Day 1 : Istanbul
Fly into Istanbul airport where a Travel The Unknown representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Overnight in Istanbul.
Meal plan: n/a
14 days
£2,495 pp
This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
Intro
Travel Talk: Eastern Turkey & The World's Oldest Temple
Introducing Göbekli Tepe
Travel The Unknown invite you to a travel talk with our Middle East expert and author of the Bradt Travel Guide to Eastern Turkey, Diana Darke. At an estimated age of 12,000 years old, Göbekli Tepe is believed to be the oldest religious sanctuary in the world. Turkish for ‘Potbelly Hill’, the structure of over 200 sixteen-tonne pillars in circular patterns has become a site of increasing cultural and historic significance, having recently been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Date: 3rd December 2018
Start: 17:30
Finish: 19:45
Price: £12
Turkey's East is a region of incredible natural beauty and some of the friendliest, most hospitable people anywhere in the world. Arguably its greatest draw however is its fascinating and ancient history. On this tour you will visit the world's first temple, Göbekli Tepe, Ani, the former Armenian capital with an incredibly evocative panorama, the monumental statues of Mount Nemrut, the Prophet's city of Urfa (formerly Edessa) and the pinnacle of Ottoman architecture, Ishak Pașa Palace. Furthermore enjoy spectacular views of Mount Ararat, take a boat ride across the azure waters of Lake Van and indulge in the succulent flavours of the Orient.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Former Armenian capital of Ani
- The incredible Ishak Pasa Palace
- Experience a sunset at Ishak Pasha Palace
- Climb the walls of Diyarbakir
- Visit the beautiful honeycombed town of Mardin
- Ancient statues of Göbekli Tepe
- Spiritual Mardin and Urfa
- Sunrise at Mount Nemrut
- Taste Gaziantep’s culinary delights
Places Visited
Istanbul - Kars - Ani - Doğubayazit - Hosap Castle - Akdamar Island - Mardin - Urfa - Göbekli Tepe - Cendere Bridge - Adiyaman - Gaziantep - Zeugma - Halfeti
What's Included
Internal flightsAirport pick-up & drop-off
Ground transport
Accommodation
Entrance fees to sites
Breakfasts and some meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
Drivers and guides
Day 2 : Istanbul - Kars
Early flight from Istanbul to Kars. This afternoon you will have sightseeing in Kars – Visiting Kars Museum , Kars Forth , Armenian Church of Apostles. Overnight in Kars.
Meal plan: Breakfast
The 10th Century Armenian Church of the Apostles with bas relief depictions on its exterior of twelve figures believed to be the apostles has been both a mosque and Russian Orthodox church before lying derelict for a couple of decades until it was converted to a mosque again in 1998.
Made famous as the setting of the novel “Snow” written by the Nobel-prize winning author Ohran Pamuk, Kars is a quintessentially diverse city. Originally Armenian, then Georgian, later Ottoman, the city fell under Russian occupation for much of the 19th Century and its recapture remained a Soviet aspiration up to and beyond the end of World War II. During its freezing winters the city is often cut off by snow (as happened in the novel “Snow”). The city is also famous in Turkey for its gravyer cheese, butter and honey.
Made famous as the setting of the novel “Snow” written by the Nobel-prize winning author Ohran Pamuk, Kars is a quintessentially diverse city. Originally Armenian, then Georgian, later Ottoman, the city fell under Russian occupation for much of the 19th Century and its recapture remained a Soviet aspiration up to and beyond the end of World War II. During its freezing winters the city is often cut off by snow (as happened in the novel “Snow”). The city is also famous in Turkey for its gravyer cheese, butter and honey.
Day 3 : Kars - Ani - Kars
After breakfast you will be transferred to Ani for a visit of the site. Overnight in Kars.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Ani, the former Armenian capital, once rivalled Constantinople in beauty and status. Named for the ancient Urartian fertility goddess Anahid, a city had stood here for centuries before King Ashot III chose it for the site of his capital in 961. Successive kings built a citadel, great churches and monasteries within mighty city walls at the edge of a deep river gorge. Since then it has been home to the Byzantines, the Seljuks, the Kingdom of Georgia, the Persians, various Kurdish Emirs and even the Mongols! An earthquake in 1319 destroyed much of the city and lead to its abandonment by the Mongols. It has lain abandoned ever since. Nonetheless many of the buildings in Ani were built to the highest engineering and construction standards of their era and much still remains intact, in some instances far better than just intact.
