Visit Mount Nemrut
Wander around the huge stone heads scattered across Mount Nemrut.
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Home to some of the most important and iconic archaeological sites found anywhere in the world, Eastern Turkey is a fascinating melting pot waiting for the intrepid traveller. Be lured by the walled city of Diyarbakir, Mount Nemrut and Göbekli Tepe, the world’s first temple.
Discover spectacular scenery, ancient civilisations and many biblical sites.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Explore Sanliurfa
Wander through the flower-filled gardens and see the sacred pool of Abraham.
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Visit Gobekli Tepe
Gobekli Tepe is an important archaeological dig, containing the world’s oldest temple.
Cruise on Lake Van
Take a boat ride across Lake Van to visit the 10th Century Armenian Cathedral.
Why we like it
This holiday suggestion to Eastern Turkey is for the most ardent culture vulture. Much less explored than the rest of Turkey this vast region offers so much to see and do, without the crowds. We have put together the best route to successfully and comfortably visit some of the most fascinating sites in the region, all the while sampling incredible cuisine and staying in some wonderfully atmospheric hotels. On the journey, you will be accompanied by our experienced and knowledgeable local guide who is not only informative but incredibly good company and will lift your experience of Eastern Turkey to another level.
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Day 1
Istanbul - Gaziantep
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Day 2
Gaziantep - Nemrut Dagi
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Day 3
Nemrut Dagi - Sanliurfa
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Day 4
Sanliurfa
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Day 5
Sanliurfa - Diyarbakir
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Day 6
Diyarbakir - Midyat
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Day 7
Midyat
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Day 8
Midyat - Van
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Days 9-10
Van
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Day 11
Van - Istanbul
Day 1
Istanbul - Gaziantep
Day 2
Gaziantep - Nemrut Dagi
Wander around the huge stone heads scattered across Mount Nemrut.
Day 3
Nemrut Dagi - Sanliurfa
Wander through the flower-filled gardens and see the sacred pool of Abraham. Gobekli Tepe is an important archaeological dig, containing the world’s oldest temple
Day 4
Sanliurfa
Day 5
Sanliurfa - Diyarbakir
Day 6
Diyarbakir - Midyat
Day 7
Midyat
Day 8
Midyat - Van
Days 9-10
Van
A relaxed lakeside town, Van is nestled in a tranquil setting, looking out over a lake and with snow-capped peaks visible in the distance.
Day 11
Van - Istanbul
More details
The Colossal Stone Heads of Nemrut Dagi
Standing at just over 2,000 metres, Mount Nemrut’s famous peak is decorated with an array of huge stone heads that sit on terraces cut into three sides of the mountain. Spend some time exploring this magnificent site, admiring the beautiful views and learning of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene. Originally this tomb-sanctuary was flanked by huge statues – one of King Antiochus I, two lions, two eagles and various Greek, Armenian, and Iranian gods. Today, only the heads of the statues survive, but originally the figures were thought to stand up to 10 metres tall. Despite a number of excavations failing to find his tomb, it is still believed that the sanctuary contains the burial site of King Antiochus.
Inside Gobekli Tepe, the Oldest Temple in the World
The discovery of Gobekli changes everything. Its discovery in the 1960s wasn’t considered as significant by archaeologists and it wasn’t until 1994 that the real truth of Gobekli came out. Subsequent exploration has now changed how we understand the rise of human civilisations. Believed to be a massive ancient temple, Gobekli Tepe is built out of pillars decorated with intricate sculptures of lions, scorpions and vultures. These are just the foundations to a bigger structure. The artwork and engineering is an incredible feat at any time, but this was achieved more than 11,500 years ago. To put it in perspective, Gobekli Tepe is 6000 years older than Stone Henge. It is truly a sight to behold.
Diyarbakir
Diyarbakir is a lively Kurdish-dominated walled city on the banks of the Tigris. The city is well worth exploring and we recommend visiting the Grand Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia and Keldani Catholic Church, voted one of the most beautiful churches in Turkey. Also in the city is the Dört Ayaklý Minaret (Four-Legged Minaret) and Meryem Ana Kilisesi, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is a part of a large monastic foundation.
The Beautiful Scenery of Lake Van
A relaxed lakeside town, Van is nestled in a tranquil setting, looking out over a lake and with snow-capped peaks visible in the distance. Van has suffered more than its fair share of earthquakes, but the most striking of Van’s treasures has survived. This is the town’s Urartian Fortress, set upon a steep-sided bluff. During your stay, you tour the citadel and also take a boat trip to Akdamar Island, home to the beautifully restored 10th-century Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $3,416 Per person
When to travel
Turkey in January
Temperatures can be as low as -9.C in some regions of Turkey, with snowfall likely. During the months of January and February, the country can be less crowded, although visiting the cities is a more popular option than coastal re