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TURKISH MESOPOTAMIA: 7-DAY TOUR TO THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION
East of Turkey is a captivating region where towering mountains meet ancient Mesopotamian plains. It’s home to a rich mix of cultures – Turks, Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, and Arabs – reflected in its languages, architecture, and cuisine. The area is generally safe for travelers, with warm hospitality and deep respect for guests being part of the local tradition.
Dress code: There is no requirement for women to cover their heads (except inside mosques or monasteries). Modest clothing is advised in rural areas; in cities, casual attire is acceptable, but very short shorts or revealing tops may draw attention.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Cash is useful, especially in smaller towns and markets. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas.
SIM cards: Available at airports and in most cities (Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom). eSIM options are also available.
Time Zone: GMT+3
Visa: Many nationalities — including those from the EU, US, Canada, and the UK — can enter visa-free for short stays.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and blooming nature.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Step back 12,000 years at the world's most significant archaeological site. Discover the monumental T-shaped pillars of Göbeklitepe, a prehistoric marvel that predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids, rewriting the very history of human civilization.
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Mardin: The Golden Stone City
Get lost in the narrow, honey-colored streets of Old Mardin. Perched on a hill overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plains, this open-air museum is famous for its intricate Artuqid architecture, ancient monasteries, and vibrant multicultural heritage.
Mount Nemrut: The Throne of Gods
Witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets of your life among the colossal stone heads of Mount Nemrut. This UNESCO World Heritage site features the massive statues of King Antiochus I and ancient deities, standing guard over the mountain peak.
Abraham’s Heritage in Şanlıurfa
Immerse yourself in the spiritual soul of Şanlıurfa — the city of the Prophet Abraham. Visit the sacred Balıklıgöl, historic bazaars, and ancient mosques, where legend, tradition, and pilgrimage heritage come together. Experience the timeless atmosphere of a city that has inspired travelers and pilgrims for centuries.
Tur Abdin: The Heart of Syriac Christianity
Journey into Tur Abdin, the "Mountain of the Servants of God." Visit ancient Assyrian and Syriac villages, where the Aramaic language is still spoken today. Explore the serene Mor Gabriel Monastery, a spiritual beacon standing since the 4th century in the rugged Mesopotamian landscape.
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TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 The Northern Gateway of Mesopotamia
Your journey begins in Diyarbakır, a city wrapped in black basalt walls that whisper the stories of empires long gone. Step inside the Sur İç Kale (Inner Castle), where every stone carries the memory of countless rulers. At the Great Mosque of Diyarbakır (Ulu Cami), admire one of Anatolia’s earliest mosques, its grandeur blending Islamic devotion with Roman remnants.
Pause at the Hasan Paşa Caravanserai, once a resting place for Silk Road merchants, now alive with the aroma of Turkish coffee and laughter. Later, stand before the Ten-Arched Bridge (Ongözlü Köprü) spanning the mighty Tigris River, a symbol of resilience since the 11th century. Before sunset, stroll through the lush Hevsel Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has fed civilizations for millennia.
Overnight in Diyarbakır
Day 2 Between Tigris and Tradition
Travel along the Tigris to Hasankeyf, a timeless town carved into cliffs. Wander through ancient cave dwellings, climb to Hasankeyf Castle, and visit the turquoise-tiled Zeynel Bey Mausoleum, a testament to forgotten dynasties.
Continue to Midyat, where honey-colored stone houses glow in the sun. Walk through the old bazaar, discover centuries-old churches, and watch master craftsmen at work in silver workshops. Optionally, step into the serene world of the Mor Gabriel Monastery, the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery, echoing with ancient chants.
Overnight in Midyat
Day 3 City of Stone & Faiths
Perched on a hill overlooking the endless Mesopotamian plains, Mardin is a city of golden limestone and harmony between faiths. Wander the labyrinthine alleys of the Old Town, where houses and mosques cling to the slopes like an open-air museum.
Visit the elegant Zinciriye Medrese, its courtyards opening onto sweeping horizons. Step inside the Ulu Cami, where centuries of prayer have softened the stone floors. At the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, once the seat of the Syriac Patriarchate, experience a living bridge between past and present. End the day gazing across the panorama of Mesopotamia, where land and sky merge into eternity.
