8 Days Mesopotamia and East Anatolia Tour with Accommodations
Overview
Available languages
1 week 1 day
Mobile ticket
Are you ready to explore Mesopotamia, which hosted a period when ancient civilizations lived in caves and adopted a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, transitioned to an agricultural and cultural society, small settlements emerged, and animals were domesticated and tamed to serve humanity?
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Meeting Point 12.30 Gaziantep Met Gold Hotel
Accommodations
Met Gold Hotel Gaziantep
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Zeugma Mosaic Museum
Zeugma Mosaic Museum: in the city of Gaziantep, Turkey, is the biggest mosaic museum in the world, containing 1700 m² of mosaics. It opened to the public on 9 September 2011. The 30,000 m² museum features 2,448 m² of mosaic and replaces the Bardo National Museum in Tunis as the world's largest mosaic museum.
Gaziantep Province
3-hour walking tour encompassing the copper artisans' bazaar, Gaziantep Castle, Gaziantep water cisterns, Gaziantep baths, and Silk Road caravanserais offers a therapeutic experience of understanding the soul of Gaziantep.
Halfeti / Kahta / Mount Nemrut
Accommodations
Euphrat Hotel Mt. Nemrut
Halfeti
Halfeti Boat Tour: The Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which we visited in Gaziantep and which houses the remains of the ancient city of Zeugma, actually owes its existence to the Birecik Hydroelectric Power Plant. This historical waterway, including Nevali Çörü, has enabled the excavation of many ancient settlements. When the dam began to hold water in 1999, dozens of villages and houses, including Savaşan Village, were submerged. Today, the Savaşan Village Mosque, with half of its minaret still underwater and the mosque itself completely submerged, still beckons to you.
Karakus Tumulusu
an ancient tumulus belongs to mother, sister and wife of Mithridates.
Cendere Bridge
Cendere (Septimus Severus Bridge) Historical Bridge from The Period of Septimus Severus over Chabines River.
Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut:
Göbeklitepe / Şanlıurfa / Harran
Accommodations
Accommodation in Gaziantep
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Sanliurfa
Lake with the fishes
Gobeklitepe
Göbeklitepe: Oldest Known Religious Structure: Göbekli Tepe is widely regarded as the world's oldest known temple complex, dating back to around 12,000 years ago (10th–8th millennium BCE). It predates other major ancient sites like the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge by thousands of years. Its age makes it a critical discovery in understanding the origins of religious and ceremonial practices in human history. Today, Göbekli Tepe is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its discovery continues to inspire both scientific inquiry and public fascination with the ancient past.
Sanliurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum
Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum: About 10.000 artifacts are being exhibited at Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum. This figure is much above Turkish standards. Those who visit the Museum will be able to see the oldest statue of the world, imitation of Göbeklitepe D Temple, original Nevali Çori Temple, numerous periodical animations, Prophet Abraham Animation, about 10.000 artifacts and most esthetical mosaics in the world at the New Şanlıurfa Museum.
Harran Ruins
Harran Ruins and Conic Houses
Dara / Beyazsu / Midyat
Accommodations
Accommodation in Mardin Reyhani Kasrı
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Dara Mesopotamia Ruins
Dara, one of the most important settlements in Upper Mesopotamia, was founded in 505 by the initiative of Emperor Anastasius (491-518) as a military garrison city to protect the eastern border of the Eastern Roman Empire against the Sassanids. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, the city lost its importance over time.
Beyazsu
Lunch Break
Midyat
Midyat City Tour
Artuklu-Mardin / Kasımiye / Deyrulzaferan
Accommodations
Accommodation in Mardin Reyhani Kasri
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Mardin
Half day city tour
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
After the 15th century, the monastery began to be called Deyrulzafaran (Saffron Monastery) because of the zafaran (saffron) plant that grew around it. Today, the monastery is one of the important religious centers of the Syriac Church.
KasImiye Medresesi
Kasimiye Medresesi:
Diyarbakır / Tigris Bridge / Fortress / Mound Amida
Accommodations
Accommodation in Tatvan Taşar Delux Hotel
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Tigris River (Tigri)
10 Arched Bridge
Diyarbakir City Walls
One of the greatest, and most well-maintained, set of ancient walls in Diyarbakir city. The Diyarbakir city walls have an ancient history dating back to the Romans. Today, the walls are largely intact, and form a ring around the old city that is over 5km (3miles) in circumference. The walls are over 10 meters (about 33 feet) high and are 3-5 meters (about 10-16 feet) thick.
