MYSTERIOUS MESOPOTAMIA, WHERE HISTORY BEGAN, THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATIONS AND A CENTER OF FAITH

When you step into the Mardin–GAP tour, a journey begins where history and nature intertwine. 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 that have hosted TV series and its unique atmosphere, stands out as one of the most impressive stops of this journey. Enriched by Mardin’s mesmerizing stone architecture, Harran’s fertile lands, the majestic statues of Nemrut, and the submerged stories of Halfeti; this adventure carries you to a different era at every step with the legends of Balıklıgöl, the art of the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and the mysteries 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 – COPPERSMITHS’ BAZAAR – HAMAM MUSEUM – HOTEL

We meet our valued guests at 23:45 on Monday, 27 April 2026, in the final hours of the day, at Eşref Girginç Park (opposite LC Waikiki). After meeting with our representative, we depart for Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport with our comfortable vehicle. Following the completion of check-in and baggage procedures, we begin our journey with SunExpress Airlines flight XQ 9128, departing Izmir for Gaziantep at 06:00. After an approximately 1 hour and 40 minute flight, we arrive in Gaziantep at 07:40.

Upon arrival in Gaziantep, we take a free breakfast break to recover from the journey. After breakfast, we start exploring Gaziantep, one of the most impressive cities of Southeastern Anatolia. Our first stop is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to the world-famous Gypsy Girl Mosaic. Showcasing unique Roman-era works that reflect the elite life of Mesopotamia, this museum is also one of the largest mosaic museums in the world. We explore the museum in detail accompanied by our guide’s explanations.

After the museum visit, we move on to the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar, one of the places that best reflects the historical and cultural texture of Gaziantep. In this bazaar, where copper craftsmanship is still kept alive as a traditional art, we enjoy a pleasant walking tour accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of hammering at every corner. Along the way, we pass through the Zincirli Bedesten Bazaar, visit the Hamam Museum, and reach a point where we can see Gaziantep Castle panoramically.

After our tours, we provide free time. Guests who wish to discover the world-famous flavors of Gaziantep cuisine can enjoy baklava, katmer, beyran, various kebabs, chickpea wraps, or take a short break at the famous Tahmis Coffeehouse. After the free time, we meet at the time and place specified by our guide and proceed to our hotel in Gaziantep.

After checking into the hotel, we have dinner at the hotel and leave behind the fatigue of the day 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, we check out and set off towards Şanlıurfa, considered the heart of Mesopotamia. During the journey, accompanied by our guide’s explanations, we begin to feel the historical and cultural texture of Southeastern Anatolia step by step.

On our way to Şanlıurfa, we arrive in Halfeti, which deeply affects its visitors with its story submerged under the waters of the Euphrates River. Formerly known as Rumkale, this settlement later came to be known as Halfeti, named after the legend of Halil and Fatma. We see Savaşan Village, which was submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam on the Euphrates River, and offer an optional Halfeti boat tour for those who wish. Guests who join the boat tour have the opportunity to closely see the half-submerged houses and the unique Euphrates scenery, while those who do not can enjoy the calm atmosphere of Halfeti. With a lunch break at a restaurant overlooking the Euphrates River, we have the opportunity to taste regional flavors.

After our Göbeklitepe visit, we proceed to the city center of Şanlıurfa. Here, we visit Balıklıgöl (Halil-ur Rahman Lake) and Aynzeliha Lake, which are the subjects of legends. In this area, considered sacred due to the narratives of Prophet Abraham being thrown into the fire, we feel the mystical atmosphere and see the Halil-ur Rahman Mosque. According to legend, after Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, a miracle occurs and the surroundings turn into a lush garden. It is believed that this miracle took place at Balıklıgöl and its surroundings. This visit, which allows us to experience Urfa’s spirituality and history together, becomes one of the most impressive moments of the day.

After our tours, we proceed to our hotel in Şanlıurfa and check into our rooms. In the evening, an optional Urfa Sıra Night is organized for guests who wish. In this special night, accompanied by Mesopotamian melodies, folk songs, and local rituals, we have the opportunity to closely experience the region’s culture and enjoy memorable moments. Guests who do not wish to attend the Sıra Night can have free time for dinner to try Urfa’s famous kebabs.

Accommodation: Şanlıurfa – 5★ Nevali Hotel & Convention Center (Room – breakfast)

DAY 3 | ŞANLIURFA – NEMRUT MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK – MARDIN

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart from our hotel in Şanlıurfa and set off towards Nemrut Mountain National Park, whose mystery has not yet been fully solved and whose grandeur fascinates its visitors. Located within the borders of Adıyaman province and dominating Mesopotamia at an altitude of 2,150 meters, Mount Nemrut is a unique cultural heritage site that was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.

What makes Nemrut so special is the ancient tomb structure at its summit, monumental statues, architectural remains, and its unique scenery. 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 summit 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 and capture unforgettable photo moments among the giant statues.

After completing our visit to Mount Nemrut, we turn our route towards Mardin, the story of Mesopotamia written in stone. Along the way, the unique panorama of the Mesopotamian plain accompanies us. We arrive in Mardin in the evening and check into our hotel.

We have dinner at our hotel and leave behind the fatigue of the day by resting.

Accommodation and dinner: Mardin – 4★ Park Dedeman Mardin Hotel

DAY 4 | DARA ANCIENT CITY – MIDYAT – FILIGREE ART – HASANKEYF – MARDIN HOTEL

After breakfast at our hotel, we start the day by following the ancient traces of Mesopotamia. Our first stop is 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 settlement features churches, an agora, bridges, water cisterns, dungeons, and rock-carved tombs that have survived to the present day. Accompanied by our guide’s explanations, we explore Dara’s multi-layered history and closely examine the traces of civilizations carved into stone.

