8 Days Turkey Heritage Tour: Nemrut Mountain & Gobeklitepe

05:00 – Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer you to the airport. (Pick-up time may vary depending on your flight schedule.)
09:30 – Flight from Istanbul to Adıyaman. (Flight time may change depending on availability.)
11:00 – Upon your arrival at Adıyaman Airport, meet your professional local tour guide and begin your adventure.

1. Karakus Tumulus: Discover this royal burial mound built for the female members of the Commagene dynasty. Admire the detailed reliefs and pillars that reflect a forgotten civilization.
2. Lunch in Kahta: Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at a local restaurant in Kahta before continuing your exploration.
3. Arsameia Ancient City: Visit the former summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom. Explore rock reliefs, Greek inscriptions, and hidden tunnels beneath the ruins.
4. Cendere Bridge: See one of the oldest Roman bridges still in use today, built by the 16th Legion Flavia Firma during the reign of Septimius Severus.
5. Mount Nemrut: Drive to the base of Mount Nemrut and hike to the summit. Witness the unforgettable sunset over the colossal stone heads of ancient gods, guardians of a sacred tomb-sanctuary that dates back to the 1st century BC.

After the tour ends: You will be transferred to your hotel in Şanlıurfa. Check-in and overnight stay in Şanlıurfa.

08:00 – After breakfast at the hotel, check out from your accommodation and depart for Göbeklitepe.

1. Göbeklitepe Archaeological Site: Spend the morning exploring the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back over 11,000 years. Marvel at its massive T-shaped pillars, mysterious carvings of animals, and the stunning scale of this Neolithic sanctuary that rewrote the history of human civilization.
2. Lunch in Şanlıurfa: Head to Şanlıurfa city center and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
3. Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum: Explore one of Turkey’s richest museums, showcasing ancient artifacts from Göbeklitepe, Harran, and other regional sites, including lifelike reconstructions of early human settlements.
4. Balıklıgöl (Fish Lake) and Old Town: Walk through the mystical old town of Şanlıurfa, visit the sacred Balıklıgöl, where legend says Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire by King Nimrod—only for the flames to become water and the wood to become sacred fish. The site is surrounded by mosques, gardens, and lively bazaars.

17:00 – After completing the visits, drive to Cappadocia. The journey takes approximately 5 hours.
22:00 – Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Today is your free day in Cappadocia.

Overnight: Stay overnight in Cappadocia.

09:30 am – Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and you’ll join the group for a full-day adventure through the captivating sights of North Cappadocia.

1. Zelve Open-Air Museum: Walk through the remarkable cave town of Zelve, once a vibrant monastic settlement. Marvel at ancient churches, homes, and tunnels carved directly into the tufa rock across three scenic valleys.
2. Avanos Pottery Workshop & Lunch: Visit the pottery capital of Cappadocia, where artisans have been shaping clay from the Kızılırmak River for centuries. Enjoy a live pottery demonstration and then indulge in a delicious lunch at a cozy local restaurant.
3. Pasabag (Monks Valley): Witness the iconic fairy chimneys with double and triple rock caps, once used by monks as hermit cells. The serene surroundings make this valley one of the most photogenic locations in the region.
4. Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Discover rock formations shaped like animals and objects—camels, dolphins, seals, and even a praying Virgin Mary. Let your imagination run wild among these natural sculptures.
5. Uçhisar Castle and Panoramic Viewpoint: End the tour at the highest point in Cappadocia, Uçhisar Castle. Climb to the summit for sweeping views of the valleys, fairy chimneys, and Mount Erciyes on the horizon.

16:00 – The tour concludes and you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight: Stay overnight in Cappadocia.

09:30 am – After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel. You’ll join your tour group and start exploring the lesser-known but equally enchanting parts of southern Cappadocia.

1. Özkonak Underground City: Discover this multi-level underground refuge carved deep into the soft volcanic rock. Wander through narrow corridors, ancient ventilation systems, living quarters, and defense mechanisms that once protected entire communities from invaders.
2. Pigeon Valley: Take a scenic walk through this picturesque valley, named after the thousands of pigeon holes carved into its cliffs. Learn how locals used these birds to fertilize vineyards and enjoy panoramic views over Uchisar and the surrounding landscape.
3. Ortahisar Castle: Climb up to this towering natural rock formation, used as a watchtower since ancient times. From the top, admire breathtaking views over fairy chimney-filled valleys and distant plateaus.
4. Red Valley (Rose Valley) & Güllüdere Valley: Hike through the vivid-colored rock formations of Red Valley and nearby Güllüdere (Rose) Valley. Along the way, visit cave churches adorned with preserved frescoes and learn about the monastic life that once flourished here.

16:00 – After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight: Stay overnight in Cappadocia.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
You will have free time to relax, explore the local area, or shop for souvenirs until your flight time.

Flight to Izmir: You will be transferred to the airport in Cappadocia. Depending on flight availability, your journey to Izmir may be direct or via Istanbul.

Arrival in Izmir: Upon landing, our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kuşadası or Selçuk.

Check-in: Settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Stay overnight in Kuşadası or Selçuk.

07:30 – Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Kuşadası or Selçuk. You will be transferred to Pamukkale by comfortable vehicle. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.

1. Hierapolis Ancient City: Begin your journey at Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman spa city. Discover its well-preserved theater, grand necropolis, and the Temple of Apollo. Learn how this sacred site became a major healing center in antiquity.
2. Pamukkale Travertines: Stroll barefoot across the famous white calcium terraces formed by natural hot springs. Known as the “Cotton Castle,” these surreal landscapes offer unique photo opportunities and a soothing experience as warm waters cascade over your feet.
3. Pamukkale Natural Pools: Continue your visit at the natural pools and terraces, where you can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
4. Cleopatra’s Pool (Optional): If you wish, visit the legendary Cleopatra’s Pool, a thermal bath where you can swim among submerged ancient columns. *(Please note: additional entrance fee applies.)*

15:30 / 16:00 – After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kuşadası or Selçuk.
Overnight: Stay overnight in Kuşadası/Selçuk.

08:30 – After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Kuşadası or Selçuk, our team will pick you up. You will meet your tour guide and group, then head toward the Ephesus region to begin your final day of touring.

1. Ephesus Ancient City: Explore one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Once a thriving Roman capital of Asia Minor, Ephesus boasts iconic sites like the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre with 25,000 seats, and marble streets lined with historical ruins. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a must-see for any traveler to Turkey.
2. Temple of Artemis: Visit the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a few columns remain today, the historical significance of this massive Greek temple dedicated to Artemis still echoes through the ages.
3. House of the Virgin Mary: Journey to Mount Koressos to visit this peaceful and sacred pilgrimage site. It is believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and holds deep spiritual meaning for both Christians and Muslims.
4. Isabey Mosque: Before departing, stop at one of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture in the region. Built in the 14th century, Isabey Mosque reflects a fusion of early Ottoman and Islamic design and offers a tranquil experience amid history.

16:00 – After completing the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport.
19:10 – Flight from Izmir to Istanbul.
20:15 – Upon arrival in Istanbul, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

End of the Tour: Thank you for choosing us for your Turkey heritage journey. We hope to see you again on another adventure!