Hidden Gems of Turkey: Nemrut & Gobeklitepe
10 days · 9 suggested stays
Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, transfer to airport for flight to Sanliurfa
(overnight: Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia
Iconic Byzantine cathedral in Sultanahmet
Transfer to IST Airport
Taxi or Havabus to Istanbul Airport
Flight to Sanliurfa (GNY)
Domestic flight via Gaziantep or direct
Hotel Check-in
—
Visit site
Check into Sanliurfa city center hotel
Day 2 — Visit Gobeklitepe ruins, explore Sanliurfa old town
Gobeklitepe
World's oldest known temple complex
Sanliurfa Bazaar
Historic market for local spices and textiles
Balikli Gol
Sacred pool with holy carp
Evening Rest
—
Visit site
Relax at hotel after full day
Day 3 — Drive to Kahta, prepare for Mount Nemrut ascent
Drive to Kahta
Scenic drive through Southeastern Anatolia
Adiyaman Castle
Ruined castle with panoramic views
Kahta Hotel Check-in
—
Visit site
Check into Kahta guesthouse
Kahta Old Town
Wander historic streets and cafes
Day 4 — Sunrise at Mount Nemrut, return to Adiyaman
Mount Nemrut Summit
Ancient tomb of King Antiochus with giant heads
Crumbling Colossi
View the massive stone heads at dawn
Return to Kahta
Drive back down from summit
Kahta Hotel Rest
—
Visit site
Relax after exhausting but rewarding day
Day 5 — Drive to Mardin, explore medieval old town
Drive to Mardin
Scenic route through Mesopotamian plains
Mardin Old Town
Medieval stone houses and narrow alleys
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Ancient Syriac Orthodox monastery
Mardin Cave Hotel
—
Visit site
Stay in traditional cave room
Day 6 — Explore Mardin museums and markets
(overnight: Istanbul)
Mardin Museum
Archaeological finds from region
Mardin Grand Bazaar
Traditional market for crafts and food
Sidi Gasim Mosque
Historic mosque with courtyard views
Mardin Cave Hotel
—
Visit site
Relax in cave suite
Day 7 — Fly from Diyarbakir to Istanbul
(overnight: Istanbul)
Transfer to Diyarbakir Airport
Drive to DYR airport
Flight to Istanbul
Domestic flight to IST
Transfer to Sultanahmet
Taxi or Havabus to hotel
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
—
Visit site
Check into central Istanbul hotel
Day 8 — Istanbul highlights: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
(overnight: Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia
Iconic Byzantine cathedral
Blue Mosque
Famous Ottoman mosque with blue tiles
Grand Bazaar
Historic covered market
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
—
Visit site
Rest in central hotel
Day 9 — Bosphorus cruise and Galata Tower
(overnight: Istanbul)
Bosphorus Cruise
Scenic boat tour between continents
Galata Tower
Medieval tower with panoramic views
Istiklal Avenue
Lively pedestrian street with shops
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
—
Visit site
Final night in Istanbul
Day 10 — Departure from Istanbul
(overnight: Istanbul)
Spice Bazaar
Colorful market for spices and sweets
Transfer to IST Airport
Taxi or Havabus to airport
Departure Flight
International flight home
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