Overnight in Mardin
Day 4 Slow Living in the
Stone City
Today is yours to embrace Mardin at your own pace.
Sip dibek coffee in a rooftop café overlooking the plains. Lose yourself in the narrow bazaars filled with copper, spices, and handwoven textiles. Visit smaller hidden gems like the Kasimiye Medrese or the artisan workshops of Savurkapı. Or simply wander—every alley reveals carved doorways, ornate balconies, and the hum of daily life continuing in this timeless setting.
Optional activities: cooking classes, wine tasting in nearby vineyards, or a day trip to Savur, a quiet town of Ottoman charm.
Overnight in Mardin
Day 5 Şanlıurfa: Sacred City of Prophets
Journey to Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest sanctuarium (9600 BC), where carved pillars tell the stories of humanity’s first beliefs. Continue to Şanlıurfa, a city steeped in legend, believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.
Wander around the sacred pools of Balıklıgöl, where shimmering carp are said to be holy. Visit the elegant Halil-ur Rahman Mosque, then lose yourself in the vibrant maze of the Urfa Bazaar, alive with colors, scents, and echoes of ancient trade.
Overnight in Urfa
Day 6 Thrones of the Gods
Ascend the mystical Mount Nemrut, where colossal stone heads of Antiochus I and gods greet the rising or setting sun. The silence of the mountain amplifies the majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore Arsameia, the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom, cross the ancient Cendere Bridge, and stop at the Karakuş Tumulus, a royal tomb guarded by stone eagles.
Overnight in Adıyaman
Day 7 City of Flavors & Ancient Art
Your journey concludes in Gaziantep, where history and gastronomy meet. Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to dazzling Roman mosaics like the famous Gypsy Girl. Stand atop Gaziantep Castle, a fortress that has watched over the city for centuries.
In the Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Copper Bazaar), hear the music of hammer and metal as artisans craft their wares. Finally, indulge in a feast of Antep cuisine—succulent kebabs, buttery baklava, and the crisp, pistachio-filled katmer. A fitting farewell to Mesopotamia.
According to your flight, overnight in Gaziantep or Departure
ACTUAL OFFERS
Mid-March is the perfect time to discover the enchanting region of Mesopotamia in Turkey. Spring begins to unfold, bringing mild temperatures around 18–22°C — ideal for exploring ancient cities, archaeological sites, and stunning natural landscapes. The fields turn green, flowers start to bloom, and the Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow strongly, adding life to the plains. Tourist spots are still quiet, allowing for a relaxed and deeply authentic travel experience.
TURKISH MESOPOTAMIA
March 1 - 7, 2026
€947
Number of Participants: 30 persons+
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Accommodation in 3 & 4-star hotels for whole tour
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Daily breakfast and dinner.
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Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
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Private transportation during the tour
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English/Polish-speaking local guide throughout the program
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Entrance fees to all scheduled sites and museums
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Group activities, workshops, or cultural experiences as listed in the itinerary
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Bottled water during excursions
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Travel permits (if required within the region)
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International airfare to/from Turkey
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
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Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, minibar, souvenirs, etc.)
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Meals and drinks that are not included in the itinerary
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Tips and gratuities for guide, driver, or hotel staff
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Optional tours or activities not listed in the program
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Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances (flight delays, political events, natural disasters, etc.)
When planning your trip to Diyarbakır or Gaziantep, you’ll find several convenient flight options. Both cities are well connected through major Turkish airlines, offering frequent flights with easy layovers in Istanbul, Izmir or Ankara. This makes reaching the Mesopotamian region smooth and flexible from almost anywhere in the world.
Diyarbakır Airport and Gaziantep Airport serve as key gateways to southeastern Turkey, with modern facilities and quick access to the city centers. We recommend checking the official websites of these airports or the major Turkish carriers to plan your route and find the most suitable connection.
A deposit of €350 is required to secure a place on the tour before March 20, 2025. The remaining balance of €597 is to be paid in person upon arrival to Turkey.
To join the tour and receive an invoice by an email, please fill the form bellow.
Fill the form or contact us directly
3, Nina Khubulava Street
Tbilisi, 0190 Georgia
+995 500 88 77 58