4 Night 5 Day GAP Tour Starting from Ankara: Bus Trip to Nemrut Diyarbakır Mardin Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep
Tour Detail
On this Southeast Anatolia tour that starts in Ankara by bus in the evening, we spend 5 days exploring Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Hasankeyf, Midyat, Mardin, Şanlıurfa, Halfeti, and Gaziantep. We stay in a different city each of the four nights: Diyarbakır, Mardin, Şanlıurfa, and Gaziantep. The most notable feature of this itinerary is that the transfer to Mount Nemrut, the boat tour in Halfeti, and the themed dinner event in Şanlıurfa are all included in the tour price.
The route begins with the giant statues on Mount Nemrut, continues through the walls of Diyarbakır, Hasankeyf, Midyat, and the stone streets of Mardin. It then takes us to Göbeklitepe, Harran, and Balıklıgöl in Şanlıurfa, followed by a boat tour in Halfeti. The final day is dedicated to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum and the historic bazaars of Gaziantep.
Key Highlights
- Transfers to Mount Nemrut using region-specific minibuses (transfer included)
- Boat tour in Halfeti on Lake Birecik (included)
- Themed dinner event in Şanlıurfa (included)
- One night’s stay each in Diyarbakır, Mardin, Şanlıurfa, and Gaziantep
- Visits to Göbeklitepe, Harran, and the Zeugma Mosaic Museum
- Stops in Hasankeyf and Midyat
Places to Visit
- Adıyaman: Kahta, Mount Nemrut (tumuli, statues, and reliefs), Karakuş Tumulus, Cendere Bridge
- Diyarbakır: Crossing the Nissibi Bridge, Diyarbakır Walls, Ulu Mosque and Complex, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum House (from the outside), Hasanpaşa Han, Four-Pillared Minaret
- Hasankeyf: Zeynel Bey Tomb, Artuklu Bathhouse, El-Rızk Mosque, observation terrace
- Midyat: Midyat Guest House, Gümüşçüler Bazaar
- Mardin: Deyr-ul Zafaran Monastery (Mor Hananyo), Old Mardin streets, Ulu Mosque, Kasımiye Madrasa
- Şanlıurfa: Göbeklitepe, Harran (Harran Hill, Harran Ulu Mosque, Harran University, Inner Castle, walls, Harran Houses), Balıklıgöl, Ayn Zeliha Lake, Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, Site of Prophet Abraham
- Halfeti: Boat tour on Lake Birecik, Kızlar Cave, Rumkale, Savaşan Village
- Gaziantep: Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Almacı Market, Bakırcılar Bazaar, Historic Tahmis Café
Accommodation
- 1st Night: Diyarbakır, Plaza Hotel Diyarbakır
- 2nd Night: Mardin, Mardin Mardiva Resort Hotel
- 3rd Night: Şanlıurfa, Royal Bulut Hotel
- 4th Night: Gaziantep, Hotel Tilmen Gaziantep
Meals
The first day includes a buffet breakfast at the restaurant, 4 buffet breakfasts at the hotels, and 3 dinners either as buffets or set menus at the hotels—all included in the tour price. The dinner in Şanlıurfa is part of the themed dinner event. Lunches and drinks at any meals are not included.
Departure Points
- 20:00 Opposite Kızılay AVM, in front of Yapı Kredi
- 20:15 In front of Armada AVM
- 20:30 In front of Taurus AVM
- 20:40 In front of Gölbaşı Yunus Market
Tour Program
Ankara – Adıyaman – Mount Nemrut – Karakuş Tumulus – Cendere Bridge – Diyarbakır
We depart from Ankara in the evening and arrive in the Adıyaman region in the morning after a night-long journey. After reaching the Kahta district, we board suitable minibuses to climb Mount Nemrut, which is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
At the summit, we see the mausoleum built by King Antiochos of Kommagene, as well as the giant statues and reliefs, taking a photo break to admire the view. After descending from the mountain, we stop at the Karakuş Mound, which stands about 20 meters tall above the memorial tomb built for the women of the Kommagene royal family. Next, we visit the Cendere Bridge, a Roman-era structure constructed without mortar.
From there, we head towards Diyarbakır, passing through the Nissibi Bridge over Atatürk Dam Lake along the way. During our city tour of Diyarbakır, we see the Diyarbakır Walls, their towers, and gates, which are listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Afterwards, we explore the Ulu Mosque and its complex, one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia; from the outside, we visit Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum House, the historic Hasanpaşa Han, and the Four-Legged Minaret belonging to Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque.
After some free time, we return to our hotel and conclude the day with dinner there.
Breakfast: Breakfast on the first day is served as a buffet in the restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Taken during free time as an extra service.
Dinner: Served as a set menu at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Plaza Hotel Diyarbakır
Diyarbakır – Hasankeyf – Midyat – Mardin
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Hasankeyf, which was largely submerged following the completion of the Ilısu Dam. Here, we visit the Zeynel Bey Mausoleum, which has been relocated to a new location and opened to visitors, the Artuklu Hamam, the El-Rızk Mosque, and other historical sites. After taking a photo break on the viewing terrace, we continue on to Midyat.
