Istanbul Capadoccia Konya Pamukkale Ephesus ISTANBUL
CAPPADOCIA KONYA
EPHESUS PAMUKKALE
www.iexploreturkey.com SATURDAY - Arrive to Istanbul.
TUESDAY - Capadoccia.
Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to arrival time. Meeting with guide and briefing about the tour at dinner in the hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Dinner.
After breakfast, depart for a full day tour of Capadoccia. Visit to the Pigeon Valley near Uchisar; then proceed to the Open Air Museum in Goreme through Avcilar Valley and visit to the early Christian Churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Lunch in a restaurant and then visit to Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hide from persecutors. Pasabagi in Zelve region and Avanos with shopping facilities for the world-wide famous handicrafts. Overnight in Cappadocia. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SUNDAY - Full Day Old City Tour. Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul. Firstly we visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia, a former Orthodox basilica, later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive dome. It was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. The Hippodrome; the stadium of ancient Byzantium, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi still survive. We then continue to the Blue Mosque, which owes it's name to the exquisite tiles adorning it's interior, and the famous Grand Bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. After lunch we visit the amazing Topkapi Palace, which from the 15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856. At the end of the tour free time at Grand Bazaar and Nur-u Osmaniye. After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
MONDAY-Half Day Bosphorus Cruise, Fly to Kayseri. Included Services: -Hotel Accommodations at chosen class, including breakfast and dinner. -Land transportation, guiding, entrance fees to the visited sites and lunch. -Local taxes and service fees. -Bottled water on board. Excluded: -Any drink with meals (Drinks served with breakfast are included) -Any International or domestic flight ticket. -Personal expences.
Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast, pick up from your hotel in the morning. After a brief visit to the 17th Century Spice Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in the city full of spices, nuts, dried fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminonu, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. We then embark on a breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from Asia. After the cruise you will be transfered to Ataturk Airport to take the flight to Kayseri. After arrival, meet and transfer to Capadoccia. Overnight at Capadoccia. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
WEDNESDAY-CapadocciaKonya-Pamukkale. Early breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Pamukkale via Konya. On the way, visit to the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and arrival in Konya. Lunch will be served at a restaurant in Konya. After visiting the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic, proceed to Karatay Theological School in which beautiful tiles are on display. Drive to Pamukkale and stay overnight at Pamukkale. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
THURSDAY - Hierapolis-Aphrodisias-Kusadasi. Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, we will check out and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis with the Theatre, Temple of Apollo and magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. Then drive to Aphrodisias; we'll have our lunch there. Later visit to the ruins and the museum. At the end of the
tour, drive to Kusadasi and stay overnight at this pretty seashore town of of Aydin province. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
FRIDAY - Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House-Istanbul. After breakfast, depart from our hotel in the morning to visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. There were previous temples on this site, where evidence of a sanctuary dates back as early as the Bronz Age. We then proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. Ephesus was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. In the Roman period, it was for many years the second largest city of the Roman Empire, ranking behind Rome. A definite must while in Turkey. Not to be forgotten is the House of the Virgin Mary on top of Bulbul Mountain, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. According to belief Mary may have spent her last days here. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years her spreading the Christian faith. Lunch is included in the tour. After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport to take the flight back to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul, meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SATURDAY - Departure. After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your final flight to home. The end of our services. Meal Plan: Breakfast.
Istanbul Izmir Pergamun Pamukkale Ephesus ISTANBUL
PERGAMON SMYRA
SARDES
EPHESUS PAMUKKALE
www.iexploreturkey.com SATURDAY - Arrive to Istanbul.
TUESDAY-Pergamum
FRIDAY-Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s House-Istanbul.
Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to arrival time. Meeting with guide and briefing about the tour at dinner in the hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Dinner.
Early depart from hotel for Pergamum. Visit to the Asclepieion, one of the major healing centres of antiquity, Acropolis where the monumental buildings or herons donated by the kings of Pergamum during the Hellenistic period. The Temple of Serapis, built for the Egyptian Gods in the 2nd c. AD. and called as the Red Courtyard and dedicated to St John. After lunch, depart for Izmir. We will visit Agora and the other remainings from Ancient Smyrna. Stay overnight in Izmir. Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner.
