Day 1
- Night Journey
- 19:00 Yenibosna Airport Avm Parking Lot
- 19:45 Mecidiyeköy Torun Center Front
- 20:15 Kadıköy Marriage Office Front
- 20:20 Bostancı Bridge Under
- 20:30 Kartal Bridge Under
- 20:40 Pendik Bridge Under
- 20:50 Çayırova McDonald's Front
- 21:00 Gebze Center Front
- 21:20 İzmit Halkevi Stop (Across From Asya Hotel)
- 21:40 Sakarya Alpet Front (Next to the Bus Station)
- 23:45 Bolu Bus Station Next
- 02:00 Ankara Söğütözü Ulusoy Facilities (Opposite Armada Avm)
- 07:30 Adana Airport
- After picking up our esteemed guests from the specified points, we begin our night journey with Dgn Travel for the Classical GAP tour.
Day 2
- Adana - Stone Bridge - Sabancı Central Mosque – Şanlıurfa – Balıklı Göl – Aynzeliha Lake
- After our night journey, we start the day with a breakfast break for the GAP Tour with Dgn Travel. Following that, we will see the historical Stone Bridge, located over the Seyhan River, panoramically and then head to one of the most important mosques in the region, the Adana Sabancı Central Mosque. The main dome measuring 32 meters in diameter corresponds to the 32 farz, the 28 domes in the courtyard correspond to the 28 prophets mentioned in the Quran, the 40 windows in the main dome represent the age at which Hz. Muhammad (PBUH) became a prophet and 40 rakats of prayer, and the 6 minarets measuring 99 meters correspond to God’s 99 beautiful names. After our visit to this architectural masterpiece mosque, we bid farewell to Adana and move on to Şanlıurfa.
- When Şanlıurfa is mentioned, one of the first tourist spots that comes to mind is the Balıklı Göl. Moving towards Balıklı Göl, which is located to the southwest of the Şanlıurfa city center and is believed to be the place where Prophet Ibrahim was thrown into the fire. It is one of the most visited places in Şanlıurfa with its sacred fish and surrounding historical artifacts. After viewing Balıklı Göl (Halil-Ür Rahman) where Hz. Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, and Aynzeliha Lake, which is said to have formed from the tears of Nimrod's daughter, Zeliha, we take a photo break. We then provide free time to purchase local products unique to Şanlıurfa. After this free time, we head towards our hotel. Guests who wish can attend an extra arranged folk night to get to know the local culture.
- Important: Our accommodation in Şanlıurfa is bed and breakfast. Guests who wish can join the dinner with the folk night program. (Extra)
- Breakfast: Will be served in Adana. (Extra)
- Lunch: Will be served in Şanlıurfa. (Extra)
- Dinner: Will be served at the Folk Night. (Extra)
- Accommodation Hotel: Şanlıurfa/ Alahan Hotel, Harran Hotel, VE Hotel, Anemon Hotel, etc.
Day 3
- Harran – Harran University – Ulu Mosque – Conical Dome Houses – Göbeklitepe – Mardin - Kasımiye Madrasah – Old Mardin - Şeyh Çabuk Mosque – Republic Square – Latifiye Mosque – Ulu Mosque – Arches – Historical Ptt Building (Şahtana Mansion) – Şehidiye Mosque
- On the 3rd day of the GAP Tour with Dgn Travel, after having breakfast at the hotel, we leave our hotel and head to Harran, meaning "the intersection of roads." Harran is famous for its Conical Dome Houses, which are protected in only 3 regions worldwide. After visiting Harran University (Ulu Mosque), Harran Mound, Castle, Caravanserai, and the Traditional Conical Dome Harran Houses, we visit one of these houses as guests. During our visit, you can wear traditional outfits and take photos. After the visit to Harran, we move towards Göbeklitepe. We arrive at Göbeklitepe Hill, located near Örencik Village in Şanlıurfa, which hosts the first temples in the history of civilization in Anatolia and the World, on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The discovery of Göbeklitepe, dating back 12,000 years, changed not only the history of the region but also the history of humanity and was featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine with the slogan “Where Religion Was Born” worldwide. After receiving information from our guide about Göbeklitepe, of which only a small portion has been uncovered and is considered the Hajj Center of the Neolithic Age, we complete our Şanlıurfa tour and head towards Mardin.
