5-Day Private Mesopotamia Turkey Tour

DAY 1 — Flight from Istanbul to Adıyaman & Mount Nemrut

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight from Istanbul to Adıyaman (Departure 11:00 → Arrival 13:00). Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will be waiting. Explore the extraordinary Mount Nemrut — a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colossal stone statues and breathtaking panoramic views. Continue to the ancient Karakuş Tumulus, a monumental burial mound from the Commagene Kingdom, the remarkably preserved Cendere Bridge — a Roman bridge still standing after 1,800 years — and Arsameia, the ancient royal seat of the Commagene dynasty with carved rock reliefs and inscriptions. After the tour, drive to Şanlıurfa and check in at your hotel. Overnight in Şanlıurfa.

DAY 2 — Private Tour of Şanlıurfa

After breakfast, your private guide takes you through one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Visit Göbeklitepe — the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back over 12,000 years and rewriting the history of human civilization. Continue to the Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum, home to extraordinary artifacts from the region’s ancient past. Walk to Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish) — a deeply revered pilgrimage site linked to the Prophet Abraham — and explore the atmospheric Şanlıurfa city center with its historic markets and traditional bazaars. Overnight in Şanlıurfa.

DAY 3 — Karahantepe & Harran Tour, Transfer to Mardin

After breakfast, visit Karahantepe — one of the most significant sites of the Taş Tepeler (Stone Hills) project, featuring T-shaped pillars similar to Göbeklitepe and remarkable Neolithic carvings that predate written history. Continue to Harran — explore the iconic beehive houses, ancient city walls, and the ruins of one of the world’s oldest universities, while experiencing authentic local village life. After the tour, transfer by private car to Mardin (approx. 2.5–3 hours) and check in at your hotel. Overnight in Mardin.

DAY 4 — Private Tour of Mardin

After breakfast, explore the enchanting city of Mardin — a UNESCO tentative list city perched on a hilltop with extraordinary stone architecture and sweeping views over the Mesopotamian plain. Stroll through the historic city center with its ancient honey-colored stone houses and vibrant bazaars. Visit the fascinating Ancient City of Dara — a remarkably preserved late-Roman archaeological site — and the historic Deyrulzafaran Monastery, a stunning Syriac Orthodox monastery that has been continuously inhabited since the 5th century. Overnight in Mardin.

DAY 5 — Midyat, Mor Gabriel & Flight back to Istanbul

After breakfast and checkout, transfer to Midyat (approx. 1–1.5 hours) — a captivating town known for its intricate stone architecture and traditional artisan workshops. Visit the serene Beyazsu oasis with its crystal-clear waters, then continue to Mor Gabriel Monastery — one of the world’s oldest surviving Christian monasteries, founded in 397 AD and still active today. Finally, explore Kafro Village and learn about the history and daily life of the local Syriac community. After the tour, transfer to Mardin Airport for your return flight to Istanbul (TK2675, Departure 20:10 → Arrival 22:25). End of tour.