8 Days Tracing Ancient Civilizations: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Nemrut, Gobeklitepe & Mardin
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£2,003

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8 Days Istanbul – Cappadocia – Mt. Nemrut – Gobeklitepe – Mardin Tour offers a unique journey through Turkey’s most iconic and least discovered regions, blending world-famous landmarks with the cradle of ancient civilizations.

This fully escorted tour begins in Istanbul, where East meets West. You will explore the city’s timeless highlights including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar, experiencing the rich layers of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

After Istanbul, you will fly to Cappadocia, a region renowned for its surreal landscapes, fairy chimneys, and optional hot air balloon flights at sunrise. The journey then continues to southeastern Turkey, where history goes back thousands of years.

You will visit Gobeklitepe, recognized as the world’s oldest known temple, reshaping our understanding of human history. At Mount Nemrut, you will witness the monumental stone statues on the terraces of King Antiochus, dating back to the 1st century BC, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering breathtaking views and deep historical significance.

In Sanliurfa, you will explore sacred sites including the Cave of Prophet Abraham and enjoy the region’s famous local cuisine. The tour concludes in Mardin, a mesmerizing city overlooking the Mesopotamian plains, known for its stone architecture, multicultural heritage, and centuries-old history shaped by Assyrians, Romans, Arabs, Seljuks, and Artukids.

This journey promises an unforgettable cultural experience, combining history, spirituality, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes across Anatolia.

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide, who will be waiting for you at the airport holding a sign with your name. Following the meet & greet service, you will be transferred comfortably to your hotel located in the historic old city area, where the spirit of Istanbul can be felt at every corner.

Upon check-in, a welcome package will be waiting for you at your hotel. This package includes your tour vouchers, an Istanbul city map, and useful touristic information to help you make the most of your stay.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure. You may choose to rest after your journey, take a short walk around the neighborhood, or begin discovering the unique atmosphere of Istanbul at your own pace.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: No meals included

Accommodation

You will stay in one of the following accommodations:

Erboy Hotel
Hotel

Today, we enjoy a full-day guided tour covering the main historical highlights of Istanbul. We begin with a visit to Topkapi Palace, once the official residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, offering deep insight into imperial life and history.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to the iconic Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most prominent landmarks, famous for its six minarets and stunning blue tiles.

Our tour proceeds to Hippodrome Square, the former center of political and sporting life in Constantinople. Nearby, we see Hagia Sophia from the exterior, a masterpiece of world architecture that has served as a church, museum, and mosque throughout history.

The final stop is the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world, where you will have free time to explore and shop.

Overnight: Istanbul

Accommodation

You will stay in one of the following accommodations:

Erboy Hotel
Hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, we are welcomed and transferred to our unique cave hotel, set among the region’s iconic volcanic landscapes.

The afternoon is free at leisure. Guests may choose to join optional activities, such as:

• ATV Safari through Cappadocia’s valleys

• Horse Riding Tour, offering unforgettable sunset views across the fairy chimneys

The day ends with relaxation and free time in the magical atmosphere of Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

You will stay in one of the following accommodations:

1811 Cave Hotel – Kapadokya
Hotel

The day may begin with an optional early morning hot air balloon flight, offering breathtaking sunrise views over Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys.

Afterwards, we start our guided tour of the region. Our first stop is Red Valley, where we hike through colorful rock formations and explore the famous rock-cut churches carved into the landscape.

We then visit Cavusin, an old Greek village known for its rock-cut churches and abandoned stone houses.

After lunch, we explore Ozkonak Underground City, one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia. This is followed by a short stop at Pigeon Valley, famous for its dovecotes and panoramic views.

Our final stop is Ortahisar Castle, the largest mass fairy chimney in the region. After the visit, we return to the hotel for another overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation

You will stay in one of the following accommodations:

1811 Cave Hotel – Cappadocia
Hotel

Early in the morning, we depart from Cappadocia and travel towards Adiyaman and Mount Nemrut, crossing the scenic Tekir Plateau along the way.

