GAP TOUR BY BUS (31.08-07.92026)

MYSTERIOUS MESOPOTAMIA: WHERE HISTORY BEGINS, THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATIONS, AND THE CENTER OF FAITH

When you embark on the Mardin-GAP tour, prepare to embark on a journey where history and nature intertwine. This adventure, stretching from the mysterious streets of ancient cities to the peaks of mystical mountains, invites you to a unique experience in the heart of Mesopotamia. Enriched by the captivating stone architecture of Mardin, the magnificent statues of Nemrut, and the underwater stories of Halfeti, this route carries the deep traces of the past into the future. These directions, imbued with the legends of Balıklıgöl, the art of the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and the secrets of Göbeklitepe, will transport you to a different time period at every step. If you're ready, let's set out to discover this historical and cultural treasure!

TOUR INSTITUTE

DAY 1: MARMARIS-GAZİANTEP JOURNEY

We'll meet you, our valued guests, at 4:00 PM at Eşref Girginç Park (across from LC Waikiki) and begin our dreamy tour. We'll depart for our first stop, Gaziantep.

DAY 2: GAZİANTEP FREE BREAKFAST - HISTORICAL TAHMİS COFFEE - ALMACI MARKET - COPPERS' MARKET - HAMAM MUSEUM - EMİNE GÖĞÜŞ CULINARY MUSEUM - COIN MUSEUM - MILET HANI - GAZİANTEP CASTLE PANORAMIC - 14 MARTYRS' MONUMENT - ZEUGMA MOSAIC MUSEUM - ANTEP LOCAL DELIGHTS - HOTEL

After the overnight journey and our necessary stops, we arrive in Gaziantep. We arrive in Gaziantep, one of Turkey's three major gastronomic cities, renowned for its delicious flavors and a city of artisans, and take a free breakfast break to unwind from our travels. Our next stop of the day is Tahmis Kahvesi, a historic coffeehouse where you can savor local delicacies with a cup of Turkish coffee. After our coffee break, we head to Almacı Market. Here, you can purchase local products and souvenirs, and enjoy some bargaining. Then, we find ourselves in the Coppersmiths' Bazaar. Here, one of Gaziantep's oldest crafts, coppersmithing, is still exhibited as a handicraft, and the sound of hammers can still be heard around every corner. We take a guided walking tour of this nostalgic, historic, and always bustling bazaar. Afterward, we visit the Hamam Museum to explore Gaziantep's traditional hamam culture. Then, we visit the Emine Göğüş Culinary Museum to discover the local cuisine of Gaziantep, a city of gastronomy. We proceed to the Devr-i Âlem Gaziantep Currency Museum for another memorable and interesting museum visit. The museum houses currencies from over two hundred countries, even those that no longer exist today, weighing around four tons. The oldest currency is a French coin from 1792. Afterwards, we move on to the Millet Han (Nation Inn), a fascinating structure that will help you better understand the region's history. We then take a panoramic view of Gaziantep Castle and learn more about it from our guide. After visiting the 14 Martyrs' Monument, erected to commemorate one of the most tragic events in the region's history, we observe a moment of silence before moving on to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. Famous for the Gypsy Girl Mosaic, we visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which houses unique mosaics that adorned the homes and palaces of Mesopotamia's elite in ancient times. We explore the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the second largest mosaic museum in the world. After completing one of the important visits of our trip, we go to our Gaziantep hotel for dinner and accommodation. (GAZİANTEP ACCOMMODATION) -4* Gaziantep Safir Hotel

DAY 3: HALFETI BOAT TOUR - RUMKALE - SAVAŞAN VILLAGE - URFA LUNCH - GÖBEKLİTEPE - BALIKLIGÖL - AYN ZELİHA LAKE - HZ. İBRAHİM'S TOMB - RIZVANIYE MOSQUE - URFA LOCAL PRODUCT TASTING - URFA HOTEL - SIRA NIGHT

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and head to Şanlıurfa. Along the way, we'll stop in the district of Halfeti. Formerly known as Rumkale, the city became known as Halfeti after two young people, Halil and Fatma, who threw themselves into the Euphrates. We'll visit Rumkale on the Euphrates and the village of Savaşan, now submerged by the Birecik Dam. Guests who wish can join a boat tour here and see the half-submerged village. After our delightful boat tour, we head to Göbeklitepe for one of the most important visits of our trip. A product of great organization and imagination, Göbeklitepe, beyond being the oldest monument of its size and a first, represents the ground zero of history in many ways. We explore Göbeklitepe in detail, guided by our guide's narration, which we believe will inspire many new thoughts and leave you in awe. After our Göbeklitepe tour, we head to the center of Urfa and visit Balıklıgöl, also known as Lake Halil-Ür Rahman, and Aynzeliha. Considered sacred, this region is home to the carp species, the subject of legends. Legend has it that after Abraham was thrown into the fire, a miracle occurred, and the surrounding area was a bed of roses. It is believed that Balıklıgöl and its surroundings were the site of this miracle. After visiting the Halil-ül Rahman Mosque, we conclude our visit and check into our hotel. Guests who wish can join the evening's Urfa Sıra Gecesi (Sira Night) and unwind from a long day with Mesopotamian melodies, folk songs, and games. Guests who don't attend the Sıra Gecesi are welcome to enjoy a free dinner and try Urfa's famous kebab. Accommodation will be at our hotel in Şanlıurfa. (ŞANLIURFA ACCOMMODATION) 5* Nevali Hotel & Convention Center

