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NORTH MESOPOTAMIA TOUR
Detail about TOUR
JOURNEY TO NORTH MESOPOTAMIA tour explanation
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Embark on an unforgettable North Mesopotamia travel experience in Türkiye, where ancient civilizations and breathtaking landscapes come alive. This carefully curated 12-day tour takes you deep into the heart of history, exploring iconic landmarks, archaeological treasures, and vibrant local culture. From the bustling streets of Adana to the awe-inspiring Mount Nemrut, every moment of this journey will connect you to the rich heritage of this remarkable region.
Whether you’re wandering through the ancient ruins of Zeugma, savoring traditional Turkish cuisine in Gaziantep, or marveling at the world’s earliest worship site in Göbeklitepe, this North Mesopotamia tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure.
Join us on this unique travel experience and create memories that will last a lifetime!
NORTH MESOPOTAMIA TOUR DAY BY DAY
Upon Arrival at Adana Airport transfer to your hotel downtown Adana which is the third-largest city in the region with almost 3 million population.
- Arrival at the hotel
- Overnight stay in Adana city
Breakfast: At the hotel
According to an earthenware cuneiform tablet which was found in the Hittite state archives in Hattusha, a kingdom, named Kizzuvatna, ruling nowadays Adana region under the dominance of Hittites from 14th century is mentioned. So this means here is a civilized settlement for at least 3500 years. Throughout the subsequent ages many other ethnicities migrated and some of them founded their kingdoms here. In the Hellenistic Ages and first Century A.D. here, which was named as Cilicia was famous with its pirates at the Mediterranean Sea and rebellious mountain tribes in its hinterland. As a result of its key strategic location at the end of northeast Mediterranean Sea, many feudal lords tended to create their own kingdom and the last one of them was Ramazanoğulları. In 17th century it entered the full control of the Ottomans. We start our first day with city walking tour
- Lunch on own
- Visit to Adana Archeology Museum
- Welcome Dinner: Included
- Overnight stay in Adana city
Breakfast: At the hotel
Because north Mesopotamia is also very important region for history of Christianity, we will go to Tarsus and visit the Church and the house of Paul, Cleopatra’s Gate where Marc Anthony and Cleopatra were believed to have entered the city through this Gate.
- Lunch: included
- Drive back to Adana
- Dinner on own
- Overnight Stay in Adana city
Breakfast: At the hotel
Departure from hotel to Hatay (Antioch) the city Antioch was one of the 10 largest cities in Roman Empire and the birthplace of St. Peter; the home of the first Christian Church in the World, the capital of Antioch Catholic Kingdom which was founded by European Christians in the region, captured from the Muslims in 1098, during the First Crusade. It survived as a European outpost in the East for almost two centuries (125 miles).
- Lunch: On own
- Visit the Hatay Archeology Museum which displays a large variety of ancient artifacts from many civilizations in this region)
- Due to its importance for Christianity, we can also visit the Church of St. Peter.
- Dinner: Included
- Overnight Stay in Hatay city
Breakfast: At the Hotel
Visit Samandağ town and Visit Vakıflı Armenian Village (The only Armenian Village in Türkiye). Included Lunch in a local restaurant.
Visit the Titus tunnel which was a cleverly designed infrastructural project for the area against the winter flooding problems from the 1st Century A.D.; reign of Roman Emperor Titus and then Roman Necropolis which was composed of
rock-cut burials at the bedrock.
Upon the completion of our tour today, we will return to Hatay
- Dinner: On own
- Overnight Stay in Hatay city
Breakfast: At the hotel
Departure from hotel Gaziantep city (140 miles) The city Gaziantep is as old as it’s neighbor city Adana and moreover it was the entrance to Anatolia region from southern half of Mesopotamia which means Silk Road’s opening gate to our country.
We will first visit Gaziantep City Museum
- Lunch: Included
- City walking tour (Coppersmith bazaar, Mevlevihane-Sufi DervishMuseum, Menengiç Coffee tasting at a historic coffee house)
- Dinner on own
- Overnight stay in Gaziantep city
Breakfast: At the Hotel
Visit Dülük Ancient Site which has settlement site and a separate worship site from local Anatolian gods to Mithras and even it became a Bishopric center until its invasion by the Arabs in end of the 7th Century A.D.
- Lunch on own
- Gaziantep Mosaic Museum which is the second largest mosaic museum in the world from Roman Imperial times.
- Dinner (Included)
Overnight stay in Gaziantep City
Breakfast: At the hotel
Departure for Zeugma ancient city (36 miles). Zeugma was located at the edge of Euphrates river and took advantage of this location by maritime income from river trade, enriched its life quality and unfortunately became a major target for the Sassanid Empire in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. Eventually was destroyed by Sassanid Emperor Shapur I. But unfortunately most of the city remained under the increasing Euphrates river due to the Ataturk Dam construction in 1990’s. Many mosaics we see in Gaziantep Mosaic museum are from rescue excavations. However we can still see some today on the original site.
- Journey from Zeugma to Halfeti town (40 miles) and boatride on the Euphrates River
- Lunch on own
- Departure for Şanlıurfa city (77 miles)
- Dinner: Included
- Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa City
Breakfast: At the hotel
Departure for Harran (32 miles). We will be strolling in Harran which is the town where eleven of the 12 sons of Isaac were born who were the ancestors of the twelve Israelite tribes.