- We start our tour of Mardin at the Kasımiye Madrasah. The madrasah, whose construction began in the Artuqid period and was completed in the late 15th century during the reign of Akkoyunlu Sultan Kasım Ibn Cihangir, is visited while receiving information from our guide, and after taking photographs, we proceed to Old Mardin. After getting off our vehicle at Diyarbakır Gate, we begin our walk through the streets of Old Mardin. In our walk starting from Republic Square, we will see Şeyh Çabuk Mosque, Mardin Protestant Church, Latifiye Mosque, Sokulbar (Cattle Market), and the Coppersmiths Market. During our walk, we will visit Mardin Ulu Mosque, which is one of the architectural examples of the Artuqids. With its segmented dome and minaret, Mardin Ulu Mosque is considered a symbol of Mardin. According to records, it was built with two minarets, but today only the existing minaret is preserved. The inscription on the base of the current minaret states its construction date as 1176. However, this minaret was rebuilt in 1888/1889 in a new and eclectic style. Some Syriac writers claim that it was converted from a church. Even if the structure was not converted from the church, it is likely that an ancient church existed at the site. After collecting information from our guide in this area and continuing our walk under the small tunnels connecting the streets called Arches, we will see the Şahtana Mansion, an old mansion that was used as a PTT Building in one period. Afterward, we will visit the Şehidiye Mosque, built in the early 13th century by Artuqid Sultan Melik Nasreddin Artuk Aslan, and take a short break to have tea and capture amazing photographs overlooking the Mesopotamia Plain. Then we head towards our hotel. Dinner and accommodation will be at our hotel.
- * Guests who wish can join the Mardin Night Tour, which features the beautifully illuminated streets of Old Mardin, or the Mardin Reyhani Night. (Extra)
- Breakfast: Will be served at the hotel. It is included in the tour price.
- Lunch: Will be served in Mardin. (Extra)
- Dinner: Will be served at the hotel. It is included in the tour price.
- Accommodation Hotel: Hotels in Mardin or Midyat/ Anemon Hotel, Rest By Dedeman Hotel, Raymar Hotel, Büyük Mardin Hotel, etc. - Midyat/ Assyra Hotel, Milena Hotel, Mariad Hotel, Baypark Hotel, etc.
Day 4
- Dara Ancient City - Midyat – Midyat Guest House – Telkari Workshop - Hasankeyf – Batman – Diyarbakır – On Eyed Bridge – Hevsel Gardens – Goat Bastion – Mardin Gate – Four Footed Minaret - Ulu Mosque – Adıyaman
- On the 4th day of the GAP Tour with Dgn Travel, after having breakfast at the hotel, we depart from our hotel for our visit to Dara Ancient City. Located 30 km southeast of Mardin in the Oguz Village, Dara Ancient City is one of the most significant settlements in Upper Mesopotamia. We visit the Dara Ancient City, consisting of structures carved into rocks and spread over a vast area, accompanied by our guide. After visiting Dara Ancient City, we move towards Midyat, the meeting point of religions and languages. In Midyat, we will visit the Midyat Guest House, where series like Sıla and Hercai were filmed. After our visit to this beautiful place, we will visit a telkari workshop where the art of Telkari, developed by Syriac masters over the years, is displayed and we can do our shopping. After our shopping at the Telkari workshop, we provide free time to wander through the historical Midyat houses. After our free time, we meet our waiting bus for a stop for buying local coffee and nuts. After our shopping break, we move on to Hasankeyf.
- The historic Hasankeyf, dating back 12,000 years, has seen the establishment of a new settlement 3 km away due to the construction of the Ilısu Dam. In our visit, which will allow us to share in the sadness of Hasankeyf, which was submerged in February 2020, we will see the still majestic Hasankeyf Castle, the minaret of El Rızık Mosque, and the caves while spending some free time. After our free time, we drive to Diyarbakır, one of the oldest and most rooted cities in Southeast Anatolia, through Batman, known for its first oil wells in Turkey.
- We view the On Eyed Bridge and Hevsel Gardens, located on the banks of the Tigris River, panoramically, and then we get off the bus to see the Goat Bastion, the oldest of the Diyarbakır walls whose construction date and civil is unknown, along with the Mardin Gate. Next, we visit the Ulu Mosque, which is the first of the Anatolia and the 5th Haramein of the Islamic World, and the Four Footed Minaret (Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque), built in 1500 by Akkoyunlu Kasım Bey. After we complete our visit in Diyarbakır, we leave and head towards Adıyaman across the Nissibi Bridge, which connects Diyarbakır-Siverek-Kahta-Adıyaman and is known as the Boğaz Bridge of the East.