DAY 4: KARAHANTEPE - KASIMIYE MADRASA - DEYRULZAFARAN MONASTERY - OLD MARDIN STREETS - CULTURE STREET - REPUBLIC SQUARE - FREE TIME - MARDIN HOTEL

After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we meet our guide in our vehicle and depart for Karahantepe to begin our visits. Karahantepe is a place where new mysteries and secrets are revealed. Following Göbeklitepe, we visit the T-shaped columns in a region considered a world-renowned historical discovery, and we explore them with our guide. At Karahantepe, whose significance we anticipate will grow daily, we learn about the archaeological site and witness history. After this visit, we continue our journey to Mardin. In Mardin, known as the city where languages meet and stones speak, we first visit the Kasımiye Madrasa, which illuminates Mardin's cultural identity. Then, we visit the Deyr-ül Zaferan, an ancient Syriac church and monastery, a temple approximately 4,000 years old. As we wander through the monastery's mystical atmosphere, we learn about the rituals performed there and its history. This magnificent structure, which impresses everyone, was a Sun Temple dating back to 1000 BC and later served as a fortress by the Romans. Afterwards, we return to Mardin and get lost in the streets of old Mardin. We walk among the stone structures, narrow streets, and traditional houses, interacting with the locals. Don't forget to take photos! On Kültür Sokak, we browse the works of local artists and find the opportunity to browse the handmade goods in the shops. Afterward, we arrive at Cumhuriyet Square. Relaxing in the cafes surrounding the square, we feel the spirit of Mardin. We stroll around the square and explore our surroundings. After free time here, we head to our hotel for dinner and accommodation. (MARDIN ACCOMMODATION) 4* Park Dedeman Mardin Hotel

DAY 5: DARA ANCIENT CITY - MİDYAT DEPARTURE - MİDYAT BAZAAR - MİDYAT STATE GUESTHOUSE - FILIGREE WORKSHOP - FREE TIME - BATMAN HASANKEYF - HASANKEYF BOAT TOUR - DIYARBAKIR DEPARTURE - HOTEL (DIYARBAKIR ACCOMMODATION NIGHT 4)

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off to visit the ancient city of Dara, known as the Ephesus of Mesopotamia. This vast ancient city boasts churches, a bazaar, an agora, bridges, an armory, dungeons, specially carved caves, silos, and tombs carved into the rocks by Roman soldiers who believed they would be resurrected. We explore this valuable ancient city, founded by the Persians in 300 BC, in detail. Afterwards, we depart for Midyat, a town lush with vineyards and blended with Syriac culture, where we will witness the tolerant fusion of two different religions that have preserved their beliefs and traditions for two thousand years. With its centuries-old houses and mansions that have hosted TV series, Midyat will feel like a movie set. Our guide will take you on a tour of Midyat, where we will also have the opportunity to observe firsthand the five-thousand-year-old art of filigree. Here, we will have the opportunity to both shop and learn about filigree. After our lunch break, we will depart for Batman to visit Hasankeyf. Located in Mesopotamia, one of humanity's oldest settlements, Hasankeyf has maintained its strategic importance throughout the ages thanks to the Tigris River flowing through its center, its protected geography, and its thousands of caves used as dwellings. We will see what it looked like after being completely submerged and receive valuable information from our guide. Guests who wish to experience the region more closely can join an optional Hasankeyf boat tour. At the end of the day, we complete our exploration of Hasankeyf and begin our return journey. Armed with the knowledge and memories we gained from this unforgettable day, we arrive at our hotel in Diyarbakır, where we will have dinner and overnight. (DIYARBAKIR ACCOMMODATION) 4* Plaza Hotel

DAY 6: DIYARBAKIR WALLS - HEVSEL GARDENS - FOUR-LEGGED MINARET - TEN-EYED BRIDGE - GRAND MOSQUE - HASANPASA INN - ADIYAMAN JOURNEY - MOUNT NEMRUT - GAZİANTEP HOTEL

