Eco GAP and Diyarbakır Tour by Bus Departing from İzmir (6 Days)
🚌 FROM THE AEGEAN TO MESOPOTAMIA: AN EKO GAP DREAM FULL OF CULTURE, FLAVOR, AND FUN
We are setting off on an unforgettable and truly “freer” journey to the ancient lands of Anatolia, to Mesopotamia where civilizations were born! On this 6-day Eko GAP adventure, carried out with our luxury coaches, we will discover all the colors of Southeastern Turkey, from Adana to Gaziantep, from Halfeti to the summit of Mount Nemrut, from Diyarbakır’s historic walls to Mardin’s stone mansions, from Göbeklitepe to the mystical atmosphere of Şanlıurfa.
What Does the “Eco Concept” Mean?
On this tour, we do not confine dinner to standard hotel restaurants! While our guests who wish can explore local flavors during their free time according to their own budget, with those who wish we join special evening entertainments reflecting the spirit of each city every night (Gaziantep Sıra Gecesi, Diyarbakır Eyvan Gecesi, Mardin Reyhani Gecesi, and Urfa Sıra Gecesi)!
Our Day-by-Day Tour Program
Day 1: The Journey to Mesopotamia Begins (Izmir - Adana)
In the evening, we depart from the designated points in Izmir, picking up our valued guests and setting off by luxury coach. With necessary breaks, we head toward Adana on a pleasant night journey. (Note: Departure times and stop information for the vehicle will be sent via SMS 1 day before the tour.)
Day 2: The Fertility of Çukurova and the Flavors of the Gazi City (Adana - Gaziantep)
After breakfast on the route (extra), we arrive in Adana. After seeing Merkez Park panoramically on the banks of the Seyhan River, we visit the Sabancı Central Mosque, one of Turkey’s largest mosques, and the historic Taşköprü, the symbol of Adana. Then we turn our route toward Gaziantep, the capital of flavor. We visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the world’s largest mosaic museums, and see the famous Gypsy Girl up close. On the historic streets, we explore Nuri Paşa Mosque, Karagöz Mosque, Gümrük Han, Zincirli Bedesten, and Almacı Bazaar. After a break at the historic Tahmis Coffeehouse and shopping for pistachios and baklava, we settle into our hotel.
🌙 Evening Entertainment: Those who wish may join an extra Gaziantep-style Sıra Gecesi program with dinner and live music.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Gaziantep.
Day 3: History Beneath the Waters and the Summit of Kings (Halfeti - Nemrut - Diyarbakır)
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the hidden paradise of Halfeti. On a boat tour (extra) on the Birecik Dam, we see the villages beneath the water and the submerged minaret. Then we continue to Kahta district of Adıyaman and ascend Mount Nemrut National Park by minibuses (extra). After seeing the Karakuş Tumulus and Cendere Bridge, we enjoy the unique scenery among the giant deity statues of the Commagene Kingdom at the 2,150-meter summit. After our visit, we head toward Diyarbakır.
🌙 Evening Entertainment: Those who wish may join the traditional Diyarbakır Eyvan Gecesi, held in the courtyard of historic stone houses with music, folk dances, and a rich dinner menu.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Diyarbakır. (If due to seasonal conditions we cannot ascend Nemrut, we will arrive in Diyarbakır earlier.)
Day 4: Historic Walls and the Language of Stone (Diyarbakır - Hasankeyf - Midyat)
After breakfast, we panoramicly view the Diyarbakır Walls, which are the longest walls in the world after the Great Wall of China, and enter the old city. We visit Ulu Mosque, one of Anatolia’s oldest mosques, the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum, and Hasan Paşa Han. Then we move on to Hasankeyf on the banks of the Tigris River, see the Zeynel Bey Tomb relocated to the Arkeopark area, and pause for the famous Hilve coffee. Afterward, we head to Midyat, famous for its stone mansions. We visit the Midyat Guest House, known from the TV series “Sıla,” walk through the narrow streets, and have free time for telkari silver shopping.
🌙 Evening Entertainment: Those who wish may join an extra dinner Reyhani Gecesi that reflects the mystical culture of the region.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Mardin or Midyat
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Day 5: The Land of the Sun and the Zero Point of History (Mardin - Göbeklitepe - Şanlıurfa)
After breakfast, we begin our city tour of Mardin. We visit Kasımiye Madrasa, renowned for its exquisite stonework; on 1st Avenue, we see Şeyh Çabuk Mosque, the Old Syriac Catholic Patriarchate Building, Cumhuriyet Square, and Ulu Mosque while exploring the narrow streets. Leaving the city center, we visit Deyrulzafaran Monastery, the center of Syriac Ancient culture. Then we head to Göbeklitepe, which rewrote human history with its 12,000-year history. After touring the first temple of history, we arrive in “the City of Prophets,” Şanlıurfa, and settle into our hotel.
🌙 Evening Entertainment: Those who wish may join Urfa’s indispensable dinner Sıra Gecesi with local music and çiğ köfte.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Şanlıurfa.
Day 6: The Land of Prophets and Return (Balıklıgöl - Harran - Izmir)
After breakfast, we visit the sacred Balıklıgöl (Aynzeliha and Halil-ür Rahman), Rızvaniye Mosque, Mevlid-i Halil Complex, and the Cave of Prophet Abraham. Then we move on to Harran, home to the remains of the world’s first university and famous for its conical-domed houses. We complete our visits to Harran Houses, Harran Castle, and the City Walls, capture unique photos, and then begin our return journey. After an enjoyable overnight journey, we arrive in Izmir early in the morning and bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to meet again on another route.