- We will have dinner and stay overnight at our hotel in Adıyaman.
- Breakfast: Will be served at the hotel. It is included in the tour price.
- Lunch: Will be served in Batman. (Extra)
- Dinner: Will be served at the hotel. It is included in the tour price.
- Accommodation Hotel: Adıyaman / Samos Hotel, White Star Hotel, Taşsaray Bardakçı Hotel, Euphrat Hotel, etc.
Day 5
- Nemrut Mountain – Sunrise – Karakuş Tumulus – Cendere Bridge – Gaziantep - Zeugma Mosaic Museum - Antep Castle – Hz. Yuşa Tomb – Coppersmiths Market – Tahmis Coffee
- On the 5th day of the GAP Tour with Dgn Travel, guests who want can participate in the sunrise program at Nemrut Mountain early in the morning. (Extra)
- We wake up early in the morning and head towards Nemrut Mountain, which is 2150 meters high in the Eastern Taurus mountain range, riding minibuses from our hotel in Adıyaman’s Kahta district. As the sun begins to rise, the breathtaking view will awaken you and leave you in admiration. You can take beautiful photographs accompanied by the fabulous scenery at sunrise. Once the area starts to lighten, the massive statue of the gods will reveal itself, and our guide will begin their explanations. At the summit, at 2150 m lies the Tumulus of King I. Antiochos, where colossal statues of Zeus (Oromasdes), Apollo, Mithras, Helios, Hermes, Heracles, Artagnes, Ares, Kommagene, Tiche, and himself can be found on the east and west terraces made by King Antiochos I. He has explicitly emphasized the Yunan-Pers culture, traditions, and heritage in these artifacts. After our guide provides the necessary information, we remember Antiochos's will and enjoy the unique sunrise view; “My birthday will be celebrated every month and year, and on these days, the chief priest, disguised in Persian clothes generously given by me and the laws, will place gold wreaths over all of us, burn plenty of incense, and prepare the sacred tables with the finest foods and wine. My nation gathered here will feast abundantly". After the guide's explanations, we start descending from Nemrut Mountain. After descending, we reach the 18 centuries old Cendere Bridge, one of the most magnificent bridges of the Roman period, and take a photo break. Next, we move towards the Karakuş Tumulus, the burial site of King Mithridates of Commagene and his family. After listening to our guide’s information with a breathtaking view, we head back to our hotel for breakfast.
- After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Halfeti.
- Afterwards, we’ll head to Halfeti, which was partially submerged after the Birecik Dam construction. Guests who wish can join us for a boat tour in Halfeti. (Extra) During the boat trip on the reservoir, we will see the Kral Kızı Cave, Rumkale, and the Mosque and Minaret of Bilesur village, which are submerged in the waters of the Euphrates. After the boat tour ends, we will take a short break in Halfeti. Following a break, we will head towards Gaziantep.
- Upon arrival in Gaziantep, our first destination will be the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. After the city of Zeugma, founded by Seleucids, was submerged underwater behind the Birecik Dam, the mosaic floors of Roman Generals’ villas and many important artifacts were gathered in the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. Opened on September 9, 2011, it is the third largest mosaic museum in the world. In the museum, we will visit the famous “Gypsy Girl” mosaic along with mosaics based on Greek mythology, guided by our tour guide. After finishing our visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, we will ride to the city center, where we will see Gaziantep Castle, which is situated on a hill, panoramically. Although the date of the castle’s construction is unknown, it was used for observation during the Roman period. Throughout history, the castle has been restored many times, reaching its current state after restoration in the early 2000s. After a short photo break, we will pass by the Sedefçiler, Baharatçılar, Vegetable Hall, Historical Paşa Inn, Tahmis Mosque, Long Bazaar, Historical Customs Inn, Zincirli Bedesten, and Kunduracılar Bazaar, reaching the Coppersmiths Bazaar, where we will visit the tombs of Pirsefa Hazretleri and Hz. Yuşa Prophet at the entrance of the bazaar. Finally, we will reach Tahmis Coffee, which was established between 1635-1638 by the Turkmen Ağa and District Chief Mustafa Ağa Bin Yusuf to generate income for the Mevlevihane Lodge and drink Menengiç Coffee while having free time for shopping in the bazaars. After our free time, we will take a quick break for buying Antep’s famous baklava and Antep pistachios. After our shopping, we will board our bus and conclude our GAP tour with Dgn Travel, starting our journey back.
- Breakfast: Will be served at the hotel. It is included in the tour price.
- Lunch: Will be served in Halfeti. (Extra)
- Dinner: Will be served in Gaziantep or Adana. (Extra)
- Accommodation Hotel: There will be no overnight accommodation this night.
Day 6
- Ankara - Istanbul
- Dear guests, in the late hours of the night, we arrive in Ankara, and after saying goodbye to our guests who joined from Ankara, we continue our journey to Istanbul. Upon reaching Istanbul, we will drop you off at the points we picked up you in the morning and bid farewell, looking forward to meeting you on another Dgn Travel organization.
• Breakfast on the first day as specified in the program
• Dinner on the last day as specified in the program
• Beverages taken during all meals
• Lunches
• All extra organizations specified
• All personal expenses
• Museum and archaeological site entrance fees (valid for municipal and private enterprises.)
• Museum Card (valid for museums affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.)
Important Notes
• The tour duration includes 5 Nights and 6 Days, with 3 nights of hotel accommodation. 2 nights are spent traveling.
• In our tour, guidance, transportation, accommodation, and local tours are provided as a package and cannot be considered separately. Unused transportation, accommodation, guidance, local tours, etc. rights are non-refundable.
• The child discounts applied in tour packages are valid for one child accompanying two adults. Hotels may not provide a separate bed for children aged 0-6.
• In hotel accommodations, the 3rd guest in triple rooms usually provides accommodation in an extra bed.
• The hotels specified in the program are the primary accommodations of Dgn Travel. Depending on the area's density and hotel availability, changes can be made, provided that hotel standards remain the same. Hotel names will be communicated at least 48 hours before the tour departure upon request, subject to availability.
• The rooms in the hotels are determined by the hotel itself. Room selection between guests is not permitted.
• Our rest stops may change in location and service standards due to traffic, renovations, etc., while keeping the same conditions.
• The program's timing may be altered by the guide if deemed necessary due to weather, road conditions, crowding at visited sites, etc.
• Dgn Travel is not responsible for places that are not visited due to compelling reasons (weather, road, crowding at visited sites, etc.) or if guests do not follow the timing given by our guide. In such cases, guests have no right to claim.
• A tiered pricing system is applied in all our tours. As the number of reservations in the package increases and the date approaches, tour prices may gradually increase. Dgn Travel reserves the right to increase prices. In this case, prices cannot be fixed without a down payment.
• Seating numbers cannot be promised or guaranteed at the time of reservation. There is no guarantee for notes entered in the reservation. Special seating selections, such as front or back, are not possible.
• The seating arrangement in the vehicle is organized by Dgn Travel Operations based on reservation order. In disputes over seating arrangements, refund is not possible. All seats in our vehicles are of the same standard.
• Extra tours, such as night tours included in the program, depend on the number of participants and the available staff. Additional tours along the route will still be carried out even if not all guests participate. Guests who do not participate in extra tours will be directed to resting areas or city centers by our guide. Guests who do not participate in extra tours are considered to have agreed to wait at the rest stop.
• No rights arise for the guest if an extra tour cannot be conducted for any reason. Dgn Travel has no responsibility in this situation.
• Extra tour prices may vary by periods. In such cases, the relevant extra tour price is based on the date of the departure of the tour, not the date when the guest purchased the tour. Guests accept this by purchasing the tour.
• Dgn Travel is not responsible for any material damages caused by guests in all services provided by transportation vehicles, hotels, dining areas, and suppliers. Businesses have the right to claim damages caused by guests.
• In cases where minors under the age of 18 are not accompanied by either one or both parents, a consent form is required to be carried during travel.
• Guests participating in the tour are required to carry reports regarding health issues, pregnancy, and medications they use regularly.
• Delays may occur due to traffic, accidents, etc. at the designated departure times.
• Information about arrival times at the end of the tour is approximate, and Dgn Travel is not responsible for delays arising from compelling reasons.