In Midyat, we visit the Midyat Guest House, and then give guests free time to shop at the Gümüşçüler Bazaar, where silverwork crafted using the telkâri technique is displayed.
Later in the day, we proceed to Mardin, known for its location along the Silk Road and its monuments representing various faiths. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and have dinner there.
Breakfast: Served at the hotel; included in the tour price.
Lunch: Taken during free time; additional cost.
Dinner: Served at the hotel; included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Mardin Mardiva Resort Hotel
Mardin – Göbeklitepe – Şanlıurfa
After breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a visit to the Deyr-ul Zafaran Monastery (Mor Hananyo). After the monastery, we head to the streets of Old Mardin and walk among the narrow streets and abbaras that form the fabric of the city. Here, we provide free time for taking photos and having lunch.
We then visit the Grand Mosque, tour the Kasımiye Madrasa, whose construction began during the Artuqid period, and complete our local shopping.
Following our Mardin itinerary, we set off toward Şanlıurfa. Our first stop is Göbeklitepe, dating back to 10,000 BC and considered one of the world's oldest ritual centers, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After the visit, we proceed to our hotel in Şanlıurfa and settle into our rooms.
In the evening, we attend the Urfa Sıra Gecesi program with dinner, one of the region's deep-rooted cultural traditions.
Breakfast: Served at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Taken during free time at an additional cost.
Dinner: Served during the Urfa Sıra Gecesi program with dinner. Guests who do not participate in the Sıra Gecesi can try local delicacies during their free time.
Accommodation: Royal Bulut Hotel
Harran – Şanlıurfa – Halfeti – Gaziantep
After breakfast at the hotel, our first stop of the day is Harran. Here we visit Harran Hill, which is about 22 meters high, Harran Ulu Mosque—one of the oldest mosques built during the Islamic period in Turkey—Harran University, considered the first Islamic madrasa in Anatolia, located in its courtyard, the Inner Fortress, the historic walls, and one of the Harran Houses with their conical domes.
From Harran, we return to the city center of Şanlıurfa, where during our city tour we explore Balıklıgöl Lake, Ayn Zeliha Lake, Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, and the site of Prophet Abraham.
After a meal break, we head to Halfeti, known for its desert roses. After some free time by the lake, we take a boat tour on Birecik Reservoir, during which we see the Girls’ Cave, Rumkale, and the submerged village of Savaşan.
After the boat tour, we proceed to Gaziantep. We check into our hotel, have dinner, and conclude the day.
Breakfast: Served at the hotel; included in the tour price.
Lunch: Taken during free time as an extra service.
Dinner: Served at the hotel; included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Tilmen Gaziantep
Gaziantep – Ankara
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our tour of Gaziantep. Our first stop is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the world’s leading mosaic museums. We explore the two-thousand-year-old mosaics displayed over an area of approximately 1,700 square meters, with explanations from our guide.
After the museum, we head to the Old City area. During our walking tour at the foot of Antep Castle, we visit the Almacı Market, the Bakırcılar Bazaar, and the historic Tahmis Café along the Cultural Route.
We take a shopping and meal break for guests who wish to purchase baklava, pistachios, spices, and other local products. After free time, we gather back in our vehicle at the scheduled time and begin the journey back to Ankara. Upon arriving in Ankara after the necessary stops, we conclude our tour.
Breakfast: Served at the hotel; included in the tour price.
Lunch: Taken during free time; extra charge applies.
Departure Points
- 20:00 Opposite Kızılay AVM in front of Yapı Kredi
- 20:15 In front of Armada AVM
- 20:30 In front of Taurus AVM
- 20:40 In front of Gölbaşı Yunus Market
What's Included
- 4 nights of hotel accommodation
- Buffet breakfast at the restaurant on the first day
- 4 buffet breakfasts at the hotel
- 3 dinners at the hotel, either as a buffet or set menu
- A meal-themed Sıra Gecesi in Şanlıurfa
- Transport to Mount Nemrut
- Boat tour in Halfeti
- Transport via tourist package vehicles
- Excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Professional guide service
- Compulsory travel insurance
Not Included
- Lunches
- Drinks with all meals
- Museum and site entry fees
- Reyhani Night program
- Personal expenses
General Information
- The tour is organized with a minimum of 25 participants. If sufficient attendance cannot be secured, a cancellation notice will be sent at least 20 days before the tour departs.
- Hotels that are not listed in the program or are provided as alternatives for the same destination will be notified two days before departure.
- Since museum and site entry fees are not included, it is recommended that you obtain your Museum Card in Ankara.
- There is no luggage limit on the buses.
- The seating arrangement is determined before the tour starts based on the registration order.
- Guests who do not attend the Night of the Dance can purchase dinner at their own expense during free time that evening.
- In sales of package tours with discounts such as early booking or promotions, any cancellation from the date of reservation, regardless of the reason, results in the loss of the full tour fee with no refund. Name and date changes as well as requests to transfer tickets are not accepted in these sales.
- Book Now & Pay Later. · Make your reservation now, pay anytime before the tour starts.