Four-Legged Minaret
Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque in Diyarbakır was built in 1500 by Kasım Bey, one of the Akkoyunlu rulers. It is one of the most important monumental works of the Akkoyunlu. It was built on the land where Sheikh Mutahhar's tomb is located. It is popularly known as Sheikh Matar Mosque, but in historical sources it is also referred to as Kasım Bey Mosque or Kasım Padişah Mosque.
Diyarbakir
The Great Mosque
Akdamar Church / Castle of Van / Cat House
Accommodations
Accommodation in Gaziantep
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Akdamar Island
Akdamar Church:
Van Kalesi
Urartu Castle
Ishakpasha Palace / Noah’s Ark / Salt Cave / Ani Ruins
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Ishak Pasha Palace
Ishakpasha palace 17th century Ottoman Palace constructed in Seljuken style
Tuzluca
Salt Cave
Ani Ruins
Ani Ruins:
Options
2026 Autumn
Flight ticket not included
2027 Spring
Spring 2027
2027 Autumn
2027 Autumn
What‘s Included
Compulsory seat Insurance in Van
7 nights Accommodations
English Speaking Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Extra room or bed
Lunches and Dinner
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Circumnavigating Anatolia in 9 days
871nevzata,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful experience; we thoroughly explored and experienced southeastern and eastern Anatolia in terms of culture, history, and gastronomy. Thanks, Tripster.
It was an amazing tour that made the impossible possible.
y ld zferdaa2026,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had wonderful experiences over 9 days. The organization, attention, and the guide's knowledge and professionalism were truly outstanding. Throughout the tour, we felt safe, comfortable, and valued. The team's friendly and helpful nature made our trip very enjoyable. We were extremely satisfied with everything. I would like to thank the entire team for creating unforgettable moments for us and I want to state that I will be with you again on my future travels. I wholeheartedly recommend them to everyone.
Not a guide, but a wealth of information. Not an agency, but family.
125funda ,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an unforgettable holiday; we saw amazing places. Our guide was a true professional, and the agency team was fantastic. I felt like I was part of family. They were helpful and supportive in every way. All our travel companions were wonderful, thank you to everyone. I would definitely like to do all my tours with you from now on. I recommend it to everyone. Note: Please don't say "I have children, I'm old, my knees are bad," Mr. Resul, Mr. Recep will absolutely support you like your son, brother, or friend; there's nothing like it, they are incredible, I'm so glad I met you.
A perfect cultural tour
emreyF4020YX,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had toured southeastern Turkey before, but this one was amazing. Because knowledge and experience are very important in cultural tours, and this tour had all of them. Thank you.
Our tour of Eastern and Southeastern Turkey
227nurhane,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour started with hot air balloon watching in Cappadocia, and we spent 8 nights and 9 days in the eastern and southeastern provinces, visiting all the historical sites and cities with a very knowledgeable and cultured guide. We stayed in 4 and 5-star hotels, ate in excellent restaurants, and everything was wonderful. Thank you very much.
Review for Tripster (local tour operator, Turkey)
Q2244ZYsuzannen,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Turkey was on my bucket list way back in the 80's and I finally got around to going in 2026. Even though these are 'roads less travelled,' it was safe and thoroughly enjoyable, without the usual 'tourist traps' with commissions or price hikes. It is advisable to book internal flights while you are in Turkey as it is cheaper. The payment for my excursions were securely sent to Tripster and the 8 day tour with them was an opportunity of a lifetime. I awakened daily to the majestic wonders of archeological significance of the Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia regions, including the warmth and hospitality of the local people. I was able to weave these magical experiences into appreciating the diversity of a rich and beautiful world. The exceptional scenery and weather (springtime, April) were an additional bonus. Shanin, my guide, was patient, kind, informative, and an absolute asset for this remarkable journey through history. Pack lightly and go now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Valentine’s Trip
951tanyap,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I joined this tour for Valentine’s Day, and honestly, it was one of the best travel decisions we’ve made. Everything was very well organized, and we didn’t have to worry about a single detail. The itinerary is quite full, but in a good way — we saw so many incredible places, from Cappadocia to Mount Nemrut and Göbeklitepe. Each stop had its own atmosphere and story, and it never felt rushed. A very special thank you to our guide, Marina. She was absolutely wonderful — friendly, patient, and very knowledgeable. She explained everything clearly and made the history come alive. You can tell she really loves what she does, and that makes a big difference. The hotels were comfortable, transportation was smooth, and overall everything felt professional but still personal. It was such a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day — beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and great company. Would definitely recommend this tour!
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Operated by Tripster Travel Agency