Eastern Turkey: Explorer of Ancient Civilizations

Start your day early with an optional hot air balloon flight and watch the valleys glow in soft morning light. Drift above fairy chimneys and rolling landscapes — one of the most iconic experiences in Turkey.

After breakfast, head out to explore Devrent and Pasabag valleys, where surreal rock formations create almost lunar scenery. Walk through these natural sculptures and take your time to absorb the details.

Continue to Avanos, a town known for its pottery traditions along the Kızılırmak River. Visit a local workshop and watch artisans shape clay using techniques passed down for generations.

In the afternoon, explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to some of the finest preserved Byzantine cave churches and vivid frescoes. Then descend into an underground city and discover how entire communities once lived beneath the surface.

End the day at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, and take in sweeping panoramic views before returning to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Depart Cappadocia in the morning and begin your journey across the vast Anatolian landscape. Cross the scenic Tekir plateau and feel the shift from volcanic valleys to open highlands.

Stop at the Seljuk Karatay Caravanserai, a historic resting place for Silk Road travelers, and continue with a short tea break in Pınarbaşı. Pass through Kahramanmaraş, famous for its rich and chewy Turkish ice cream.

As you approach Adıyaman, step into the ancient Kingdom of Commagene. Visit Arsemia, once a royal capital, and continue to the impressive Cendere Bridge, one of the oldest Roman bridges still standing.

See the Karakuş Tumulus, a royal burial site, before heading up to Mount Nemrut. Climb to the summit and witness the monumental stone heads and statues set against a dramatic sunset.

After this unforgettable experience, descend and return to Adıyaman for the night.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Drive toward Şanlıurfa, starting with a stop at the massive Atatürk Dam, the largest in Turkey. Take in the scale of this modern engineering project before continuing your journey.

Visit Göbeklitepe, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world, dating back over 11,000 years. Walk among the ancient pillars and explore what is believed to be the world’s oldest known temple complex.

Continue to Harran, known for its unique beehive mud-brick houses and deep biblical connections. Explore the ruins, including the city walls, the oldest Islamic university, and the historic castle.

Arrive in Şanlıurfa and visit the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, where the Cave of Prophet Abraham is located. Walk around the sacred pools filled with carp and observe local traditions.

End the day wandering through the covered bazaar, where the atmosphere, colors, and sounds bring the city to life. Overnight in Şanlıurfa.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Leave Şanlıurfa and drive to Gaziantep, a city known for its rich culinary and cultural heritage. Visit the famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics.

Admire the intricate artworks, including the iconic “Gypsy Girl,” and learn about the ancient city of Zeugma where these pieces were discovered.

After the visit, transfer to the airport and take your flight back to Istanbul. Arrive in the evening, marking the end of your journey through some of Turkey’s most fascinating regions.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch