DAY 1 UK/Diyarbakir
We fly to Diyarbakir via Istanbul and transfer to our hotel where we stay overnight.
One of the largest cities in eastern Turkey, Diyarbakir is an important city both historically and culturally. It is situated on the banks of the River Tigris and has some of the largest city walls in the world, stretching for several kilometres around the city. We see these as well as the Grand Mosque, the Maria Church, the Archaeological Museum and the bazaar.
DAY 2 Mardin & Urfa
Today we drive to Mardin where we pay a visit to the citadel, the Grand Mosque and the Monastery. From here we travel to Urfa via Viransehir. Urfa, the ancient Edessa, was one of the most important cities in Turkey and is now a vibrant mix of old and new. We spend the next two nights in Urfa.
DAY 3 Harran
Join us today on our excursion to Harran. Located close to the Syrian border, this ancient city is bursting with interesting architecture, including the Trulli houses that are perfect for the climate as they keep the interior nice and cool in the hot weather. Many ancient buildings and places of interest can be found here, and we visit the old city walls, the citadel and the Grand Mosque, which used to be an Islamic university. We also visit the Halil Rahman Mosque and the Dersa Mosque where the grave of the prophet Eyup lies. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Turkish evening in Urfu with traditional food and musicians playing songs and representing local customs.
DAY 4 Adiyaman & Kahta
Our day begins with a visit to Ataturk Dam, which was built in the 1980s to provide this arid area with hydroelectric power and water. We then continue to the much older town of Adiyaman, which is believed to have been inhabited since the 4th century BC. Many civilisations of people have made this their home, giving it a rich history. There will be some free time here for you to make your own discoveries before we continue to Kahta for an overnight stay.
DAY 5 Antakya
We leave early this morning to drive to Mount Nemrut and watch the sun rise. We take a 30-minute walk to the top (there is a cafe and rest stops en route) to watch the incredible views unfold as the morning light spreads as far as the eye can see. This spectacular sight is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. Later on we continue to the ancient city of Antakya for an overnight stay.
DAY 6 Antakya
Antakya is set in a valley surrounded by mountains and is believed to be the first place where followers of Jesus Christ were known as Christians. It is also home to some impressive Roman temples, ancient churches and mosaics. We visit the Petrus Church and one of the largest Roman mosaic museums in the world. This afternoon we head to Karatepe, the famous ancient city of Hethite, and continue to Adana, where we stay overnight.
DAY 7 Cappadocia
Our journey to Cappadocia takes us via Tarsus, an important Roman city, and Nigde, an Anatolian city, to Urgup where we spend the next two nights. This lunar-like landscape is an impressive sight.
DAY 8 Cappadocia
Early this morning you can join an optional excursion to take a hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia at sunrise to take in the local scenery. Later this morning we visit the rock valleys of Goreme, which are home to over 300 churches, some of which we visit. We also visit the Zelve Valley, which was inhabited until the last century; the natural citadel of Uchisar; Cavusin; Avanos; Sinasos; and the underground city of Kaymakli, where the first Christians buried their houses up to a depth of 80 metres.
DAY 9 Ankara
This morning we leave Cappadocia and drive to Ankara via the ancient province of Kirsehir. We explore the capital city of Turkey, starting with the Museum of Old Anatolian Civilisations, which houses finds from many of the pre-classical civilisations of Anatolia. Later on we also visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey who led the Turkish war of independence. There is then free time for you to explore at your leisure. Overnight in Ankara this evening.
DAY 10 Ankara/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK via Istanbul.