The Southeast GAP Tour, stretching to the fertile lands of Mesopotamia and the legendary shores of the Euphrates and Tigris, promises an unforgettable journey that offers history, culture, flavors, and breathtaking natural landscapes all together. As you walk through this cradle of civilizations, intertwined with thousands of years of history, you will witness a new story in every city.
Şanlıurfa
Balıklıgöl
Göbeklitepe
Harran Plain
Halfeti
Gaziantep
Zeugma Mosaic Museum
Mardin
Midyat
Hasankeyf
Diyarbakır Walls
On Gözlü Bridge
Mount Nemrut
Atatürk Dam
Birecik Kelaynak Breeding Station
Your tour generally begins in Gaziantep or Şanlıurfa, taking you into the narrow streets, stone mansions, and inns of ancient cities. In Gaziantep, you will closely observe the craftsmanship of copper artisans and have the opportunity to experience the unique flavors of the UNESCO-recognized Antep cuisine while wandering among the aromas of pistachios, spices, and baklava in the bazaars. At the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, you will be transported back to the Roman period with mesmerizing mosaics, including the "Gypsy Girl."
Şanlıurfa Bazaars
Urfa Castle
Customs Inn
Bedestens
In Urfa, you will visit the lands believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham and where he was thrown into the fire, experiencing the sacred atmosphere around Balıklıgöl and its surroundings. As you wander among the temple structures at Göbeklitepe, which rewrite human history, you will witness firsthand why this region is referred to as "the birthplace of civilization." In Harran, the conical domed houses and the ruins of the historic Harran University will take you deep into the history of Islamic science. In Halfeti, along the Euphrates River, you will explore the enchanting relationship between the stone houses and the water with a boat tour, and you will have the chance to photograph the minaret that has been submerged.
Old Mardin
Mardin Grand Mosque
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Midyat Guesthouses
In Mardin, you will stroll through streets adorned with the finest examples of stone craftsmanship and feel the climate of tolerance in this fairy-tale city where Muslims, Syriacs, and other cultures have lived together for centuries. In Midyat, you can closely examine handmade jewelry in the workshops of silver filigree artisans. In Diyarbakır, you will see the UNESCO heritage basalt stone walls, the On Gözlü Bridge, and the Hevsel Gardens, witnessing the history of the city and the fertility of the Euphrates-Tigris basin together.
Diyarbakır Grand Mosque
Hasankeyf Old Settlement
Surroundings of Batman
Adıyaman Nemrut Tomb
As you watch the sunrise or sunset on Mount Nemrut, in the shadow of giant king and deity statues, you will feel how special the memories you have accumulated during this tour are; you will witness the meeting of the past and future as you see the dams and new living spaces brought to the region by the GAP project. With tables full of flavors, warm human connections, and cities adorned with legends, the Southeast GAP Tour offers a discovery journey that will never be erased from your memory.
The tour program generally covers the important cities and points of the GAP region, such as Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep, Mardin, Diyarbakır, Adıyaman (Nemrut), Harran, and Halfeti: Within this tour, each city's unique historical, cultural, and natural beauties are explored in detail with a guide; for example, Balıklıgöl, Göbeklitepe, Zeugma Museum, Mardin's stone houses, and the giant statues at Mount Nemrut may be included in the itinerary. The program typically involves an intense sightseeing pace from early morning until the evening, so a daily planned route is followed, and intercity bus or minibus transfers are organized by the tour company.
Due to the hot and dry climate, especially in the summer months, it is important to bring light and loose clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and sufficient water: The Southeastern Anatolia Region is known for its high temperatures exceeding 40 degrees and intense sunshine in the summer, so wearing light-colored, non-sweating clothing and using a hat reduces the risk of sunstroke. Using sunscreen, drinking water regularly, and resting in shady areas as much as possible not only increases comfort but also serves as a health precaution.
For visits to sacred and historical sites (mosques, shrines, Balıklıgöl, etc.), modest clothing that covers the knees and shoulders should be preferred: Due to religious sensitivities in many sacred places in the region, open clothing such as shorts and tank tops may not be well-received, and you may receive a warning at entry. To show respect for the local culture and not disturb worshippers, it is recommended that everyone, regardless of gender, dress more conservatively and simply, and if necessary, carry a headscarf or shawl.
For long walks in rocky and uneven areas (Mount Nemrut, historical streets, etc.), it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket if needed: Especially during ascents to high places like Mount Nemrut, stony paths and steep roads can strain the ankles, so sports shoes or trekking-style comfortable-soled shoes should be preferred. Additionally, even in summer, it can get chilly in high-altitude areas during the evening and early morning, so having a light jacket or cardigan brings comfort throughout the tour.
What's generally included in the tour are transportation, accommodation, guiding, and some meals; however, museum/archaeological site entrance fees, extra tours, and personal expenses are often not included in the price: It is important to read the details of “included” and “not included” services thoroughly before purchasing the tour to avoid unexpected costs later. For example, you may need to make extra payments for some private boat tours, museum tickets, cable cars, additional evening entertainment, beverages, or personal shopping, so it is advised to keep some cash or cards with you.
Since the cuisine in the region (kebabs, baklava, isot, liver, lahmacun, etc.) is rich in spices and meat-based, it is beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs or special diets to inform about this before the tour: Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, and Mardin cuisines are known for their intense use of spicy, oily, and seasoned foods, which can cause stomach discomfort for those not accustomed to such foods. Vegetarians, vegans, those with gluten intolerance, or individuals with chronic conditions requiring special diets should communicate with the tour company and the guide in advance to request suitable alternative meal options.
What's Included
Accommodation (3-4 star hotels or boutique hotel accommodation, breakfast included)
Professional Turkish guiding services
Luxury vehicles for intercity and city transportation
Entrance fees to specified museums and archaeological sites (as indicated in the program)
Daily breakfast
Guided tours at main stops such as Hasankeyf, Göbeklitepe, Balıklıgöl, Halfeti
Boat tour (usually Halfeti Dam Lake boat tour in the program)
Travel insurance (basic package valid during the tour)
Not Included
"Plane tickets and airport transfers
Drinks not included in lunch and dinner
Personal expenses and extra tours
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees
Travel health insurance and cancellation insurance"
Comfortable walking shoes and spare socks
Season-appropriate clothing and a light jacket
Sun cream, hat, and sunglasses
Personal medications and basic hygiene items
Camera or a phone with sufficient memory
Reusable water bottle and snacks
