your trip into beautiful memories. Tipping is not mandatory in our country and is not included in the price. However, it is one of the most elegant ways to express your satisfaction. A small thank you is a great motivation for the team. The appreciation in this matter is entirely up to you, our valued guests.

**Child discounts are valid when staying with two adults.

**The prices given are early booking prices and are valid for reservations made until May 30, 2026.

**You can benefit from these prices by making a pre-registration with a deposit of 9950.00 TL per person during the initial reservation.

Days : 5 | Nights : 5