12 Days / 11 Nights South Eastern Explorer Tour of Türkiye

12 Days / 11 Nights – Ancient Civilizations, Sacred Sites & Natural Wonders

Embark on an unforgettable South Eastern Explorer Tour, a comprehensive journey through the heart of Anatolia and Mesopotamia. From the shores of Lake Van to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia and the timeless city of Istanbul, this tour reveals Türkiye’s deepest history, legendary monuments, and cultural treasures.

🗓️ Day 1 – Wednesday | Arrival in Van

Welcome to Van, the gateway to Eastern Anatolia.

• Airport transfer to your hotel

• Free time to relax or explore the city independently

• Evening meeting with your tour guide

Overnight: Van – 4★ Grand Hotel Van

🗓️ Day 2 – Thursday | Van – Çavuştepe – Hoşap – Akdamar Island (B)

After breakfast, we explore the ancient lands of the Urartian Kingdom.

• Visit Çavuştepe Fortress, an impressive Urartian citadel

• Continue to Hoşap Village and its historic surroundings

• Afternoon boat excursion from Gevaş to Akdamar Island

• Visit the 10th-century Holy Cross Church, one of Anatolia’s most important Armenian monuments

Overnight: Van – 4★ Grand Hotel Van

🗓️ Day 3 – Friday | Van – Ahlat – Tatvan – Bitlis – Diyarbakır (B)

Travel along the scenic northern shore of Lake Van.

• Explore Ahlat, famous for its Seljuk tombstones

• Visit Tatvan on the lake’s edge

• Discover the historic town of Bitlis

• Late afternoon arrival in Diyarbakır, one of the oldest cities in the world

Overnight: Diyarbakır – 4★ Class Hotel

🗓️ Day 4 – Saturday | Diyarbakır – Hasankeyf – Midyat – Mardin (B)

A day filled with ancient cities and architectural gems.

• Visit Hasankeyf, home to cliff-top Roman ruins and medieval remains

• Continue to Midyat, a masterpiece of Syriac stone architecture

• Arrive in Mardin, overlooking the Mesopotamian plains

Overnight: Mardin – 4★ Hilton Garden Inn Mardin

🗓️ Day 5 – Sunday | Göbeklitepe – Harran – Şanlıurfa (B)

A journey to the cradle of civilization.

• Visit Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex

• Explore the beehive houses of Harran

• Discover Şanlıurfa, the City of Prophets

• Visit Abraham’s Cave, the Pool of Sacred Carp, and the vibrant bazaar

Overnight: Şanlıurfa – 4★ Harran Hotel

🗓️ Day 6 – Monday | Şanlıurfa – Bozova – Atatürk Dam – Adıyaman (B)

Scenic drive through Southeastern Anatolia.

• Pass through Bozova

• View the massive Atatürk Dam, one of the largest in the world

• Arrival in Adıyaman

Overnight: Adıyaman – 4★ Grand Isias Hotel

🗓️ Day 7 – Tuesday | Mount Nemrut – Zeugma – Gaziantep (B)

An unforgettable sunrise experience.

• Pre-dawn departure to Mount Nemrut

• Watch the sunrise over the colossal stone heads of King Antiochus

• Visit the ancient Roman city of Zeugma

• Explore the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to world-famous Roman mosaics

• Tour Gaziantep, Türkiye’s culinary capital

Overnight: Gaziantep – 3★ Ibis Gaziantep

🗓️ Day 8 – Wednesday | Gaziantep – Kahramanmaraş – Cappadocia (B)

Journey toward Central Anatolia.

• Stop in Kahramanmaraş, famous for Türkiye’s best ice cream

• Continue to Cappadocia, land of fairy chimneys

Overnight: Cappadocia – 4★ Hotel (to be advised)

🗓️ Day 9 – Thursday | Cappadocia Highlights (B)

Explore one of the most magical regions in the world.

• Göreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage)

• Fairy chimneys and lunar landscapes

• Visit a multi-level underground city

Overnight: Cappadocia – 4★ Hotel (to be advised)

🗓️ Day 10 – Friday | Yazılıkaya – Hattuşa – Alacahöyük – Ankara (B)

Discover the legacy of the Hittite Empire.

• Visit Yazılıkaya Open-Air Sanctuary

• Explore Hattuşa, capital of the Hittites

  • Lion Gate, Royal Gate, Great Temple

• Visit Alacahöyük, including the Sphinx Gate and Royal Tombs

Overnight: Ankara – 5★ Ickale Hotel

🗓️ Day 11 – Saturday | Ankara – Istanbul (B)

• Visit the award-winning Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

• Drive to Istanbul, bridging Europe and Asia

Overnight: Istanbul – 4★ Konak Hotel

🗓️ Day 12 – Sunday | Istanbul – Departure (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
Say goodbye to your fellow travelers and take home unforgettable memories of Türkiye.

⭐ Why Choose the South Eastern Explorer Tour?

✔️ 12 days covering Eastern, Southeastern & Central Türkiye
✔️ UNESCO World Heritage Sites included
✔️ Göbeklitepe, Mount Nemrut & Cappadocia in one itinerary
✔️ Carefully selected hotels
✔️ Ideal for culture lovers & history enthusiasts

📌 Book Your South Eastern Explorer Tour Today

Follow the footsteps of ancient civilizations and experience Türkiye from its deepest roots to its modern heart.

👉 Limited departures – reserve your place now!