“Hike & Dine in Southeast Turkey”

Description

This is a draft program can be easily tailored based on your preferences and your fitness level. For a tailored version please share your proposed number of days, proposed dates, number of participants, fitness level.

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**Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul**

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in, you will have some free time to rest. Depending on your arrival time, we may organise a short city walk. In the evening, enjoy an introductory dinner featuring delicious Turkish cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

**Day 2: Istanbul Tour**

Today, we will explore Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, starting with iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Afterward, we’ll enjoy Turkish delicacies during a lunch break. In the afternoon, we will visit the Grand Bazaar and end our day in the vibrant Pera district. 

**Day 3: Flight to Gaziantep: History, Culture & Culinary Delights**

Culinary capital of Turkey, a perfect blend of history, culture, and flavors. After an early morning flight from İstanbul, program begins from Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to breathtaking Roman mosaics. Stroll through the historic bazaar, where we can explore copper workshops, spice markets, and authentic handicrafts.

Gaziantep trip is not complete without Antep baklava, the world-famous pistachio dessert, and savoring local specialties like kebab, lahmacun, and katmer. Ending the day with a traditional Turkish coffee at a historic café, in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

**Day 4: Drive to Mt. Nemrut: Sacred Summit of Commagene**

Departing from Gaziantep our second stop will be the slopes of Mt. Nemrut one of the most influential spots of Turkey.

Adıyaman section of our tour begins with Karakuş Tumulus, the burial site of Queen Isias, wife of Antiochus I and other royal women of the Commagene Kingdom.

After a very short drive to Cendere Bridge (Septimus Severus Bridge), an ancient Roman structure, and we’re going to have a 8 km. hike to Kahta Castle, a Mamluk fortress. Following two nights we’ll stay at an unforgettable local pension on the slopes of Mt. Nemrut, that both local and international travelers prefer.

**Day 5: Mt. Nemrut Hike: Sacred Summit of Commagene**

After breakfast, a short transfer takes us to Kayadibi (Horik) Village, where we begin our hike step by step to he summit of Nemrut. Hiking to the peak offers a unique and immersive experience. Mt. Nemrut, where we witness a stunning giant stone heads of King Antiochus I’s sanctuary—a timeless Nemrut view.

Along the way, we take breaks for tea at the foothills and, if lucky, spot wild tulips. After reaching the summit for a well-deserved rest, we descend via the ancient ceremonial path (East Terrace) towards Malatya.

The route ends near Nemrut’s foothills, followed by a 30-minute transfer back to our guesthouse.

**Day 6: Sırakaya-Arsameia Hike (6 km) & Drive to Urfa**

After breakfast, we check out and transfer 20 minutes to Sırakaya Village to begin our hike. The trail offers stunning views of Cendere River and the vast plains, leading us to Arsameia, an ancient summer palace of the Commagene Kingdom. Here, we see Anatolia’s largest Greek inscription, Dexiosis reliefs, and the tomb of Mithridates I, built by his son King Antiochus I.

Following the hike, we transfer to Şanlıurfa to visit Şanlıurfa Museum, one of Turkey’s finest, and the adjacent Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, home to stunning ancient mosaics. Accommodation in Urfa, discovering traditional delicacies and a very different ancient life

**Day 7: World Heritages Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe and Soğmatar**

Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, dates back over 12,000 years. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, glimpsing into early human civilisation and the spiritual beliefs of Neolithic societies.

Karahantepe, an equally significant prehistoric site featuring impressive T-shaped pillars and intricate carvings. This site, often referred to as the “younger sibling” of Göbeklitepe, provides further insights into ancient rituals and early settlements. It may be called younger but latest excavations say it may be older

On our way to Mardin, our final stop is Soğmatar, hidden gem, an ancient worship site dedicated to God of Moon Sin. The ruins of this mystical place, including rock-carved altars and inscriptions, showcase the religious practices of pre-Islamic civilisations.