The site of Ani today is hugely atmospheric and set in a stunning location surrounded by snowy peaks and across a green river valley, you can see into neighbouring Armenia though it is no longer possible to cross from Turkey into Armenia since April 1993 when the Armenians captured the Kelbajar district of Azerbaijan, an ally of Turkey's. The site requires at least two to three hours to visit and the main buildings of note include Ani Cathedral (a.k.a. the Church of the Holy Mother of God), Surp Stephanos Georgian church, the Church of St Gregory of Tigran Honents, the Church of the Holy Redeemer, King Gagik's church of St Gregory, the church of the Holy Apostoles, the mosque of Minuchir, the remains of a Zoroastrian temple and the citadel.
The site of Ani today is hugely atmospheric and set in a stunning location surrounded by snowy peaks and across a green river valley, you can see into neighbouring Armenia though it is no longer possible to cross from Turkey into Armenia since April 1993 when the Armenians captured the Kelbajar district of Azerbaijan, an ally of Turkey's. The site requires at least two to three hours to visit and the main buildings of note include Ani Cathedral (a.k.a. the Church of the Holy Mother of God), Surp Stephanos Georgian church, the Church of St Gregory of Tigran Honents, the Church of the Holy Redeemer, King Gagik's church of St Gregory, the church of the Holy Apostoles, the mosque of Minuchir, the remains of a Zoroastrian temple and the citadel.
Day 4 : Kars - Van
Today will be an early start. In the morning you will be transferred to Doğubayazit to visit Ishak Pasa Palace and stop for lunch. This afternoon continue to Van. Overnight in Van.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
The construction of Ishak Pasa Palace, a splendid 18th Century Ottoman complex, was started in 1685 by Colak Abdi Pasa, the bey of Beyazit province. A hundred years later, in 1784, his grandson Ishak Paşa completed the gargantuan task of its construction. The results are spectacular. It is one of the most distinguished and magnificent examples of 18th century Ottoman architecture and is very valuable in terms of art history. The beautiful stone complex contains a mosque, a library, a bath house, dining quarters and a harem, where the women used to live. Many of the stone carvings are simply exquisite, and the location, looking out over Mount Ararat (Turkey's highest peak, standing at 5,137m) and the Armenian plateau, is simply breathtaking.
Van today is a young vibrant university town but the history of the region goes back more than 7 millennia, and the town itself was the Urartian capital as early as the 9th Century BC.
Van today is a young vibrant university town but the history of the region goes back more than 7 millennia, and the town itself was the Urartian capital as early as the 9th Century BC.
Day 5 : Van
After breakfast visit the sprawling Van castle with views over the city as the sun sets. Continue to Hoşap castle and the ancient site of Çavuştepe. Lunch by Lake Van. Take a boat across Lake Van to Akdamar Kilisesi. Return to Van to visit a traditional Kurdish weaving “village” where the famous Van cats can usually be found. Overnight in comfortable hotel in Van.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Van Castle, outside of the modern town, is a vast sprawling Urartian structure dating from the 9th to 7th Centuries BC that affords excellent views of the beautiful surrounding countryside. Don’t miss the perfectly-preserved 5th Century trilingual (Old Persian, Babylonian, and Elamite) inscription from Xerxes the Great, the only Achaemenid royal inscription located outside of Iran. The town of Van is also famous throughout Turkey for its kebabs.
Hosap Castle is a large medieval castle in the village of Hoşap (meaning "Good/Sweet Water" in Kurdish) near the border with Iran. It was built by a local Kurdish lord, Mahmudi Suleyman, in 1643. Legend has it that the hands of the architect who built this formidable stronghold were cut off so that he could not build another. Be sure to find it’s intricate lion carvings. A short distance from Hosap is the Urartian centre Cavustepe. Built in the 8th century B.C., Cavustepe was once home of the kings of Urartu.
Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake, is flanked by the snowy peaks of the volcanoes of Mount Suphan and Mount Nemrut. The beautiful azure waters of the lake are highly alkaline and drilling at the bottom of the lake by German palaeontologists has revealed climate data covering almost 15,000 years despite only penetrating the first few metres of sediment. It is believed the sediment may hold climate data from the last 800,000 years!
Akdamar Island is a small island 3km from the Shore of Lake Van, most famous for the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross (a.k.a. Akdamar Kilisesi). The unique importance of the building comes from the extensive array of bas-relief carvings, of biblical scenes predominantly, that adorn its external walls. Due to the contentious history between Turkey and Armenia the site has been the site of vandalism in the past and its restoration was never short on controversy. But the outcome is spectacular. Besides the marvellous views of the church, the island, the lake and the mountains beyond, there are ruins of an Armenian monastery which once served the church.
Hosap Castle is a large medieval castle in the village of Hoşap (meaning "Good/Sweet Water" in Kurdish) near the border with Iran. It was built by a local Kurdish lord, Mahmudi Suleyman, in 1643. Legend has it that the hands of the architect who built this formidable stronghold were cut off so that he could not build another. Be sure to find it’s intricate lion carvings. A short distance from Hosap is the Urartian centre Cavustepe. Built in the 8th century B.C., Cavustepe was once home of the kings of Urartu.
Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake, is flanked by the snowy peaks of the volcanoes of Mount Suphan and Mount Nemrut. The beautiful azure waters of the lake are highly alkaline and drilling at the bottom of the lake by German palaeontologists has revealed climate data covering almost 15,000 years despite only penetrating the first few metres of sediment. It is believed the sediment may hold climate data from the last 800,000 years!
Akdamar Island is a small island 3km from the Shore of Lake Van, most famous for the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross (a.k.a. Akdamar Kilisesi). The unique importance of the building comes from the extensive array of bas-relief carvings, of biblical scenes predominantly, that adorn its external walls. Due to the contentious history between Turkey and Armenia the site has been the site of vandalism in the past and its restoration was never short on controversy. But the outcome is spectacular. Besides the marvellous views of the church, the island, the lake and the mountains beyond, there are ruins of an Armenian monastery which once served the church.
Day 6 : Diyarbakir
Drive to Diyarbakir. Stop off in Gevaş village to see a Seljuk graveyard as well as Veysel Karani’s tomb. Take a short tour of the marketplace and Diyarbakir’s famous walls. Take in the sunset on city walls, reputed to be the world’s largest wall after China’s Great Wall. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Diyarbakir.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Diyarbakir (known as “Amed” to the Kurdish majority there) is the largest city in south eastern Turkey and was often the flashpoint for anti-Turkish rebellion in days gone by. Indeed most Turkish Kurds consider it the capital of their would-be nation. Under a less repressive government in Ankara the city today is experiencing a renaissance and is full of soul and character. Its city walls stretch almost 6 kilometres unbroken and inside those walls are a fascinating array of mosques, churches townhouses and an impressive architectural spectrum.
Day 7 : Diyarbakir - Hasankeyf - Mardin
After breakfast visit Diyarbakir's historic centre including an Orthodox Syriac church, an Armenian Church and the Ulu Jamii mosque. Next, drive to Hasankeyf, a stunning historical site whose fate hangs in the balance. Continue to the Midyat to visit the beautiful Mor Gabriel monastery. Drive to Mardin. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Mardin.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
With a history stretching back almost four millennia, and beautiful honey-coloured buildings clinging to a cliffside overlooking the river Tigris, Hasankeyf is a beautiful and historic place. It boasts a castle, palaces, mosques and a lovely if crumbling bridge. Its future is precarious however due to the proposed Ilisu dam project which intends to flood the whole valley, displacing its inhabitants and losing forever the treasures and beauty of Hasankeyf. Foreign financial backers have pulled out after the World Monuments Fund listed the village but the Turkish government seem keen to push ahead nonetheless. See it while you can.