After breakfast, depart from our hotel in the morning to visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. There were previous temples on this site, where evidence of a sanctuary dates back as early as the Bronz Age. We then proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. Ephesus was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. In the Roman period, it was for many years the second largest city of the Roman Empire, ranking behind Rome. A definite must while in Turkey. Not to be forgotten is the House of the Virgin Mary on top of Bulbul Mountain, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. According to belief Mary may have spent her last days here. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years her spreading the Christian faith. Lunch is included in the tour. After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport to take the flight back to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul, meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SUNDAY - Full Day Old City Tour. Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul. Firstly we visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia, a former Orthodox basilica, later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive dome. It was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. The Hippodrome; the stadium of ancient Byzantium, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi still survive. We then continue to the Blue Mosque, which owes it’s name to the exquisite tiles adorning it’s interior, and the famous Grand Bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. After lunch we visit the amazing Topkapi Palace, which from the 15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856. At the end of the tour free time at Grand Bazaar and Nur-u Osmaniye. After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
WEDNESDAY- Thyatira-Sardes-Philadelphia. After breakfast drive to Thyatira whose remains include a temple and large church. Then continue on to Sardis, the wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian Empire and one of the most amazing sites in Turkey. After our visits at Sardis, we will have lunch, after lunch, we will visit Philadelphia, with its famous church of Philadelphia which was an important place for the spreading of the Christian faith. Then head to Pamukkale, where we will spend this night. Stay overnight in Pamukkale. Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner.
MONDAY-Half Day Bosphorus Cruise, Fly to Izmir. Included Services: -Hotel Accommodations at chosen class, including breakfast and dinner. -Land transportation, guiding, entrance fees to the visited sites and lunch. -Local taxes and service fees. -Bottled water on board. Excluded: -Any drink with meals (Drinks served with breakfast are included) -Any International or domestic flight ticket. -Personal expences.
Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast, pick up from your hotel in the morning. After a brief visit to the 17th Century Spice Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in the city full of spices, nuts, dried fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminonu, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. We then embark on a breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from Asia. After the cruise you will be transfered to Ataturk Airport to take the flight to Izmir. After arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel in Izmir. Overnight at Izmir. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
THURSDAY- Hierapolis-Laodicea-Pamukkale. After breakfast visit to the remains of the Ancient City of Hierapolis and the travertens. Lunch at Pamukkale. After lunch drive to Laodicea which is mentioned in Revelations by St. John and in ancient times was known as "The City of Compromise". After visiting Laodicea, drive to Kusadasi. Stay overnight in Kusadasi. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SATURDAY-Departure. After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your final flight to home. The end of our services. Meal Plan: Breakfast.
www.iexploreturkey.com
Istanbul Konya Capadoccia ISTANBUL
CAPPADOCIA KONYA
Included Services: -Hotel Accommodations at chosen class, including breakfast and dinner. -Land transportation, guiding, entrance fees to the visited sites and lunch. -Local taxes and service fees. -Bottled water on board. Excluded: -Any drink with meals (Drinks served with breakfast are included) -Any International or domestic flight ticket. -Personal expences.
Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to arrival time. Meeting with guide and briefing about the tour at dinner in the hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Dinner.
Asia. After lunch, we drive across the first Bosphorus bridge and head for the summit of Camlica Hill, which reveals fantastic panoramic views of Istanbul. Then you will be transfered to Airport to take the flight to Konya. Dinner will be served on the way to Airport. After arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel in Konya. Overnight at Konya. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SUNDAY- Full Day Old City Tour.
TUESDAY-Konya.
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul. Firstly we visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia, a former Orthodox basilica, later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive dome. It was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. The Hippodrome; the stadium of ancient Byzantium, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi still survive. We then continue to the Blue Mosque, which owes it’s name to the exquisite tiles adorning it’s interior, and the famous Grand Bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. After lunch we visit the amazing Topkapi Palace, which from the 15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856. At the end of the tour free time at Grand Bazaar and Nur-u Osmaniye. After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
After breakfast, we will start a full day tour of Konya. Visit The Tomb of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, Mevlana Museum, Karatay Tile Museum, Inceminare, Alaaddin Mosque and Palace. Lunch at a typical local restaurant. Free time at Old Bazaar to wander around and do shopping at the end of the tour. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SATURDAY-Arrive to Istanbul.
MONDAY-Full Day Bosphorus Cruise with Asia, Fly to Konya Breakfast is served at the hotel. Aftr breakfast we take a brief visit to the fascinating 17th Century Spice Bazaar which is one of the oldest bazaars in the city full of spices, nuts, dried fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminönü, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. We then embark on our ferry for a breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from
WEDNESDAY-Konya-Capadoccia. Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast depart for Capadoccia. Visit Sultanhan Caravanserail. We will be stopping by some small villages on the way to see the real country life. Arrive Capadoccia, check-in ur hotel. Dinner and overnight at Capadoccia. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
THURSDAY-Capadoccia. After breakfast, depart from your hotel for a tour of one of the most amazing parts of Cappadocia. On this full day tour you will visit: Devrent Valley and Zelve Open Air Museum which was once home to one of the largest communities in the region. An amazing cave town honeycombed with dwellings, religious and secular chambers. We continue with Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world famous fairy chimneys. Break for lunch in Avanos and then explore the Goreme Open Air Museum a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks. Depart
for a panoramic view of Goreme from Esentepe and then on to Uchisar, a natural rock castle. Dinner and overnight at Capadccia. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
FRIDAY-Capadoccia-Istanbul. Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, pick up from your hotel to begin this exciting daily excursion with a 4km hike through the Rose Valley (For those who do not wish to do trekking, will be transfered to the meeting point by vheicle). There are some beautiful formations with hidden churches carved from rock. Afterwards, we take a visit to the old christian village of Cavusin, one of the oldest settlements in the area which has been largely eroded and partially collapsed. Part of the village has risen in tiers on the slopes of the cliff. At the top, the Basilica of St John the Baptist offers panoramic views of the village. Stop for lunch in Pigeons Valley and then continue on to see the marvelous construction that is the Kaymakli Underground City, the widest underground city in the Cappadocia region. You will also visit the Ortahisar Natural Rock Castle, a 90m high naturally formed castle and prominent landmark in the region. After the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for the evening flight back to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul, meet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch.
