Wonders of Turkey with Mt. Nemrut

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Tour Code: ODY-TK-005

Destination: Turkey

Duration8 Days
Tour TypePrivate & Bespoke
Tour Style Classic

About This Trip

This tour begins with visits to famous Ottoman and Byzantine sites in Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. Then you will travel east to Sanliurfa, where you will have the opportunity to view the ancient ruins of Harran University, which is regarded as Islam's first university during the late eighth and ninth centuries. Explore the beautiful old town of Sanliurfa and Mt. Nemrut to learn about the country's history before traveling to Gaziantep to see the world's best-preserved mosaics.

Itinerary Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3

Istanbul

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar
4 - 6

Sanliurfa

Ancient Ruins of Harran University, Old Town of Sanliurfa, Mt. Nemrut
7

Gaziantep

Mosaic Museum of Gaziantep
8

Istanbul

Departure

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Itinerary

Day 1: International Arrival, Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.
- Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul Tours, Bosphorus Cruise
After breakfast, be transferred to a 1-hour scenic cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which is boundary of Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Later, you will visit the Rumeli Fortress, built in an incredibly short time in 1452. Continue on to explore the Covered Bazaar, an age-old labyrinth of streets filled with all sorts of tempting items to purchase.
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- Istanbul
Day 3: Istanbul Tours, Blue Mosque
This morning, ascend to Topkapi Palace and take in the views of its fabulous collections of jewels and other artifacts. Continue to visit the Imperial Harem, another palace inside the Topkapi. Explore the Hagia Sophia, where the numerous, huge and exquisite mosaics always amaze you. Next visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles decorating interior walls, considered the landmark of Istanbul. Discover the Basilica cistern, which was constructed by Justinian in 532 to supply water to the Byzantine Palace primarily. Later, you will visit the highlights of the ancient hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and others.
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- Istanbul
Day 4: Istanbul - Sanliurfa
After breakfast, drive to the airport for a flight to Sanliurfa. Upon your arrival in Sanliurfa, be met and transferred to the hotel.
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- Sanliurfa
Day 5: Sanliurfa, Harran village
Today you will a half day tour to the village of Harran, including the Ancient ruins of Harran University, considered as the first university in the World, unique Soil cone-roofed houses and the cave where Prophet Abrahama was born and the pool of Abraham. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Quarter and Old Town in Sanliurfa.
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- Sanliurfa
Day 6: Sanliurfa, Mt. Nemrut
After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour to the Ataturk Dam on the Euphrates and the Gobeklitepe, which is 7500 years older than the Egyptian Pyramids. After lunch, you will explore the Mt. Nemrut, where scatters massive stone heads of Hercules, Zeus and other gods. Drive back to Sanliurfa (about 3.5 hours' drive) for overnight.
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- Sanliurfa
Day 7: Sanliurfa - Gaziantep
Today, you will departure for Gaziantep (about 2 hours' drive) in the morning. Gaziantep is a city amongst the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. This afternoon, you will visit the Mosaic Museum of Gaziantep and the old city and castle district, Afterward you will be transferred to hotel.
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- Gaziantep
Day 8: Gaziantep - Istanbul, departure
After breakfast, be transferred to the airport to fly to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for connecting flight.
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