Mor Gabriel Monastery is the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world. Today it is a working community set amongst gardens and orchards, and is inhabited by around fifteen nuns and two monks, occupying separate wings. The monastery's primary purpose is to keep Syriac Orthodox Christianity alive in the land of its birth by providing schooling and ordination of native-born monks. On occasions in the past it has provided physical protection to the region’s Christian population.
Mor Gabriel Monastery is the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world. Today it is a working community set amongst gardens and orchards, and is inhabited by around fifteen nuns and two monks, occupying separate wings. The monastery's primary purpose is to keep Syriac Orthodox Christianity alive in the land of its birth by providing schooling and ordination of native-born monks. On occasions in the past it has provided physical protection to the region’s Christian population.
Day 8 : Dara - Mardin
Visit Mardin's historical and religious sites as well as its markets and the nearby historical site of Dara, and the monasteries of Deyrul Zafaran and Kasimiye. After lunch visit the Sakib Sabanci ethnographic museum. Rest of the afternoon free to relax in the beautiful castle town of Mardin. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Mardin.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Dara was an important East Roman fortress city in northern Mesopotamia on the border with the Sassanid Empire. Because of its great strategic importance, it featured prominently in the Roman-Persian conflicts of the 6th century, with the famous Battle of Dara taking place before its walls in 530. Today the Turkish village of Oğuz occupies its location and there are many cave dwellings and other interesting archaeological and geographical features.
Mardin is a remarkable town full of beautiful mosques and churches and a setting that will take your breath away. With baked-brown alleyways, honey-coloured buildings, a maze of a market and stunning ancient buildings, you will quickly see why Mardin has become a favourite with Turkish travellers.
Cercis Restaurant in Mardin is one of the best in the whole of Turkey. If you are interested in eating here speak to your guide early in your trip and we will try to arrange it.
Mardin is a remarkable town full of beautiful mosques and churches and a setting that will take your breath away. With baked-brown alleyways, honey-coloured buildings, a maze of a market and stunning ancient buildings, you will quickly see why Mardin has become a favourite with Turkish travellers.
Cercis Restaurant in Mardin is one of the best in the whole of Turkey. If you are interested in eating here speak to your guide early in your trip and we will try to arrange it.
Day 9 : Göbekli Tepe - Urfa
After breakfast drive to the unique archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe. Take time to visit the site and learn about its incredible history. Continue to the museum in Urfa which houses many artefacts found at Göbekli Tepe including the oldest life-size human statue in the world. Optional evening event with local music often performed with Ottoman era instruments, and local culinary specialities (at additional cost, approx. 30, payable locally). Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Urfa.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Göbekli Tepe, the oldest place of worship in the world, is an archaeological site without equal. Prior to its discovery in 1994 and its subsequent excavation it was widely believed by anthropologists that religion evolved as a result of living in larger communities which was itself the result of the change from foraging to agriculture. However, Göbekli Tepe has turned our theories of our own evolution on their head. The vast religious site dates from the hunter gatherer period and there is no evidence of any agriculture or even human habitation, suggesting that it may have been the emergence of religion that lead us to civilisation and thus to agriculture.
The site contains a vast array of circular structures and huge pillars, some with beautiful limestone carvings of lions, foxes, snakes and birds, believed to be gatekeepers of the entrance to the next world. There are striking similarities to sites in Peru, Bolivia and Easter Island that were noted by Robert Schoch in the Megalithomania expedition in November 2012. To date, less than ten percent of the site has been excavated. You can read an article about this fascinating site in National Geographic magazine published in June 2011 here: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/print/2011/06/gobekli-tepe/mann-text
The Urfa Museum contains many of the archaeological finds from Göbekli Tepe including steles and sculptures. It also contains Hittite sculptures from Golpinar and pieces from Harran, Nevali Cori and Kabahaydar.
The site contains a vast array of circular structures and huge pillars, some with beautiful limestone carvings of lions, foxes, snakes and birds, believed to be gatekeepers of the entrance to the next world. There are striking similarities to sites in Peru, Bolivia and Easter Island that were noted by Robert Schoch in the Megalithomania expedition in November 2012. To date, less than ten percent of the site has been excavated. You can read an article about this fascinating site in National Geographic magazine published in June 2011 here: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/print/2011/06/gobekli-tepe/mann-text
The Urfa Museum contains many of the archaeological finds from Göbekli Tepe including steles and sculptures. It also contains Hittite sculptures from Golpinar and pieces from Harran, Nevali Cori and Kabahaydar.
