GAP Tour 4N/5D

Day 1: GAZIANTEP

We meet at 05:10 at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport Domestic Departures, at the AnadoluJet counter. We fly to Gaziantep on AnadoluJet Airlines flight VF3228 at 07:10 (1 hour 45 minutes). Arrival: 08:55. Upon arrival, we are welcomed by our guide and begin our tour of Gaziantep, the gateway to the Southeastern Anatolia/GAP region and the largest city in the area, known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine.

Our first stop is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest mosaic museum in the world, housing a wealth of historical artifacts. After our guided museum visit, we enjoy an optional lunch featuring Gaziantep's renowned local delicacies, known across Turkey and beyond.

Following lunch, we embark on a panoramic city tour by bus. Then we visit the Panorama 25 December Museum, which vividly reflects Gaziantep’s heroic resistance during the Turkish War of Independence. From there, we begin our tour of the Kalealtı District, walking around Gaziantep Castle, one of the best-preserved urban castles in Turkey, and heading to the historic Zeytin Han, where we’ll have a chance to shop for local products.

Continuing along the cultural route, we admire historic Antep houses and inns, and arrive at the Coppersmith Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı), where we witness local artisans crafting copper and mother-of-pearl inlay products. During the free time, guests may shop at Bakırcılar Çarşısı, Almacı Bazaar, and Zincirli Bedesten for regional goods. After the tour, we have dinner and check into our hotel.

Overnight: 5 Shimall Hotel*

Day 2: GAZIANTEP – RUMKALE

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave Gaziantep and head toward Rumkale via Birecik. We cross the Euphrates River and reach Rumkale for a scenic boat tour arranged for our group. During the one-hour tour, we see the sunken village and Rumkale itself.

After the boat tour, we continue to the city center of Şanlıurfa. Upon arrival, we have an optional lunch and begin our sightseeing. First, we visit the cave and shrine of Prophet Job (Eyüp), a symbol of patience. Then we explore the Balıklı Göl (Pool of Sacred Fish), the site where Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) was thrown into the fire, as well as Ayn Zeliha Lake, Rıdvaniye Mosque, Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, and the cave where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been born.

After completing the visits, we stop by the Covered Bazaar and Gümrük Han for local shopping. We end the day with a traditional dinner and music at a Sıra Gecesi night, then return to our hotel.

Overnight: 5 Nevali Hotel or similar*

Day 3: ŞANLIURFA – GÖBEKLİTEPE – MARDIN

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Göbeklitepe, a monumental archaeological site dating back approximately 12,000 years, which continues to astonish archaeologists and historians. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site still undergoes excavations, and the meanings of many of its structures remain debated.

After exploring Göbeklitepe, we drive to Mardin. Upon arrival, we enjoy a brief panoramic city tour and then head to a restaurant for an optional lunch.

Our tour of Mardin begins with a visit to Deyrulzafaran Monastery, once considered the global center of the Syriac community. We explore the Church, Medical School, Sun Temple, Baptistery, and Tomb sections before moving to Kasımiye Madrasa, an Artuqid-era structure with breathtaking views of the Upper Mesopotamian Plain.

Then we walk through the old streets of Mardin, discovering landmarks such as the Kırklar Church, Abbaras, Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), Şehidiye Mosque, and Şahtana Mansion. Free time is provided to shop for local items before dinner and hotel check-in.

Overnight: 5 Anemon Hotel or similar*

Day 4: MARDIN – MIDYAT – BATMAN – DİYARBAKIR

After breakfast, we take a short drive to Midyat, a historical town featured in many TV series. We visit the Governor’s Guest House, a notable filming location of the "Sıla" series. Then we explore the Telkari Bazaar, showcasing centuries-old silver filigree craftsmanship by Syriac artisans.

We continue to Hasankeyf, one of the oldest settlements of the ancient world, now partially submerged by the Ilısu Dam. We listen to the poignant story of Hasankeyf and visit the relocated Zeynel Bey Tomb.

On the way, we pass by the oil wells of Raman Mountain and stop for an optional lunch in Batman. Afterward, we visit the Malabadi Bridge before continuing to Diyarbakır. On arrival, we take a panoramic tour viewing 75th Street and Diclekent, experiencing the modern side of the city. Dinner follows, and we check into our hotel.

Overnight: 5 Radisson Blu Hotel or similar*

Day 5: DİYARBAKIR – EĞİL – RETURN

After breakfast, we begin our full-day tour of Diyarbakır, known as the city of prophets and companions. We travel approximately 50 km to Eğil, where we visit the tombs of Prophets Zulkifl and Elisha (Zülkifl and Elyesa), relocated due to the Dicle Dam.

After lunch at a local restaurant (optional), we return to Diyarbakır and visit İçkale, including Artuqid Palace, Government House, St. George Church, Diyarbakır Old Prison, Caravanserai, and the Hz. Süleyman Mosque, home to 27 Sahaba (Companions).