After the Dara visit, we turn our route towards Midyat, which stands out with its stone architecture and Syriac culture. With its centuries-old mansions, narrow streets, and magnificent structures that have hosted TV series, Midyat creates a feeling of traveling through time. During our walking tour with our guide, we explore Midyat’s historical texture and observe on site one of the region’s most important handicrafts, filigree art. We receive information about this delicate silver craftsmanship shaped by master hands and provide shopping opportunities for guests who wish.

After visiting Midyat, we head towards Hasankeyf, which holds a special place in the memory of Mesopotamia. With its location on the banks of the Tigris River, thousands of caves, and strategic structure, this ancient settlement has maintained its importance throughout history and is one of the oldest living areas bearing the traces of Mesopotamian civilizations. After the old Hasankeyf submerged under dam waters, we visit the newly established settlement area and listen to our guide’s explanations about the historical and cultural significance of the region. During a short break by the Tigris River, we feel the atmosphere of this unique geography.

After completing the day’s visits, we head back to Mardin. Upon arrival at the hotel, we check into our rooms and have dinner at the hotel. We leave behind the fatigue of the day by resting in the peaceful atmosphere of a Mesopotamian evening.

Accommodation and dinner: Mardin – 4★ Park Dedeman Mardin Hotel

DAY 5 | DEYR-UL ZAFERAN MONASTERY – OLD MARDIN STREETS – BAZAAR AND FREE TIME – DIYARBAKIR – IZMIR FLIGHT – MARMARIS TRANSFER

After breakfast at our hotel, we check out and start the day with a special visit that sheds light on the religious history of Mesopotamia. Our first stop is the Deyr-ul Zaferan Monastery, considered one of the most important centers of the ancient Syriac church. Built in the 5th century, this impressive structure was previously used as a Sun Temple and later as a fortress during the Roman period. Accompanied by our guide’s explanations, we tour the monastery and closely learn about the multi-layered religious history of Mesopotamia.

After the visit, we turn our route once again towards the Old Mardin streets, where stone seems to speak. With its centuries-old yellow limestone architecture, narrow and winding streets, arched passages, and terraces overlooking the landscape, Mardin is like an open-air museum. During our walking tour, Mardin Grand Mosque, Zinciriye Madrasa overlooking the Mesopotamian Plain, and Şehidiye Mosque, one of the city’s iconic structures, are among the important sites we will see. During the free time we will have in the historic bazaar, you can shop for local products and enjoy Mardin’s unique atmosphere one last time.

We gather at the time specified by our guide and set off towards Diyarbakır. Upon arrival in the city, our first stop is the Ten-Eyed Bridge, one of the city’s symbols, located over the Tigris River. We photograph this historic structure accompanied by the river scenery and capture unforgettable moments of our tour.

We then see the Diyarbakır City Walls panoramically, 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, stone craftsmanship, and multicultural past, the Grand Mosque powerfully reflects the city’s historical depth.

In the final part of our tour, we move to the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar and take a short shopping break for souvenirs unique to Diyarbakır.

After gathering at the time specified by our guide, we proceed to Diyarbakır Airport to catch the 23:05 Diyarbakır – Izmir (SunExpress XQ9283) flight. Upon arrival in Izmir, we collect our luggage and set off towards Marmaris with our waiting vehicle.

Upon arrival in Marmaris, we drop you off at the meeting points and bid farewell with the hope of meeting again on new adventures after this special journey we shared on the ancient lands of Mesopotamia.

NOTE: Our company cannot be held responsible for flight time changes caused by airline companies. In such cases, our company reserves the right to make changes to the tour program.

GENERAL TERMS – INFORMATION

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

**Seating arrangements in our vehicle are determined by seat numbers, which are automatically assigned after the first payment. If you have any sensitivity regarding seat numbers, please contact us.

**The type of vehicle used for the tour (minibus, midibus, or coach) is determined according to the final number of participants. Our company assigns the most suitable vehicle depending on demand.

**The assigned seat numbers are not valid for Marmaris–airport departures and airport–Marmaris returns. There is no seating arrangement during these transfers, and guests may sit wherever they wish.

**Our guide reserves the right to make changes to the program and routes, taking into account conditions such as weather and road conditions, provided that all visits are carried out.

**If physical conditions (road, weather conditions, natural disasters, etc.) make a visit impossible, our agency cannot be held responsible for the non-realization of that visit.

**Our company cannot be held responsible for flight time changes caused by airline companies. In such cases, our company reserves the right to make changes to the tour program.

**Our company cannot be held responsible for additional costs that may arise due to schedule or flight changes made by airline companies.

**During the tour, guests are kindly requested to take care of their personal belongings on the bus, at hotels, and at visiting points. Our agency is not responsible for items forgotten or lost on buses, in hotel rooms, or in common areas. It is recommended to keep valuable items (cash, ID, passport, jewelry, etc.) in hotel safes whenever possible and to check personal belongings during boarding and disembarking.

**A tour is not only made up of the places visited, but also of the people who turn the journey into pleasure. The guide’s knowledge, the driver’s safe driving, and team harmony play an important role in turning your journey 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 satisfaction. A small thank you means great motivation for the team. Appreciation in this matter is entirely up to you, our valued guests.

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

**With an advance payment of 9,950.00 TL per person at the time of initial reservation, you can make a pre-registration and benefit from these prices.

Days : 5 | Nights : 5