Day 10 : Harran - Urfa
Drive to Harran and discover its ancient Islamic university, its fortress and its charming beehive houses. Stop for tea in a beehive mud hut. Return to Urfa for lunch. After lunch, visit the historical sites of Urfa including Balikli Gol, the Gumrukhan and the Firfirli and Ulu Mosques. Overnight in Urfa.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Urfa (a.k.a. Sanliurfa, “the prophet’s city”, or Edessa in ancient times) is the most spiritual city in Eastern Turkey. It is a major centre for pilgrimage and its traditions are very much alive and well. The “Sanli-“ part of its name (meaning “great” or “dignified”) was awarded by the Turkish legislature in 1984 in recognition of the city’s pivotal role in the Turkish war of Independence. Of particular note for visitors are Urfa Castle (the current walls were constructed by the Abbasids in 814AD), the Pool of Sacred Fish where Abraham was thrown in to the fire by Nimrod, the park of mosques, the market area and the Urfa museum.
Visit the ancient city of Harran, once the centre of Egypt's Hermetic tradition. See its ominous "Astrological Tower", citadel and local village and take in one of the most atmospheric sites anywhere in the world. Mentioned in the Book of Genesis, Harran is believed to have once been home to the Prophet Abraham. The site of the first Islamic university in Anatolia, Harran also boasts the remains of an 8th century mosque, a citadel and some 300 year old beehive mud homes which enjoy a constant temperature throughout the year, winter or summer.
The Great Mosque of Urfa meanwhile, was constructed in 1170 on the site of the old Christian church, which Arabs referred to as ‘the Red Church’.
Balikli Gol, or ‘The Legendary Pool of Sacred Fish’, is the site where Nimrod threw Abraham into the fire, located within the grounds of the mosque of Rahil-ur-Rahma and surrounded by ornate gardens. Riddled with a mythical enigma, the fish in the pool are said to thrive and a local legend even terms the pool, ‘the doorway to heaven’.
Visit the ancient city of Harran, once the centre of Egypt's Hermetic tradition. See its ominous "Astrological Tower", citadel and local village and take in one of the most atmospheric sites anywhere in the world. Mentioned in the Book of Genesis, Harran is believed to have once been home to the Prophet Abraham. The site of the first Islamic university in Anatolia, Harran also boasts the remains of an 8th century mosque, a citadel and some 300 year old beehive mud homes which enjoy a constant temperature throughout the year, winter or summer.
The Great Mosque of Urfa meanwhile, was constructed in 1170 on the site of the old Christian church, which Arabs referred to as ‘the Red Church’.
Balikli Gol, or ‘The Legendary Pool of Sacred Fish’, is the site where Nimrod threw Abraham into the fire, located within the grounds of the mosque of Rahil-ur-Rahma and surrounded by ornate gardens. Riddled with a mythical enigma, the fish in the pool are said to thrive and a local legend even terms the pool, ‘the doorway to heaven’.
Day 11 : Kahta - Mount Nemrut
After breakfast drive to Kahta and see the Karakus Tumulus. Next visit Cendere Bridge and Arsemia and get to Mount Nemrut in time to see the sunset. Overnight near Mount Nemrut. .
Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner
Cendere Bridge is one of the world’s oldest bridges still in use, constructed during the empire of Septimus Severus (193-211). Composed of 92 stones, each weighing around 10 tons, it is thought to be the second largest Roman bridge still in existence, spanning an impressive 122 metres. The bridge today appears as a simple, unadorned arch, but was originally decorated by four Corinthian columns dedicated to Septimus Severus and his wife.
