Airplane Grand GAP and Eastern Anatolia Tour (7 Days - 6 Nights)
✈️ BIG GAP AND EASTERN ANATOLIA TOUR BY PLANE: TWO REGIONS, ONE DREAM
You are invited to a magnificent cultural feast stretching from the warmth of Mesopotamia to the cool plateaus of Eastern Anatolia, from Göbeklitepe, the zero point of history, to the ancient streets of Ani Ruins!
We explore this vast route in the most efficient way with the comfort of air travel, starting with the unique flavors of Gaziantep and continuing through the city of prophets, Şanlıurfa, the city where stone speaks, Mardin, the legendary Akdamar Island, and Kars’s historic streets, ending in Erzurum.
Day-by-Day Tour Program
Day 1: Capital of Flavor (Izmir - Gaziantep - Zeugma - Historic Bazaars)
We meet at 04:00 in the Domestic Terminal of Adnan Menderes Airport and depart for Gaziantep at 06:00 on a direct SunExpress flight. Upon arrival, we begin the day with a delicious start of local katmer and beyran soup (extra). Then we visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to the world-famous “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, accompanied by our guide. We have free time in Gaziantep’s historic bazaars such as Zincirli Bedesten, Almacı Bazaar, and Bakırcılar Bazaar, and enjoy coffee at the Historic Tahmis Coffee House. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel in Gaziantep.
Day 2: Hidden Paradise and the Zero Point of History (Halfeti - Göbeklitepe - Şanlıurfa)
After breakfast, we head to “Hidden Paradise” Halfeti. On a boat tour on the Euphrates River (extra), we see the sunken village of Savaşan and Rumkale up close. Then we visit Göbeklitepe, which rewrote the history of humanity, dating back 12,000 years. At the end of the day, we settle into our hotel in Şanlıurfa. Guests who wish may join the evening, dinner-inclusive local Urfa Sıra Gecesi program (extra).
Day 3: City of Prophets and Throne of Kings (Balıklıgöl - Mount Nemrut - Diyarbakır)
After breakfast, we visit Balıklıgöl, Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake, and the cave where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been born in Şanlıurfa. Following a shopping break in the local bazaars, we head to Kahta. With minibuses waiting for us (extra), we climb Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at 2,150 meters, and witness the magnificent view among giant statues and inscriptions. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel in Diyarbakır.
Day 4: Poetry of Stone and Ancient Mesopotamia (Diyarbakır - Hasankeyf - Mardin - Midyat)
On our Diyarbakır tour, we visit Ulu Mosque, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Cultural House, the Four-Legged Minaret, Sülüklü Han, the UNESCO-listed Historic City Walls, and On Gözlü Bridge. Then we photograph from a distance the transported artifacts of the ancient city of Hasankeyf, which was submerged under the Ilısu Dam waters. We continue our journey to the dream city of Mardin; we explore Kasımiye Madrasa, Ulu Mosque, Zinciriye Madrasa, and the narrow stone streets, then provide free time in the bazaar. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel in the Mardin/Midyat area.
Day 5: From Syriac Culture to Lake Van (Midyat - Tatvan - Akdamar Island - Van)
We visit the famous Midyat Guest House (Sıla Mansion) and shop for filigree handicrafts. Passing through Bitlis and Tatvan, we reach the slopes of Mount Artos and then take boats (extra) to Akdamar Island on Lake Van. After visiting the historic church, which is the subject of a love legend, we settle into our hotel in Van. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 6: Waterfalls, Palaces, and a Caucasian Night (Van - Muradiye - Ishak Pasha - Tuzluca - Kars)
Departing from Van, we stop for photos at the enchanting Muradiye Waterfall. With views of the Çaldıran Plain and Mount Ağrı, we arrive in Doğubayazıt and visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, known as the Topkapi Palace of the East. Then we explore the Tuzluca Cave, a hidden gem of Iğdır, and arrive in Kars. On our Kars city tour, we see the historic Russian architecture (Fethiye Mosque, Kars Castle, Stone Bridge) and shop for the famous Kars cheese. In the evening, guests who wish may join the Caucasian Night entertainment program (extra). Dinner and accommodation at our hotel in Kars.
Day 7: Farewell to History and Return (Ani Ruins - Sarıkamış - Erzurum - Izmir)
After breakfast, we visit the UNESCO-listed Ani Ruins on the border with Armenia, including the Great Cathedral and the Menuçehr Mosque. On our return route, we stop at Sarıkamış Martyrs’ Memorial to honor our heroes. Upon arrival in Erzurum, we stop at Taşhan for an Oltu stone shopping break; then visit the Erzurum Congress Building, the Twin Minaret Madrasa, and the Three Tombs. After free time for the famous Erzurum Cağ Kebab, we head to the airport and return to Izmir on the 22:10 flight.
✈️ Flight Information (SunExpress Airlines)
- Outbound Flight: Izmir (ADB) – Gaziantep (GZT) | Departure: 06:00
- Return Flight: Erzurum (ERZ) – Izmir (ADB) | Departure: 22:10