Turkey · Archaeology

3-Day GAP Tour of Gaziantep to Mardin with Zeugma and Göbeklitepe

3 Days Round trip from Gaziantep Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Marvel at the mosaic art at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum
02 Enjoy a boat trip in Halfeti to view Rumkale's Greek Castle
03 Visit Göbeklitepe, one of the earliest man-made monumental sites
04 Admire Balıklıgöl in Şanlıurfa and the Grand Mosque of Diyarbakır
05 Appreciate the architecture of Kasımiye Madrassah and Deyrülzafaran Monastery
06 Taste Gaziantep's famous baklava and katmer

Experience a 3-day GAP tour from Gaziantep to Mardin, exploring Gaziantep Castle, the old city's spice market, and its traditional copper craft. Visit the religious Pool of Abraham in Şanlıurfa, the Grand Mosque of Diyarbakır, and the architectural landmarks of Deyrülzafaran Monastery and Kasımiye Madrassah. Stroll through the ancient city of Zeugma, see the mosaic art exhibited at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and enjoy a boat ride in Halfeti to view Rumkale.

Head to Göbeklitepe at 11.30, one of the earliest examples of man-made monumental architecture dating back to 9600-9500 BC, earning it the title of the Zero Point in Time.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Mardin, Şanlıurfa, Midyat

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Gaziantep Heritage, Zeugma Mosaics, and Halfeti Boat Ride

Embark on a trip at 9.00 to Gaziantep Castle, built by the Romans in the 2nd and 3rd century AD.
Have breakfast at 10.00 and head to the Coppersmith's Bazaar at 10.30 to admire the copper workmanship, one of the old handicrafts of Gaziantep.
Set off to Almacı Market, a covered market of spice sellers, at 11.00.
Try the famous desserts of Gaziantep, baklava and katmer, listed in world gastronomy and culinary culture, at 11.30.
Arrive at Cave Cafe at 12.00.
Stroll around the Bey neighbourhood and admire the old Gaziantep houses at 13.00, followed by lunch at 14.00.
Journey to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep to marvel at the beautiful mosaics unearthed from the ancient city of Zeugma, which was the base of Rome's five garrisons, at 15.00.
Admire the ancient city of Zeugma, where the mosaics were excavated, at 17.30.
Ride a boat in the Halfeti region to view the Greek Castle in Rumkale at 19.00.
Return to your accommodation at the Halfeti tent camping area, where you can swim in the Euphrates River, or stay at a boutique hotel.

Day 02

Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe, Diyarbakır, and Mardin

Depart at 8.30 after breakfast and reach Şanlıurfa Fish Lake, also known as Balıklıgöl or the Pool of Abraham, at 9.45.
Head to Göbeklitepe at 11.30, one of the earliest examples of man-made monumental architecture dating back to 9600-9500 BC, earning it the title of the Zero Point in Time.
Have lunch in Diyarbakır at 15.00 and move on to the Grand Mosque at 16.00 to see the sundial made by Al Jazari, who laid the foundations for many robotic inventions.
Stop by the ten-arched bridge and take a drink break at one of the cafes on the banks of the Tigris River at 17.30.
Return to Mardin for accommodation at 19.30.

Day 03

Mardin Churches, Monastery, Dara, and Midyat

Experience a traditional Turkish kahvaltı (breakfast) at 8.00 and head to Old Mardin at 8.30.
Travel to Kırklar Kilisesi (Süreyani Ortadoks Kilisesi), a Syriac Orthodox church, at 9.00 and the Protestant Kilisesi at 9.30.
Appreciate the history of Ulu Cami, the Grand Mosque in Mardin, at 10.00 and Kasımiye Madrassah, a historical madrassa in Mardin, at 11.00.
Head to Deyrülzafaran Monastery at 12.00 and move on to the ancient city of Dara, a burial ground for famous Romans.
Relax at Beyazsu Creek and have lunch by the white-water river in Mardin at 14.30.
Get a chance to shop for filigree in Midyat at 16.00.
Bid farewell to Mardin and set off on your return journey at 18.00.