GAP Tour - Departure from Istanbul with 5 Nights Hotel Accommodation
Great GAP & Syriac Routes of Şırnak Tour – 5 Nights Accommodation
Get ready to explore the thousands of years of history of Mesopotamia, the unique cuisine of Southeastern Anatolia, and the traces of different cultures in a single journey.
5-night hotel accommodation Great GAP & Syriac Routes of Şırnak Tour offers a comprehensive cultural route extending from Gaziantep to Mount Nemrut, from Diyarbakır to Hasankeyf, from Mardin and Midyat to the Syriac and Yazidi villages of Şırnak, and from Göbeklitepe to Harran.
In this journey starting from Istanbul, you can explore the history, religious centers, local flavors, and natural beauties of Southeastern Anatolia with expert guides.
Tour Highlights
- 🏨 5 nights hotel accommodation
- 🚌 Transport departing from Istanbul
- 🏛️ Zeugma Mosaic Museum
- ⛰️ Mount Nemrut
- 🕌 Diyarbakır historical and cultural route
- 🌉 Malabadi Bridge and Hasankeyf
- ⛪ Mor Gabriel Monastery and Nusaybin
- 🏘️ Mardin & Midyat
- 🏺 Dara Ancient City
- 💧 Beyazsu
- 🛖 Harran Houses
- 🗿 UNESCO World Heritage Göbeklitepe
- 🐟 Balıklıgöl and Aynzeliha Lake
- ☕ Historical bazaars of Gaziantep and Tahmis Coffee House
- 🎶 Extra Sıra Gecesi option in Şanlıurfa
Visits to Malabadi Bridge, Dara Ancient City, Beyazsu, and Harran Houses are included in the tour package price.
Discover Thousands of Years of History in Mesopotamia
The route begins with Tarsus Waterfalls, Eshab-ı Kehf Cave, Nusrat Mine Ship, Makam-ı Danyal Mosque, and Kırkkaşık Bedesten, extending to Gaziantep's rich cultural heritage.
After visiting the world-famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum, you can explore the unique atmosphere of Gaziantep through Bakırcılar Bazaar, Almacı Market, and the historic Tahmis Coffee House.
From Nemrut to Diyarbakır
After Karakuş Tumulus and Cendere Bridge, we will see one of Anatolia's most impressive archaeological sites with the monumental statues of Mount Nemrut at an altitude of 2,150 meters.
Continuing our journey via Nissibi Bridge, we will visit important points of the city in Diyarbakır such as Hevsel Gardens, On Gözlü Bridge, Diyarbakır Walls, Four-Legged Minaret, and Diyarbakır Grand Mosque.
Hasankeyf, Şırnak, and Syriac Cultural Route
One of the most special parts of the program that distinguishes it from classic GAP tours is the Şırnak and Syriac cultural route.
After Malabadi Bridge and Hasankeyf, we will have the opportunity to get close to the region's Yazidi and Syriac cultural heritage with visits to Mağaraköy (Kiwex) and Haberli Village (Basibirin) connected to Şırnak İdil.
Midyat, Mardin, and Nusaybin
After visiting one of the most impressive stops of Mesopotamia, Mor Gabriel Monastery, we will explore Midyat Guesthouse and traditional telkari workshops.
Our route then continues with Beyazsu, Nusaybin Mor Yakup Church, and Zeynel Abidin Complex.
In Mardin, you can experience the unique atmosphere of stone architecture and Mesopotamian landscapes with Dara Ancient City, Kasımiye Madrasa, and Old Mardin streets.
Göbeklitepe, Şanlıurfa, and Harran
One of the most important stops of the journey is Göbeklitepe, which changes what we know about human history.
In Şanlıurfa, we will visit important historical and religious sites of the region such as Balıklıgöl, Aynzeliha Lake, Harran Houses, and Hz. Eyüp Sabir Shrine.
Guests who wish can also participate in the traditional Sıra Gecesi event, which brings together the region's music and food culture, organized additionally.
Main Places to Explore
Tarsus Waterfalls • Eshab-ı Kehf Cave • Nusrat Mine Ship • Makam-ı Danyal Mosque • Kırkkaşık Bedesten • Zeugma Museum • Bakırcılar Bazaar • Almacı Market • Tahmis Coffee House • Karakuş Tumulus • Cendere Bridge • Mount Nemrut • Nissibi Bridge • Hevsel Gardens • On Gözlü Bridge • Diyarbakır Walls • Four-Legged Minaret • Diyarbakır Grand Mosque • Malabadi Bridge • Hasankeyf • Mağaraköy • Haberli Village • Mor Gabriel Monastery • Midyat • Beyazsu • Nusaybin • Dara Ancient City • Kasımiye Madrasa • Old Mardin • Göbeklitepe • Balıklıgöl • Aynzeliha Lake • Harran Houses • Hz. Eyüp Sabir Shrine • Adana Stone Bridge • Sabancı Mosque
Explore Southeastern Anatolia with Turvop
Great GAP & Syriac Routes of Şırnak Tour goes beyond a classic GAP trip, bringing together the region's history, diverse beliefs, cultures, gastronomy, and natural beauties on a comprehensive route.
You can check the current dates and prices of the GAP Tour departing from Istanbul via Turvop, select your suitable travel period, and create your reservation.
Important Information
The tour route, visit order, and program times may change depending on weather conditions, regional circumstances, and operational reasons. The Sıra Gecesi and events specified as extra in the program may not be included in the tour package price. It is recommended to check the updated tour program and included services for the selected date before making a reservation.
Day 1: Departure from Istanbul
Meeting Points and Times
19:00 Yenibosna Airport Avm Parking Lot
19:45 Mecidiyeköy Torun Center Entrance
20:15 Kadıköy Civil Registry Office Entrance
20:20 Bostancı Bridge Underpass
20:30 Kartal Bridge Underpass
20:40 Pendik Bridge Underpass
20:50 Çayırova Mc Donalds Entrance
21:00 Gebze Center Entrance
21:20 İzmit Halkevi Stop (Opposite Asia Hotel)
21:40 Sakarya Alpet Entrance (Next to Bus Terminal)
23:45 Bolu Bus Terminal Side
02:00 Ankara Söğütözü Ulusoy Facilities (Opposite Armada Avm)
07:30 Adana Airport
After picking up our valued guests at the specified points, we begin our night journey with Epic Tatil for the Classic Gap tour.
Day 2: Tarsus, Tarsus Waterfall, Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Eshab-ı Kehf), Nusrat Mine Sweeper Ship, Danyal Mosque, Ulu Mosque, Kırkkaşık Bedesten, Gaziantep, Gaziantep Castle, Tomb of Prophet Joshua (Hz. Yuşa), Coppermakers' Bazaar, Almacı Market, Kasteller, Tahmis Coffee House, Şahinbey National Struggle Museum
After our night journey, we begin with breakfast at Tarsus Waterfalls, enjoying the natural beauty bestowed by nature for the Gap Tour with Epic Holiday. Next, we visit the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Eshab-ı Kehf), a site of great significance for both Christianity and Islam. According to tradition, seven young men who fled from a tyrannical king of that era, along with their dog, took refuge in this cave mentioned in the Surah Al-Kahf of the Quran and slept there for three centuries. After touring the site with our guide, we visit the Nusrat Mine Ship. During a panoramic city tour, we view Cleopatra's Gate and receive information about it. We then explore the historic Tarsus houses and streets to learn more about the city, followed by a visit to Makam-ı Danyal Mosque, which houses the tomb of Prophet Daniel, revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Subsequently, we tour the Grand Mosque and Kırkkaşık Bazaar, after which we have free time for shopping. Saying goodbye to this city steeped in history where historical structures can be seen at every step, we begin our journey towards Gaziantep.
In Gaziantep, we first have our lunch. After lunch, we visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. The ancient city of Zeugma, founded by the Seleucids and later named in Greek meaning "to bring two banks together," was submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam. Following this, we head to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where floor mosaics from Roman generals' villas were excavated and are now displayed. Opened on September 9, 2011, in Gaziantep, this museum covers an area of 1700 square meters and is the third largest mosaic museum in the world. Alongside the world-famous "Gypsy Girl" mosaic, we tour other mosaics inspired by Greek mythology with the guidance of our expert. After visiting the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, we view Gaziantep Castle, situated on a hill in the city center, panoramically. Although the exact construction date of the castle is unknown, it is known to have been used for observation purposes during the Roman period. Throughout history, the castle has been restored many times and achieved its current form following a restoration project carried out in the early 2000s. After a short photo break, we visit Sedefçiler (Mother-of-Pearl Artisans), Baharatçılar (Spice Market), Sebze Hali (Vegetable Market), Historic Paşa Han, Tahtani Mosque, Uzun Çarşı (Long Bazaar), Historic Gümrük Han, Zincirli Bedesten, Kunduracılar Çarşısı (Shoemakers' Bazaar), and finally reach Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Coppersmiths' Bazaar). At the entrance of the bazaar, we visit the tombs of Pirsefa Hazretleri and Prophet Yusha (Joshua). Later, we tour Almacı Pazarı, known as Gaziantep's oldest market, dating back 250 years. Then, we arrive at Tahmis Kahvesi. Built between 1635 and 1638 by Turkishmen Ağa and Sancak Beyi Mustafa Ağa Bin Yusuf to generate income for the Mevlevihane Tekke, we are given free time here to drink Menengiç Coffee and shop in the bazaars. After our free time, we take a short break to purchase Antep's famous baklava and pistachios. Following our shopping, we visit Şahinbey National Struggle Museum. Here, guided by our leader, we explore this modern underground museum that tells the story of the resistance shown by the people of Antep against enemy occupation and the defense that earned them the title "Gazi." Afterwards, we proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken in Tarsus. (Extra)
Lunch: Will be taken in Gaziantep. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour fee.
Accommodation Hotel: Gaziantep/ Şirehan Otel, Tilmen Otel, Shimall Otel, Yılmazoğlu Park Otel, etc.
Day 3: Adıyaman, Kâhta, Karakuş Tumulus, Cendere Bridge, Mount Nemrut, Nisibis Bridge, Diyarbakır, Hevsel Gardens, On Gözlü Bridge, Tigris River, Mardin Gate, Keçi Burcu, Ulu Mosque, Hasan Paşa Caravanserai, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum
On the third day of the Epic Holiday Gap Tour, after having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from our hotel and head towards Kahta district of Adıyaman.
In Kahta district of Adıyaman, those guests who wish to join us board our minibuses waiting for us and begin our Nemrut Mountain tour (Extra). Our first stop is Karakuş Tumulus, where the tombs of King Mithridates of Commagene and his family are located. After enjoying the magnificent views and listening to our guide's narration, we board our minibuses again and arrive at Cendere Bridge, one of the most magnificent bridges of the Roman era, built over the Cendere River. After taking a photo break here, we start climbing up to Mount Nemrut, which stands at an altitude of 2150 meters on the Eastern Taurus mountain range. At the summit, at 2150m, lies the Tumulus of King I. Antiochos. On the east and west terraces, there are giant statues of Zeus (Oromasdes), Apollo, Mithras, Helios, Hermes, Heracles, Artagnes, Ares, Commagene, Tyche, and himself, all made by King I. Antiochos. King I. Antiochos clearly reinforced the Greek-Persian religions and cultures he brought together, along with their traditions, in these works. After receiving the necessary information from our guide, we enjoy the unique view while recalling Antiochos' following will: "My birthday shall be celebrated every month and year as a holiday. During these days, the high priest, the gods, and I shall wear Persian attire, and everyone shall place golden wreaths upon us. Incense shall be burned abundantly for all of us, and sacrifices shall be offered as required. The sacred tables shall be adorned with the finest foods and wines. My people gathered here shall feast and celebrate abundantly."
After our Mount Nemrut tour, we cross the Nissibi Bridge, which connects Kahta and Siverek and is known as the Bosphorus of the East, and head towards Diyarbakır, the oldest and most established city of Southeastern Anatolia. We visit and photograph Hevsel Gardens, located on the banks of the Tigris River, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015 and holds a unique cultural and historical value beyond its agricultural significance. Afterwards, we arrive at the Ten-Arched Bridge. It is said that during Hıdırellez, local people would write their wishes on a cloth and throw them into the Tigris River through this bridge. After our photo break here, we reach the center of Diyarbakır by viewing Keçi Burcu (Goat Tower), Urfa Gate, and Mardin Gate panoramically. These are the oldest parts of the Diyarbakır walls, whose construction date and the civilization that built them are unknown, but are believed to have a history of 9000 years. We then visit the Four-Legged Minaret (Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque) built by Akkoyunlu Kasım Bey in 1500, followed by a tour of the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), which is the first in Anatolia and the fifth Harem-i Sharif in the Islamic world. Afterwards, we visit Hasanpa Han, the largest caravanserai in the region. Then, we visit the Museum House of Diyarbakır poet Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı, known for his poem "Yaş otuz beş, yolun yarısı eder" (Age thirty-five, half the road is done). (If the opening has not taken place due to renovation and maintenance work, the visit will not be carried out.) In this beautiful house, which creates separate usage areas for each season, you will see fine examples of regional civil architecture. After our short break here, we head towards our hotel. Dinner and accommodation will be at our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Kahta. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Accommodation Hotel: Diyarbakır or Adıyaman Hotels.
Diyarbakır / Sv Business Otel, Hasuni Taş Otel , Plaza Otel etc. hotels - Adıyaman/ Taşsaray Bardakçı Otel, White Star Otel , Samos Otel , Euphrat Otel etc. hotels
Day 4: Malabadi Bridge, Batman, Hasankeyf, Mağaraköy, Haberli Village, Mor Gabriel Monastery, Midyat
On the 4th day of the Epic Holiday Gap Tour, after having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from our hotel and head to Malabadi Bridge located within the borders of Silvan. We take a photo stop at Malabadi Bridge, a stone arch bridge built during the Artukid period that has the largest arch span of any stone arch bridge in the world still existing today. Afterward, we bid farewell to Diyarbakır and move on to Batman Hasankeyf.
We reach Hasankeyf via Batman, where Turkey's first oil wells are located, viewing the horse-head oil pumps panoramically. Hasankeyf, with a history dating back 12,000 years, saw a new settlement established 3 km away following the confirmation of the Ilısu Dam construction. As part of this tour, which will share the sorrow of Hasankeyf submerged under water as of February 2020, we visit the majestic Hasankeyf Fortress, the minaret of El Rızık Mosque, and the caves, followed by free time. During the free time, guests who wish can join a boat tour over the Ilısu Dam to view old Hasankeyf up close. (Extra) After the free time, we move towards Mağaraköy (Kiwex), affiliated with İdil within Şırnak borders, via Midyat.
Mağaraköy, where Yazidis have lived for centuries according to their beliefs and way of life, is now completely abandoned. It takes its name from the caves dug and used several meters underground. After receiving information about Yazidi culture from our guide, the village fabric, scent, cemetery area, and house structures will take you to that moment when time stood still. Following the free time, we move to Haberli (Basibirin), a Syriac village. The 23 churches found in the village will give you an idea of the village's past vibrancy and density. We tour Mor Eşayho Church, one of the open churches, accompanied by our guide. This Syriac village, whose structure is attempting to revive again, has produced 3 Patriarchs, 3 deputy patriarchs, and 31 metropolitans. After visiting the village inhabited entirely by the Syriac people and gathering information, we sip our tea at the village coffeehouse, chat with the local people, and say goodbye. Then, we board our bus and head to Mor Gabriel Monastery, located within Midyat borders. (If there is high traffic, Deyrulzafaran Monastery will be visited.) One of the famous and grand structures of the ancient Syriac community, the monastery is situated on a high hill covered with oak trees. Founded in 397 AD by Mor Şmuel and Mor Şemun and completed in a short time, we tour the monastery accompanied by our guide. Known also as "Deyrulumur," derived from the Syriac name "Dayro d'Umro," it means "Monks' Dwelling." After our monastery tour, we head towards our hotel in Midyat, the meeting point of religions and languages. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Midyat. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Accommodation Hotel: Midyat/ Royal Otel, Asur Imperial Otel, Baypark Otel, etc.
Day 5: Midyat Guesthouse, Telkari Workshop, Beyazsu, Nusaybin, Mor Yakup Church, Zeynel Abidin Mosque, Dara Ancient City, Kasimiye Madrasa, Mardin
On the 5th day of the Epic Holiday Gap Tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from our hotel and visit Midyat Konukevi, where series such as Sıla, Hercai, and Ah Bir Bulut Olsam were filmed. After visiting Konukevi, where you can take wonderful photos, we visit a Telkâri workshop to see and purchase examples of Telkâri art, which has been developed over the years by Syriac masters and has become a cultural heritage. Following our Telkâri shopping, we are given free time to stroll among the historic Midyat houses. After our free time, we meet our bus waiting in the bazaar and stop for purchasing local roasted coffee and dried nuts. After our shopping, we board our bus and proceed with our Beyazsu and Dara Ancient City tour.
We reach Beyazsu, which originates from the foothills of plateaus and hills located south of Midyat. In Mardin's arid and treeless landscape, we take a short tea/coffee break at Beyazsu with its cool, clear water, trees, and greenery. Then, we head to Dara Ancient City. Located in Oğuz Village, 30 km southeast of Mardin, Dara Ancient City is one of the most important settlements of Upper Mesopotamia. We tour Dara Ancient City, which consists of structures carved into rock and spread over a large area, accompanied by our guide. Afterwards, we move towards Nusaybin, the zero point of the border.
Nusaybin, an important city of Mesopotamia with approximately 7,000 years of history and a name history of 4,000 years, has continuous settlement in parts of it located in Syria and significant parts on Turkish soil. We visit Mor Yakup Church, one of the largest schools of Mesopotamia. After receiving information about Mor Evgin and Mir Osman, we visit Zeynel Abidin Complex. After learning more about the complex, which includes the tombs of Zeynel Abidin and his sister Sitti Zeynep, from our guide, we take a tea/coffee break at a village coffee shop at the zero point of the border. After our free time, we head back to Dara Ancient City.
Located in Oğuz Village, 30 km southeast of Mardin, Dara Ancient City is one of the most important settlements of Upper Mesopotamia. We tour Dara Ancient City, which consists of structures carved into rock and spread over a large area, accompanied by our guide. After our visit to Dara Ancient City, we move towards Kasımiye Madrasa.
Construction of this madrasa began during the Artuklu period and was completed in the late 15th century under Akkoyunlu Sultan Kasım Ibn Cihangir. After receiving information from our guide, touring the site, and taking photos, we head towards our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
* Guests who wish may participate in the Mardin Night Tour, held at Gerdanlık, to explore the streets of Old Mardin illuminated by night lights, or they may join the Mardin Reyhani Night. (Extra)
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Nusaybin. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Accommodation Hotel: Mardin/ Anemon Hotel, Raymar Hotel, Büyük Mardin Hotel, Dedeman Hotel, etc.
Day 6: Old Mardin, Sheikh Chabuk Mosque, Republic Square, Latifiye Mosque, Ulu Mosque, Abbaralar, Historical PTT Building (Shah Tana Mansion), Shahidiye Mosque, Olgunlama Institute, Mesopotamian Plain, Sanliurfa, Gobekli Tepe, Balikligol, Aynzeliha Lake.
On the 6th day of the Epic Holiday Gap Tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from our hotel and head to Old Mardin. At Diyarbakır Gate, we get off our vehicle and begin a walking tour through the streets of Old Mardin. Our walk starts at Cumhuriyet Square, where we will see Sheikh Çabuk Mosque, Mardin Protestant Church, Latifiye Mosque, Sokulbar (Cows Bazaar), and the Copper Smiths' Bazaar. During our walk, accompanied by our guide, we visit Mardin Grand Mosque, an architectural example from the Artuqid period. Known as the symbol of Mardin with its segmented dome and minaret, Mardin Grand Mosque was reportedly built with two minarets. The inscription on the square base of the single minaret that exists today gives the construction date as 1176. However, the current minaret was built in 1888/1889 in a new and eclectic style. Some Syriac writers claim it was converted from a church. Even if the building was not converted from a church, it is likely that an old church once stood on this site. After receiving information from our guide here, we continue our walk by passing under the small tunnels connecting the streets, known as Abbaras. We then see Şahtana Mansion, an old Armenian mansion that was once used as the PTT Building and is known by that name. Next, we visit Şehidiye Mosque, built in the early 13th century by Artuqid Sultan Melik Nasreddin Artuk Aslan, and then tour the Olgunlaşma Institute located at the foot of Mardin Castle, accompanied by our guide. After visiting the historic and magnificent Olgunlaşma Institute, which will surely catch your interest, we take a short break to enjoy fatigue-relief tea and capture magnificent photos facing the Mesopotamian Plain. After our break, we bid farewell to Mardin and head towards Şanlıurfa, the City of Prophets, where Prophet Ibrahim was born and thrown into fire, Prophet Ayyub endured trials, and Prophet Shuayb worshipped.
We arrive at Göbeklitepe Mound, located near Örencik Village in Şanlıurfa, which houses some of the first temples in Anatolia's and the world's civilization history and is listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. With its discovery, Göbeklitepe, dating back 12,000 years, changed not only the history of the region but also human history. In recent years, National Geographic magazine featured it on its cover worldwide with the slogan "The Birthplace of Religion." After receiving information from our guide about Göbeklitepe, which has only been partially excavated and is considered the pilgrimage center of the Neolithic Age, we head to Balıklı Göl, one of the first places that come to mind when mentioning Şanlıurfa. Balıklı Göl is located southwest of Şanlıurfa city center and is believed to be the place where Prophet Ibrahim fell when he was thrown into fire. It is one of the most visited places in Şanlıurfa due to its sacred fish and historical artifacts surrounding it. After seeing Balıklı Göl (Halil-Ür Rahman), formed where Prophet Ibrahim was thrown into fire, and Aynzeliha Lake, said to have formed from the tears of Nemrut's daughter Zeliha, and receiving information from our guide, we take a photo break. Then, we allow free time for you to purchase local products unique to Şanlıurfa. After the free time, we head back to our hotel. Guests who wish may join the extra organized Sıra Gecesi program, where they can experience the regional culture.
Important: Our accommodation in Şanlıurfa includes room breakfast. For dinner, guests who wish may join the meal-included Sıra Gecesi program. (Extra)
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Mardin. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken during Sıra Gecesi. (Extra)
Accommodation Hotel: Şanlıurfa/ Alahan Hotel, Harran Hotel, VE Hotel, Dedeman Hotel, etc.
Day 7: Harran, Harran University, Conical-Domed Houses, Prophet Job's Seat of Patience, Halfeti, Boat Tour, Rumkale, Sunken Minaret, Adana, Taşköprü, Sabancı Central Mosque
On the 7th day of the GAP Tour with Epic Holiday, after having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from our hotel and head to Harran, which means "the place where roads meet". Harran is protected for its Conical Dome Houses, which are found in only three places on Earth. With a history dating back 5,000 years and home to the first Islamic university, during our visit to Harran, we will see Harran University (Great Mosque), Harran Mound, the Castle, Caravanserai, and traditional conical dome houses of Harran, and we will be guests in one of them. During our visit to the guesthouse, you can take photos wearing local costumes. After our tour of Harran, we visit Hz. Eyyub Prophet's Place of Patience, where the cave where Prophet Job fell ill and endured suffering is located. Here, we will see the cave where Prophet Job stayed during his relentless illness, the water well believed to have healed him during his illness, and the stone of patience against which Prophet Job leaned his back. After this visit, we proceed to Halfeti, one of Turkey's "Cittaslow" cities.
After the construction of the Birecik Dam, part of Halfeti was submerged under the reservoir lake. With those guests who wish, we board our boat waiting for us and begin the Halfeti Boat Tour. (Extra) During our cruise on the dam lake, we will see the Princess Cave, Rumkale, and the mosque and minaret of Bilesur Waran Village, most of which are also submerged under the dam lake. At the end of our boat tour, we take a short break in Halfeti. After our break, we head to Adana.
After viewing the historic Stone Bridge over the Seyhan River panoramically, we visit the Sabancı Central Mosque, one of the region's most important mosques, and receive information. In Adana, known for its rich culture and cuisine, after having our dinner, we conclude our GAP Tour with Epic Holiday and begin our return journey.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Halfeti. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken in Gaziantep or Adana. (Extra)
Accommodation Hotel: There is no overnight accommodation tonight.
Day 8: Ankara, Istanbul
Dear guests, in the late hours of the night we arrive in Ankara and, after bidding farewell to our guests joining from Ankara, we continue our journey towards Istanbul. Upon arriving in Istanbul, we drop off our dear guests at the pickup points in the morning and bid farewell until we meet again at another Epic Vacation event.
What's Included
- 5 nights accommodation in hotels
- 5 buffet breakfasts at the hotel
- 4 dinner meals (buffet or set menu) at the hotel
- Transportation with luxury vehicles (vehicles assigned based on number of participants)
- Sightseeing tours as specified in the program
- Professional guide service
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Travel insurance
Not Included
Breakfast on the first day as specified in the program
Dinner on the last day as specified in the program
Beverages included with all meals
Lunches
All extra events specified
All personal expenses
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees (applicable to municipalities and private operators)
Museum Card (applicable to museums under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
Sanlıurfa Sıra Gecesi Dinner Included 1750₺
Nemrut Mountain Tour 850₺
Halfeti Boat Tour 600₺
Mardin Night Tour 450₺
Hasankeyf Boat Tour 500 ₺
Mardin Reyhani Night (Dinner-Free Fixed Menu) 1650₺
Mardin Reyhani Night (With Dinner Fixed Menu) 3250₺
**Extra tour fees may vary by season. The stated fees are current as of the reservation date. Turvop is not responsible for any fee changes that may occur before or on the tour date.
From the mystical atmosphere of Tarsus Waterfalls and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers to Balıklıgöl, from the shadowless vast archaeological sites of Göbeklitepe and Dara Ancient City to Harran's adobe conical houses, from the cool cascading currents of Beyazsu picnic area to the centuries-old stone textures of Şırnak Mağaraköy and Haberli Syriac villages, up to the freezing breeze at 2150 meters altitude on the summit of Mount Nemrut and extending to the bazaars of Gaziantep and Diyarbakır, in this comprehensive 6-night major GAP tour, your comfort is the most fundamental determinant of your travel quality. Considering the continental climate characteristics of the region, mountain climbing conditions, and ancient village environments, our Epic Tatil operational team has prepared the following luggage guide recommendations:
1. Footwear Selection for Ancient Cities, Centuries-Old Village Paths, and Mountain Climbing On tours crossing Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia, your choice of footwear directly determines your foot health. The soil terrains of Göbeklitepe and Dara Ancient City, the completely rugged and cave-carved ground of Şırnak Mağaraköy, and most importantly, the steep path climb to the summit of Mount Nemrut require high ground safety. Therefore, you must bring a hiking/mountain boot with a thick and deeply treaded sole, high grip, and orthopedic ankle support, or a quality outdoor sports shoe. For bus travel comfort, rest stops by the Beyazsu streams, and hotel usage, our operational team also recommends carrying a light spare pair of sports shoes or sandals.
2. Continental Climate Balance, Scorching Heat, and Summit Geography Breezes In this vast geography, there are significant temperature differences between night and day (continental balance). While walking in sunless areas at historical sites and along border lines, high protection factor (SPF 50+) sunscreens, UV-filtered quality sunglasses, thin hats, or cotton light scarves are essential items in your bag to protect against scorching heat. However, do not forget that on the 2150-meter altitude summit of Mount Nemrut, which we will climb via minibuses, there will be wind and considerable coolness. To avoid discomfort during the Mount Nemrut and Şırnak high plateau programs, you must add a thick windbreaker, polar jacket, or a thick winter sweatshirt to your luggage. According to rules for active church and monastery visits, it is mandatory to carry appropriate clothing that covers the shoulder and knee areas.
3. Technology, Digital Archive Management, and Uninterrupted Power Sources From the mesmerizing mosaic of the Gypsy Girl in the Zeugma Museum to the sunset silhouette of the colossal statues on Mount Nemrut, from Şırnak's abandoned Yazidi villages to the monumental arch opening of Malabadi Bridge, from local costumes worn in Harran's conical houses to the windows of Midyat stone mansions opening onto the Mesopotamian plain, every moment is a registered documentary frame. Intensive video/photo shooting and network searching in continental/mountainous areas will drain your phone battery three times faster than normal. To maintain uninterrupted communication with our guide at border lines and meeting times, it is vital to add a high-capacity (at least 20,000 mAh) quality power bank to your backpack.
4. Financial Planning and Local Shopping Preparations Apart from the hotel meals specified in your tour package; the first-day breakfast in Tarsus, museum entrance fees for historical sites, Sıra Gecesi organization (dinner alternative), Mount Nemrut minibus safari fee, Halfeti and Hasankeyf boat tours, all lunch meals, and the final evening dinner are paid in cash. To ensure convenience at Şanlıurfa's certified isot and spice stalls, Mardin's Syriac silver filigree workshops, Midyat's dried fruit and dibek coffee markets, Gaziantep's copper bazaar, and famous baklava shops, you should carry sufficient amount of cash Turkish Lira (TL) in small denominations (20, 50, 100, 200 TL) in your bag. While credit cards are valid in city centers, cash payments will significantly speed up transactions at local authentic stalls.
As the Epic Tatil family, we wish you enjoyable journeys in advance on this distinguished trip to the noble lands where history, flavor, and civilizations were born!