Our journey begins the moment our plane touches down at Gaziantep Airport, right in the heart of history and flavor. As we glide from the airport towards the city, passing through pistachio trees, we suddenly find ourselves at the appetizing tables of Gaziantep, a city with one of the world's richest culinary heritages. At lunchtime, accompanied by the aromas of fresh spices and meat rising from the ovens, we enjoy our first feast with the city's renowned kebabs, and then we turn our route towards the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which brings the splendor of the Roman Empire to the present day. Here, we witness the melancholic and profound gaze of the Gypsy Girl mosaic, which has become the symbol of the museum, and embark on a journey through the dusty pages of history. Later in the day, amidst the rhythmic sounds of hammers rising from the Copper Bazaar, we sip our coffees in the shadow of centuries-old inns, breathing in the commercial genius and craft culture of Antep firsthand.

Accommodation: Gaziantep

With the first rays of dawn, we set off towards Halfeti to embrace the calm waters of the Euphrates River. Halfeti, submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam and awaiting us with the air of a "lost city," offers a boat tour that will be etched in our memories with the mosque minaret rising above the water and the majestic presence of Rumkale. After this captivating water journey, we reach Şanlıurfa, the City of Prophets, and take a spiritual break in the peaceful atmosphere of the sacred Balıklıgöl, where it is believed that Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, and Ayn Zeliha Lake. As evening falls, we experience the indispensable tradition of Urfa: a Sıra Gecesi (traditional evening gathering). We experience a true Mesopotamian night with the unique harmony of melancholic folk songs, freshly kneaded raw meatballs, and bitter mirra (a traditional Turkish drink).

Accommodation: Şanlıurfa

On our third day, after breakfast at the hotel, we step into Göbeklitepe, considered the "zero point of history," which changed all known truths about human history. Walking among these massive standing stones dating back 12,000 years, we feel to our core how the first foundations of settled life and belief were laid. After this magnificent discovery, we turn our route to Harran, which hosted the world's first university, and share in the stories of the local people in the coolness of the region's iconic conical-domed houses. We end our day in the magnificent halls of the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, one of Türkiye's largest museum complexes, listening to the whispers of artifacts from ancient times.

Accommodation in Şanlıurfa

Our fourth day of travel begins with a climb to Mount Nemrut, home to the magnificent legacy of the Kingdom of Commagene. After listening to the stories of the Cendere Bridge, considered the pinnacle of Roman engineering, and the Karakuş Tumulus with its noble presence, on the road to Adıyaman, we reach the colossal statues of the gods at an altitude of 2,150 meters. Among these massive monuments, built by King Antiochus at the closest point to the sky, we feel as if we are in the most captivating scene of a fairy tale while watching the sunset. As the colors of the sky, ranging from orange to purple, fall upon the gigantic stone heads, we all witness the captivating power of silence and history.

A sunset at Nemrut is one of the most spiritual and visually satisfying moments a person can experience in their life. We conclude our tour by saying, "It is the place where the sunrise and sunset are best observed."

Accommodation in Nemrut

On our farewell day, we embark on a final exploration tour of the bazaars, joining the lively morning hustle and bustle of the region. Filling our bags with pistachios, isot (a type of chili pepper), and handcrafted copper items, we once again realize the generosity of these lands that has continued for thousands of years. With the peace of mind that comes from having touched a millennia-old heritage, witnessed the beginning of history, and delighted our palates with unforgettable flavors over five days, we set off for the airport to board our flight.

• Round-trip airfare
• 4 nights hotel accommodation
• 4 breakfasts
• All transfers
• Professional guiding
• Akdamar boat crossing

• Lunch
• Museum & archaeological site entrance fees
• Personal expenses