• Guests will be dropped off at the opposite direction of the stops where we collected them at the end of the tour. Please do not insist on being dropped at a different location.
• According to traffic law, all guests in the vehicle are required to wear seat belts throughout their journey, and otherwise, Dgn Travel is not responsible.
• Guests are responsible for all personal belongings inside the vehicle while at rest areas, etc.
• On the first day, since the tour will start before checking into the hotel, please prepare the items you need to keep separately.
• It is advisable to be prepared as finding ATMs, currency exchange offices, etc., may not always be possible due to the tour's busy schedule.
• Long distances may be covered during the scheduled programs. Necessary information will be provided by the tour guide in the vehicle.
• Lunches have been created with region-specific economical menus. Lunch and dinner tables may be divided into groups based on regional density.
• The starting and ending routes of our tours are determined according to the area's density. Guests can learn the confirmed start and end of the tour’s route two days in advance if they wish.
• If the tour does not achieve the required number, the agency is obliged to inform the guest and, based on the guest's preference, either postpone the tour to the next date or cancel it. Alternatively, ticketing may be done for the nearest departure point to ensure the guest's participation. In such cases, the agency is obliged to call, send SMS, or email to inform the guest three (3) days in advance. In such cases, the guest has no right to claim.
• Cancellations and changes made by the guest without stating a reason up to 30 days before the service start date will be refunded without any deduction. Cancellations and changes made between 29 and 15 days before the tour date will incur a 30% deduction of the reservation fee; cancellations made between 15-7 days will incur a 50% deduction; and cancellations made 7 days or less before the tour date will incur a 100% deduction of the reservation fee.
• Guests who purchase the Cancellation, Refund, and Guarantee Package may cancel the package tour without providing a reason up to 72 hours before the start date of the tour. After cancellation, the total amount paid for the package tour will be refunded without any deduction, according to the payment method. The Cancellation, Refund, and Guarantee Package does not include flight tickets.
• Museum Cards and museum entrance fees are not included in the tour price. All museum entrances are to be paid by guests.
CANCELLATION, REFUND, AND GUARANTEE PACKAGE
The Cancellation, Refund, and Guarantee Package allows the guest to cancel and change the purchased package tour up to 72 hours before the start date of the tour without stating any reason. After cancellation, the guest will be refunded the entire amount of the package tour without any deduction, according to the payment method. The Cancellation, Refund, and Guarantee Package do not cover flight transfers. Guests wishing to purchase this package can add it as an extra at the time of reservation (1500 TL).
COMPULSORY TRAVEL INSURANCE NO. 1618
Compulsory Travel Insurance No. 1618 covers the agency's bankruptcy or the inability to provide package tour services for any reason. It is included in the tour fee. It is not health insurance and does not cover treatment costs. Private health insurance expenses are the responsibility of the guest.
OUR TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES
Our transportation for tours is classified according to the number of participants as follows. The types of vehicles given will be according to the number of participants in each tour. Our vehicles do not have headsets. In vehicles equipped with TVs, it is recommended to have an external charger, as charging your phone will decrease its battery life.
Minibuses (up to 19 people): Volkswagen Crafter, Mercedes Sprinter
Midibuses (20-32 people): Otokar Sultan Maxi, Otokar Sultan Mega, Isuzu Novo Lux
Buses (33-54 people): Mercedes Travego/Tourismo, Temsa Safir/Maraton, Neoplan Tourliner/Cityliner, Man Fortuna/Lions, Setra
THE CLASSIC GAP TOUR / 3 NIGHTS HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TOUR PROGRAM HAS BEEN PREPARED EXCLUSIVELY BY DGN TRAVEL. COPYING AND PUBLISHING THE PROGRAM IS PROHIBITED. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO DGN TRAVEL.
DGN TRAVEL CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR COPIES OF THE TOUR PROGRAM CREATED.
OUR TOUR PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSUMER LAW NO. 6502. THE LATEST PUBLISHED CIRCULAR INVALIDATES THE PREVIOUS CIRCULAR.