Our first stop is Pinarbasi for a short tea break, followed by a drive through Kahramanmaras, renowned for producing Turkey’s best ice cream.

Upon arrival in Adiyaman, we visit Arsemia, once an important capital of the Commagene Kingdom. We then continue to the impressive Roman-era Severus (Cendere) Bridge and the Karakuş Tumulus, burial site of the royal family.

In the evening, we ascend Mount Nemrut to witness the magical sunset over the plateau and explore the monumental ancient stone statues. After sunset, we return to Adiyaman for overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

You will stay in one of the following accommodations:

Park Dedeman Adiyaman Hotel
Hotel

Today, we explore one of the most historically significant regions of the world, Sanliurfa. In the morning, we depart and stop briefly at Ataturk Dam, the largest dam in Turkey.

We then continue to Gobeklitepe, an archaeological wonder predating Stonehenge by approximately 6,000 years and believed by many to be the world’s oldest known temple complex. Guided exploration reveals its extraordinary significance in human history.

After lunch in Sanliurfa, we visit Harran, famous for its mud-brick beehive houses. Harran is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and is believed to be where Abraham spent the final years of his life. Here, we explore the ancient city walls, ruins of the world’s oldest Islamic university, and the 18th-century Harran Castle.

We then return to Sanliurfa to visit Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, the Pool of Sacred Fish (Balikligol), and the Cave of Prophet Abraham. The day ends with free time at the traditional covered bazaar.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

You will stay in one of the following accommodations:

El Ruha Hotel – Sanliurfa
Hotel

Today, we depart from Sanliurfa and drive to Mardin, famous for its stone architecture overlooking the Mesopotamian plains. The Old City of Mardin is protected by UNESCO and reflects centuries of multicultural heritage.

Our first visit is to Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most important centers of the Syriac Orthodox Church. For nearly 630 years, it served as the residence of the Metropolitan. Prayers in Syriac—the language of Jesus—still echo within its ancient walls. The Shamsa and Maghbah sections are traditionally believed to receive the first sacred light from the east.

We then continue with a walking tour of Mardin city center, visiting highlights such as Forty Martyrs Church, the Protestant Church, Latifiye Mosque, Mardin Museum, Republic Square, the historic PTT Building, Old Bazaar, Lower Bazaar, Arasa Han, Spice Bazaar, Coppersmiths Bazaar, Great Mosque of Mardin, Zinciriye Madrasa, and the Old Girls’ Vocational High School.

Walking from one abbara to another in Mardin is not just moving through streets—it is like passing from one story to the next. Overnight stay in Mardin.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

You will stay in one of the following accommodations:

Gazi Konağı Hotel – Mardin
Hotel

In the morning, we take a domestic flight from Mardin to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our tour services come to an end.

Tour End Point:

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Tayakadın Mah., Terminal Cad. No:1, Arnavutköy, Istanbul 34275, Turkey

Estimated Arrival Time: 12:00 – 15:00

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3 Apr, 2026
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10 Apr, 2026
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24 Apr, 2026
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We know that holidays mean something different for everyone – that's why we carefully design each of our travel packages with your expectations in mind. As an international travel agency operating in both the United Kingdom and Turkey, we specialize in UK tours, Dubai tours, and Turkey tours, delivering well planned and seamless travel experiences. We're more than just a tour operator – we're your travel partner every step of the way. You can book your trip easily through our website or by getting in touch directly with our team. With TayaTravel, your dream holiday is just one step away.

TayaTravel is a trading name of Taya Travel Ltd, a private limited company registered in England and Wales (Company Number: 15101381), with its registered office at 71–75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom. In Turkey, we operate as Taya Travel Agency, a licensed travel agency and TÜRSAB member (Licence No: 15730), with our registered address at Patlangıç Mah. 338 (PTL) Sk. No: 2B, İç Kapı No: 9, Fethiye, Muğla, Turkey.