9-Night Bus Tour of the Greater GAP and Eastern Anatolia
🏔️ TO THE SUMMIT OF ANATOLIA AND THE ZERO POINT OF HISTORY: A GRAND GAP & EASTERN ANATOLIA DREAM
You are invited to an unparalleled 10-Day Epic Cultural Journey that departs from the Aegean and reaches the heart of Anatolia, the mysterious lands of Mesopotamia, and the enchanting peaks of the East!
From Göbeklitepe, which changed the course of history, to Nemrut Mountain above the clouds; from the blue waters of Lake Van to the historic streets of Kars; from the icy waters of Munzur Valley to the grandeur of Karanlık Canyon, we have combined the country’s most striking landscapes into a single route. Moreover, with 9 nights of hotel accommodation and "No Day Lost," a full program awaits you!
What Will We See?
✓ Göbeklitepe, the Zero Point of History
✓ Sunset at Nemrut Mountain above the clouds
✓ The legendary Lake Van and Akdamar Island
✓ Eastern Turkey’s Topkapı: Ishak Pasha Palace
✓ UNESCO Heritage Ani Ruins
✓ A Natural Wonder: Karanlık Canyon (Kemaliye)
✓ Turkey’s Largest: Munzur Valley and Springs
✓ Flavor and Fun-Filled Şanlıurfa Sıra Night
Our Day-by-Day Tour Program
Day 1: A Long, Thin Journey to Mesopotamia (Izmir - Adana - Gaziantep)
In the afternoon, we pick up our guests from the designated points in Izmir and begin our journey by luxury bus via Kula - Uşak - Afyon. In the morning hours, we arrive in Adana, the heart of fertile Çukurova. After seeing Merkez Park along the Seyhan River, Sabancı Central Mosque, and the historic Taşköprü, we head toward Gaziantep, the "Gazi City." We visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to one of the world’s largest mosaic collections, and then explore Gaziantep’s historic streets, including Gümrük Han, Zincirli Bedesten, and Almacı Bazaar. After sipping our menengiç coffees at the historic Tahmis Coffee House, we check in to our hotel.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Gaziantep.
Day 2: History Beneath the Waters and the Land of Prophets (Halfeti - Harran - Şanlıurfa)
After breakfast at our hotel, we set off for Halfeti, the hidden paradise of the Euphrates River. With those who wish (extra), we take a boat tour and see the submerged Savaşan Village and the Sunken Mosque. Then we proceed to Harran, famous for its conical-domed houses and a UNESCO candidate. We tour the ruins of the world’s oldest university and arrive in Şanlıurfa city center. We explore the sacred Balıklıgöl, the Cave of Prophet Abraham, and the traditional bazaars.
🌙 Evening Entertainment: With those who wish (extra), we join the Şanlıurfa Sıra Night with music, çiğ köfte, and local delicacies.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Şanlıurfa.
Day 3: The Zero Point of History and the Language of Stones (Göbeklitepe - Mardin - Midyat)
After breakfast, we head to Göbeklitepe, which rewrote human history 12,000 years ago. After listening to the secrets of the T-shaped pillars with our guide, we travel on to Mardin, where stone becomes art. We visit Kasımiye Madrasa, the Great Mosque, and the historic bazaars, and take photos with the unique Mesopotamian view. Then we continue to Midyat, famous for its filigree and stone mansions. We visit the Midyat Guest House (Sıla Mansion) and allow free time for silver shopping.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Midyat or Mardin.
Day 4: The Tears of the Tigris and the Pearl of Lake Van (Hasankeyf - Tatvan - Lake Van - Van)
After breakfast at our hotel, we arrive at Hasankeyf on the banks of the Tigris River. We view the old town submerged by the Ilısu Dam from afar and see the Zeynel Bey Tomb and historical artifacts relocated to New Hasankeyf. Then, crossing the Kuskunkıran Pass, we reach the shore of Lake Van via Tatvan. By boats (extra), we cross to Akdamar Island at the foot of Mount Artos and visit the Akdamar Church, adorned with exquisite stone carvings.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Van.
Day 5: Waterfalls, Palaces, and Beyond the Borders (Muradiye - Ishak Pasha - Ani - Kars)
After breakfast, we depart from Van and stop for photos at Muradiye Waterfall, famous for its suspension bridge. Crossing the Çaldıran Plain and enjoying views of Mount Ararat, we visit the Ishak Pasha Palace, the Topkapı of the East. Then, on the banks of the Arpaçay River near the Armenian border, we arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ani Ruins. After seeing the Great Cathedral and the first mosque in Anatolia, the Menuçehr Mosque, we head to Kars city center.
🌙 Evening Entertainment: With those who wish (extra), we join the Traditional Caucasus Night featuring Caucasian dances.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Kars.
Day 6: Traces of History and the White Sorrow (Kars City Tour - Sarıkamış - Erzurum)
In the morning, we tour Kars, with its wide avenues from the Russian occupation period. After seeing Fethiye Mosque (Alexander Nevsky Church) and Kars Castle panoramically, we shop for the famous Kars gruyere and kaşar cheeses. Then we head to Sarıkamış and respectfully commemorate our heroes who sacrificed their lives at Sarıkamış Martyrs’ Memorial. When we arrive in Erzurum, after a cağ kebab break (extra), we visit Taşhan (Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai), Oltu stone shops, Erzurum Congress Building, and the Çifte Minareli Madrasa.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Erzurum.
Day 7: Journey into the Heart of Nature (Erzurum - Munzur Springs - Ovacık - Kemaliye)
After breakfast at our hotel, we head toward Tunceli, with its unique natural beauty. Passing through Munzur Valley, one of Turkey’s largest national parks, we visit Munzur Springs, the source of the Munzur River. After shopping for local organic products (garlic, honey, etc.) in Ovacık, we continue toward the elegant riverside town of Kemaliye (Eğin), surrounded by magnificent natural scenery.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Kemaliye.
Day 8: The Pearl of the Euphrates and Karanlık Canyon (Full Day Kemaliye Tour)
Today we explore Kemaliye all day, with its stone houses, narrow streets, and literary character. Our first stop is Karanlık Canyon, one of the world’s largest canyons! With those who wish (extra), we join a boat tour and witness breathtaking views deep within the Euphrates. We visit Kemaliye’s traditional houses, the Stone Road, and Lökhane, and taste the region’s famous lök dessert. We also tour Orta Mosque and Taş Dibi Neighborhood, finishing the day with the breeze of the Euphrates.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Kemaliye.
Day 9: The Land of Apricots and the Summit of Kings (Malatya - Mount Nemrut)
After breakfast, we pass through Malatya, the land of apricots, and continue to Kâhta district in Adıyaman. There, by minibuses (extra), we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Nemrut National Park. Upon reaching the summit, we witness the sunset (or sunrise) amid the giant statues of the Commagene Kingdom, against a mesmerizing view found nowhere else in the world. After our summit visit, we return to Malatya.
Accommodation: At our hotel in Malatya.
Day 10: Valleys, Canyons, and Return (Darende - Tohma Canyon - Kayseri - Izmir)
On the final day of our tour, we head to the natural wonder of Darende Tohma Canyon. Along the Tohma Stream, a tributary of the Euphrates, we take photos in this lush valley and visit Somuncu Baba Tomb, one of Anatolia’s spiritual architects. Then we travel to Kayseri and have free time for shopping at the Pastırmacılar Bazaar and for the famous Kayseri mantı (extra). Afterwards, we begin our return journey to Izmir, and late at night we drop you off at the points where we picked you up, bidding farewell until we meet on another tour.