Day 1
- Night Travel
- 19:00 Yenibosna Airport Avm Parking Lot
- 19:45 Mecidiyeköy Torun Center Front
- 20:15 Kadıköy Marriage Office Front
- 20:20 Bostancı Bridge Under
- 20:30 Kartal Bridge Under
- 20:40 Pendik Bridge Under
- 20:50 Çayırova Mc Donald's Front
- 21:00 Gebze Center Front
- 21:20 İzmit Halkevi Stop (Opposite Asya Hotel)
- 21:40 Sakarya Alpet Front (Next to Bus Station)
- 23:45 Bolu Bus Station Side
- 02:00 Ankara Söğütözü Ulusoy Facilities (Opposite Armada Avm)
- 07:30 Adana Airport
- After picking you up from the specified points, we begin our night journey with Dgn Travel for the Classic GAP tour.
Day 2
- Adana - Stone Bridge - Sabancı Central Mosque – Şanlıurfa – Balıklı Göl – Aynzeliha Lake
- After our night journey, we start our day with a breakfast break provided by Dgn Travel for the GAP Tour. Then we view the Historic Stone Bridge located over the Seyhan River panoramically and head to the Adana Sabancı Central Mosque, one of the most important mosques of the region. The main dome with a 32-meter diameter corresponds to the 32 mandatory prayers, 28 domes in the courtyard correspond to the 28 prophets mentioned in the Quran, and the 40 windows in the main dome correspond to the age of 40 years when Hz. Mohammed (peace be upon him) was a prophet and the 40 rakats of prayer, while the 6 minarets of 99 meters correspond to Allah's 99 beautiful names. After visiting this architectural wonder, we bid farewell to Adana and move towards Şanlıurfa.
- When Şanlıurfa is mentioned, one of the first places that comes to mind is Balıklı Göl. We head to Balıklı Göl, located southwest of Şanlıurfa city center, which is known as the place where Prophet Ibrahim was thrown into the fire. It is one of the most visited sites in Şanlıurfa due to its sacred fish and historical artifacts surrounding it. After visiting Balıklı Göl (Halil-Ür Rahman), where Hz. Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, and Aynzeliha Lake, which is said to be formed from the tears of Nimrod's daughter Zeliha, we take a photo break after getting information from our guide. We then give free time for you to purchase local products unique to Şanlıurfa. After the free time, we head to our hotel. Guests who wish can join an extra series night program to get acquainted with the local culture.
- Important: Our hotel accommodation in Şanlıurfa is bed and breakfast. Guests who wish can participate in the dinner series program (Extra).
- Breakfast: Will be taken in Adana (Extra).
- Lunch: Will be taken in Şanlıurfa (Extra).
- Dinner: Will be taken at the Series Night (Extra).
- Accommodation Hotel: Şanlıurfa/ Alahan Hotel, Harran Hotel, VE Hotel, Anemon Hotel, etc. hotels.
Day 3
- Harran – Harran University – Ulu Mosque – Conical Roofed Houses – Göbeklitepe – Mardin - Kasımiye Medrese – Old Mardin - Sheikh Çabuk Mosque – Republic Square – Latifiye Mosque – Ulu Mosque – Arches – Historic PTT Building (Şahtana Mansion) – Şehidiye Mosque
- On the 3rd Day of the GAP Tour with Dgn Travel, we start our day with breakfast at the hotel. After leaving the hotel, we head to Harran, meaning "the meeting point of the roads". Harran, known for its Conical Roofed Houses, is protected in only three regions of the world. Harran, which also hosts the first Islamic university, has a history of 5000 years. We will see Harran University (Ulu Mosque), Harran Mound, Castle, Caravanserai, and Traditional Conical Roofed Harran Houses, and visit one of them. During our visit to the guest house, you can dress in traditional clothes and take photos. After visiting Harran, we will move to Göbeklitepe. Located near the Örencik Village of Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe Mound hosts the first temples of civilization in Anatolia and the world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its discovery, it not only changed the history of the region but also human history. Dating back 12,000 years, Göbeklitepe was featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine with the slogan "The Place Where Religion Was Born" for the whole world. After receiving information from our guide about Göbeklitepe, we complete our Şanlıurfa tour and head to Mardin.
