4nights/ 5days from Euro 488 - Departure dates 2008:
Every Wednesday from Gaziantep and Every Monday from Diyarbakir

ITINERARY :
Day 1.  Wednesday 
Arrival at Gaziantep airport. A panoramic city tour paying a visit to the Gaziantep Archaeological Museum where  we will get the chance to see the spectacular mosaics saved from Zeugma Antique Site. In the historical Tepebasi district, visit some fine buildings typical to the mid-nineteenth century south eastern Anatolian architecture. The missionary hospital and school constructed at the request of Tepebasi's merchants still stand alongside a collection of Synagogues, mosques,  Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox churches in the historical district.  At the center of the district is the Sira Hani, the largest and grandest of the city's hans, or travel lodges, featuring kitchens, animal stalls, and guestrooms that welcomed both wealthy merchants and refugees. During World War I, Tepebasi was a destination for Armenian refugees, whose craftsmanship is still visible in intricate ironwork, carved stone arches and columns, basalt ornamentation, and colorfully tiled courtyard fountains. Sightseeing tour and free time for shopping in the Copper and Mother of Pearl Workshop Bazaar. Dinner at an authentic restaurant where a large, rich, delicious variety of kebabs and deserts will be served Overnight in Gaziantep.

Day 2 Thursday
After breakfast, depart to Adıyaman. Continue to the spectacular Mount Nemrut. During the trip our guide will tell you history of Karakus Tumulus, Cendere Bridge, and Arsemia Antique Settlement. We will visit the unique Mausoleum of Antiochus I, King of the tiny Kommagene Kingdom that resisted the mighty Roman empire for so many years. This mausoleum has a very distinguished feature; the sun rises and sets from the foot level of the gigantic sculptures. We will watch the spectacular sunset from the top of the hill, an uplifting and really spiritual experience. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Adıyaman.

Day 3. Friday
After breakfast, depart to Sanliurfa. On the way pay a visit to the Atatürk Dam, which is one of the biggest Dam projects in the world. After a brief information about SEAP (GAP region), have lunch and depart to Sanliurfa, the ancient city of Ur. In this land lying between the Euprathes and the Tigris rivers, lived Abraham, the patriarch claimed by three world religions. Drive to the ancient city of Harran which is mentioned in the Holy Bible.( The river watering the garden flowed from Eden. The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.( Gen 2 :10 -15 NIV ). Sightseeing tour of  the ruins of the oldest Islamic University, Castle of Harran, and authentic Harran houses. Back to Sanliurfa ,paying a visit to the cave where Abraham is believed to have been born. Visit the sacred fish pool and the fortress that overlooks both these holy sites. Dinner and overnight .

Day4 Saturday After breakfast Drive to Mardin. Walking tour on old brick roads of Mardin to see the Monastery of Deyr-ul Zaferan, Mardin Marketplace, Kasimiye Teological school and the Kirklar Church . We  will admire the marvelous stone mansions of Mardin all day long. Dinner and overnight at a traditional Mansion

Day 5. Sunday
After breakfast drive to Midyat, pay a visit to Deyrul Umur and  Hasankeyf  with its picturesque old bridge embracing the emerald green Tigris river.  Stroll around the town visit  El Rizk Mosque,   Hasankeyf Castle and walk by he many cave dwellings.  Lunch on the banks of  the Tigris. Drive to Diyarbakir to pay a visit to the massive city walls of Diyarbakir , the second largest wall after the Great Wall of Chine;  the Keldani Church and Ulu mosque. Depart to the  airport, end of our tour.

E N D  O F  T H E   T O U R