SATURDAY-Departure. After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your final flight to home. The end of our services. Meal Plan: Breakfast.
Istanbul Sanliurfa Gaziantep Antakya Izmir (Ephesus) ISTANBUL
SMYRA
EPHESUS
•ANLI URFA GAZ•ANTEP
ANTAKYA
Included Services: -Hotel Accommodations at chosen class, including breakfast and dinner. -Land transportation, guiding, entrance fees to the visited sites and lunch. -Local taxes and service fees. -Bottled water on board. Excluded: -Any drink with meals (Drinks served with breakfast are included) -Any International or domestic flight ticket. -Personal expences.
www.iexploreturkey.com SATURDAY-Arrive to Istanbul. Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to arrival time. Meeting with guide and briefing about the tour at dinner in the hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Dinner.
SUNDAY- Full Day Old City Tour.
breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from Asia. After lunch, we drive across the first Bosphorus bridge and head for the summit of Camlica Hill, which reveals fantastic panoramic views of Istanbul. Then you will be transfered to Airport to take the flight to Sanliurfa. After arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel in Sanliurfa. Dinner and overnight at Sanliurfa. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul. Firstly we visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia, a former Orthodox basilica, later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive dome. It was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. The Hippodrome; the stadium of ancient Byzantium, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi still survive. We then continue to the Blue Mosque, which owes it’s name to the exquisite tiles adorning it’s interior, and the famous Grand Bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. After lunch we visit the amazing Topkapi Palace, which from the 15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856. At the end of the tour free time at Grand Bazaar and Nur-u Osmaniye. After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
TUESDAY-Sanliurfa.
MONDAY-Full Day Bosphorus Cruise with Asia, Fly to Sanliurfa.
THURSDAY-Antakya-Izmir (Flight).
Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast we take a brief visit to the fascinating 17th Century Spice Bazaar which is one of the oldest bazaars in the city full of spices, nuts, dried fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminönü, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. We then embark on our ferry for a
After breakfast, we start discovering Antakya, a true tresaure of history, religions and food. The word "Christian" was first used in this town where St. Peter gathered early Christians in a cave church for mass. The city is also honored as being where Cleopatra and Marc Anthony were married. After
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Today, we will discover Urfa, which is also known as Edessa, the birthplace of Abraham. Visit the ruins of the oldest Islamic University, also an astronomy center with its observation tower still standing, and the Harran houses built of mud-bricks, all unique features of this land. After lunch drive to Sanliurfa to visit the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, the Cave of Prophet Abraham and the sacred fish pool. You will have a opportunity to wander in the Old Bazaar. Stay overnight in Urfa. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
WEDNESDAY-Sanliurfa-Gaziantep-Antakya. Depart early for Gaziantep, we make a visit to the Gaziantep's Mosaic Museum for the excellent mosaic findings from the Roman Villas of Zeugma on the Euphrates. Then we will have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch visit to Gaziantep Bazaar. After visits, proceed to Antakya, Check-in our hotel. Dinner and overnight at Antakya. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
lunch, transfer to Antakya Airport to take the flight to Izmir. Arrive Izmir after an hour flight. Meet and transfer to hotel in Izmir. Dinner and overnight at Izmir. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
FRIDAY-Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s House. After breakfast, depart from our hotel in the morning to visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. There were previous temples on this site, where evidence of a sanctuary dates back as early as the Bronz Age. We then proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. Ephesus was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. In the Roman period, it was for many years the second largest city of the Roman Empire, ranking behind Rome. A definite must while in Turkey. Not to be forgotten is the House of the Virgin Mary on top of Bulbul Mountain, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. According to belief Mary may have spent her last days here. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years her spreading the Christian faith. Lunch is included in the tour. After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport to take the flight back to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul, meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SATURDAY-Departure. After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your final flight to home. The end of our services. Meal Plan: Breakfast.
www.iexploreturkey.com
Istanbul Van Diyarbakir Mardin Gaziantep Antakya
FRIDAY-Arrive to Istanbul.
MONDAY- Istanbul-Van.
Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to arrival time. Meeting with guide and briefing about the tour at dinner in the hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Dinner.
Early Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Istanbul Airport to take the early morning flight to Van. Arrive Van, ans start fo our day in Van. Our first visit of the day will be to the Van Castle for a glance at the Urartian capital Tuspa and the Urartian royal tomb where inscriptions are still present. We then take a lake side lunch followed by a cruise to Akthamar Island for a visit to a unique Armenian church adorned with a stone carved story of the people and their faith. Enjoy a short visit to a local carpet and handicraft center before heading to Cavustepe, an Urartian citadel complex dating back to 8th Century. Stay overnight in Van. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SATURDAY- Full Day Old City Tour.
ISTANBUL
VAN
D•YARBAKIR MARD•N •ANLIURFA
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul. Firstly we visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia, a former Orthodox basilica, later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive dome. It was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. The Hippodrome; the stadium of ancient Byzantium, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi still survive. We then continue to the Blue Mosque, which owes it’s name to the exquisite tiles adorning it’s interior, and the famous Grand Bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. After lunch we visit the amazing Topkapi Palace, which from the 15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856. At the end of the tour free time at Grand Bazaar and Nur-u Osmaniye. After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
GAZ•ANTEP
ANTAKYA
Included Services: -Hotel Accommodations at chosen class, including breakfast and dinner. -Land transportation, guiding, entrance fees to the visited sites and lunch. -Local taxes and service fees. -Bottled water on board. Excluded: -Any drink with meals (Drinks served with breakfast are included) -Any International or domestic flight ticket. -Personal expences..
SUNDAY-Full Day Bosphorus Cruise with Asia. Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast we take a brief visit to the fascinating 17th Century Spice Bazaar which is one of the oldest bazaars in the city full of spices, nuts, dried fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminönü, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. We then embark on our ferry for a breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from Asia. After lunch, we drive across the first Bosphorus bridge and head for the summit of Camlica Hill, which reveals fantastic panoramic views of Istanbul. Transfer back to hotel Dinner and overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
TUESDAY- Van-Diyarbakir. Breakfast at the hotel. Today we drive up the mountain for a stop in Bitlis to visit a Seljuki madrasa. Continuing to the upper Mesopotamia (between the Euphrates & Tigres) we visit the 13th Century Malabadi - one of the largest bridges of the past. Arrive in Diyarbakir where we will see the Great Mosque and also take a short visit to Cahit Sitki Taranci House (a famous Turkish poet) and the most beautiful example of old Diyarbakir houses with different sections for the four seasons of the year. Enjoy a lovely sunset on the city walls of Diyarbakir. If time permits, we visit a Syrian Orthodox and an Armenian Church which stand side by side within the walls. Stay overnight in Diyarbakir. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
WEDNESDAY-Diyarbakir-Mardin. Drive along a land spotted with oil wells and irrigated by the waters of Tigris. Visit the remains of Hasankeyf's monumental Zeyl Abidin tomb, rock houses and an Islamic university. Continue to Midyat, which retains a medieval aspect with its narrow lanes and fortified stone mansions. Finally, we drive to the city of Mardin to visit the Deyrulzafaran Monastery which for 639 years was the centre of the Syrian Orthodoxes. Before dinner take a stroll through Mardin
streets, viewing Kasimiye Medrese, historical Mardin homes and interact with the multi-religious locals who live peacefully together. Stay overnight in Mardin. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
THURSDAY- Mardin-Sanliurfa. Take your breakfast with a bird’s eye view of the fertile Mesopotamian plain. After breakfast, drive to Urfa, which is also known as Edessa, the birthplace of Abraham. Visit the ruins of the oldest Islamic university, also an astronomy center with its observation tower still standing, and the Harran houses built of mudbricks, all unique features of this land. After lunch drive to Sanliurfa to visit the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, the Cave of Prophet Abraham and the sacred fish pool. You will have a opportunity to wander in the Old Bazaar. Stay overnight in Urfa. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
FRIDAY-Sanliurfa-Gaziantep-Antakya-Istanbul. After breakfast, depart for Gaziantep, we make a visit to the Gaziantep's Mosaic Museum for the excellent mosaic findings from the Roman Villas of Zeugma on the Euphrates. The afternoon will be spent in Antakya, a true tresaure of history, religions and food. The word "Christian" was first used in this town where St. Peter gathered early Christians in a cave church for mass. The city is also honored as being where Cleopatra and Marc Anthony were married. The second largest mosaic museum will be another highlight of the day. After visits you may have sometime at the local market. At the end of the tour, transfer to Hatay Airport to take the flight back to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul, meet at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Istanbul. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch.
SATURDAY-Departure. After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your final flight to home. The end of our services. Meal Plan: Breakfast.