Highlights of Mesopotamia

Embark on a three-day adventure in southeastern Turkey to discover three breathtaking sites. Hike up Mount Nemrut to marvel at the colossal head statues, explore Göbekli Tepe, where T-shaped pillars dating back 12,000 years offer a glimpse into the dawn of human history, and wander through the ancient ruins of Harran, nestled in the heart of upper Mesopotamia, along with the medieval city of Urfa.

Day 1 : Istanbul - Adiyaman - Mt Nemrut

This morning you will be picked up from your address in Istanbul and transfer to airport to take a flight to Adiyaman. Arrive in Adiyaman airport and meet your driver and guide, then continue to Mt Nemrut, one of the most interesting site based on th top of 2150 meters high Mt Nemrut. On the way visit other sites from Commagene Kingdom and Roman Empire such as Karakus hill, Cendere Bridge and Arsemia. 

Arrive at the top of the Mt Nemrut and take a walk uphill to the tumulus burial site of King Antiochus  with a great view of Mesopotamian plains. The most remarkable feature of Mount Nemrut is the colossal statues that adorn the summit. These statues, which are up to 9 meters (30 feet) tall, represent various deities, including Greek, , and Persian gods, along with Antiochus himself. The heads of these statues, however, have toppled over the centuries and now lie scattered across the site, creating an iconic and somewhat mysterious scene. You may enjoy a sunset depending on weather before driving to your hotel in Adiyaman. Overnight in Adiyaman

Day 2 : Göbekli Tepe - Harran - Sanliurfa

This morning we will travel to Gobekli Tepe, one of the most important and mysterious archaeological site regarding human history. Enjoy guided tour of Gobekli Tepe.  Göbekli Tepe is an extraordinary archaeological site in southeastern Turkey, widely recognized as the world's oldest known temple complex. This ancient site dates back to around 9600 BCE, making it significantly older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. The site consists of large, circular stone structures with massive T-shaped pillars, some of which are intricately carved with images of animals and abstract symbols. What makes Göbekli Tepe particularly fascinating is that it was constructed by a society of hunter-gatherers, challenging previous beliefs that such monumental architecture could only be built by settled, agricultural communities. The site has reshaped our understanding of prehistoric human societies and their capabilities, highlighting the complexity and sophistication of early humans long before the advent of farming and settled life.

Later in the afternoon you will visit Harran known for its beehive like mud houses that keeps cool throughout hot Mesopotamian summer. Harran is an ancient city in southeastern Turkey, near the modern-day border with Syria. It has a long history, dating back to at least the 3rd millennium BCE. Harran is known for its unique beehive-shaped mud-brick houses and for being an important center in ancient Mesopotamia. The city was mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Genesis, as the place where Abraham lived for a time. In ancient times, Harran was also known for its temple dedicated to the moon god, Sin. After guided tour of Harran drive to Sanliurfa for overnight stay. Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Day 3 : Sanliurfa - Istanbul

Today, you will visit the Şanlıurfa Museum, which features artifacts from nearby early Neolithic sites such as Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe. Next, you'll visit the Mosaic Museum to see the famous Amazon Warrior mosaic. Afterward, enjoy a walking tour with your guide to Balıklıgöl, the sacred fish lake associated with the story of Prophet Abraham. Explore the old bazaar of Şanlıurfa, which has remained unchanged since medieval times. In the afternoon, you will take a flight back to Istanbul. The tour will conclude at the airport.