Eastern Turkey Encounters tour

Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of Istanbul for the start of your trip. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and start to look around Istanbul. A welcome meeting will be held this evening where you can meet your guide and fellow travellers.

Our day begins with a fascinating journey into the heart of Ottoman history at the magnificent Topkapi Palace. This sprawling complex, once the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans, offers a glimpse into their lives and the workings of the empire. Our visit will include the serene Hagia Irene, a former church that later served as an armoury and mosque, and the intriguing Harem, the private domain of the sultan and his family. From the grandeur of the palace, we'll move on to the iconic Blue Mosque, famed for its stunning blue ?znik tiles that adorn its interior. We'll then explore the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a church, a mosque, and now a museum, reflecting the rich tapestry of Istanbul's history. Our tour continues to the Hippodrome, the former centre of chariot racing and social life in Constantinople, where we can still see remnants of its past glory. In the afternoon, an optional activity awaits: a delightful half-day Bosphorus cruise. This scenic voyage offers a unique perspective of Istanbul, as we glide along the strait that divides Europe and Asia. From the water, you'll witness the city's stunning skyline, dotted with palaces, mosques, and charming waterside residences, providing a memorable experience of Istanbul's unique geographical position.

Following breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your local guide, ready to unveil the captivating wonders of this unique region. Our exploration of Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape begins with a visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we'll discover remarkable rock-cut churches adorned with stunning Byzantine frescoes, offering a glimpse into the region's rich religious history. We'll then marvel at the iconic fairy chimneys, bizarre rock formations sculpted by centuries of erosion, a truly surreal sight. Our journey continues with an exploration of one of Cappadocia's fascinating underground cities, delving into its intricate network of tunnels and chambers, revealing the ingenuity of early inhabitants. Throughout the day, keep your cameras at the ready, as photo opportunities present themselves at every turn. This evening, an optional activity offers a vibrant immersion into Turkish culture: a traditional folklore event. Enjoy an evening of captivating performances, featuring lively folk dances and the mesmerising artistry of belly dancers. Combined with traditional music and perhaps some local delicacies, this promises to be a truly memorable night.

Our Cappadocian adventure continues today with further exploration of this extraordinary region. We'll begin with a visit to Pigeon Valley, a picturesque area named for the countless pigeon houses carved into the soft rock formations. The valley offers stunning panoramic views and a chance to appreciate the unique ecosystem that thrives here. Next, we'll journey to the captivating Red Valley, famed for its striking reddish-hued rock formations, particularly vibrant during sunset. A gentle hike through this valley reveals hidden cave churches and offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. Our exploration then takes us to the charming village of Çavusin, an old Greek village with its unique rock-cut architecture and the impressive Church of St. John the Baptist. Finally, we'll visit Avanos, a town renowned for its traditional pottery. Here, we'll have the opportunity to witness skilled artisans crafting intricate ceramics using techniques passed down through generations. Perhaps you'll even have a go at the potter's wheel yourself! This immersive experience provides insight into the region's rich artistic heritage.

We begin our day early, departing from Cappadocia and embarking on a scenic drive towards Adiyaman, passing through the city of Kahramanmara?. This journey will take us through diverse landscapes, offering glimpses into the heart of Turkey. Our ultimate destination is the majestic Mount Nemrut, where we'll witness a truly unforgettable sunset.

Mount Nemrut is home to the fascinating remnants of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene, most notably the monumental Tomb of King Antiochus I and the colossal statues of gods and goddesses that flank it. These imposing figures, a unique blend of Hellenistic and Persian influences, stand as silent witnesses to a long-gone era. As we approach Mount Nemrut, the anticipation builds for the spectacle that awaits us. We'll ascend to the summit, where the tumulus of Antiochus I, a monumental burial mound, commands the landscape. This remarkable funerary monument, shrouded in mystery for nearly two thousand years, provides a dramatic and historically significant setting for our sunset experience. As the sun begins its descent, the sky will be transformed into a canvas of vibrant colours, casting long shadows across the statues and the surrounding landscape. The breathtaking panorama from the summit of Nemrut, combined with the awe-inspiring ancient structures, creates a truly magical and unforgettable moment.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic journey towards ?anl?urfa, often simply called Urfa. Our route will take us past the impressive Atatürk Dam, a significant feat of engineering and a vital source of hydroelectric power for the region. We'll also make a stop at the historic town of Harran, a place steeped in ancient history. Harran is renowned for its distinctive mud-brick houses, constructed in a unique conical style, and its well-preserved ancient city walls, offering a glimpse into its past glory. These traditional dwellings and fortifications provide a fascinating insight into the region's architectural heritage and its historical significance.