Drive to Mardin, a city known for its unique stone architecture and rich cultural heritage. We’ll check into our hotel at the heart of old town and enjoy our dinner combined with wine.

**Day 8: Exploring Mardin: Deyrulzafaran Monastery, Dara & Yardere Valley Hikes**

Our day begins with an early breakfast, followed by a scenic walk to Deyrulzafaran Monastery. Taking an old and historic route, we will pass by ancient monasteries built on the hills before iconic Syriac Orthodox monastery, which has stood for centuries as a center of spiritual and cultural heritage.

By midday, it’s time for Dara, one of the most remarkable ancient cities in the region. Originally known as Anastasiopolis, this Byzantine garrison city was built in the early 6th century by Emperor Anastasius I to protect the empire’s eastern border from the Sassanids. After exploring the impressive ruins of Dara, we continue to Yardere Valley, which once supplied water to the city.

Here, we’ll hike through the valley, following ancient waterways and enjoying the rugged beauty of the landscape. After the hike, we return to Mardin for the evening, where we will enjoy a relaxing dinner in a different local setting.

**Day 9-10: Journey to Midyat: Mor Gabriel Monastery, Ezidi Villages & River Tigris, Cehennem Stream Hike**

Following two days will be in Midyat and Sirnak, further east as we explore the deep cultural and natural heritage of Mesopotamia. Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the most important Syriac Orthodox monasteries, serving as a spiritual center for centuries. We’ll pass through Ezidi villages, including the abandoned Mağaraköy (Kiwex), a hauntingly quiet place where time seems to have stopped.

We’ll have a hike through a dramatic canyon carved by the powerful waters of the Tigris River. At times, the roaring sound of the river will be so strong that it will be difficult to hear one another, making for a truly immersive experience in nature’s power.

In Midyat, where we will stay in a beautifully restored historic mansion, enjoying a well-deserved traditional dinners rich in cultural history.

**Day 11: Departure: Mardin & Istanbul Airport Transfer**

Transfer to Mardin Airport, where we’ll will catch our flight to Istanbul. Depending on our flight schedule, we may have time for a short break before departure such as souvenirs. We’re going to arrange this transfer depending on you flight times to your home or we can offer you an extra day stay in Istanbul.

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The number of days and contents can be adjusted, and this program can be combined with Cappadocia and Troia.

Participation Limitations: To ensure a comfortable and efficient experience, the number of participants is limited. Please consider this when planning your trip.

Pre-Booking Options: Pre-booking is available for participants arriving before or after the program dates to help with accommodation and logistics.

Arrival and Departure Information: We recommend sharing your arrival and departure details (dates and times) with our team in advance. This information is necessary to arrange transfers to the city center or airport.

Optional Transfers: For participants who wish to stop the program at a certain point during the day, optional transfers can be arranged at a suitable location. Please note that this incurs an additional cost to be covered by the participant.

Clothing and Equipment: A detailed list of mandatory and optional clothing and equipment will be provided separately before the program.

Health Conditions: Participants with allergies or chronic conditions are required to inform our team during registration to ensure proper precautions are taken. This activity is not recommended for individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, rheumatism, or epilepsy, as it may be difficult to manage emergencies in nature. Please consult with our team in advance if you have concerns.

Route and Weather Conditions: Mandatory route changes may occur due to weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or storms. Final decisions will be made by the guide, and participants are expected to comply with these changes, including modifications to boat tours.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Due to the limited availability of accommodations in local and remote areas. Many of the lodgings we work with are small, family-run businesses with only a few rooms, making it difficult to cancel or rebook. To secure your spot, a deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable, except in cases of force majeure. However, if the program is cancelled by us, the full pre-payment will be refunded.

All programs are conducted by TUREB-licensed guides and arranged by TÜRSAB-certified agency Globe Outdoors Travel (TÜRSAB Document No. A-17542)