Lunch Included in a local Carpet cooperative where we can have a chance to get a lecture on local carpet culture.
Visit to Göbeklitepe (the earliest worship site of the humankind from 11th millennium B.C.)
- Dinner: Included
- Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa City
Breakfast: At the hotel
Early Departure for Mount Nemrut of which the peak is manmade; out of millions of local fist size stone. In the 1st century B.C. Antiochus I. Ruler of Commagene Kingdom rivaled the Sassanid Empire, had his son marry a Persian princess and on the other hand challenged the Roman Caesar Marc Antony during the triumphrate era and overran his army in a war. After these incidents his fame became everlasting and he decided to have his mausoleum built on top of a big mountain so the Gods from East and West could witness his mightiness forever and may he be one of them.
On the way, visit of Ataturk Dam (the largest dam of Türkiye)
- Lunch: Included
- Return to Şanlıurfa City
- Dinner on own
- Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa City
Breakfast: At the hotel
Şanlıurfa Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum and Şanlıurfa Archeological Museum.
According to the local Muslims it is where Prophet Abraham was born and grew; Edessa of which today’s name is Urfa; The Ur of the Chaldeans. We will take an old town walking tour, including the cave of Prophet Abraham, Medieval Age shopping mall with inner courtyards intact.
- Lunch: On own
- Return to şanlıurfa City
- Dinner (Included Farewell Dinner)
- Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa City
Breakfast: At the hotel
Check out the hotel and transfer to the Airport.
The tour ends !
See you in another adventure :))
TouR info
The minimum number for the tour to be run is 6 and the maximum number is 10.
- Tour Guidance
- All entrance fees to the sites
- Four small bottles of water per person per day.
- 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
- Tips for the service staff at the included lunches and dinners
- 2 local alcoholic / non alcoholic drinks at the Welcome dinner and Farewell Dinner (As Şanlıurfa is one of the conservative Muslim cities, availability of alcoholic drinks is not guaranteed.)
- Water at all lunches and dinners
- Tips for receptionists, and bellboys at the hotels.
- All the vehicle parks, highway toll fees, Mercedes minivan with A.C. and all the expenses of the driver including hotel accommodations.
- Transfer to the Gaziantep airport.
- 3 nights stay in Adana
- 2 nights stay in Hatay
- 2 nights stay in Gaziantep
- 4 nights stay at Şanlıurfa
- Flight tickets from the U.S. to the beginning of the tour (Çukurova) and the Flight tickets from the end of the tour (Şanlıurfa) to the U.S. via Istanbul.
- Your personal spending during the tour and at the hotels (minibars, spa etc…)
- Travel&Health insurance during the entire tour in Turkey.
- Tips for the bus drivers and the housekeeper room services at hotels.
** Unexpected occurrences along the way, though rare, could result in a change in the order in which scheduled stops are visited. We will always have Plan B and C.
need to know
Rules & Tours
Türkiye is a vibrant country rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. To make the most of your visit while respecting local customs and traditions, it’s essential to follow some basic guidelines. This guide will help you navigate the country with confidence and courtesy.
- Explore Historical Sites: Türkiye is home to stunning landmarks like Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia. Always respect these sites by following the rules and refraining from touching or climbing on ancient structures.
- In Turkiye emergency number is 112
- Taste the Cuisine: Enjoy local delicacies like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish tea. Visiting authentic restaurants and trying street food is highly recommended.
- Use Public Transport: Türkiye’s public transport, including buses, metros, and trams, is efficient and affordable.
- Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing a few Turkish words like “Merhaba” (Hello) and “Teşekkür ederim” (Thank you) can go a long way in showing respect.
- Do not pick up ancient stone pieces, even if they look like small useless marble or brick from the sites! They will definitely be confiscated from you and you might be detained at the airport before your flight.
- In Istanbul and touristic bazaars, shop assistants of the vendors invite you to their shops. If they attempt to hustle you, just ignore them and do not communicate with them!
- Please be careful in crowded public transportation just like any other metropolitan cities in Europe for pickpocketing.
- Do not drink tap water, purchase bottle water for drinking.
- Avoid Loud Behavior: Respect local customs by keeping noise levels low in public places, especially around mosques and residential areas.
- Do Not Litter: Littering is frowned upon. Dispose of trash responsibly, particularly in natural and historical areas.
- Don’t Bargain Aggressively: While bargaining is common in markets, always do so politely without being too forceful.
- Avoid Political Discussions: Steer clear of controversial topics, especially regarding local politics or sensitive historical events.
- Plan Ahead: Book tours to architectural landmarks, popular restaurants, and hotels in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.
- Respect Dress Codes: When visiting religious sites, dress modestly. Carry a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders and head if required.
- Stay Hydrated: Türkiye can get quite hot, especially in summer. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
- Ask for Help: Locals are generally friendly and willing to assist tourists. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations.
- Transport Etiquette: Whether using taxis or public transport, respect the vehicles and keep them clean. Give up your seat to the elderly or disabled as a sign of courtesy.
- Dining Out: When dining in restaurants, tipping is customary. Around 10-15% of the bill is standard.
- Photography: Seek permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or during cultural ceremonies.
- Shopping: Visit local bazaars for unique souvenirs, but always remain respectful in your interactions with vendors.
