Aeneas Travel Agency No: 17622
Embark on a 6-Day Mesopotamian Gourmet & Cultural Odyssey
Description
This is not just a tour—it’s an adventure through the cradle of civilization, a celebration of legendary flavors, and a deep dive into the timeless tales of Mesopotamia.
Why This Tour Will Captivate You:
- Imagine walking through ancient cities where the echoes of the past still linger, feasting on some of the world’s most exquisite cuisine, and uncovering stories that shaped humanity. Over 6 unforgettable days, you’ll journey from the mystical, golden-hued streets of Mardin to the awe-inspiring mountaintop sanctuary of Nemrut. Relish the vibrant culinary traditions in Gaziantep, the gastronomic capital of Turkey, and stand in awe at Göbeklitepe, the site that rewrote history books.
- This is more than a tour; it’s a sensory symphony—a chance to taste, feel, and live the magic of Mesopotamia.
- Feast on legendary dishes crafted by master chefs and experience the vibrant food culture of the region.
- Wander through ancient monasteries, explore sacred temples, and immerse yourself in the stories of the gods and kings of old.
- Savor life-changing moments as you stand at the birthplace of agriculture in Göbeklitepe and witness the sunrise at the majestic Nemrut.
- Master the art of Mardin’s regional dishes with a private, hands-on cooking class guided by local culinary experts.
- Savor the finest wines of the region on an exclusive winery tour and wine tasting experience in Mardin.
- Dive into Urfa’s cultural heartbeat with a mesmerizing "Sira Gecesi" dinner, featuring live traditional music and performances that transport you to another era.
Itinerary and Details
- Istanbul to Mardin - The Journey Begins Meet your expert guide in Istanbul and board a morning flight to Mardin.
- ,Upon arrival at Mardin Airport, meet your private driver who will accompany you for the duration of the tour.
- Explore the magnificent Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most iconic spiritual landmarks of the region.
- Discover the grandeur of Kasımiye Medrese, an architectural masterpiece of the Artuqid period.
- Stroll through the Old City of Mardin, a UNESCO candidate site, with its golden stone houses, narrow alleys, and breathtaking views of the Mesopotamian plains.
- Visit a local wine house and experience a Syriac wine tasting, learning about the ancient winemaking traditions of the region.
- Overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Mardin.
- The Depths of Mardin - History, Art, and Taste Visit the ancient Dara Archaeological Site, a former Roman garrison city with a fascinating underground water cistern and rock-carved dwellings.
- Return to Mardin to continue the exploration of its rich heritage. Discover authentic Süryani silver craftsmanship and browse local shops featuring traditional silver filigree work (Telkari).
- Enjoy a culinary experience at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like işkene kebab, kaburga dolması, and harire dessert.
- Visit the famous Midyat Guest House, known for its stunning views and its role in Turkish TV series.
- Evening free to explore or enjoy an optional cooking experience.
- Overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Mardin.
- Mardin to Kahta - On the Road of Kings Drive from Mardin to Kahta, passing through scenic countryside landscapes.
- Visit the Karakuş Tumulus, a royal burial site featuring ancient columned monuments.
- Cross the historic Cendere Bridge, an ancient Roman bridge still in use today.
- Witness the magic of Mount Nemrut at sunset, one of Turkey’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for its colossal stone heads and panoramic views.
- Return to Kahta for an overnight stay at a local hotel.
- Journey to Urfa - Land of Prophets Travel to Şanlıurfa (Urfa), the city known as the "Land of Prophets".
- Discover Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of our time.
- Visit Balıklıgöl (The Pool of Sacred Fish), a place of legend where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been thrown into the fire.
- Explore the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from Göbeklitepe and other local excavations.
- Taste the iconic flavors of Urfa with a feast of local specialties, such as Urfa kebab, çiğ köfte, and şıllık dessert.
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Urfa.
- From Urfa to Antep - Gastronomy Capital of Turkey Journey to Gaziantep (Antep), Turkey’s culinary capital, known for its world-renowned pistachios and baklava.
- Explore the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to the famous "Gypsy Girl" mosaic and one of the largest mosaic museums in the world.
- Take a culinary tour of Antep’s food scene, sampling regional delicacies such as Antep baklava, katmer, and Ali Nazik kebab.
- Wander through the lively bazaars and spice markets of Antep, where you can purchase authentic Turkish pistachios, spices, and copperware.
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Antep.
- Departure from Antep - Farewell to the Land of Flavors Enjoy a leisurely morning, with time for last-minute shopping or a relaxing breakfast.
- Private transfer to Gaziantep Airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, the tour officially concludes.