Flight From Istanbul to Adıyaman - Nemrut Tour

Adiyaman - At 08:30, guests will be picked up from their hotel and transferred to Istanbul airport. The flight to Adıyaman Mt Nemrut departs at 11:10. Upon arrival at Adıyaman airport at 13:00, guests will be greeted and will begin the Mount Nemrut tour, enjoying lunch at a local restaurant en route. The tour will commence with visits to Karakus Tumulus, Cendere Bridge, New Castle, and Arsemia. The journey will continue to Mount Nemrut to admire the renowned statues. The East and West Terraces offer a breathtaking sunset view. After exploring Nemrut, there will be time to capture photos in the nearby valleys before returning to the hotel.

Karakus Tumulusu - The guide will provide detailed information about the Karakuş Tumulus, a funerary monument for Queen Isias and Princesses Antiochis and Aka I of Commagene, constructed by Mithridates II of Commagene between 30–20 BCE, near the modern village of Çukurtaş in Kâhta District, Adıyaman Province, Turkey. “Karakuş” translates to “black bird,” named for the column topped by an eagle. Located 12 kilometers from Kâhta, the tumulus is encircled by groups of three Doric columns, each approximately 9 meters tall, adorned with steles, reliefs, and statues of a bull, lion, and eagle. An inscription reveals the presence of a royal tomb housing three women.

Cendere Bridge - The guide will share insights about the Severan Bridge, where guests will spend about 2 hours. The Severan Bridge (Turkish: Cendere Köprüsü) is a late Roman bridge near the ancient city of Arsameia (now Eskikale), 55 km northeast of Adıyaman in southeastern Turkey. It spans the Cendere Çayı (Chabinas Creek), a tributary of Kâhta Creek, on provincial road 02-03 from Kâhta to Sincik in Adıyaman Province. This bridge was documented and illustrated in 1883 by archaeologists Osman Hamdi Bey and Osgan Efendi.

Arsemia Antik Kenti - The guide will provide details about Arsemia, where guests will spend about 1 hour. Arsemia, once the summer residence of the Commagene kings, is located 60 kilometers from Adiyaman. At the base of this ancient city, there is a remarkable relief depicting Heracles (or possibly Artagnes, a Persian deity equated with Heracles by the Greeks) shaking hands with King Mithridates of Commagene from around 50 BC, alongside the largest Greek inscription in Anatolia.

Mount Nemrut - Guests will visit Nemrut, a 2,134-meter-high mountain in southeastern Turkey, famous for its summit adorned with large statues surrounding what is believed to be a royal tomb from the 1st century BC. It is one of the highest peaks in the eastern Taurus Mountains, located 40 km north of Kahta, near Adıyaman. In 62 BCE, King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene constructed a tomb-sanctuary on the mountain top, flanked by enormous statues 8–9 meters high of himself, two lions, two eagles, and various Greek, Armenian, and Iranian gods, such as Heracles-Artagnes-Ares, Zeus-Oromasdes, and Apollo-Mithras-Helios-Hermes. These statues were originally seated, with each god’s name inscribed on them. The heads of the statues have been detached from their bodies and are now scattered across the site. Guests can enjoy a stunning sunset before returning to their hotel.

From Adıyaman to Sanliurfa - Gobekli Tepe Tour

Sanliurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum - After breakfast, the exploration of Sanliurfa begins. Urfa has been inhabited since the time of the Babylonians, followed by the Hurrites, Hittites, Assyrians, and Greeks. The tour includes visits to the Urfa Archaeological Museum and Aleppo Bahce Mosaic Museum, which showcase an extensive collection from the Harran and Gobeklitepe Area. Guests will also visit the sacred sites at Ainzelha, a lake teeming with domesticated fish. While in Urfa, the tour includes a visit to the cave where the prophet was born, followed by a stroll through the local covered bazaar of Sanliurfa and the town to uncover its many hidden gems. A delightful lunch featuring kebabs will be served.

Potbelly Hill - Gobekli Tepe is one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. Dating back as far as 12,000 years, it predates records of writing or pottery and is considered the world’s oldest ritual complex. This fascinating site is a must-visit, prompting archaeologists to reconsider their understanding of early human history.

Balikligol - Guests will visit Abraham’s cave, the birthplace of the prophet Abraham, and the Pool of Prophet Abraham, believed to be the site where Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire by Nimrod.

Sanliurfa - After exploring the city, guests will be driven to the airport for their evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, they will be met and transferred to their hotel, marking the end of the services.

• Entry/Admission - Sanliurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum
• Entry/Admission - Arsemia Ancient City
• Entry/Admission - Nemrut Mountain National Park
• Entry/Admission - Karakuş Tumulus
• Entry/Admission - Göbekli Tepe
• Entry/Admission - Balikligol
• Entry/Admission - Mountain Nemrut
• Entrance fees
• Lunch
• Breakfast
• Domestic Roundtrip Flights
• Private transportation

• Dinner
• Personal Expenses

Embark on a seamless two-day journey from Istanbul to the heart of Mesopotamia. This curated tour focuses on two iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites: Göbeklitepe and Mount Nemrut.

Highlights:

Göbeklitepe: Visit the “Point Zero of History.” Explore 12,000-year-old megaliths that predate the pyramids, offering a glimpse into the dawn of human civilization and ancient belief systems.

Şanlıurfa Culture: Discover the sacred Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham), the legendary birth cave of Prophet Abraham, and the vibrant historic bazaars filled with local flavors and authentic crafts.

Mount Nemrut: Ascend 2,150 meters to the “Throne of Gods.” Witness a breathtaking sunrise or sunset surrounded by the colossal statues and the massive tumulus of King Antiochus I.

Ancient Landmarks: Visit the Roman Cendere Bridge and the royal Karakuş Tumulus.

Experience a stress-free adventure with expert guides and all logistics handled.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.