We have breakfast at our hotel, meet our guide in our vehicle, and begin our day. We start the day with a historical touch. First, we visit the Diyarbakır Walls and walk around the magnificent structure. We delve into the depths of history and discover the beauty of this important UNESCO World Heritage site. After the walls, we head to Hevsel Gardens. Here, we enjoy nature and observe every shade of green. We spend pleasant moments enjoying the beautiful views near the Tigris River. Afterward, we head to the Four-Legged Minaret. We learn about the history of this intriguing structure and take photos. We try to grasp the minaret's uniqueness by examining its architectural details. Afterwards, we visit the Ten-Eyed Bridge, one of Diyarbakır's symbols. We marvel at the magnificent view of this historic structure, which crowns the Tigris River's majesty, and take some of the most beautiful photos of our trip. We invite our guests who want to show off their skills on the bridge, where it's said that many visitors dance the halay (traditional Turkish folk dance). After visiting the Diyarbakır Walls, we move on to the Ulu Mosque, one of Diyarbakır's most popular tourist attractions and the oldest mosque in Anatolia. As we tour the mosque, we can easily appreciate the ancient and multicultural city of Diyarbakır. The Grand Mosque, awe-inspiring for its architecture, atmosphere, and stonework, is also recognized as the 5th largest religious structure in the Islamic world. Afterwards, we take a tea and coffee break in a traditional atmosphere at the Hasanpaşa Inn before setting off for Adıyaman. Following our journey, we arrive at Mount Nemrut National Park, known as the 8th wonder of the world. Located within the borders of Adıyaman province, Mount Nemrut, at 2,150 meters, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. The mountain's unique value lies in its ancient tombs, monumental statues, architectural remains, and unparalleled views. King Antiochus I of Commagene, who ruled in ancient times, left some of the most magnificent ruins from the Hellenistic Period here to show his gratitude to his gods and ancestors. We listen to these stories with the valuable narration of our guide and capture unforgettable photographs. After completing one of the most unforgettable visits of our trip, we set off for our Gaziantep hotel where we will have dinner and stay overnight. (GAZİANTEP ACCOMMODATION) -4* Gaziantep Safir Hotel

DAY 7: JOURNEY TO ADANA - TAŞKÖPRÜ - GRAND MOSQUE - GRAND CLOCK TOWER - ATATÜRK MUSEUM - CINEMA MUSEUM - HISTORICAL KAZANCILAR MARKET - TASTING ADANA'S LOCAL FLAVORS - DEPARTURE FOR MARMARIS

After breakfast, we meet our guide at our vehicle and depart for Adana. A pleasant journey amidst beautiful scenery awaits us. Our first stop in Adana is the historic Taşköprü. Here, we take photos and learn about the bridge's history. We witness the importance of Adana's waterways. Afterward, we move on to the famous Ulu Mosque. We examine its architecture and explore its impressive interior. Here, we find some peace and prayer. Then, we stop at the Grand Clock Tower. After taking a few photos in front of this impressive structure, we set out on a walk to explore the surrounding area. Afterward, we visit the Atatürk Museum. Here, we trace Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's arrival in Adana and examine the historical objects on display at the museum. Following these emotional moments, we learn about the history of Turkish cinema at the Cinema Museum. This museum, filled with old movie posters, set materials, and nostalgic screenings, offers an intriguing experience. Next, we head to the Historical Kazancılar Bazaar. Here, we examine the spices and souvenirs of traditional Adana cuisine. We share beautiful memories by shopping with the locals. Before our return journey to Marmaris, we say, "Life comes from the Bosphorus," and give you free time to experience Adana's famous local flavors. We savor local flavors like Adana kebab, tantuni, and turnip greens, tantalizing our palates! After feeling delighted, we set off back to Marmaris, delighted by the memory of having made wonderful memories.

DAY 8: ESSENTIAL AND MEAL BREAKS - RETURN TO MARMARIS

After our essential and meal breaks along the way, we plan to return to Marmaris in the afternoon. We thank you for joining us on this special trip and bid farewell to you at the points where we met, hoping to see you again on other adventures.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

**Child discounts apply when sharing with two adults.

**Seating arrangements in our vehicles are determined by seat numbers, and seat numbers are automatically assigned after the initial payment. If you have any concerns about seat numbers, please contact us.

**The type of vehicle (minibus, midibus, or bus) used on the tour is determined by the final number of participants. Our company assigns the most suitable vehicle for the tour based on demand.

**Our guide reserves the right to make changes to the program and routes, provided that all visits are completed, taking into account factors such as weather and road conditions that may affect the course of the trip.

**If physical conditions make a visit impossible (road, weather, natural disaster, etc.), our agency cannot be held responsible for the cancellation of the visit.

**Child discounts apply when sharing with two adults.

**Prices listed are early booking prices and will be valid for reservations made until March 10, 2025.

**You can take advantage of these prices by pre-registering with a deposit of 6000.00 TL per person at the time of your initial reservation.