Southeast Anatolia (GAP) Tour from Ankara: 3 Nights 5 Days by Bus

Meet at 9:00 PM in front of Yapı Kredi Bankası, across from Kızılay AVM, and then head to Gaziantep. Guests can also be picked up in front of Armada AVM, Taurus AVM, and Gölbaşı Yunus Market. It is a night journey.

Ankara – Gaziantep: 675 km

We arrive in Gaziantep in the morning, with the necessary breaks, and after having an in-vehicle breakfast consisting of sandwiches and drinks, we first visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the most important mosaic museums in the world. Following our visit, we head to Gaziantep Castle. After seeing Gaziantep Castle panoramically, we continue our tour by taking a short break at Historic Tahmis Coffeehouse and then proceeding through the Coppersmiths' Bazaar. Afterwards, we have free time at Almacı Bazaar until the time determined by our guide for shopping.

We meet at the designated time and depart for Halfeti. During our boat tour on Birecik Dam Lake, we see Kızlar Cave, Rumkale and the submerged village of Savaşan panoramically. Following our boat tour, we depart for Şanlıurfa. After visiting Balıklıgöl, Ayn Zeliha Lake, Halil-ur-Rahman Mosque and the Office of Prophet Abraham, we stay overnight at our hotel in Şanlıurfa. Dinner is served during the dinner-and-sıra-night program.

Breakfast: Breakfast package on board the vehicle (sandwich, drink).

Lunch: You may sample local delicacies at your own expense during free time.

Dinner: Served during the sıra night and included in the price.

Gaziantep – Şanlıurfa: 152 km

Accommodation: Şanlıurfa Uludağ Hotel

After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we head to Harran. Here, we first visit Harran Hill, which stands 22 meters high in the heart of the city; Harran Ulu Mosque, one of the oldest mosques built during the Islamic period in Turkey; the first Islamic madrasa established in Anatolia located in its courtyard (Harran University); the Inner Castle; the historic walls; and one of the houses with conical domes.

After our visit to Harran, we go to Göbeklitepe, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is known as the oldest and largest religious center in history, dating back to around 10,000 BC. Afterwards, we head to Midyat, a town along the Silk Road that has hosted various religious beliefs and artifacts. We begin our evening tour here. After visiting the Midyat Guest House, we take a shopping break at the silver market where we can see some of the finest examples of filigreed silver craftsmanship. During our free time here, we experience what is referred to as the “necklace” part of Midyat, as described in the saying “a sight during the day, a necklace at night.” After spending this time among the magnificent stone mansions and stunning lighting, we gather back in our vehicle and head back to our hotel. Accommodation and dinner are provided at our hotel in Midyat.

Breakfast: Served at our hotel and included in the tour price.

Lunch: You can enjoy local delicacies as an extra during your free time.

Dinner: Served at our hotel as a set menu or buffet, and is included in the tour price.

Shanliurfa – Midyat: 282 km

Accommodation: Midyat Kervan Hotel

After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, our first stop will be Ezidi Village (Cave Village - Kiwexe), located on the Şırnak border. Here, we will learn from our guide about the Ezidi traditions of burying the dead and their cemetery culture. Afterwards, we will visit Monastery of St. Gabriel (Deyrulumur Monastery) and explore it accompanied by Syriac guides.

Following our visit to the monastery, we will head to White Water, which is along our route, and have lunch at the restaurants by the White Water.

After lunch, we will pass through Nusaybin and go to Antique City of Dara, one of the most important settlements in Upper Mesopotamia. There, we will see the water cisterns and ancient graves.

Next, we will head to Old Mardin. Before reaching the city center, we will visit Kasımiye Madrasa. After that, we will take a pleasant walk along Sanat Street, the most famous of Old Mardin’s stone streets, before arriving at Republic Square. Following that, we will see Mardin Ulu Mosque and then give guests free time for shopping and photography. During this free time, those who wish can visit Zinciriye Madrasa or the Living Museum.

After gathering at the designated point, we will head to Diyarbakır. Dinner and accommodation will be at our hotel in Diyarbakır. Guests who desire can spend some free time in the center of Diyarbakır after dinner.

Breakfast: To be had at our hotel and included in the tour price.

Lunch: You can try local delicacies as an extra during your free time.

Dinner: To be had at our hotel as a set menu or buffet, and is included in the tour price.

Midyat – Diyarbakır: 173 km

Accommodation: Diyarbakır Hasuni Taş Otel

After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we begin our city tour in Diyarbakır. During the tour, we will visit places such as The Walls of Diyarbakır, Ulu Mosque, the historic Hasanpaşa Han, and The Four-Pillared Minaret. During the free time provided by our guide, guests who wish can explore Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House and Ahmed Arif Culture House.

After our program in Diyarbakır, we head towards Kahta via the Urfa-Siverek route. Along the way, we cross the Nissibi Bridge built over the Atatürk Dam basin before arriving in Kahta. From there, we take our private vehicles to Mount Nemrut, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Amidst the stunning natural scenery, after viewing the tumulus and giant statues built on Mount Nemrut by King Antiochus I of Kommagene, we take in panoramic views of Karakuş Tumulus and Cendere Bridge. Then, we gather at the scheduled time and head back to Ankara.

We arrive in Ankara around 03:00 - 04:00 in the early morning. Depending on road conditions, our arrival time may extend until 06:00.

After a pleasant trip, we say goodbye, looking forward to meeting again at another Berlika Tour event.

Breakfast: Served at our hotel and included in the tour price.

Lunch: You can enjoy local delicacies as an extra during the free time.

Dinner: Served at a rest stop along the way and is an extra service.

Diyarbakır – Adıyaman – Ankara: 1010 km