We then explore the Diyarbakır City Walls, believed to date back 9,000 years, and continue to Hasan Pasha Caravanserai and the historic Diyarbakır Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii). Next, we visit the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum House and the iconic Four-Legged Minaret.

We conclude the tour at the Keçi Bastion in Mardin Gate, enjoying the view of Hevsel Gardens and Ten-Eyed Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü). Finally, we drive to On Gözlü Bridge for a short photo break before heading to Diyarbakır Airport.

We board AnadoluJet Airlines flight VF3189 at 19:15 to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The flight lasts approximately 2 hours. Arrival: 21:05.

Day 2: GAZIANTEP – RUMKALE

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave Gaziantep and head toward Rumkale via Birecik. We cross the Euphrates River and reach Rumkale for a scenic boat tour arranged for our group. During the one-hour tour, we see the sunken village and Rumkale itself.

After the boat tour, we continue to the city center of Şanlıurfa. Upon arrival, we have an optional lunch and begin our sightseeing. First, we visit the cave and shrine of Prophet Job (Eyüp), a symbol of patience. Then we explore the Balıklı Göl (Pool of Sacred Fish), the site where Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) was thrown into the fire, as well as Ayn Zeliha Lake, Rıdvaniye Mosque, Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, and the cave where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been born.

After completing the visits, we stop by the Covered Bazaar and Gümrük Han for local shopping. We end the day with a traditional dinner and music at a Sıra Gecesi night, then return to our hotel.

Overnight: 5 Nevali Hotel or similar*

Day 3: ŞANLIURFA – GÖBEKLİTEPE – MARDIN

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Göbeklitepe, a monumental archaeological site dating back approximately 12,000 years, which continues to astonish archaeologists and historians. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site still undergoes excavations, and the meanings of many of its structures remain debated.

After exploring Göbeklitepe, we drive to Mardin. Upon arrival, we enjoy a brief panoramic city tour and then head to a restaurant for an optional lunch.

Our tour of Mardin begins with a visit to Deyrulzafaran Monastery, once considered the global center of the Syriac community. We explore the Church, Medical School, Sun Temple, Baptistery, and Tomb sections before moving to Kasımiye Madrasa, an Artuqid-era structure with breathtaking views of the Upper Mesopotamian Plain.

Then we walk through the old streets of Mardin, discovering landmarks such as the Kırklar Church, Abbaras, Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), Şehidiye Mosque, and Şahtana Mansion. Free time is provided to shop for local items before dinner and hotel check-in.

Overnight: 5 Anemon Hotel or similar*

Day 4: MARDIN – MIDYAT – BATMAN – DİYARBAKIR

After breakfast, we take a short drive to Midyat, a historical town featured in many TV series. We visit the Governor’s Guest House, a notable filming location of the "Sıla" series. Then we explore the Telkari Bazaar, showcasing centuries-old silver filigree craftsmanship by Syriac artisans.

We continue to Hasankeyf, one of the oldest settlements of the ancient world, now partially submerged by the Ilısu Dam. We listen to the poignant story of Hasankeyf and visit the relocated Zeynel Bey Tomb.

On the way, we pass by the oil wells of Raman Mountain and stop for an optional lunch in Batman. Afterward, we visit the Malabadi Bridge before continuing to Diyarbakır. On arrival, we take a panoramic tour viewing 75th Street and Diclekent, experiencing the modern side of the city. Dinner follows, and we check into our hotel.

Overnight: 5 Radisson Blu Hotel or similar*

Day 5: DİYARBAKIR – EĞİL – RETURN

After breakfast, we begin our full-day tour of Diyarbakır, known as the city of prophets and companions. We travel approximately 50 km to Eğil, where we visit the tombs of Prophets Zulkifl and Elisha (Zülkifl and Elyesa), relocated due to the Dicle Dam.

After lunch at a local restaurant (optional), we return to Diyarbakır and visit İçkale, including Artuqid Palace, Government House, St. George Church, Diyarbakır Old Prison, Caravanserai, and the Hz. Süleyman Mosque, home to 27 Sahaba (Companions).

We then explore the Diyarbakır City Walls, believed to date back 9,000 years, and continue to Hasan Pasha Caravanserai and the historic Diyarbakır Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii). Next, we visit the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum House and the iconic Four-Legged Minaret.

We conclude the tour at the Keçi Bastion in Mardin Gate, enjoying the view of Hevsel Gardens and Ten-Eyed Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü). Finally, we drive to On Gözlü Bridge for a short photo break before heading to Diyarbakır Airport.

We board AnadoluJet Airlines flight VF3189 at 19:15 to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The flight lasts approximately 2 hours. Arrival: 21:05.