We set out to explore the Mesopotamia extensively towards the Southeastern Anatolia region. We invite you, our esteemed guests, to discover Southeastern Anatolia and visit the Land of Prophets.
Adana, Gaziantep, Zeugma Museum, Historical Markets, Tarsus
Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe, Balıklıgöl, Harran, Urfa Sıra Night
Mardin, Midyat, Deyrul Zaferan Monastery, Kasımiye Medrese
Halfeti Boat Tour, Rum Kale, Hasankeyf
Dara Ancient City, Midyat, Guest House, Malabadi Bridge, Batman,
Adıyaman, Mount Nemrut Tours, Diyarbakır
Istanbul, Gebze, Izmit, Sakarya, Duzce, Bolu, Ankara,
VENUS Tour Vehicle Departure Points
16:00 In front of Beylikdüzü Migros
16:15 Avcılar Bus Stops
17:00 In front of İncirli Doğtaş Furniture
17:30 Mecidiyeköy IETT Stops (In front of Mado)
18:00 In front of Kadıköy Civil Registration Office
18:05 Under Bostancı Bridge (Towards Ankara)
18:15 Kartal Bridge Bus Stop
18:20 Under Pendik Bridge (Towards Ankara)
18:30 In front of Gebze Center Mall
19:15 In front of Izmit Bus Station (Bus Station-2 Stop)
20:15 Sakarya Berceste Facility
21:30 Duzce Kaynaşlı Türsan Park Facility
22:00 In front of Bolu Bus Station
23:55 In front of İş Bankası on Meşrutiyet Street
00:30 In front of Ankara Aşti Next to Berat Buffet
02:40 Aksaray E-5 Lights (Tree-lined Rest Facilities)
08:30 Across from Adana Bus Station
Accommodation: Night Journey
Adana, Sabancı Central Mosque, Stone Bridge, Antakya, St. Pierre Church, Necmi Asfuroğlu Archaeology Museum, Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Coppersmiths Bazaar, Yemeniciler Arasta, Mother-of-pearl Bazaar, Almacı Market, Tahmis Coffeehouse, Baklava Shopping
After meeting with our valued guests, we are starting our journey on the Northern Mesopotamia Gap Tour. We will pick up the guests joining our tour from the specified points and, after an extra breakfast break at Türsan Rest Area in Bolu Kaynaşlı and Demireller Rest Area in Pozantı, we will set out towards Adana. First, we see the Historical Stone Bridge, which is one of the symbols of Adana, built over the Seyhan River. Then, we visit the Sabancı Central Mosque, built on the banks of the Seyhan River, with its six minarets and impressive structure. After our visits, we leave Adana. Along the way, we have panoramic views of İncirlik Air Base, Yılankale, another place related to the Shahmeran Legend, Ceyhan, Dörtyol, and Iskenderun. We photograph the Amik Plain from above as we pass through Belen and reach Antakya, the heart of Hatay. Here, our first stop is the St. Pierre Church, considered the World's First Church due to its central role in the spread of Christianity. We also visit the Necmi Asfuroğlu Archaeology Museum, which was created after approximately 30,000 artifacts were transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, discovered during the construction of a hotel. This museum is famous for hosting the World's Largest Single Piece Floor Mosaic. After our museum visit, we go to Pöç Kasabı in the Historical Uzunçarşı to taste Hatay's famous delicacies. Here, you will have the chance to try Tepsi Kebab, Paper Kebab, and Künefe. (Extra) After our lunch break, our guide will organize an Extra Samandağı Titus (Vespasian) Tunnel Tour depending on the time and weather conditions. After our extra tour, we turn our direction toward Gaziantep, known as the Paris of the Southeast. Our first stop on February 8, 1921, when Gaziantep was awarded the title of "Gazi", is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where mosaics from the villas of Roman generals salvaged from the waters of the Birecik Dam are displayed. After seeing the Gypsy Girl and other mosaics, we will visit the Gaziantep Castle and the 14 Martyr Monument built in memory of the children who were martyred at the Dokurcum Mill. Then we will explore Bakırcılar Bazaar, Yemeniciler Arasta, Almacı Market, Mother-of-pearl Bazaar, and Tahmis Coffeehouse. During our free time here, you can enjoy Menengiç Coffee and shop for Pistachios, Copper items, and Yemenis. After completing our visit to the historic bazaar of Gaziantep, we provide an opportunity to shop at Ayıntap Baklava, the most famous baklava shop in Gaziantep, which is the first city that comes to mind when talking about Baklava in Turkey. After free time, we proceed to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Breakfast: Will be taken extra (Extra)
Lunch: Kağıt Kebab or Tepsi Kebab Menu at Hatay Pöç Kasabı (Extra)
Dinner: Will be served as Set Menu or Open Buffet at our hotel (Included.)
