Mesopotamia Explorer 5 Day Tour of Diyarbakır, Mardin, Mount Nemrut, Urfa & Gaziantep

(Lunch and Dinner Included)
Early morning , you will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul, transfer to airport and flight to Diyarbakir, arrival then you will be met at the airport by our guide and start the tour of Diyarbakir which is about 5000 years old city and one of the oldest cities in the world, encircled by a massive parapet built of jet-black blocks of basalt. It is a city based on a Roman plan with four Gates. A walking tour takes us to the fortification walls, the ancient walls of Diyarbakir. We will visit Grand Mosque ( Ulu Camii ) from the Seljuk period, and the 3rd century Aramaic Church of the Virgin Mary. Drive to Hasankeyf, with its history that spans nine civilizations, the archaeological and religious. The history of Hasankeyf goes back 10,000 years. This is three times longer than the Giza pyramids, 10 times longer than Stonehenge some of the city's historical treasures will be inundated if construction of the Ilisu Dam is completed. These include ornate mosques, Islamic tombs and cave churches. Drive to Midyat and on to the sunken town of Hasankeyf, with stop at the beautiful little town of Midyat to see the Monastery and ancient houses on the way  and overnight in Mardin.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
After breakfast at your hotel in Mardin we will start our day to discover the historical and naturel values of Mardin which is very unique with lovely old-Arabic style houses. The houses are often decorated with intricate carvings. This is a very lively trading center with people coming from surrounding villages to buy and sell different items. We will have a fantastic view of the Plain of Mesopotamia. It is a city that played a primordial role in the early development of Christianity. We will also visit the Monastery of Deyr-az-Zaferan just outside of town, founded in 762 A.D. It was the seat of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch for almost 800 years, We will take the time to visit, walk in its busy streets and bazaars, and admire the stone works all around the town. Overnight stay in Mardin.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
After breakfast at your hotel in Mardin we will drive to Kahta and we will visit the old castle, Arsemeia, Cendere Bridge (Septimius Severus bridge ) dating all the way back to the 3rd century and Tumulus Tomb of Karakus. Hike to the summit of the mount Nemrut (one of the most popular UNESCO world cultural heritage sites), watching the sunrise, being  amazed by the colossal heads and statues of ancient deities, as you step into mythology. This extraordinary landmark rests at an elevation of 8000 ft. The mountain top complex is composed of two flattened areas strewn with statues and separated by a false peak of crushed rock. Antiochus built the entire complex approximately 2000 years ago as a monument to his divine ancestry. Watching sunset go back to hotel Dinner and overnight in Kahta or Adiyaman.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Breakfast at the hotel then drive to Urfa, we will have a chance to see Ataturk Dam on our way to Urfa. This is part of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) a massive hydro-electric and irrigation project on the upper reaches of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. In Urfa we will enjoy some local sightseeings. Urfa is called the city of prophets for its biblical connections. Also called Sanliurfa which means holy. After a stop off at the castle with Roman columns we will visit the "Pool of Sacred Carp" and then visit the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. In the late afternoon we will visit Harran, a town of the region of Urfa. Harran is a famous city from ancient Mesopotamian times: a mystical and ancient place of "bee hive" houses built of mud brick. The Book of Genesis speaks of this town as the place where Abraham and his family lived. It is also the site of the first Islamic University of the world. Overnight in Urfa.

Note: Depending on your wishes, we may add a visit to Gobekli Tepe to your programme.

(Breakfast and Lunch Included)
After breakfast at your hotel in Urfa we will drive to Gaziantep. We will visit the world famous Gaziantep Mosaic Museum. The museum houses beautiful mosaics which are discoveries from the town of Zeugma. The most famous of them is the "Gypsy Girl". We will also visit the old city castle, copper bazaar and the famous baklava shop (Baklava is originally from Gaziantep). Late in the afternoon we will transfer you to Gaziantep airport and flight to Istanbul, arrival and transfer to your hotel.