Mesopotamia Journey 6 Days 5 Nights

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Tour Description

Included/Excluded

Tour Plan

Reviews

Our Mesopotamia Tour takes place in Southeastern Turkey—a captivating journey where you will explore ancient religious centers, visit mysterious and majestic temples, and experience the coexistence of diverse faiths and mystical cultures. Most importantly, you will savor some of the most delicious and diverse cuisines in the world.

This program offers a profound immersion into the history of ancient civilizations, the heritage of the Eastern Church, Assyrian culture, and much more.

Included/Excluded

Licensed Russian-speaking guide services for 5 days
Lunches during the 5 days of excursions (+ 1 soft drink + tea)
Hotel breakfasts included
Full transportation throughout the tour, including hotel transfers
5 nights of accommodation in 3-4* hotels
Dinners during the 6 days of excursions (+ 1 soft drink + tea)
Entrance tickets to all museums and historical sites

Personal expenses
Flights

Tour Plan

Day 1. Arrival and Adaptation

Flight: Arrival at Gaziantep Airport.
Transfer: Meet-and-greet followed by hotel check-in.
Leisure Time: A free day to rest. Depending on the group’s arrival time, additional local sightseeing can be arranged.
Overnight: Gaziantep.

Day 2. From Mosaics to Monuments

Zeugma Mosaic Museum: Visit one of the world’s largest mosaic museums, housing famous artifacts from the Roman city of Zeugma.
Gaziantep Fortress: Explore the historic citadel located on a central hill.
Historical Bedesten: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a traditional Ottoman-era covered bazaar, offering spices, textiles, and local crafts.
Cendere Bridge: A 1st-century AD Roman bridge, a masterpiece of ancient engineering still standing today.
Karakus Tumulus: A funerary monument for the female members of the Commagene royal family.
Sunset at Mount Nemrut: Ascent to the summit to witness the sunset among the colossal statues and the mausoleum of King Antiochus I (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Dinner: Served at the hotel.
Overnight: Adıyaman.

Day 3. The Euphrates and Biblical Legends

Euphrates River Boat Trip: A scenic cruise to see the submerged village of Halfeti and the Rumkale (Greek Fortress) from the water.
Harran: Visit one of the oldest cities in the world, famous for its unique “beehive” mud houses and biblical history.
Cave of Abraham’s Birth: A sacred site in Sanliurfa believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.
Pool of Sacred Fish (Balıklıgöl): A religious site where, according to legend, a fire was transformed into water and logs into fish to save Abraham.
Optional: Evening “Sira Night” entertainment in Sanliurfa, featuring traditional Turkish food, folk music, and dancing.
Dinner & Overnight: Sanliurfa.

Day 4. Ancient Mysteries and Life by the Tigris

Göbekli Tepe: Visit the oldest known temple complex in human history, dating back 12,000 years.
St. Petyun Chaldean Church: A historic sanctuary in Diyarbakir belonging to the local Chaldean community.
Diyarbakir Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): One of Anatolia’s oldest and most significant mosques, built from black volcanic basalt.
Ten-Eyed Bridge: An 11th-century arched bridge spanning the legendary Tigris River.
Dinner & Overnight: Diyarbakir.

Day 5. Traces of Mithras and Syriac Heritage

Zerzevan Castle: A strategic Roman military garrison that guarded the eastern borders of the Byzantine Empire.
Temple of Mithras: Explore the recently discovered underground sanctuary dedicated to the mysterious Roman cult of Mithras.
Midyat Guest House: A stunning traditional stone mansion showcasing the region’s unique architectural style.
Telkari Workshop: Witness the ancient Mesopotamian art of silver filigree (Telkari), featuring intricate patterns and delicate handiwork.
Mor Gabriel Monastery: Visit the world’s oldest functioning Syriac Orthodox monastery, founded in 397 AD.
Dinner & Overnight: Midyat.

Day 6. Mardin and Farewell to Mesopotamia

Ancient City of Dara: Explore the impressive ruins of this Roman-era city, including its necropolis, cisterns, and aqueducts.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery: A 6th-century spiritual center of the Syriac Orthodox Church, famous for its architecture and history.
Church of the Forty Martyrs (Mor Behnam): A 4th-century church known for its historical significance and priceless icons.
Mardin Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): The 12th-century symbol of Mardin, featuring a magnificent Artuqid minaret.
Zinciriye & Kasimiye Madrasahs: Explore these 14th and 15th-century Islamic schools, masterpieces of medieval stonemasonry with stunning views over the plains.
Departure: Transfer to the airport for your return flight.