- We start our Mardin tour with the Kasımiye Medrese. Built during the Artuqids period and completed during the Akkoyunlu Sultan Kasım Ibn Cihangir era in the late 15th century, we tour the medrese and take photos, then proceed to Old Mardin. We get off our vehicle at the Diyarbakır Gate and start walking through the streets of Old Mardin. Starting from Republic Square, we will see Sheikh Çabuk Mosque, Mardin Protestant Church, Latifiye Mosque, Sokulbar (Cattle Market), and Coppersmiths' Bazaar. During our walk, we visit Mardin Ulu Mosque, which is an architectural example of the Artuqids period, with its segmented dome and minaret being a symbol of Mardin. According to records, Mardin Ulu Mosque was built in two-minarets; however, today’s existing single minaret was built in 1888/1889 with a new eclectic style. Some Syriac writers say it was converted from a church. Even if the structure has not been converted from a church, it is likely that an old church was present. After receiving information from our guide, we continue our walk by going through the small tunnels connecting the streets, known as Arches. We then see Şahtana Mansion, an old mansion that was used as a post office at one time. After that, we visit Şehidiye Mosque, which was built by Artuqid Sultan Melik Nasreddin Artuq Aslan in the early 13th century. We take a short break to enjoy tea with a view of the Mesopotamian Plain and capture stunning photos before heading to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
- * Guests who wish can participate in the Gerdanlık Mardin Night Tour and explore the streets of Old Mardin illuminated at night or join the Mardin Reyhani Evening. (Extra)
- Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
- Lunch: Will be taken in Mardin (Extra).
- Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
- Accommodation Hotel: Mardin or Midyat Hotels/ Anemon Hotel, Rest By Dedeman Hotel, Raymar Hotel, Büyük Mardin Hotel, etc. hotels - Midyat/ Assyra Hotel, Milena Hotel, Mariad Hotel, Baypark Hotel etc. hotels.
Day 4
- Dara Ancient City - Midyat – Midyat Guest House – Telkari Workshop - Hasankeyf – Batman – Diyarbakır – Old Bridge – Hevsel Gardens – Goat Tower – Mardin Gate – Four-Legged Minaret - Ulu Mosque – Adıyaman
- On the 4th day of the GAP Tour with Dgn Travel, after breakfast at our hotel, we leave the hotel to explore the Dara Ancient City. Located in the Oğuz Village, 30 km southeast of Mardin, Dara Ancient City is one of the most important settlements in Upper Mesopotamia. We will tour the Dara Ancient City, consisting of carved stones and spread over a large area with our guide. After Dara Ancient City, we will move to Midyat, known as the meeting point of religions and languages. In Midyat, we will visit the Midyat Guest House, where TV series like Sıla, Hercai, and Ah Bir Bulut Olsam were filmed. After our visit and taking wonderful photos at the Guest House, we visit a telkâri workshop, where examples of this art developed by Syriac masters over the years can be seen and purchased. After our shopping at the telkâri workshop, we have free time to stroll among the Historical Midyat Houses. After our free time, we meet our bus parked in the bazaar for a coffee and snack stop before heading to Hasankeyf.
- Hasankeyf, which dates back to 12,000 years, is undergoing a tragic transformation due to the construction of the Ilısu Dam, resulting in the creation of a new settlement 3 km away. In February 2020, Hasankeyf became increasingly submerged, and during this visit, we will share the sorrow of Hasankeyf as we observe the still-grand Hasankeyf Castle, the minaret of El Rızık Mosque, and the caves. We will take a break for exploration afterwards. After the free time, we head to Batman, where we will see oil wells and pumps through our vehicle, and then move to Diyarbakır, one of the oldest and most rooted cities of Southeastern Turkey.
- We will explore the On Gözlü Bridge and Hevsel Gardens located on the banks of the Tigris River panoramically, then get down from our vehicle to see the Keçi Burcu of Diyarbakır's oldest walls, which are believed to be 9,000 years old, along with Mardin Gate. Then we will tour the Ulu Mosque, which is the first in Anatolia and the 5th in the Islamic World. Finally, we will see the Four-Legged Minaret (Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque), built in 1500 by Akkoyunlu Kasım Bey. After completing our tour of Diyarbakır, we leave for our hotel in Adıyaman through Nissibi Bridge, connecting Diyarbakır-Siverek-Kahta-Adıyaman. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
- Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
- Lunch: Will be taken in Batman (Extra).
- Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
- Accommodation Hotel: Adıyaman / Samos Hotel, White Star Hotel, Taşsaray Bardakçı Hotel, Euphrat Hotel etc. hotels.