Accommodation: Metgold Hotel, Büyük Veliç, etc...
Accommodation: Gaziantep Hotels
Halfeti Boat Tour, Birecik Dam, King’s Daughter Cave, Rum Castle, Adıyaman, Kahta, Mount Nemrut Sunset, Karakuş Tumulus, Cendere Bridge.
On the 3rd Day of our Northern Mesopotamia Gap Tour, we will have breakfast at our hotel in Gaziantep in the morning. First, our journey will take us to Halfeti, which is largely submerged under the waters of Birecik Dam and where the shooting for the Karagül Series also took place. Here, we will first reach Halfeti Harbor and board our boat. During our approximately 1-hour long (Extra) Boat Tour, we will see King’s Daughter Cave, the Rum Castle where St. John, one of Jesus’ apostles, settled, and then in War Village we will see the Sunken Mosque and its minaret submerged under the waters of the Euphrates River, and we will return to Halfeti, which is said to have derived its name from the story of two young lovers named Halil and Fatma. We will then head towards Kahta in Adıyaman. After our lunch (Extra), we will start our Nemrut Mountain Sunset tour with minibuses that are waiting for us (Extra). The main sites we will visit along the way are the Karakuş Tumulus and Cendere Bridge. After a cheerful journey filled with local folk songs, we will climb Mount Nemrut to watch the sunset. The most important feature of the mountain is the Tumulus and Other Sacred Areas belonging to King Antiochos of Commagene. At the summit, we will first see the statues of I. Antiochos, Zeus, Apollo, Heracles, Commagene, Eagle, and Lion located in the Eastern Terrace. While listening to our guide's explanations here, you will also be captivated by the magic of Nemrut. After viewing the Peace Altar of the Eastern Terrace, we will move to the Western Terrace to first see the Peace Altar of the Western Terrace and the Lion Horoscope. Leaving behind this magnificent view, we will return to Kahta, then board our bus to head to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Breakfast: Will be taken as Open Buffet or Set Menu at our hotel. (Included.)
Lunch: At Adıyaman İskender 85 Restaurant (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken as Open Buffet or Set Menu at our hotel. (Included.)
Accommodation: Samos Hotel, Nemrut Hotel, Perre Hotel, etc.
Accommodation: Adıyaman Hotels, Kahta Hotels
Nissibi Bridge, Diyarbakır, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum, Diyarbakır Ulu Mosque, 10 Eyed Bridge, Batman, Hasankeyf, Malabadi Bridge, El Rızık Mosque, Sultan Süleyman Mosque, Zeynel Bey Tomb, Midyat Sira Guesthouse, Telkari Workshop, Mardin On the 4th day of our Northern Mesopotamia GAP tour, after breakfast at our hotel, we head towards Diyarbakır. We cross the Nissibi Bridge built in 2015 over the Atatürk Dam Lake and arrive in Diyarbakır, known as the oldest city in Southeastern Anatolia. First, we visit the house of Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı, one of the important figures in our literary world, known for his poem "The Age of 35," which now serves as a museum. This house is also one of the most beautiful examples of Diyarbakır’s civil architecture. Inside the city walls, we explore the Diyarbakır Ulu Mosque, believed to be one of the oldest mosques in Islamic history. Next, we see the oldest section of the 9000-year-old Diyarbakır walls, known as Keçi Burcu. Looking towards the Dicle River, we take photos of the 10 Eyed Bridge and the Hevsel Gardens. After panoramic views of Mardin Gate and New Gate, we move towards Hasankeyf via Batman. If our guide can provide sufficient majority and time, we will organize an additional tour to Malabadi Bridge. We get a panoramic view of Batman, where the first oil well in Turkey was located, and enjoy a delicious lunch in this modern city. (Extra) After lunch, we arrive at Hasankeyf, which is submerged due to the Ilısu Dam. This remarkable city, divided into New Hasankeyf and Old