Airplane Boutique GAP Tour: Mesopotamian Dream (4 Days - 3 Nights)
✈️ AIR-BASED BOUTIQUE GAP TOUR: FROM THE ZERO POINT OF HISTORY TO MESOPOTAMIA
You are invited on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting atmosphere of Southeastern Anatolia, to ancient lands where stone speaks and cultures intersect!
From Gaziantep’s mouthwatering flavors to the mystery of Göbeklitepe, from the sunrise atop Nemrut to Mardin’s narrow stone streets, this special boutique tour follows the traces of history, culture, and unique local delicacies. By making the most efficient use of time with the comfort of air travel, we explore all the gems of the GAP region from end to end.
Our Day-by-Day Tour Program
Day 1: The Capital of Flavor and Hidden Paradise (Izmir - Gaziantep - Halfeti - Şanlıurfa)
At 05:00 in the morning, we meet at the Domestic Terminal of Adnan Menderes Airport and fly from Izmir to Gaziantep with SunExpress Airlines at 06:00. Upon arrival at 07:40, we start the day energetically with the region’s famous katmer and beyran soup (extra). Our first stop is the world-famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to the “Gypsy Girl” mosaic. After witnessing history, we head to the historic bazaar area and get lost among the sounds of hammers at Zincirli Bedesten, Almacı Market, and the Copper Bazaar, with free time for shopping.
After our Gaziantep tour, we proceed to Halfeti, the “black rose” setting of the TV series Karagül and a hidden paradise submerged under water. With those who wish, we take a boat tour on the Birecik Dam Lake (extra), where we see Rumkale and the sunken Savaşan Village. By the end of the day, we arrive in Şanlıurfa, the “City of Prophets,” and check in to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 2: The Peak Where the Sun Rises and the City of Prophets (Atatürk Dam - Mount Nemrut - Şanlıurfa)
After breakfast, we visit Atatürk Dam, the largest dam in Turkey. Then, with minibuses awaiting us (extra), we ascend UNESCO World Heritage Mount Nemrut. At an altitude of 2,150 meters, we deeply feel history at the “Throne of Kings,” surrounded by colossal statues and inscriptions.
After our Nemrut visit, we return to Şanlıurfa city center and visit the sacred Balıklıgöl, believed to be where Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, as well as Ayn Zeliha Lake and the cave where Prophet Abraham was born. After free time in the local bazaars, we return to our hotel. In the evening, those who wish may join the indispensable cultural experience of Urfa, the Dinner-Show Sıra Night (extra). Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 3: The Zero Point of History and the Stone City (Göbeklitepe - Mardin)
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Göbeklitepe, which rewrote world history with its 12,000-year-old past. We discover the world’s first known temple with the fascinating narration of our guide.
Then we travel to the dream city of Mardin, described as “a necklace at night and a sightseeing place by day.” Overlooking the Mesopotamian plain, we visit Kasımiye Madrasah; then explore the PTT Building, Great Mosque, Zinciriye Madrasah, and the historic stone passages called Abbara. After free time for telkari silverwork, almond sweets, mırra, and local products, we check in to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 4: Syriac Culture, Ancient Waters, and Farewell (Midyat - Hasankeyf - Diyarbakır - Izmir)
After breakfast, we visit Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the important centers of Syriac culture and still actively used. We then head to the famous historic streets of Midyat, known from various TV series, and explore the historic mansions crafted by master stone artisans (Midyat Guesthouse) and the telkari silver bazaar.
After Midyat, we move on to the new settlement of the ancient city of Hasankeyf, now under water, and view the transferred historical monuments such as the Zeynel Bey Tomb, El Rızk Mosque, and Artuklu Bath panoramically. Continuing via Batman, we reach the final stop of our tour, Diyarbakır. We visit the Great Mosque, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Cultural House (from outside), Four-Legged Minaret, Sülüklü Han, the UNESCO-listed Historic Walls, and On Gözlü Bridge. After dinner featuring the famous Diyarbakır liver (extra), we proceed to Diyarbakır Airport. With our 23:05 flight, we depart for Izmir and arrive in the early hours of the night (approximately 01:15), bidding farewell until our next tour.
✈️ Flight Information (SunExpress Airlines)
- Outbound: Izmir (ADB) – Gaziantep (GZT) | Departure: 06:00
- Return: Diyarbakır (DIY) – Izmir (ADB) | Departure: 23:05