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

When you embark on the Mardin-GAP tour, a journey where history and nature intertwine begins. This route, extending 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're 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 – BATHHOUSE MUSEUM – HOTEL

We will meet with our valued guests at 23:45 on Tuesday, September 1st, 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.

Upon arrival in Gaziantep, we'll have a leisurely breakfast break to recover from our journey. After breakfast, we'll 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'll tour the museum in detail with explanations from our guide. Following our museum visit, we'll proceed to the Coppersmiths' Bazaar, one of the best examples of Gaziantep's historical and cultural heritage. In this bazaar, where copper craftsmanship is still practiced as a handicraft, we'll enjoy a pleasant stroll accompanied by the sounds of hammers at every corner. Along the way, we'll 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'll offer you free time. Guests wishing to discover the world-famous flavors of Gaziantep cuisine 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 location 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, we check out of our rooms and set off for Şanlıurfa, considered the heart of Mesopotamia. During our journey, accompanied by our guide's explanations about the region, we begin to feel the historical and cultural fabric of Southeastern Anatolia step by step. On our way to Şanlıurfa, we reach Halfeti, whose story, submerged under the waters of the Euphrates River, deeply affects its visitors. This settlement, formerly known as Rumkale, eventually took its name from the legend of Halil and Fatma and became known as Halfeti. We see Savaşan Village, which is submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam on the Euphrates River; and we offer an optional Halfeti boat tour for our guests who wish to participate. Our guests participating in the boat tour have the opportunity to see the houses, half of which are submerged, and the unique view of the Euphrates River 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 chance to taste the local flavors. After our visit to Göbeklitepe, we will proceed to the city center of Şanlıurfa. Here, we will visit Balıklıgöl (Halil-ür Rahman Lake) and Aynzeliha Lake, which are the subject of legends. In this region, considered sacred due to the stories about Prophet Abraham being thrown into the fire, we will 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 will go 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. This special evening, featuring Mesopotamian melodies, folk songs, and regional rituals, offers the opportunity to get to know the region's culture closely and enjoy pleasant moments. Guests who do not wish to participate in the Sıra Gecesi 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 – MİDYAT

After breakfast at our hotel in Şanlıurfa, we depart and head towards Nemrut Mountain National Park, whose mysteries remain unsolved and whose grandeur captivates visitors. 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 at the summit, its monumental sculptures, architectural remains, and unique views. 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 sculptures. 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 and 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 – OLD MARDIN STREETS – MARKET AND FREE TIME – DIYARBAKIR – IZMIR FLIGHT – MARMARIS TRANSFER

After breakfast at our hotel, we check out of our rooms and start the day with a special visit that sheds light on the religious history of Mesopotamia. Our first stop is the Deyr-ül Zaferan Monastery, considered one of the most important centers of the Syriac Orthodox Church. This impressive structure, built in the 5th century, was used as a Sun Temple in the past and as a fortress during the Roman period. Accompanied by our guide's explanations, we tour the monastery and get to know the multi-layered religious history of Mesopotamia up close. After our visit, we turn our route back to the streets of Old Mardin, the city where stone speaks. With its centuries-old yellow limestone architecture, narrow and winding streets, arched passageways, and terraces overlooking the landscape, Mardin is practically an open-air museum. During our walking tour, we will see important landmarks such as the Mardin Grand Mosque, the Zinciriye Madrasa overlooking the Mesopotamian Plain, and the Şehidiye Mosque, one of the city's iconic structures. During our free time in the historical bazaar, you can shop for local products and fully experience Mardin's unique atmosphere one last time. We will meet at the time determined by our guide and depart for Diyarbakır. Upon arrival in the city, our first stop will be the Ten-Eyed Bridge, located on the Tigris River and one of the city's symbols. We will photograph this historical structure with the river view in the background, capturing unforgettable moments of our trip. Afterwards, we will have 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 will 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 will depart for Diyarbakır Airport to catch the 23:05 Diyarbakır – İzmir flight (SunExpress XQ9283). After arriving in İzmir, we will collect our luggage and set off towards Marmaris with our waiting vehicle. Upon reaching Marmaris, we will drop you off at the points where we met, and after this special journey we experienced together in the ancient lands of Mesopotamia, we will say goodbye 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 based on 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. During these transfers, there is no seating arrangement, and guests can sit wherever they wish.

**Our guide reserves the right to make changes to the program and routes, provided that all visits are completed, taking into account situations that may affect the course of the trip, such as weather and road conditions.

**Our agency cannot be held responsible for the cancellation of a visit if physical conditions make it impossible (road, weather, natural disaster, etc.).** Our company cannot be held responsible for changes in flight times caused by airlines. In such cases, our company reserves the right to make changes to the tour program. **Our company cannot be held responsible for any extra costs that may arise from changes in flight times by airlines.** **During the tour, guests are kindly requested to take care of their personal belongings on buses, in hotels, and at 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 whenever 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 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 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