Visit Mount Nemrut
Wander around the huge stone heads scattered across Mount Nemrut.
This itinerary 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. On the journey, you will be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable local guide who will lift your experience to another level.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Explore Sanliurfa
Wander through the flower-filled gardens and see the sacred pool of Abraham.
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.
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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 - Mardin
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Day 7
Mardin
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Day 8
Mardin - Van
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Days 9-10
Van
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Day 11
Van - Istanbul
Day 1
Istanbul - Gaziantep
Fly from Istanbul to Gaziantep. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation.
Day 2
Gaziantep - Nemrut Dagi
Travel overland, a journey of around four hours to the site of Nemrut Dagi – a collection of mountainside stone statues that once adorned the temple and tomb of King Antiochus. Wander among the colossal statue heads, scattered across this UNESCO site as the sun sets over Mount Nemrut.
Day 3
Nemrut Dagi - Sanliurfa
Travel south to the city of Sanliurfa via the massive Ataturk Dam which straddles the mighty river Euphrates. On arrival check into your accommodation.
Day 4
Sanliurfa
Wander through the flower-filled gardens and see the sacred pool of Abraham. Also visit nearby Gobekli Tepe, an important archaeological dig, containing the world’s oldest temple.
Day 5
Sanliurfa - Diyarbakir
Depart Sanliufa and drive to the walled Kurdish city of Diyarbakir. Spend the afternoon exploring and people watching within the ancient city walls, visiting the Ulucami mosque and Keldani church.
Day 6
Diyarbakir - Mardin
Drive to Mardin and check into your accommodation.
Day 7
Mardin
Contrasting with the black basalt of Diyarbakir, the bright limestone of Mardin’s buildings has led to its nickname of the ‘White City’. Famous for its intricate stonework, Mardin’s highlights include the 11th century Seljuk Great Mosque, the beautiful white-domed Zincriye Madrassa and the town’s ancient covered bazaar. Also visit nearby Dara – the remains of a Roman city built in the 6th century to protect the Roman border with Sassanian Persia.
Day 8
Mardin - Van
Drive to Van via Hasankeyf and Midyat. Enroute visit the Church of the Mother of God at Anitli and Hasankeyf, home to thousands of man-made caves, medieval monuments and a rich ecosystem. Check into your accommodation on arrival in Van, on the shores of Lake Van.
Days 9-10
Van
Explore the picturesque lakeside town of Van as well as some surrounding villages and islands.
Day 11
Van - Istanbul
Transfer to the airport for your flights to Istanbul and onward travel.
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.
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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 $5,195 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 regions.
Turkey in February
February will be marginally warmer than January, with the climate varying according to the region, due to the country’s sheer size. Some regions of Turkey will experience temperatures as low as 3.C, whereas other areas can see temperatures averaging 14.C.
Turkey in March
Certain regions of Turkey will experience many days of rainfall, particularly on the south west coast. During springtime in Turkey, temperatures will be ideal for sightseeing in the big cities and with less crowds than in the months to come.
Turkey in April
Springtime is an excellent month to travel to Turkey with temperatures in their low 20s on the south coast and longer days of sunshine, however it should be noted that in northern regions during April, they may experience more rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Turkey in May
As spring draws to a close and the signs of summer begin, temperatures will continue to rise and yet be quieter than July and August, when many choose to visit on their summer holidays both to coastal destinations and the country’s top cities, including Istanbul.
Turkey in June
On the Mediterranean coast, June will experience higher levels of humidity with warmer, temperatures and long days of sunshine. It will start to get busier at coastal resorts as the temperatures start to rise.
Turkey in July
During the summer months, temperatures are high and most of Turkey’s regions will experience long, dry days of very little rain. The cities, including Istanbul, will be quieter as the summer is a popular time to visit coastal resorts.
Turkey in August
Like any Mediterranean destination during the summer, Turkey will experience high temperatures, ideal for a summer holiday by the coast. If sightseeing in Turkey’s cities however, it may be less comfortable for some.
Turkey in September
The Autumn months in Turkey will experience marginally cooler temperatures than those of July and August, however, will still be in the mid to high 20s, with minimal rainfall.
Turkey in October
Whilst during the day, temperatures will be in the mid-20s, the evenings will be much cooler. Humidity levels will be much lower than the peak summer months but as Autumn continues, rainfall will be more frequent.
Turkey in November
With the cooler climate throughout Turkey, it means that there will be fewer tourists travelling to the country. Winter will have begun in Eastern regions, even experiencing the first signs of snow, yet some coastal destinations will still see highs of 25°C.
Turkey in December
In certain regions of Turkey during the winter months, particularly in mountainous areas and Eastern Turkey, temperatures can fall below zero and snowfall is likely.
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