Eastern Anatolia Heritage
The fullest eastern journey, extending from Gaziantep and Mardin to Mount Nemrut and the lakeland around Van.
Journey Overview
- Duration
- 12 Days / 11 nights
- Route
- Gaziantep – Şanlıurfa – Mardin – Mount Nemrut – Van
- Suggested airports
- GZT – VAN
- Travel style
- Eastern Türkiye
- Best for
- Culture & history enthusiasts · Photographers · Repeat visitors
The most complete route through eastern Türkiye. It begins in Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa, takes in Göbeklitepe and the stone city of Mardin, then climbs to the Commagene sanctuary on Mount Nemrut — the same arc as the shorter eastern journeys, but with room to breathe.
The final stage continues to Lake Van, a high inland sea ringed by mountains, with the tenth-century Armenian church on Akdamar Island and the Urartian fortress above the city. Twelve days makes the long distances manageable and leaves genuine rest days between the driving.
Destinations on This Journey
Gaziantep
Days 1–2
Mosaics, bazaars and one of the world’s great food cities.
Şanlıurfa
Days 3–4
Sacred pools and the sanctuary of Göbeklitepe.
Mardin
Days 5–6
Terraced stone architecture above the Mesopotamian plain.
Mount Nemrut
Days 7–8
Commagene heritage and the colossal summit statues.
Lake Van
Days 9–11
Akdamar Island, the fortress and eastern highland light.
Departure
Day 12
Final morning and transfer to Van Airport.
Journey Highlights
- Gaziantep — Cuisine and museum collections in Türkiye’s southeastern gateway.
- Şanlıurfa & Göbeklitepe — Sacred pools, bazaars and the world’s oldest temple complex.
- Mardin — Stone architecture and monasteries above the Mesopotamian plain.
- Mount Nemrut — The mountaintop sanctuary of colossal Commagene statues.
- Lake Van Region — Akdamar Island, highland light and eastern Anatolian heritage.
- The Full East — The most complete private route through eastern Türkiye.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Gaziantep
Gaziantep
Private welcome at Gaziantep Airport and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free for a first walk through the old city and its copper workshops.
Day 2 — Gaziantep: Mosaics & Cuisine
Gaziantep
A guided day at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum and the castle, followed by the covered bazaars, with time built in for a proper local lunch in a city known for its kitchens.
Day 3 — Gaziantep to Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa
Travel east across the plain to Şanlıurfa, covering the sacred pools of Balıklıgöl and the old bazaar quarter in the afternoon.
Day 4 — Göbeklitepe
Şanlıurfa
Visit Göbeklitepe, the twelve-thousand-year-old stone enclosures that changed the understanding of early settlement, followed by the archaeology museum in the city.
Day 5 — Şanlıurfa to Mardin
Mardin
Continue east to Mardin. The city’s terraced stone facades and the plain stretching south below are best seen in the late afternoon light on arrival.
Day 6 — Mardin Old City
Mardin
A guided day through the stone lanes, madrasas and courtyards, with the Deyrulzafaran monastery included subject to visiting arrangements on the day.
Day 7 — Mardin to Adıyaman
Adıyaman – Kâhta
Travel towards the Nemrut region with Commagene sites en route — the Cendere bridge and Arsameia among them, depending on timing and conditions.
Day 8 — Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut
Ascend to the summit sanctuary for the colossal statues, timed for sunrise or sunset according to season. The mountain is exposed and the visit depends on weather and road conditions.
Day 9 — Onward to Van
Van
A long travelling day east into the highlands, by road or with a connecting flight depending on schedules. Arrive at Lake Van with the evening free.
Day 10 — Akdamar Island & Van
Van
A short crossing to Akdamar Island for the tenth-century Armenian church of the Holy Cross, with its carved biblical reliefs. The afternoon covers Van Castle and the old city below it.
Day 11 — The Van Region
Van
A flexible day in the highlands — the Çavuştepe Urartian fortress, Hoşap Castle, or time around the lake shore. The programme is shaped around the season and your preferred pace.
Day 12 — Departure from Van
Van
After a final unhurried morning, private transfer to Van Airport for your onward journey.
What This Journey Includes
- Private transfers
- Selected accommodation
- Licensed private guides
- Domestic flight coordination
- 24/7 local assistance
Final inclusions depend on the selected programme and confirmed proposal.
Optional Experiences
- Akdamar Island Excursion — A short crossing on Lake Van to the tenth-century Armenian church.
- Mount Nemrut Sunrise — First light on the summit terraces, subject to weather and season.
- Hotel Upgrades — Boutique stone properties and higher categories along the east.
- Extra Nights — Extend in Mardin, Van or any stage of the route.
Journey Gallery
Plan This Journey
Tell us your preferred dates, hotel style and interests and our local team will tailor this itinerary around your travel plans.
Plan your trip · info@allwaytour.com · +90 534 397 1515