Bus Tour of GAP and Diyarbakır from Izmir (6 Days 6 Nights)
🚌 FROM IZMIR TO MESOPOTAMIA: CLASSIC GAP AND DIYARBAKIR DREAM
We are embarking on an unforgettable journey to the ancient lands of Anatolia, to Mesopotamia, where civilizations were born! On this 6-day adventure with our luxury coaches, we will discover all the colors of Southeastern Turkey: from Adana’s fertile lands to Gaziantep’s exquisite flavors, from the melancholy of Halfeti submerged beneath the waters to the splendor atop Nemrut, from Diyarbakır’s historic walls to the stone mansions of Mardin and Midyat, and from the mystery of Göbeklitepe to the mystical atmosphere of Şanlıurfa.
Moreover, with accommodation in the region’s selected hotels, the privilege of staying overnight in Diyarbakır, and the impressive narration of our expert guides...
Our Day-by-Day Tour Program
Day 1: The Journey to Mesopotamia Begins (Izmir - Adana)
In the evening, we pick up our valued guests from the designated points in Izmir and set off with our luxury coaches. With necessary breaks, we continue with a pleasant overnight journey toward Adana. (Note: Vehicle departure times and stop information will be sent by SMS 1 day before the tour.)
Day 2: The Fertility of Çukurova and the Flavors of the City of Gazi (Adana - Gaziantep)
After breakfast on the road (extra), we arrive in Adana. After viewing the huge Merkez Park on the banks of the Seyhan River panoramically, we visit Sabancı Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey, and the historic Stone Bridge, the symbol of Adana. Then we turn our route to Gaziantep, the gastronomic capital bearing the title of “Gazi.” We visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the world’s largest mosaic museums, with our guide and see the famous Gypsy Girl up close. In the historic streets, we explore Nuri Pasha Mosque, Karagöz Mosque, Customs Inn, Zincirli Bedesten, and Almacı Bazaar. After a break at Tarihi Tahmis Coffeehouse, one of the oldest coffeehouses in Turkey, and after our pistachio and baklava shopping, we settle into our hotel.
Accommodation and Dinner: At our hotel in Gaziantep.
Day 3: History Under the Waters and the Kings’ Summit (Halfeti - Nemrut - Diyarbakır)
After breakfast, we head to hidden paradise Halfeti. On a boat tour on the Birecik Dam (extra), we see the submerged Savaşan Village and the sunken minaret. Then we move on to Kahta district of Adıyaman and ascend Mount Nemrut National Park by minibuses (extra). After seeing the Karakuş Tumulus and Cendere Bridge, we admire the unique view among the giant deity statues of the Kingdom of Commagene at the 2,150-meter summit. After our visit, we continue on to Diyarbakır.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Diyarbakır. (Important Note: Dinner at the hotel is not included in the price this evening. Guests may freely experience Diyarbakır’s famous liver and local delicacies. If it is not possible to ascend Nemrut due to seasonal conditions, an early arrival in Diyarbakır will be arranged.)
Day 4: Historic Walls and the Language of Stones (Diyarbakır - Hasankeyf - Midyat)
After breakfast, we panoramically view the Diyarbakır Walls, the longest walls in the world after the Great Wall of China, and enter the old city. We visit the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, the 5th Harem-i Sharif of the Islamic world, the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum, and Hasan Paşa Inn. Then we move on to Hasankeyf on the banks of the Tigris River; after seeing the Zeynel Bey Tomb, which was moved to the Archaeopark area, we take a break for the famous Hilve coffee. Afterwards, we head to Midyat, famous for its stone mansions. We visit the Midyat Guesthouse, known from the TV series “Sıla,” walk through its narrow streets, and have free time for filigree silver shopping.
Accommodation and Dinner: At our hotel in Mardin or Midyat.
Day 5: The Land of the Sun and the Zero Point of History (Mardin - Göbeklitepe - Şanlıurfa)
After breakfast, we begin our Mardin city tour. We visit Kasımiye Madrasa, with its exquisite stone craftsmanship; along 1st Avenue we see Şeyh Çabuk Mosque, the former Syriac Catholic Patriarchate Building, Republic Square, and Grand Mosque, while exploring the narrow streets. Leaving the city center, we visit Deyrulzafaran Monastery, the center of Syriac Orthodox culture. Then we continue to Göbeklitepe, which rewrote human history with its 12,000-year past. After touring the first temple in history, we arrive in “The City of Prophets,” Şanlıurfa, and settle into our hotel. In the evening, guests who wish may join the dinner-inclusive Sıra Gecesi (extra) entertainment, a must-do in Urfa.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Şanlıurfa. (Important Note: Dinner at the hotel is not included in the price this evening. Guests not joining Sıra Gecesi may have dinner during their free time.)
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 where Prophet Abraham was born. Then we move on to Harran, famous for its conical-domed houses and home to the ruins of the world’s first university. We complete our visits to Harran Houses, Harran Castle, and the City Walls, capture unique photos, and then begin our return journey. After a pleasant overnight trip, we arrive in Izmir early in the morning and bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to meet again on another route.