Hidden Turkey: Göbeklitepe & Nemrut Odyssey
10 days · 5 suggested stays
Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, settle in, and explore the historic Sultanahmet area.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Sultanahmet Square
Heart of old Istanbul, surrounded by iconic monuments.
Blue Mosque
Stunning Ottoman mosque with blue Iznik tiles.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Charming hotel in the heart of old town.
Welcome Dinner at Local Ocakbaşı
Grilled kebabs and mezes in a lively setting.
Day 2 — Delve into Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia
Former church-mosque, now museum, with awe-inspiring dome.
Basilica Cistern
Ancient underground water reservoir with Medusa heads.
Grand Bazaar
Vast covered market with over 4,000 shops.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Grand mosque with panoramic views over the city.
Day 3 — Fly to Şanlıurfa, the city of prophets, and explore its ancient streets.
Flight Istanbul to Şanlıurfa
Morning flight to Şanlıurfa GAP Airport.
Şanlıurfa Bazaar
Authentic Middle Eastern market with local crafts.
Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish)
Legendary pool with holy carp, near Abraham's cave.
Hotel Güneş
Comfortable hotel in Şanlıurfa center.
Day 4 — Visit Göbeklitepe, the world's oldest temple, and soak in its mystery.
Göbeklitepe
11,000-year-old megalithic site, rewriting history.
Lunch at Göbeklitepe Visitor Center
Casual dining with local dishes.
Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum
Houses artifacts from Göbeklitepe and nearby sites.
Hotel Güneş
Return to hotel for the night.
Day 5 — Fly to Adıyaman and drive to Kahta, gateway to Mount Nemrut.
Flight Şanlıurfa to Adıyaman
Short connecting flight to Adıyaman.
Drive to Kahta
Scenic drive to the base town of Nemrut.
Kahta Castle
Ruined fortress with panoramic views.
Nemrut Dağı Pansiyon
Simple guesthouse with mountain views.
Day 6 — Witness sunrise at Mount Nemrut, then fly back to Istanbul.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Mount Nemrut Sunrise
Giant stone heads at dawn, a surreal experience.
Drive to Adıyaman Airport
Return transfer for flight to Istanbul.
Flight Adıyaman to Istanbul
Afternoon flight back to Istanbul.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Check-in for a relaxing evening.
Day 7 — Discover Istanbul's hidden gems and local life.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Chora Church (Kariye)
Byzantine church with stunning mosaics and frescoes.
Explore Balat Neighborhood
Colorful houses, vintage shops, and cafes.
Lunch at a Local Meyhane
Traditional tavern with mezes and fish.
Pierre Loti Hill
Cafe with panoramic view of the Golden Horn.
Day 8 — Take a day trip to Bursa, the first Ottoman capital.
(overnight: Bursa)
Ferry and Bus to Bursa
Scenic crossing and drive to Bursa.
Green Mosque
Elegant early Ottoman mosque with green tiles.
Koza Han Silk Bazaar
Historic caravanserai now selling silk.
Return to Istanbul
Evening ferry and bus back.
Day 9 — Enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and modern Istanbul.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Bosphorus Cruise
Boat tour along the strait with city views.
Ortakoy Mosque
Baroque mosque by the water, popular for photos.
Istiklal Avenue
Pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and nightlife.
Farewell Dinner in Cihangir
Trendy neighborhood with diverse restaurants.
Day 10 — Last-minute shopping and departure from Istanbul.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Spice Bazaar
Aromatic market with spices, sweets, and more.
Transfer to Istanbul Airport
Private transfer for departure.
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