Treasures of Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia & Istanbul Discovery — From Ancient Wonders to the Bosphorus

Discover the historic cities, rich flavours and remarkable landscapes of southeastern Turkey on an 8-day private journey. Explore Mardin and Midyat, the ancient remains of Dara, Göbeklitepe and Harran, cruise the Euphrates at Halfeti and encounter the monumental stone heads of Mount Nemrut. Continue to Gaziantep for mosaics, markets and culinary heritage before completing your journey in Istanbul.

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Starts and ends: Istanbul
Tour style: Private Tour
Route: Istanbul → Mardin → Midyat → Şanlıurfa → Halfeti → Adıyaman → Gaziantep → Istanbul

Tour Highlights

• Explore Mardin and Midyat — discover stone-built streets, panoramic views and the heritage of Mor Gabriel Monastery.
• Discover Dara, Harran and Göbeklitepe — trace the region’s past through ancient cities and extraordinary archaeological remains.
• Experience Şanlıurfa — visit Balıklıgöl and browse the historic bazaar.
• Cruise the Euphrates — see Rumkale, Savaşan village and the submerged minaret at Halfeti.
• Visit Mount Nemrut — discover the monumental stone heads and terraces of the Kingdom of Commagene.
• Discover Gaziantep — explore Zeugma’s archaeological site and mosaics, local museums and traditional markets.
• Complete your journey in Istanbul — cruise the Bosphorus, explore the bazaars and discover the Asian side.

Private Tour Prices

Valid for travel: 1 March 2027 – 15 June 2027

Room basis: Twin / Double Room-Sharing

Single room supplement: $670.00 per person

Prices are quoted in USD per person. Final pricing is subject to availability and confirmation for your travel dates.

Planning a private journey?
Send us your travel dates and group size using the enquiry form for a personalised quote.

Day 1 — Arrival in Istanbul and Flight to Mardin

Meet your local team on arrival at Istanbul Airport and connect with your domestic flight to Mardin. On arrival, meet your local guide and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Begin exploring the region’s historic character with a visit to Midyat and Zinciriye Madrasa in Mardin, where views extend across the Mesopotamian Plain. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Overnight: Mardin
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 2 — Dara, Mor Gabriel Monastery and Midyat

After breakfast, travel to Dara, an ancient fortified city on the historic frontier between the Eastern Roman and Sasanian worlds. Explore its archaeological remains before continuing to Mor Gabriel Monastery to discover the region’s Syriac Christian heritage.

After lunch, explore Midyat’s old town, stone-built streets and cave houses. Return to Mardin for dinner and your overnight stay.

Overnight: Mardin
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 — Mardin to Harran, Göbeklitepe and Şanlıurfa

After breakfast, travel to Harran to discover its distinctive beehive houses and learn about its place in the history of Mesopotamia. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Göbeklitepe to explore its remarkable prehistoric monumental structures.

Continue to Şanlıurfa and visit Balıklıgöl, the Pool of Abraham, associated with local religious traditions. Browse the historic Dergâh Bazaar and its displays of spices and regional products before transferring to your hotel.

Overnight: Şanlıurfa
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 — Halfeti, Euphrates Cruise and Mount Nemrut

After breakfast, travel through a landscape of pistachio groves towards Halfeti. Discover this riverside town, known for its association with black roses, with an opportunity to try locally offered black-rose ice cream.

Enjoy a boat cruise on the Euphrates, taking in views of Rumkale, Savaşan village and its partially submerged minaret. After lunch, continue towards Adıyaman and Mount Nemrut.

Visit the eastern and western terraces of Mount Nemrut to see the monumental stone heads and remains associated with the Kingdom of Commagene. Continue to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Overnight: Adıyaman
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 — Adıyaman to Zeugma and Gaziantep

After breakfast, depart for Gaziantep, stopping en route at the archaeological site of Zeugma beside the Euphrates. Discover the remains of a city shaped by Hellenistic and Roman history.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Gaziantep Hamam Museum for an introduction to traditional bathing culture. Continue to the Emine Göğüş Culinary Museum to explore the city’s food heritage before transferring to your hotel.

Overnight: Gaziantep
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 — Gaziantep’s Mosaics and Markets — Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum to discover its collection of ancient mosaics. Continue with a walking tour of Gaziantep’s old town, taking in the castle area, historic markets and caravanserais.

Explore the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar and Elmacı Bazaar, where stalls display nuts, dried fruit, herbs, spices and pistachio products. Enjoy free time, with lunch included during the day, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Day 7 — Istanbul — Bosphorus, Ortaköy and Bazaars

After breakfast, enjoy a Bosphorus cruise between the European and Asian shores of Istanbul. Admire waterfront palaces, historic mansions and views of the fortresses lining the strait.

Visit the Spice Market, then continue to Ortaköy to explore its waterfront and shopping streets, with the opportunity to try its famous kumpir, a generously filled baked potato. Enjoy a photo stop at Galata Bridge with views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

Spend free time browsing the Grand Bazaar. Lunch is included.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Day 8 — Istanbul’s Asian Side and Departure

After breakfast, cross a Bosphorus bridge to Istanbul’s Asian side. Visit Çamlıca Hill for panoramic views across the city and enjoy a coach tour of the Asian side, including the Kadıköy district.

Lunch is included before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. The day’s sightseeing will be arranged around your departure schedule.

Tour ends: Istanbul Airport
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Before You Travel

The itinerary requires suitably timed domestic connections on arrival and an international departure allowing time for Day 8 sightseeing. Mount Nemrut involves walking on uneven ground at altitude; access depends on seasonal and weather conditions. Boat trips, museum visits and bazaar stops are subject to operating conditions and opening hours. Flight schedules and traffic may affect the order of visits. Final hotels, flight arrangements, admission fees and the full list of included services will be confirmed in your personalised proposal.

Plan Your Mesopotamia & Istanbul Journey

Send us your preferred travel dates and number of travellers using the booking enquiry form. We will help you plan your Mesopotamia & Istanbul Discovery journey and provide a personalised proposal.