ITINERARY
Day
1 - Saturday 12-Sept - Arrive in Istanbul
You arrive in Istanbul and are transferred
to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 - 13-Sept
- Fly to Antakya / Hatay
Hatay is one of the most
cosmopolitan provinces of Southern Turkey, home to various
communities and religions including Turks, Arabs and Armenians,
Sunni and Alevi Muslims and Christians. The
capital of the province is Antakya, formerly known as Antioch
is an important pilgrimage spot for both Christians and
Muslims. Antakya is also known in Turkey as a center for
spells, fortune telling and the odd miracle.
Day 3 - 14-Sept -
Antakya Local
We explore the
neighbourhoods of old Antakya.
Day 4 - 15-Sept - Drive
to Antep
A haven for food lovers, and
the sweet sweet home of pistachio Baklava. Antep is a propserous
and bustling modern city, but the old quarter retains its traditional
charm. Once again, the bazaar area is a must see and should present
good opportunities for photos.
Day 5 - 16-Sept -
Antep Centre
Explore the bazar quarter and old neighbourhoods
of Antep.
Day 6 - 17-Sept -
Antep and Surround
We explore the local countryside including
the village of Nizip. We then visit the village of Halfeti on
the banks of the Euphrates. Due to a dam at Birecik, part of
this village is now submerged underwater, houses and mosque minarets
can be seen partially submerged. We also cross the river to Rumkale
where the hilltop fortress affords some spectacular views.
Day 7 - 18-Sept -
Drive to Nemrut
Mount Nemrut at around 2300 meters is host
to the tomb of Commangene king, Antiochus I Epiphanes. The tomb
is dominated by spectacular stone carvings depicting mythological
figures and is particularly impressive at sunrise and sunset.
We overnight in the village of Karadut.
Day 8
- 19-Sept -
Drive to Sanliurfa.
The mystical city of Sanliurfa,
also knows as Urfa, is said to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham.
Urfa is another Mesopotamian gem, steeped in history, and Middle
Eastern atmosphere. It's ancient streets and limestone houses go
back thousands of years. The bazaar section is one of the oldest
in Turkey.
Day 9
- 20-Sept -
Urfa and Surround / Harran
Staying in the environs
of Urfa, we take a day trip to the village of Harran, one of the
oldest settlements in the world. The village is famous for its
beehive shaped mud dwellings, the design of which acts as a natural
air conditioning system during the scorching summer months.
Day
10 - 21-Sept - Drive to Mardin
Mardin is famous for its Arab-influenced
architecture, and for its hillside location on a rocky mountain
overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plains that extend towards Syria.
It is a town unlike any in Turkey, its honey coloured stone buildings
and its multicultural mix of Christian, Turkish and Syrian comunities
give it an atmosphere comparable to old Jerusalem. Overnight in
Mardin.
Day 11
- 22-Sept - Mardin and Surround
As one of the oldest
settlements of Mesopotamia Mardin has fascinating history, culture,
architecture and is deeply evocative of the Middle East. We will
spend a full day exploring its neihbourhoods, old charismatic streets,
narrow cobbled stone alleys and bazaar.
Day 12
- 23-Sept - Mardin and Surround
Staying in the Mardin
area, we go further afield to explore local villages and towns
including Midyat and Savur. The old section of this town has great
examples of the local architectural style; houses with ageing doorways,
huge courtyards with intricately carved walls and windows. We continue
on to Hasankeyf, perched above the Tigris river, the honey coloured
village is reminiscent of Cappadocia and people still live in troglodyte
dwellings.
Day 13
- 24-Sept - Return to Istanbul
Early morning flight back to Istanbul. Check into
hotel and explore the city.
Day 14
- 25-Sept - Full Day Istanbul
A day out in Istanbul, we will visit
some of the city's less touristy districts for a little authenticity.
Day 15
- 26-Sept - Istanbul Departures
Your tour officially ends after breakfast.
Airport transfers.
Photos by Uluc Kecik |