Upon arrival in ?anl?urfa, a city of profound religious importance, we'll delve into its rich history and spiritual significance. Our exploration will include a visit to the revered Pools of Abraham, a complex of interconnected pools considered sacred by Muslims, Jews, and Christians. These tranquil pools, surrounded by lush gardens, are believed to be the site where Abraham was thrown into a fire by King Nimrod, but miraculously, the fire turned into water, and the burning coals became fish. We'll also visit the cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, a site of pilgrimage and reflection for many. This cave, located near the pools, holds deep religious significance and adds to the spiritual atmosphere of this remarkable city. ?anl?urfa, with its blend of history, culture, and religious heritage, promises to be a captivating highlight of our journey.

Today, we embark on a journey to a site of immense historical significance, Göbeklitepe. This remarkable archaeological discovery has revolutionised our understanding of early human civilisation, pushing back the timeline of monumental construction and complex social organisation by thousands of years. Göbeklitepe is considered the oldest known monumental structure in the world, with its origins dating back an astonishing 11,000 to 13,000 years. This predates not only iconic sites like Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, but also the invention of pottery and even the development of writing. Here, we'll explore the intricate T-shaped pillars, adorned with carvings of animals and abstract symbols, which suggest a sophisticated level of symbolic thought and ritualistic practice. The sheer scale and complexity of Göbeklitepe challenge conventional narratives about the development of human societies and offer a fascinating glimpse into the minds of our ancestors.

Following our exploration of Göbeklitepe, we'll delve further into the region's rich history and cultural heritage with visits to several important museums and sites in ?anl?urfa. The Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum houses a stunning collection of Roman-era mosaics, offering a vibrant glimpse into the daily life and artistic expression of the period. We'll then explore the K?z?lkoyun Necropolis, an intriguing burial site that provides further insights into the region's past. Our day will conclude with a visit to the ?anl?urfa Archaeology Museum, where we can consolidate our understanding of the region's long and fascinating history, from its earliest inhabitants to the rise and fall of various civilisations. The museum's collection showcases artefacts unearthed from numerous archaeological sites in the area, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's cultural heritage.

Our day begins with a picturesque drive towards Gaziantep, a city brimming with history and culture, marking the start of a new chapter in our journey. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a truly unique and captivating experience: a boat trip on the Euphrates River at Halfeti. This tranquil setting holds a fascinating secret beneath its serene waters – a partially submerged ancient city. As we glide along the river, we'll witness the remnants of this lost civilisation, a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the power of nature. The submerged buildings and structures create an ethereal atmosphere, offering a glimpse into a life that once thrived in this now-submerged world.

Following our exploration of the sunken city, we'll delve further into the region's rich history and artistic heritage with a visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. This exceptional museum is home to an extraordinary collection of Roman-era mosaics, painstakingly retrieved from the ancient city of Zeugma before it was submerged. These magnificent mosaics, remarkably well-preserved, showcase the incredible skill and artistry of the period. Their intricate designs and vibrant colours depict scenes from mythology, daily life, and important historical events, offering a fascinating insight into the cultural heritage and artistic expression of a bygone era. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum provides a powerful connection to the past and allows us to appreciate the beauty and sophistication of these ancient works of art.

As our day draws to a close, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight back to Istanbul, carrying with us the memories of a day filled with unique experiences, from the haunting beauty of the sunken city of Halfeti to the artistic splendour of the Zeugma mosaics.

The tour ends in Istanbul today, and your time is free for some last minute shopping or sightseeing until we transfer you to the airport for your departure.