Hasankeyf after the dam's construction, allows us to explore both parts. We first visit the El Rızık Mosque, Sultan Süleyman Mosque, and Zeynel Bey Tomb located in New Hasankeyf, after being relocated from Old Hasankeyf. After our visits here, an unforgettable experience awaits us. For those who wish, we will take an Extra Hasankeyf Boat Tour, diving into the depths of Old Hasankeyf. During our approximately 45-minute tour, we will remember the memories of old Hasankeyf. After completing our visit to Hasankeyf, we head towards Midyat, which offers us a visual feast. Our Midyat tour starts at the Midyat Guesthouse, where the series "Sıla" and "Hercai" were shot, along with many other series. After capturing plenty of photos for our social media accounts, we stroll through the Historical Midyat Houses, enjoying our time. At the city center we reach at the end of our walk, you will have the opportunity to taste the world-famous silver and Telkari products from Midyat, as well as the Mavi Badem Şekeri, colored with the root of the Lahor Tree, and Süryani Wines, while we will give you free time in the market where you can purchase them. We set off to our hotel in Mardin, check into our hotel, and dinner and accommodation are at our hotel. Breakfast: Will be served as an open buffet or set menu at our hotel. (Included.) Lunch: Batman Ali Usta - Free Menu (Extra) Dinner: Will be served as an open buffet or set menu at our hotel. (Included.) Accommodation: Bilen Hotel, Ladinos Hotel, Avesis Hotel, etc. Accommodation: Mardin Hotels
Mardin, Kasımiye Medrese, Diyarbakır Gate, Şahtana Mansion, Ulu Mosque, Şehidiye Mosque, Arches, Old PTT Building, Deyr-ul Zaferan Monastery, Dara Ancient City, Yazidi Village, Mor Evgin Monastery, Nusaybin Mor Yakup Church, Urfa Sıra Gecesi On the 5th day of our Northern Mesopotamia GAP Tour, after having breakfast at our hotel, we will start exploring Mardin, known for its nickname “Gerdanlık at Night, Seyranlık by Day.” Our first stop will be Kasımiye Medrese. After enjoying this magnificent structure and listening to our guide's explanations, we will get off our bus at Diyarbakır Gate and take dolmuses (extra) to reach Cumhuriyet Square. From here, we will walk around Mardin, visiting the famous Ulu Mosque with its minaret, Latifiye Mosque, the Arched Bazaar, the Old Government Mansion, the Arches, Şahtana Mansion, Şehidiye Mosque, and the Old PTT Building, concluding our Mardin City Tour. After some free time, we will meet our vehicle at Savur Gate and head to Deyr-ul Zaferan Monastery, which was built on top of a Sun Temple from the 5th century. Here, we will visit the House of Saints, where 52 Patriarchs and Metropolitans are buried, as well as the St. Hananyo Church and the Virgin Mary Church. After touring the monastery, we will take a break for lunch (extra). After the break, we will depart from Mardin to visit the Dara Ancient City, which is located 30 kilometers southeast of Mardin in Oğuz Village. Historically, Dara was one of the most important settlements in Upper Mesopotamia, established as a military garrison city in 505 AD to protect the eastern border of the Eastern Roman Empire against the Sassanids, initiated by Emperor Anastasius (491-518). Within the city, remains of a church, palace, bazaar, dungeon, artillery, and aqueduct can still be seen. Following our extra visit, we will head to Şanlıurfa for an evening of entertainment. Accommodation is at our hotel. Guests wishing to experience the local culture and taste the regional food will participate in the Sıra Gecesi organized by VENÜS TOUR, which is an essential part of all our GAP tours. Please note that dinner during this night stay is not included in the tour price. Guests who do not wish to attend the Sıra Gecesi can have their dinner at their own expense. Sıra Gecesi: Laban Soup, İçliköfte, Hazelnut Lahmacun, Eggplant Kebab, Tomato Kebab, Urfa Kebab, Salad, Urfa Spicy Ezme, Çiğköfte, Pistachio Creamy Cold Baklava, Ayran, Water, Tea, Mırra Sıra Gecesi Program (Extra) Breakfast: Will be served as Open Buffet or Set Menu at our hotel. (Included.) Lunch: Mardin – Adana Dostlar Restaurant / Mardin Plate Menu. (Extra) Dinner: Şanlıurfa / Urfa Kebab Menu. (Extra) Accommodation: Akgöl Hotel, Newton Hotel, My Life Hotel, etc... Accommodation: Urfa Hotels
