Embark on a 6-Day Mesopotamian Gourmet & Cultural Odyssey
Description
This is not just a tour—it’s an adventure through the cradle of civilization, a celebration of legendary flavors, and a deep dive into the timeless tales of Mesopotamia.
Why This Tour Will Captivate You:
- Imagine walking through ancient cities where the echoes of the past still linger, feasting on some of the world’s most exquisite cuisine, and uncovering stories that shaped humanity. Over 6 unforgettable days, you’ll journey from the mystical, golden-hued streets of Mardin to the awe-inspiring mountaintop sanctuary of Nemrut. Relish the vibrant culinary traditions in Gaziantep, the gastronomic capital of Turkey, and stand in awe at Göbeklitepe, the site that rewrote history books.
- This is more than a tour; it’s a sensory symphony—a chance to taste, feel, and live the magic of Mesopotamia.
- Feast on legendary dishes crafted by master chefs and experience the vibrant food culture of the region.
- Wander through ancient monasteries, explore sacred temples, and immerse yourself in the stories of the gods and kings of old.
- Savor life-changing moments as you stand at the birthplace of agriculture in Göbeklitepe and witness the sunrise at the majestic Nemrut.
- Master the art of Mardin’s regional dishes with a private, hands-on cooking class guided by local culinary experts.
- Savor the finest wines of the region on an exclusive winery tour and wine tasting experience in Mardin.
- Dive into Urfa’s cultural heartbeat with a mesmerizing "Sira Gecesi" dinner, featuring live traditional music and performances that transport you to another era.
Itinerary and Details
- Istanbul to Mardin - The Journey Begins Meet your expert guide in Istanbul and board a morning flight to Mardin.
- Upon arrival at Mardin Airport, meet your private driver who will accompany you for the duration of the tour.
- Explore the magnificent Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most iconic spiritual landmarks of the region.
- Discover the grandeur of Kasımiye Medrese, an architectural masterpiece of the Artuqid period.
- Stroll through the Old City of Mardin, a UNESCO candidate site, with its golden stone houses, narrow alleys, and breathtaking views of the Mesopotamian plains.
- Visit a local wine house and experience a Syriac wine tasting, learning about the ancient winemaking traditions of the region.
- Overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Mardin.
- The Depths of Mardin - History, Art, and Taste Visit the ancient Dara Archaeological Site, a former Roman garrison city with a fascinating underground water cistern and rock-carved dwellings.
- Return to Mardin to continue the exploration of its rich heritage. Discover authentic Süryani silver craftsmanship and browse local shops featuring traditional silver filigree work (Telkari).
- Enjoy a culinary experience at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like işkene kebab, kaburga dolması, and harire dessert.
- Visit the famous Midyat Guest House, known for its stunning views and its role in Turkish TV series.
- Evening free to explore or enjoy an optional cooking experience.
- Overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Mardin.
- Mardin to Kahta - On the Road of Kings Drive from Mardin to Kahta, passing through scenic countryside landscapes.
- Visit the Karakuş Tumulus, a royal burial site featuring ancient columned monuments.
- Cross the historic Cendere Bridge, an ancient Roman bridge still in use today.
- Witness the magic of Mount Nemrut at sunset, one of Turkey’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for its colossal stone heads and panoramic views.
- Return to Kahta for an overnight stay at a local hotel.
- Journey to Urfa - Land of Prophets Travel to Şanlıurfa (Urfa), the city known as the "Land of Prophets".
- Discover Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of our time.
- Visit Balıklıgöl (The Pool of Sacred Fish), a place of legend where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been thrown into the fire.
- Explore the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from Göbeklitepe and other local excavations.
- Taste the iconic flavors of Urfa with a feast of local specialties, such as Urfa kebab, çiğ köfte, and şıllık dessert.
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Urfa.
- From Urfa to Antep - Gastronomy Capital of Turkey Journey to Gaziantep (Antep), Turkey’s culinary capital, known for its world-renowned pistachios and baklava.
- Explore the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to the famous "Gypsy Girl" mosaic and one of the largest mosaic museums in the world.
- Take a culinary tour of Antep’s food scene, sampling regional delicacies such as Antep baklava, katmer, and Ali Nazik kebab.
- Wander through the lively bazaars and spice markets of Antep, where you can purchase authentic Turkish pistachios, spices, and copperware.
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Antep.
- Departure from Antep - Farewell to the Land of Flavors Enjoy a leisurely morning, with time for last-minute shopping or a relaxing breakfast.
- Private transfer to Gaziantep Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, the tour officially concludes.
This program is provided as an example and can be customized according to your preferences. The number of days can be increased or reduced, and the itinerary can be modified. Prices vary depending on the group size and specific requests. Please contact us for the best possible offer.