5-Day Southern Türkiye Cultural Tour: Adana, Antakya, Tarsus & Mersin

Welcome to southern Türkiye! Upon arrival at Çukurova International Airport, meet your TravelShopBooking representative and transfer to your hotel in Adana.

After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Relax at your hotel or explore the city independently, perhaps stopping at a local restaurant for your first taste of Adana’s celebrated cuisine.

An optional Turkish bath or cooking and shopping experience may be arranged in advance, subject to availability and an additional charge.

Overnight in Adana.

Breakfast and lunch included.

After breakfast, depart Adana for a day exploring the region’s castles, Ottoman heritage and coastal scenery.

Begin with visits to Yılankale and Toprakkale, with access to the castle sites depending on local conditions. Continue to the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Complex in Payas, a historic ensemble incorporating a mosque, caravanserai, bathhouse and bazaar.

Travel onward to İskenderun for sightseeing and lunch before continuing to Antakya.

The afternoon introduces Antakya’s archaeological and religious heritage. Planned visits include the Church of Saint Peter, Hatay Archaeology Museum and the Great Mosque, where open and accessible. The final sightseeing schedule will be confirmed according to restoration work, opening arrangements and available time.

Overnight in Antakya or the surrounding Hatay area, according to the confirmed hotel.

Breakfast and lunch included.

After breakfast and check-out, continue exploring Antakya’s multicultural heritage with your guide.

Learn about the city’s Catholic, Orthodox Christian and Jewish communities. Visits to the Catholic church, Orthodox church and synagogue are subject to access permission and restoration status; interior visits cannot be guaranteed.

Where accessible, enjoy time browsing local shops for spices, traditional sweets, textiles and handicrafts. After lunch, depart for Mersin and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Mersin.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Today, explore the historic town of Tarsus and the ancient ruins of Kanlıdivane.

Begin with an introduction to Gözlükule Mound and its importance in the early history of Tarsus. Continue to Saint Paul’s Church Museum, Tarsus Grand Mosque and the surviving section of the ancient Roman road.

Visit Saint Paul’s Well and explore nearby streets lined with traditional Tarsus houses. Take a break beside Tarsus Waterfall before continuing your journey.

Enjoy lunch featuring regional flavours, with an opportunity to try tantuni according to the restaurant’s menu.

Later, visit Kanlıdivane, where the remains of an ancient settlement stand around a striking natural sinkhole. Discover its archaeological landscape before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Mersin.

Breakfast included.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Çukurova International Airport according to your flight schedule.

Your southern Türkiye cultural journey concludes with memories of historic towns, regional cuisine and the people who bring this diverse region to life.