Zeugma 14 Days

Day 1 : ISTANBUL

Arrrival to airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight 

Day 2 : TRABZON (by flight)

Upon your arrival in Trabzon, you are met with a friendly 'merhaba' (hello) and escorted to your hotel. You will have the day free to begin exploring Trabzon or to relax at your leisure. Learn more about the cultural adventure ahead of you at an orientation meeting at 7pm. During dinner get acquainted with the other members of your group. 

Day 3 : TRABZON 

Miletian colonists founded Trabzon, the major city of the region, in the 7th century B.C. You will begin the day with a tour of the 14th century Sumela Monastery. In the afternoon, visit the Ayasofya Museum, its splendid frescoes, some of the finest examples of Byzantine painting, cover every surface of the interior church walls. 

Day 4 : TRABZON - KARS 

Begin you day with a scenic morning drive along the luxuriant Black Sea coastline. While you're there make sure to visit the fields of tea bushes. Climb up the mountains to discover the Georgian church in Yusufeli. Continue to Kars whose ancient fortress dominates the city. One of the most important sights in Kars is the Kars Museum, housing many archaeological finds from the earliest ages. Beautiful woodcarvings, and a wide collection of coins found in the area are exhibited here. Discover ethnographic works of art, such as fine kilims, carpets and local costumes. Dinner and overnight. 

Day 5 : KARS - ANI - MT. ARARAT - D.BEYAZIT 

In the morning, visit the medieval city of Ani, a fascinating town situated on the ancient Silk Road. An Armenian city from the 11th century on the Turkish Armenian border, Ani was called ""The City of 1001 Churches"" by its contemporary chroniclers and people alike, for it contained numerous churches and buildings of great splendor and magnificence. During the 9th to the 12th centuries, Ani was a hriving community and acquired fame as being a Christian metropolis in Asia abounding with prestigious monuments. As the capital of Christian Armenia, Ani was a flourishing artistic and religious center ruled by Christian kings. From here continue to Dogubeyazit. On your way enjoy the unforgettable scenery of Mount Ararat, Turkey's most scenic natural monument. Mount Ararat, an inactive volcano capped year round with ice and snow, rises to a height of 15137 meters (6,854 feet). The Old Testament records that it was on this mountain that Noah's Ark came to rest after the great flood. While here be sure to try the local dessert, asure (Noah's Pudding), believed to have first been made by Noah's wife from the last bits of food in the ark. 

Day 6 : D.BEYAZIT - ISHAKPASA - VAN 

A morning visit to the magnificent palace of Ishak Pasha will begin your day. Ishak Pasha, Ottoman governor of the province, constructed the palace in the 17th century in a mixture of architectural styles. Continue from there on Van Adjacent to Lake Van. Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey. The province of Van sits by Lake Van, and was the ancient Urartian capital of Tuspa. It is situated in a green, fertile oasis in the midst of rock-strewn mountains. An impressive citadel stands on one of these peaks and dates back to the 9th century BC. There are steps carved into rock leading to the fortress, and while descending you will be able to see some cuneiform inscriptions paying homage to Persian King, Xerxes of the 5th century BC. 

Day 7 : VAN - AKDAMAR CHURCH 

Enjoy a morning cruise on Lake Van towards the island of Akdamar with its 10th century church of the Holy Cross, now a museum, whose stone outer walls are richly carved with Old Testament scenes and figures. In the afternoon make a visit to the 17th century Hosap Castle and Cavustepe dating back to the 9th century BC. Cavustepe, 35 km from Van on the Hakkari road, is an important Urartian citadel. Excavated in 1970, today you can see temples, a palace, a sacrificial altar and inscriptions. 

Day 8 : VAN - DIYARBAKIR 

Next stop on your journey is Diyarbakir. Diyarbakir, known in ancient times as Amida, has been a cradle of 26 civilizations during its 5000-year history. The city is spread across a basalt plateau close to the banks of the Tigris River. The black basalt triple walls, which encircle the old town, give the city a rather ominous appearance. You'll also visit beautiful Ulu Camii (the Grand Mosque), built in 1179 by Melik Nasreddin Mehmet. 

Day 9 : HASANKEYF - MARDIN - DIYARBAKIR 

Today, you'll explore the city Hasankeyf by the Tigris River, before it is completely lost beneath the water after the installation of the dam. Complete your day with a visit to some of the oldest universities in the world located in Midyat and Mardin. Midyat, famous for its silver objects known as 'telkari' has many elegant, historic houses. From a distance, the golden stone of Mardin houses blend into the rock of the hills on which the city is built. On closer inspection, the stone carving and decoration of the houses and public buildings reveals the city as an architectural treasure-chest. Among the jewels are the ancient citadel and several mosques, in particular, Ulu Mosque. Also visit the world's oldest universities at Midyat and Mardin Darulzafeyran where you will discover highlights of Assyrian civilization. 

Day 10 : DIYARBAKIR - MT.NEMRUT - ADIYAMAN 

In the morning drive to Kahta and ascend to the summit of Mount Nemrut. On the summit of Mount Nemrut, the highest mountain in Northern Mesopotamia at 7,053 feet, sits the gigantic funerary sanctuary erected in the first century BC by King Antiochus I of Comma gene. The artificial tumulus is flanked by terraces on which rest the colossal statues of Apollo, Zeus, Hercules, Tyche and Antiochus. Time has inflicted heavy damage on the sculptures - their torsos sit with their beautifully carved heads at their feet. 

Day 11 : ADIYAMAN - HARRAN - URFA

Overlook the Ataturk Dam on the way to Urfa, which is presumed to be the location where Rebecca drew water for Jacob and where Abraham decided to move into the land of Canaan. In the afternoon, explore Harran, lying on the Mesopotamian plain, known for its mud-brick ""beehive"" like dwellings. Included among the archeological finds are those of the largest ancient Islamic university, city walls dating from the eighth century, four gates and a citadel. 

Day 12 : URFA - ZEUGMA - ANTIOCH 

Drive to Zeugma by the Euphrates, which has become a world heritage because it will soon be submerged by water. Once the capital of the Seleucid kings, it was notorious for its wealth and luxury. In Roman times, the city continued to thrive with commerce and culture. It featured prominently in early Christianity where the name ""Christian"" was first coined. Visit nearby Karatepe to discover some of the best- preserved remains of Hittite Civilization. 

Day 13 : ANTIOCH - ADANA - ISTANBUL 

In Antakya (Antioch) you'll discover the largest Mosaic Museum in Turkey and the Cave of Saint Peter where he first celebrated the mass. After lunch, transfer to the Adana Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Overnight at Istanbul. 

Day 14 : DEPARTURE 

Transfer to airport for your flight home. (B) 

Tour Includes; 

Hotel accommadation; Istanbul on BB, others on HB Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers Guide service during tour, All enterancess fees, Parking fees.

Not Include;

Air transportation, if not specified; airport departure taxes; port taxes; passport expenses; visas; laundry, wines, liquor, mineral water, and items of a personal nature; lunch; items not on regular menus; optional sightseeing or services not included in the itinerary; excess baggage charges, health, accident, baggage and trip cancellation insurance; tipping for personal service; gratuity to guide and driver; or other items not mentioned as included.Arrive Istanbul, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of leisure. Overnight in Istanbul at the Hotel. 

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