Turkey Collection
South-Eastern Turkey Tour
An 11-day journey through the rich history, culture, and unique landscapes of Turkey's Southeast region, from Istanbul to Cappadocia.
Gallery
Moments from the Journey
Full gallery coming soon — for now, explore this journey through our itinerary and highlights above.
Overview
A Journey Through 10,000 Years
Welcome to your South-Eastern Turkey Tour, beginning in Istanbul! Over 11 days, you'll explore the rich history, culture, and unique landscapes of Turkey's Southeast region. Starting in Istanbul and ending in the captivating scenery of Cappadocia, this journey includes visits to ancient cities, monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Highlights
What Makes This Tour Unforgettable
Imperial Istanbul
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Spice Market and a sunset Bosphorus cruise
Mardin's Syriac Heritage
Deyr ul-Zafaran Monastery, founded in 493 AD
Göbeklitepe & Mount Nemrut
The world's oldest known temple complex and the colossal summit statues of Mount Nemrut
Cappadocia's Underground & Above
The Goreme Open-Air Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, and an optional sunrise balloon ride
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul Arrival
Upon your arrival in Istanbul, we'll welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we can suggest various excursions and sightseeing opportunities. You'll spend the night in Istanbul.
Day 2
Istanbul Old City Tour
We begin our day with a sightseeing tour of the Old City of Sultanahmet, starting with Topkapi Palace, walking around the Hippodrome, then visiting the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and The Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3
Istanbul Spice Market and Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
Start the day at the Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar, followed by a Bosphorus cruise showcasing historical sites. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4
Flight from Istanbul to Mardin / Mardin
After hotel check-out, you are transferred to the airport for our flight to Mardin. We visit Deyr ul-Zafaran Monastery, an important Syriac Orthodox monastery founded in 493 AD. Overnight stay in Mardin.
Day 5
Mardin / Sanliurfa
We continue with a drive to Sanliurfa, stopping in Birecik town, famous for the nearly extinct Northern Bald Ibis birds. In Sanliurfa, we visit a covered bazaar, a cave known as the birthplace of the prophet Abraham, and the ancient city of Harran, famous for its 'beehive' adobe houses. Overnight stay in Sanliurfa.
Day 6
Gobeklitepe
We are picked up early and transferred to Göbeklitepe, an ancient site dating back to the 10th millennium BCE, with its intricately carved stone pillars. After the tour, return to the hotel for an overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 7
Sanliurfa / Kahta (Mount Nemrut)
We continue with a drive to Kahta, crossing the Ataturk Dam and seeing the Karakus monumental tomb. We then head to Mount Nemrut, famous for its summit statues of lions, eagles, and various Greek, Armenian, and Iranian gods. After watching the sunset, overnight in Nemrut.
Day 8
Kahta / Cappadocia
We continue with a drive down the mountain and through small villages to the Cappadocia region, with an early evening arrival. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 9
North Cappadocia Tour
We start with a hike through Red Valley and Pasabagi to see the fairy chimneys, visit the village of Cavusin, the Goreme Open-Air Museum, and Uchisar, the tallest point in the region. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 10
Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride / South Cappadocia Tour
An optional hot-air balloon ride is available today. We visit Kaymakli, the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, Ihlara Valley, Selime's rock monastery, and the Agzikarahan Caravanserai. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 11
Flight to Istanbul / Final Departure
After checking out of the hotel, we provide a transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your flight to Istanbul, connecting to your homebound flight.
What's Included
Your Journey Covers
- Hotel accommodation in the category of your choice
- Domestic flight tickets inc. taxes
- Sightseeing tours on a regular group basis (private basis on request)
- Licensed tour guide assistance during the sightseeing tours
- Main entrance fees to all sites visited as per the itinerary
- Fast-track entries to the museums and natural parks
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Deluxe air-conditioned vehicles for tours and airport transfers
- Domestic land transport between each destination
- Taxes and handling service
- 24/7 support during your trip
Questions
Frequently Asked
How does this tour differ from 'Historical Eastern Turkey'?
This itinerary focuses on Mardin, Sanliurfa, Göbeklitepe, Mount Nemrut and Cappadocia, while 'Historical Eastern Turkey' adds Lake Van and Diyarbakir for a deeper, more easterly route.
Is the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia included?
The hot air balloon ride on Day 10 is offered as an optional experience at an additional cost.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable weather, particularly for the Southeast, which is very hot in midsummer.
Can this tour be made private?
Yes, the itinerary can be arranged on a private basis upon request.
Private Design Service
Not exactly the journey you had in mind?
Tell us your travel style, dates, pace and wish list. We'll design a private journey around what you actually want to experience.