November Mid-Term Holiday Special Iconic Gap Tour | 4-Night Stay with Flight from Istanbul

A JOURNEY OF FLAVOR AND HISTORY REACHING ANTEP

On the first day of our tour, we begin our journey stretching into the thousands-year-old story of Southeastern Anatolia by meeting early in the morning at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. We must be ready with our identification documents at least two hours before the flight time. As we take off on AJet Airlines' scheduled flight VF3228 departing at 06:55 towards Gaziantep Airport, we feel that the geography ahead is not just a trip; it is a time travel where we will trace the footsteps of civilizations. After approximately 1.5 hours of flight, we land on the fertile lands of Gaziantep, meet our waiting guide, and board our vehicle. To shake off travel fatigue and start the day pleasantly, we have an extra breakfast in Gaziantep. After breakfast, we set off towards Gaziantep, considered the heart of the Southeast. Along the way, the changing landscape, the color of the stones, and the texture of the soil gradually prepare us for Mesopotamian culture. Upon arriving in Gaziantep, we see Gaziantep Castle rising from a commanding position in the city panoramically. The castle, which has carried the traces of many civilizations from Rome to Byzantium, from Seljuk to Ottoman, is also a symbol of Antep's resilient spirit. As we descend from the foothills of the castle, we enter the historic bazaar area, reminiscent of an open-air museum. Wandering through narrow streets accompanied by the echoing sounds of copper hammers, we visit Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Coppersmiths Bazaar), Zincirli Bedesten, Gümrük Hanı, Uzun Çarşı, and the surrounding hans. Every shop, every stone wall whispers a merchant tradition extending from the past to the present. In Almacı Pazarı, one of Gaziantep's oldest trading areas, we take a short walk among the scents of spices. Here, we have the opportunity to get to know closely the products that form the foundation of Antep cuisine. Our path leads us to Tahmis Kahvesi, where the scent of coffee has been absent since the 17th century. Amidst historic stone walls, during a break served with menengiç coffee, we feel Antep's slow and deep-flowing life rhythm. After completing our purchases of baklava, pistachios, and local products during our free time, we visit Şahinbey National Struggle Museum, which sheds light on the city's recent history. In this underground museum, we follow step by step the epic resistance of the people of Antep against occupation and deeply feel how the title "Gazi" was earned. The final stop of the day is Zeugma Mozaik Museum, which houses one of the world's most important mosaic collections. As we wander among mosaics reaching us today from the ancient city of Zeugma located on the banks of the Euphrates River, scenes decorating the floors of Roman villas take us back two thousand years. Especially the "Gypsy Girl Mosaic," whose gaze seems to follow people, is etched into memory as one of the museum's most impressive works. After this enchanting tour, we proceed to our hotel and retire for rest for dinner and accommodation.

Dining Information:
Breakfast: Will be taken at a suitable restaurant in Gaziantep. (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Gaziantep. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served as buffet or set menu at our hotel. (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Gaziantep Hotels: Büyük Veliç Hotel, Ugurlu Hotel, Park Dedeman Hotel, Shimall Hotel, and similar hotels.

FROM LIVES LOST IN THE WATERS OF THE FIRAT TO THE PEAK OF THE GODS

On the second day of our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we set off towards Halfeti, a fairy-tale town shrouded in silence on the banks of the Euphrates River. Along the way, the fertile lands and ancient settlements of Mesopotamia accompany us. Upon reaching Halfeti, we feel time slowing down here. With the construction of the Birecik Dam, most of the old settlement has been submerged; only unfinished minarets, abandoned houses, and sorrowful stories remain. We join an extra Halfeti Boat Tour organized for our guests who wish to participate. Gliding over the Euphrates River, we are greeted by the majestic silhouette of Rumkale perched on its steep cliffs. This legendary fortress has hosted many civilizations throughout history. As we pass by the Sunken Minaret and the villages submerged underwater, we witness the traces left by nature altered by human hands. After the boat tour, we take a short break in Halfeti and then head towards Kahta district in Adıyaman. From there, with minibuses waiting for us, we embark on the extra Nemrut Mountain tour, climbing towards the sacred lands of the Kingdom of Commagene. Our first stop is Karakuş Tumulus. This monumental tomb, which contains graves belonging to royal women, showcases the splendor and understanding of death of the Kingdom of Commagene. Next, we reach Cendere Bridge, a graceful example of Roman engineering. Standing tall for approximately 1800 years, this bridge defies the power of time. The highlight of the day is undoubtedly Mount Nemrut. As we ascend towards the peak of the Eastern Taurus Mountains, the view becomes increasingly impressive. At an altitude of 2150 meters, we encounter colossal statues where King I. Antiochus placed himself alongside the gods. Located on the East and West terraces, these statues represent a unique synthesis of Greek and Persian beliefs. Guided by our guide's narration, we understand that Nemrut is not just a monumental tomb but a manifesto of faith, and as the sun sets, we watch the reddish landscape spread across Mesopotamia. After these unforgettable moments, we return to our tour vehicle and head towards our hotel in either Adıyaman or Diyarbakır, settling in during the evening hours. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Food & Drink Information:
Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a restaurant suitable for the tour route (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served as buffet or set menu at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Hotels in Adıyaman or Diyarbakır – Taşsaray Bardakçı Hotel, Adıyaman Samos Hotel, Sv Business Hotel, Plaza Hotel, etc.

THE MEMORY OF STONE, THE SORROW OF WATER, LANDS WHERE LANGUAGES AND RELIGIONS MEET

On the third day of our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we begin to explore Diyarbakır, one of the most ancient cities of Mesopotamia. This city, with its walls built from black basalt stone that seem to challenge time itself, is the shared memory of civilizations that have breathed on the same soil for thousands of years. Our first stop is the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia. Known in the Islamic world as the "fifth Holy Sanctuary," this structure brings together architectural traces from different eras within a single courtyard. As we walk through its courtyard, prayers echoing among the stones and historical silence deeply move the visitor. Next, we proceed to Hasan Paşa Han, the heart of Diyarbakır's social life. Once a resting place for caravans, this han now welcomes visitors with its cafes and stone architecture. Afterwards, we visit the birthplace and childhood home of Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı, an important poet raised in Diyarbakır, tracing the path of a life woven with verses. Our tour continues with the Four-Legged Minaret, Keçi Burcu (Goat Tower), and Mardin Gate; we listen to our guide recount the thousands-year-old defense story of the Diyarbakır Walls. Leaving this ancient city, we travel via Batman and reach Hasankeyf, one of history's most sorrowful stops. With a history spanning twelve thousand years, this ancient settlement hosted countless civilizations. Although it has been submerged under the waters of the Ilısu Dam, it still narrates its past with a profound silence. We witness the sorrow of this ancient city by visiting Hasankeyf Castle, the lone minaret of El Rızık Mosque reaching towards the sky, and the rock-cut caves. During free time, guests who wish can join an extra boat tour on the reservoir lake to view old Hasankeyf from the water. Departing from Hasankeyf, we head towards Midyat, considered the center of Syriac culture. Walking through the streets of Midyat adorned with the elegance of stonework, we visit Midyat Konukevi, which has served as a setting for series and films. Afterwards, we stop at a workshop to see the delicacies of telkâri art, shaped over centuries by Syriac masters. After free time, along with guests who wish, we additionally visit Dara Ancient City. (The visit to Dara Ancient City is organized as an extra activity and will take place only if there is full participation.) In Dara, one of the most important settlements of Upper Mesopotamia, structures carved into the rock, cisterns, and necropolis areas await us. Here, we step-by-step feel what it meant to be a border city of the Byzantine era. At the end of the day, we arrive in Mardin, which boasts a breathtaking atmosphere with its terraces overlooking the Mesopotamian Plain; we settle into our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

NOTE: Guests who wish can participate in the Mardin Night Tour, also known as "gecesi gerdanlık gündüzü seyranlık," to stroll through the Old Mardin Streets accompanied by nighttime lighting, or they can join the Mardin Reyhani Night. (Extra)

Dining Information
Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a restaurant suitable for the tour route (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served as buffet or set menu at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Mardin Hotels: Raymar Hotel, Yay Grand Hotel, Park Dedeman Hotel, Artuklu Kervansaray Hotel, Mardiva Hotel, and similar hotels