A mountain of around two thousand metres, Mount Nemrut is home to the tomb of the pre-Roman king, Antiochus I Theos of Commagene. Built by the king himself in about 62 BC as a shrine to his own remains, the site consists of two large statues of Antiochus which dwarf two statue pairs of eagles and lions, and various Iranian, Greek and Armenian Gods. The statues are now damaged and mostly appear beheaded. Scholars have largely attributed this to later attacks on iconoclasm, but the statues have since been returned to their original places. Behind the display of statues are some well-preserved slabs of stone which feature figures in relief carving and are originally thought to have formed a large frieze. Archaeologists interpret the figures as Antiochus’ ancestors, which allegedly included Greeks and Persians. It is the perfect place to experience a sunset or sunrise as the views from the summit are sublime.
NOTE: it is a 20-30 minute walk up uneven steps to reach the summit.
Arsemia was the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom and burial place of Mithridates. It is home to the largest rock inscription found in Anatolia, which describes the political and religious beliefs of the inhabitants.
A mountain of around two thousand metres, Mount Nemrut is home to the tomb of the pre-Roman king, Antiochus I Theos of Commagene. Built by the king himself in about 62 BC as a shrine to his own remains, the site consists of two large statues of Antiochus which dwarf two statue pairs of eagles and lions, and various Iranian, Greek and Armenian Gods. The statues are now damaged and mostly appear beheaded. Scholars have largely attributed this to later attacks on iconoclasm, but the statues have since been returned to their original places. Behind the display of statues are some well-preserved slabs of stone which feature figures in relief carving and are originally thought to have formed a large frieze. Archaeologists interpret the figures as Antiochus’ ancestors, which allegedly included Greeks and Persians. It is the perfect place to experience a sunset or sunrise as the views from the summit are sublime.
NOTE: it is a 20-30 minute walk up uneven steps to reach the summit.
Arsemia was the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom and burial place of Mithridates. It is home to the largest rock inscription found in Anatolia, which describes the political and religious beliefs of the inhabitants.
Day 12 : Halfeti - Rumkale - Zeugma
After breakfast drive to the old town of Halfeti. Have lunch here before changing wheels for a small boat and approach Rumkale by boat through a stunning gorge. This gorgeous boat ride will take you past the enormous fort of Rumkale and some beautiful villages. Next take in the antique city of Zeugma. Overnight in Gaziantep.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Rumkale translates to ‘Roman Castle’ and was once a powerful fortress, overlooking the river Euphrates. In ancient times a site of great strategic importance to Romans and Assyrians alike, the fortress is accessible by boat from the neighbouring Zeugma Region. Today, much of the lower-lying town area has been flooded, but the dramatically situated Rumkale helps you imagine the magnificence of the area in ancient times.
Zeugma, once at the forefront of ancient art and culture, boasts some of the most magnificent artworks and sculptures from ancient Turkey. Founded by one of the generals of Alexander the Great, the name ‘Zeugma’ means ‘bridge passage’ and refers to the city’s location on the river Euphrates and its former strategic importance in the silk trade route. When the site was excavated it turned up a number of beautiful mosaics, including the famous Gypsy girl mosaic now on display in the mosaics museum in Gaziantep alongside many others from Zeugma.
A small farming district situated on the East bank of the river Euphrates, Halfeti has been a home to the Assyrians (first established by Assyrian King, ShalmaneserII I in 885 BC), the Greeks, Romans, the Mameluks and the Ottomans. Despite being sieged by the Mameluks, parts of the old city walls still remain.
Zeugma, once at the forefront of ancient art and culture, boasts some of the most magnificent artworks and sculptures from ancient Turkey. Founded by one of the generals of Alexander the Great, the name ‘Zeugma’ means ‘bridge passage’ and refers to the city’s location on the river Euphrates and its former strategic importance in the silk trade route. When the site was excavated it turned up a number of beautiful mosaics, including the famous Gypsy girl mosaic now on display in the mosaics museum in Gaziantep alongside many others from Zeugma.
A small farming district situated on the East bank of the river Euphrates, Halfeti has been a home to the Assyrians (first established by Assyrian King, ShalmaneserII I in 885 BC), the Greeks, Romans, the Mameluks and the Ottomans. Despite being sieged by the Mameluks, parts of the old city walls still remain.