Day 5
- Nemrut Mountain – Sunrise – Karakuş Tumulus – Cendere Bridge–Gaziantep - Zeugma Mosaic Museum - Antep Castle – Hz. Yusha Tomb – Coppersmiths Bazaar – Tahmis Coffee
- On the 5th day of the GAP Tour with Dgn Travel, guests who wish can participate in the sunrise program on Nemrut Mountain early in the morning. (Extra)
- We will leave early in the morning by minibus to climb Nemrut Mountain, which rises to 2150 meters in the Eastern Taurus mountain range in the Kahta district of Adıyaman. As the sun begins to rise, the stunning view will awaken you and captivate you. You can take wonderful photos in this breathtaking scenery. After the sun starts to rise, the giant God statues will begin to reveal themselves, and our guide will start informing us. At the summit, 2150m, is the tumulus of King I. Antiochos. In the east and west terraces, there are giant statues made by King Antiochos of Zeus (Oromasdes), Apollon, Mithras, Helios, Hermes, Herakles, Artagnes, Ares, Kommagene, Tiche and himself. King I. Antiochos clearly solidified the tradition of Greek-Persian religion and culture in these works. After our guide's explanations, we enjoy the unique sunrise view remembering Antiochos's will to celebrate every birth day each month and year, with abundant offerings to the gods and celebrations. After the explanations, we will head back down, and upon descending, we will visit the Cendere Bridge, one of the most magnificent Roman bridges about 18 centuries old, for a photo break. Then we will proceed to the Karakuş Tumulus, where the graves of King Mithridates and his family are located. After hearing our guide's explanations with a stunning view, we will return to our hotel for breakfast.
- After breakfast in the hotel, we will depart for Halfeti.
- After the construction of the Birecik Dam, Part of Halfeti went underwater, and we set sail on a boat for those who wish to enjoy a boat tour in the portion still above water (Extra). During our boat ride on the Reservoir, we will see Kral Kızı Cave, Rumkale, and the mosque and minaret of Bilesur Savaşan Village, which are submerged under the Euphrates waters. After our boat tour, we will take a short break in Halfeti. Following our break, we will move towards Gaziantep.
- Upon our arrival in Gaziantep, the first site we will visit is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. This museum features mosaics from the luxurious Roman villas of Zeugma, a city founded by the Seleucid Empire later submerged by the Birecik Dam. Opened on September 9, 2011, the museum is the third-largest mosaic museum in the world, showcasing stunning mosaics, including the World-famous "Gypsy Girl". During our visit to Zeugma Mosaic Museum, our guide will explain the stories behind the mosaics. After visiting the museum, we continue to the city center where we will panoramic view Gaziantep Castle. Although it is uncertain when the castle was built, it is known that it was used for observation during the Roman period. The castle has been restored multiple times throughout history and received its final form during a restoration in the early 2000s. Following a brief photo break, we will view Sedefçiler (Mother-of-Pearl), Spice Merchants, Vegetable Market, Historical Paşa Han, Tahthani Mosque, Long Bazaar, Historical Customs Bazaar, Zincirli Bedesten, and Shoemakers Bazaar before reaching the Coppersmiths Bazaar. At the entrance to the bazaar, we will visit the tomb of Pirsefa Hazretleri and Hz. Yusha Prophet. Then we will continue to the 250-year-old Almacı Bazaar, known as Gaziantep’s oldest market. Subsequently, we will reach Tahmis Coffee House, built between 1635-1638 by the Turkmen Chief and Sanjak Bey Mustafa Ağa Bin Yusuf for generating revenue for the Mevlevi Order. Here, we will relax, have Menengic Coffee and enjoy some shopping in the bazaars. After our free time, we will take a moment to purchase Gaziantep's famous baklava and pistachios. Following our shopping, we board our bus and conclude our GAP tour with Dgn Travel and begin our return journey.
- Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
- Lunch: Will be taken in Halfeti (Extra).
- Dinner: Will be taken in Gaziantep or Adana (Extra).
- Accommodation Hotel: No hotel accommodation tonight.
Day 6
- Ankara - Istanbul
- Dear guests, we arrive in Ankara late in the night and after saying goodbye to our guests joining in Ankara, we continue our journey towards Istanbul. Once we arrive in Istanbul, we drop you off at the points where we picked you up in the morning to say goodbye until we meet again in another Dgn Travel organization.