Harran, Inner Castle, Historical Walls, Conical Domed Houses, Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe, Şanlıurfa, Balıklıgöl, Prophet Abraham's Tomb, Adana, Ankara
On Day 6 of our Northern Mesopotamia GAP Tour, after breakfast at our hotel, we head to Harran, famous for its domed houses and unique culture (Extra). Here, we will visit the Harran Ulu Mosque, the First Islamic Madrasah (Harran University), the Inner Castle and Historical Walls, and we will be guests in one of the Conical Domed Houses. During this enjoyable visit, you can dress in local costumes and take photos. Then, we will reach Göbeklitepe, which is considered the world's first place of worship and settlement, marking the beginning point of world history. Here, we will see the Temples dating back 12,000 years and reliefs of cranes, snakes, and pigs. Afterwards, we will head towards the center of Şanlıurfa after our (Extra) lunch break. We will arrive in Şanlıurfa, known as the Cities of Prophets, believed to be inhabited by Prophets Adam, Job, Abraham, Shuayb, and Elisha. We will visit Balıklı Göl (Halil-Ül Rahman Lake), Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake, which is said to be formed from the tears of King Nimrod’s daughter Zeliha, and the Cave where Prophet Abraham was born. After our free time, we will shop for products such as Isot Pepper Paste, Tomato Paste, Red Pepper, Pomegranate Molasses, etc., and we will get into our vehicle to head towards Adana. We will head towards Adana & Akasay & Ankara and complete our Northern Mesopotamia GAP Tour, leaving behind dozens of memories in your minds. We bid farewell until we meet again in another organization; Thank you for choosing us, VENÜS TUR Operation and Sales team. Sincerely.
Breakfast: Will be taken as Open Buffet or Set Menu at our Hotel. (Included.)
Lunch: Urfa Liver House Free Menu (Extra)
Dinner: Will be given Free Time at Facilities on the Way. (Extra)
Accommodation: Attention, There is No Accommodation Tonight!
Accommodation: Attention, There is No Accommodation Tonight!
Bolu, Düzce, Sakarya, İzmit, Gebze, Istanbul We bid farewell to you, our esteemed guests participating in our Northern Mesopotamia Gap Tour from Ankara, Bolu, Düzce, Sakarya, İzmit, and finally from Istanbul, leaving you at the points we picked you up. We look forward to seeing you in our next VENUS TOUR organization. The Northern Mesopotamia Gap Tour circular is valid as of the date published, November 15, 2025. Any subsequent circular published for the same tour will invalidate the previous one. Accommodation: We leave you at the points we picked you up.
INCLUDED:
- VENÜS TUR Assurance
- 4 Nights Accommodation in Hotels
- 1 Night in Gaziantep, 1 Night in Adıyaman, 1 Night in Mardin, 1 Night in Urfa
- 4 Breakfasts at the Hotels
- 3 Dinners at the Hotels
- Compulsory Travel Insurance No. 1618
- All Surrounding Tours Included in the Program
- Transportation with Luxury Vehicles and Water Served in the Vehicle
- Ferry, Parking, Toll Road, and Bridge Fees
- Professional Guiding and Accompanying Services
EXCLUSIONS:
- All Lunches
- All Special Expenses
- 1 Dinner Evening Gathering in Şanlıurfa
- All Beverages Taken with Meals
- All Museum and Historical Site Entrance Fees
- All Additional Organized Activities Mentioned
- First Day Breakfast and Last Day Dinner
1700 TL Urfa Music Night
800 TL Mount Nemrut Tour
500 TL Dara Ancient City + White Water
500 TL Harran Tour
500 TL Malabadi Bridge
600 TL Halfeti Boat Tour
500 TL Titus Tunnel
500 TL Hasankeyf Boat Tour