Day 13 : Gaziantep
After breakfast, visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. Take a walking tour of the Old City of Gaziantep with an optional visit to the archaeology museum and a walk through the old covered bazaars of Zinciriye, Gumrukhan and Coppermakers. Afternoon free. Overnight in Gaziantep.
Meal plan: Breakfast
The culinary capital of Eastern Turkey, Gaziantep’s famous baklava (pistachio pastries) are shipped all over the country and beyond, and its renowned restaurants serve up mouth-watering dishes. Besides cuisine, Gaziantep boasts a fine Seljuk-era citadel, numerous impressive mosques and restored old buildings. Gaziantep’s chief draw however, is its mosaic museum, believed to be the best in the world. The mosaics were recovered from the ancient Roman town of Zeugma, now underwater. The town’s bustling city markets are also well worth a visit.
The Zeugma Museum houses many impressive artworks and sculptures which testify to the area’s magnificence in Greek and Roman times. Its highlight however is a series of mosaics, the most famous of which is a mosaic known as the “Gypsy Girl”.
The Zeugma Museum houses many impressive artworks and sculptures which testify to the area’s magnificence in Greek and Roman times. Its highlight however is a series of mosaics, the most famous of which is a mosaic known as the “Gypsy Girl”.
Day 14 : Istanbul - Departure
After breakfast transfer to Gaziantep airport. Fly to Istanbul (and onwards where applicable).
Meal plan: Breakfast
Accommodation
This tour uses a selection of good quality 4 star hotels.
Turkoman Hotel
Overlooking the ancient Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara, Turkoman Hotel is situated in an ideal central location with an outdoor terrace to enjoy the views of Istanbul's famous sites. All rooms feature air conditioning, TV, minibar, and a safety boxe (available at reception). Wi-Fi access is available in public areas of the hotel.
Kar's Hotel
Kar's Hotel is a beautifully restored Russian building, located in the city centre of Kars. All rooms are furnished to a high standard and come with a range of modern appliances.
Elite World Van
Located in Van, Elite World Van features neoclassical architecture combined with palace-like interiors. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and an on-site spa centre with hammam, sauna and an indoor pool. The elegant rooms are equipped with air conditioning, LCD TV, a private hot tub and a minibar, and are soundproofed for your privacy and comfort.
Novotel Diyarbakir
Situated in Diyarbakir, Novotel Diyarbakir Hotel is easily accessible from the motorway and other major roads, from the airport and the TUYAP fairground. Each room is equipped with WiFi, and hotel hosts a currency exchange, as well as a restaurant serving Turkish specialities and International cuisine.
Kaya Ninova Hotel
The Kaya Ninova Hotel is located on the ground floor of the Mardin castle and near the Mar Hirmis Church, in the unique beauty of the Mesopotamia.
Hilton Garden Inn
Located in an area known as the ''Fertile Crescent'' where a great deal of traditional architecture has been preserved, the Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of the city center and Urfa's main historical sites. Comfortable en suite rooms feature AC, satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar.
Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn is conveniently located, and has a temperature controlled outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, bar and Pavilion Pantry offering options day and night. All rooms have free WiFi, functional work space, ergonomic chair and mini-refrigerator.
Anadolu Evleri
Located in the city centre of Gaziantep, Anadolu Evleri hotel features a restored, stone built structure with a courtyard and a wine cellar. The hotel offers unique rooms with authentic interiors and air conditioning. The restaurant serves regional cuisine so you can enjoy local delicacies with a relaxing glass of wine.
Istanbul Extensions (5 days)
Extend your trip from Istanbul
Silk Road through Turkey (17 days)
Ancient trading routes, historic battles and striking scenery
Eastern Turkey Explorer (14 days)
Discover Turkey's most hidden secrets
Archaeology of Western Turkey (11 days)
Uncover historical secrets in the west
Archaeology of Eastern Turkey (11 days)
Discover the incredible history of Eastern Turkey
Classical Turkey (10 days)
Journey through Turkey's iconic sites
Eastern Turkey Snapshot (10 days)
A glimpse of Turkey's hidden charms
Turkish Volcano Trek (10 days)
Stunning eastern peaks including Mount Ararat
The Magic of Cappadocia (4 days)
Unique history and fairytale landscapes
Classical Constantinople (4 days)
Discover the exotic charms of this eternal city
Jane Neild , Eastern Turkey Explorer, TurkeyThis was a very exciting itinerary including fantastic historic and prehistoric site visits, as well as visits to wonderful towns, restaurants and markets. The attentiveness of the guide ensured that everything went smoothly, even in very out-of-the way places. It was possible to fall in love with the drama of the landscape, the character of the architecture, the colour, sights and sounds of the towns, the friendliness and honesty of the people - and I did!
Caroline & Peter , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, TurkeyCharming people organising the trip and acting as guides. An inspirational visit taking us to out of the way places we would never have had the chance to visit. The personal touch Travel the Unknown brings sets them apart.
Marion McCallum , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, TurkeyA great way to travel to some of the more remote and interesting places in the world. It was a very interesting area and we saw a lot that we would never have managed on our own. I would recommend the holiday to others.
Joy Lawley , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, TurkeyThis trip was an amazing and very exhilarating experience. We had high hopes of Gobekli Tepe, which were totally fulfilled- it is utterly amazing, but we had not anticipated some of the other gems to be so exceptional as well. We were a small group, which made the trip very personal. Altogether it was a marvellous week, helped by having a caring guide and an excellent driver.
Cynthia Bishop , Eastern Turkey Explorer, TurkeyI went on this trip rather than all the other interesting possibilities in the world because I wanted to go to Gobekli Tepe. Being there was all I could have hoped for. It was a stunning experience and I was moved to tears. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Regarding the food, the olives were the best I`ve ever tasted. And the yoghurt is fabulous. Also the cheese and pistachios and apricots. Oh yes, and the watermelon : ) Thanks to David too for being so patient with my endless questions
Andrea Selfridge , Tailormade TurkeyI would not hesitate in using Travel the Unknown for any future journeys to off the beaten track destinations.
Jane Kimberley , The Magic of Cappadocia, TurkeyI had a lovely time in Turkey. Both of the tours that were part of the package were fabulous, both tour guides were very knowledgeable and made the trips very interesting providing plenty of information, and the places where we went for lunches as part of the trip were superb. David McGuinness is a credit to Travel the Unknown, he goes that `extra mile` to keep customer happy. I`d like to say a huge `thank you` for all the help you gave me organising and planning my trip. I certainly will recommend anyone to use you for planning their `unknown` destination holiday. The emails, telephone calls were all spot on, well done :-) :-)
Jim Cleary , Eastern Turkey Explorer, TurkeyWe covered many miles and saw some fantastic sites and sights. The special access that our tour leader provided really enhanced the experience for me - I`ll certainly never forget tracking down an inscription in Van with his help - and to see Gobekli Tepe and Nemrut Dag on the same day was marvelous. At the end of the trip, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum was a wonderful surprise - the best mosaics I`ve ever seen, in a truly world-class setting.
Anthony Twohig , Eastern Turkey Explorer, TurkeyTravel the Unknown provide good friendly advice and information before travel. They are very approachable and helpful. The accommodation is of a high standard as are the meals. Local guides are knowledgeable and anxious to ensure that travellers have a good and rounded experience.
Peggy Roberts , Tailormade TurkeyArda, our local guide was absolutely the best. Always a smile, always running (literally) to fulfill every request, treating every member as his personal responsibility, and going way way above and beyond to assist and accommodate. He is a so remarkably knowledgeable, and seemingly found no question beyond his ability to answer & explain. And his English is impeccable. KEEP HIM!!! Very special individual. Andrew is an incredible guide, with such a wealth of information and passion for his subjects. He never tired and made the trip fascinating and exciting due to the perspectives and explanations he shared continuously based upon years of research. Felt very fortunate to be in his presence for 2 weeks in such places that we were able to visit. Same for Hugh. And Hugh`s constant humour was delightful. These two balance each other well, and make a great team
Michael Wilson , Archaeology of Western Turkey, TurkeyWe greatly enjoyed visiting the ancient sites of Western Turkey with an experienced guide and seeing the remains of so many different periods and cultures. The scenery was spectacular and we felt that the tour gave us a wonderful introduction to the country.
