Magic Explorer 13-Day Tour from Istanbul to Gobeklitepe Mt Nemrut

Day 1: Istanbul

1. Istanbul
   1h
   Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore at your own pace.

Day 2: Istanbul Old City

1. Istanbul
   8h
   After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome.
   Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with an optional 'Half day Bosphorous cruise'.

Day 3: Gallipoli Battlefields

1. Gallipoli
   11h
   Today we visit the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.

Day 4: Troy, Behramkale, Kusadasi

1. Troy (Truva)
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Depart from Çanakkale and head towards Troy, where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award-winning Troy Museum. We continue on to the old village of Behramkale, a picturesque settlement with stone houses and narrow streets that offer a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life. You will have time to explore the village, take in the beautiful scenery, and perhaps enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a local café. From Behramkale, we head south to Kuşadası.

Day 5: Ephesus, Kusadasi

1. Ephesus Ancient City
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before exploring the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.

Day 6: Pamukkale, Hierapolis

1. 3h · Admission ticket included
   This morning we will head to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale
2. Hierapolis & Pamukkale
   3h · Admission ticket included
   where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.

Day 7: Silk Road, Konya

1. Sultanhani Kervansarayi
   9h · Admission ticket included
   Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening!

Day 8: Cappadocia, Goreme, Underground City

1. 5h · Admission ticket included
   Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city.

Day 9: Adiyaman, Mount Nemrut

1. Mount Nemrut
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Leaving Cappadocia early in the morning, we drive to Adiyaman, passing through Kahramanmaras. Our day will culminate with a stunning sunset at Mt. Nemrut.
   We venture towards the majestic Mount Nemrut, home to the Tombs of Commagene Kingdom and the towering Colossal Statues of Gods. Ascending to the Tumulus of Antiochos, the former capital of Kommagene, we'll await a breathtaking sunset from the summit of Nemrut. This ancient funerary monument, concealed in time for almost two millennia, will be a remarkable backdrop as the sun descends, painting the sky in hues of serenity atop Mt. Nemrut.

Day 10: Harran, Sanliurfa

1. Harran
   8h
   Following breakfast, our journey takes us to Sanliurfa (Urfa) via a scenic route, passing the impressive Ataturk Dam and the historic town of Harran, known for its unique mud-brick houses and ancient city walls. In Sanliurfa, we will explore the revered Holy Pools of Abraham and visit the cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.

Day 11: Gobekli Tepe

1. Gobeklitepe
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Our first destination is Gobekli Tepe, the most significant archaeological site of our time, reshaping our understanding of early human history. This sacred site reveals the earliest-known religious structures, dating back an astonishing 11,000 to 13,000 years, predating pivotal human advancements like pottery, writing, Stonehenge, and even the Pyramids. Following this, we will visit the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, Kizilkoyun Nekropolis, and the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum.

Day 12: Gaziantep, Istanbul

1. Gaziantep
   8h
   Start your day with breakfast before a scenic drive towards Gaziantep, with a fascinating stop in Halfeti. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a captivating boat trip on the Euphrates River to discover the intriguing partially sunken city and learn about its rich history.
   After this unique experience, we continue to Gaziantep, one of Turkey's celebrated culinary capitals. Our first stop is the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to one of the world's most stunning collections of Roman mosaics, offering a deep insight into the region's ancient past.
   You'll then have free time in Gaziantep's vibrant city center to explore local bazaars and enjoy the city's world-famous cuisine (like baklava, kebabs, or beyran soup). Your guide will provide excellent local restaurant recommendations for your leisurely, independent lunch (not included). In the late afternoon, we will transfer you to Gaziantep Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul.

Day 13: Istanbul

1. Istanbul
   2h
   After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels