Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

• Arrival in Istanbul and private transfer to your hotel in the historical district

• Optional evening walk through Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and ancient cisterns lit by torchlight

• Dinner in a traditional meyhane; overnight in Istanbul

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Day 2 – Fly to Şanlıurfa & Göbekli Tepe

• Morning flight to Şanlıurfa, gateway to prehistory

• Guided visit to Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex (c. 9600 BC)

• Afternoon stroll through Şanlıurfa’s bazaar, holy pools, and Abraham’s cave

• Overnight in a heritage-style boutique hotel

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Day 3 – Harran Beehive Houses & Ancient Astronomy

• Visit Harran, famed for its ancient university ruins and mudbrick beehive houses

• Optional exploration of Karahan Tepe, a sister site to Göbekli Tepe still under excavation

• Sunset at a desert overlook; overnight in Şanlıurfa

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Day 4 – Mount Nemrut: Stone Gods at Sunrise

• Early drive to Mount Nemrut (approx. 5 hrs)

• Sunset or sunrise hike to the summit (2,150m) where colossal stone heads guard an ancient royal tomb

• Learn the story of King Antiochus and his mountain cult

• Overnight in Kahta or mountain guesthouse

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Day 5 – Eastern Fortresses & Remote Ruins

• Visit Arsameia and the Cendere Bridge, Greco-Roman ruins deep in the mountains

• Continue to the Euphrates for short hikes and lunch by the river

• Transfer to Gaziantep for overnight

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Day 6 – Gaziantep’s Mosaic Museums & Culinary Capital

• Explore the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, housing some of the finest ancient art in the world

• Sample regional dishes: pistachio kebab, baklava, and spicy mezes

• Overnight in a local guesthouse

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Day 7 – Travel to Cappadocia via Tarsus

• Journey north into Cappadocia, stopping in Tarsus the legendary birthplace of St. Paul

• Optional stop at underground water tunnels or early Christian relics en route

• Arrive in Cappadocia by evening; overnight in a cave hotel

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Day 8 – Derinkuyu & the Hidden Cities of Stone

• Morning descent into Derinkuyu Underground City, a vast multi-level refuge used for centuries

• Afternoon hike in Ihlara Valley, with frescoed cave churches and river gorges

• Overnight in Göreme

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Day 9 – Monasteries, Fairy Chimneys & Cappadocian Dreamscapes

• Explore Göreme Open Air Museum, Zelve, and lunar-like rock formations

• Optional hot-air balloon ride at sunrise (weather permitting)

• Farewell dinner under the stars with local wine

• Overnight in Cappadocia

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Day 10 – Return to Istanbul & Departure

• Morning flight back to Istanbul for connections

• Optional half-day extension or onward travel

• End of tour