Immersive Eastern Türkiye : Culinary & Cultural Tour

10 days Free CancellationPickup availableInstant confirmationMin age 12+Guided Operated by Atlas Global Tours

Why we love it?

This 10-day Atlas Global Eastern Tour offers an immersive exploration of Eastern Türkiye, combining archaeological sites like Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe with cultural visits to Soğmatar, Zerzevan Castle, and Nemrut Caldera. Travelers experience the vibrant cities of Istanbul, Beyoglu, Gaziantep, Adiyaman, Şanlıurfa, and Mardin, enjoying traditional Ottoman tastes in Istanbul’s Old Town, famous Antep baklava in Gaziantep, and a local family lunch in Adiyaman. The itinerary includes a traditional Sıra Gecesi activity near Göbeklitepe, Urfa kebap night in Şanlıurfa, and Turkish ice cream in Mardin, all guided by licensed English-speaking locals. Meals, public transportation, government fees, and entrances are included, making this a thoughtfully paced journey that blends history, culture, and cuisine for travelers seeking a deeper connection with the region.

Inclusions

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Public transportation
  • Guides-Licensed English-speaking local guide
  • Government Fees
  • All entrances are included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (Central Istanbul)
  • Parking Fees
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Handpicked Boutique Hotels or Brand Hotels

Exclusions

  • Tips & gestures
  • Travel insurance

Itinerary

Day 1

istanbul Old Town & Traditional Ottoman Tastes

  • Merhaba ( Hello ) and Hoşgeldiniz ( Welcome ) to istanbul

    Merhaba ( Hello ) and Hoşgeldiniz ( Welcome ) to istanbul. Today we are looking forward to see you in the lobby at 1 pm. Your Guide will meet you with full of energy.

    After, you will starts old town City Tour With Your Professional Tour Guide. Your guide will show you historic city's hidden gems, including the amazing Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and listen amazing stories and myths...

    You will learn lots about Ottoman life in TOPKAPI PALACE...

    You will have welcome dinner and your guide will introduce local dishes for you. One of the most famous Ottoman dishes is Hünkar Beğendi and some special starters. Enjoy with traditional welcome dinner.

    Overnight in Istanbul

    Accomodation : Wyndham Istanbul old town or Similar

Day 2

Gaziantep & Famous Antep Baklava

  • world-renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum

    This Morning we fly to Gaziantep city where the most famous baklava invented. Visit the world-renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to some of the most stunning Roman mosaics ever discovered, including the iconic “Gypsy Girl.” This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient past. Wander through the charming alleys of the old bazaar area, including Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Coppersmith Bazaar), where you can watch artisans at work and shop for handcrafted souvenirs. For dinner, indulge in Gaziantep’s legendary cuisine at İmam Çağdaş, one of the most famous kebab restaurants in the country. Try local specialties such as Ali Nazik kebab, lamb skewers, and freshly baked lahmacun.

    Overnight in Gaziantep

    Accomodation : Hilton Garden inn or Similar

Day 3

Adiyaman & Local Family Lunch

  • a local Kurdish family in their home

    Enjoy a warm local family lunch in a village before continuing your journey to Mount Nemrut. In Adıyaman, you’ll experience authentic daily life as we visit a local Kurdish family in their home. Share a traditional meal, learn about their culture, and discover the stories behind their special dishes. Afterward, we drive to Mount Nemrut to see the giant stone heads and Watch the sun set over the colossal statues of this UNESCO World Heritage Site at 2,000 m.

    Overnight in Adıyaman.

    Accommodation : Ramada by Wyndham Adiyaman or Similar

Day 4

Göbeklitepe Temple & Traditional Sıra Gecesi Activity

  • Göbeklitepe

    Explore Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex and a UNESCO site. Visit the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and the Mosaic Museum, home to the famous “Urfa Man” statue. Get ready this evening for enjoyable activity. Sıra Gecesi is a traditional social gathering from Şanlıurfa, combining music, food, and friendship into one unforgettable night.

    Overnight in sanliurfa

    Accommodation : Hilton Garden inn or similar

Day 5

Şanlıurfa Old Town & Urfa Kebap Night

  • Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and the Mosaic Museum

    Head to Karahantepe and Soğmatar, mysterious ancient settlements linked to early civilizations. Overnight in Şanlıurfa. Visit the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and the Mosaic Museum, home to the famous “Urfa Man” statue.

    Today you will try Urfa Kebab – The iconic local kebab made from seasoned minced meat grilled over charcoal. Less spicy than some other regional kebabs but deeply flavorful. Enjoy your meal.

    Overnight in Sanliurfa

    Accommodation : Hilton Garden inn or similar

Day 6

Mardin Old Town & Famous Turkish ice Cream

  • unesco city walls and continue to Mesopotamia

    Today drive to Diyarbakir city to see unesco city walls and continue to Mesopotamia. After Hotel check-in, you will have orientation walk with your guide. Then treat yourself to delicious baklava served with traditional Turkish ice cream — a perfect way to end your journey with a sweet delight.

    Overnight in Mardin

    Accommodation : Kasım Efendi Konağı Boutique hotel or similar

Day 7

Mardin & Traditional Mardin Tastes

  • Dara Ancient City

    Stroll through the atmospheric Old Town of Mardin with its golden stone houses. Explore Dara Ancient City, an important Byzantine site, and Deyrulzafaran Monastery, a spiritual center of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

    We have a reservation for one of the popular traditional restaurant. You will have Mardin's signature meals like Kaburga Dolması St■ lamb ribs filled with rice, almonds, spices. Irok (St■ Kibbeh) and more interesting foods. Before we finish our experience, do not forget to have Kurdish traditional coffee Mırra.

    Overnight in Mardin

    Accommodation : Kasım Efendi Konağı Boutique hotel or similar

Day 8

Van & Traditional Local Dinner

  • Today we have long driving hours

    Today we have long driving hours. Drive to scenic boat trip to Akdamar Island, where you will explore the beautifully preserved 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Van. Afterwards, return to the mainland and visit the imposing Van Castle, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the lake and surrounding landscape.

    Overnight in Van

    Accommodation : Double Tree by Hilton or Similar

Day 9

Kars & Famous Cheese Taste

  • Ishak Paşa Palace on the way

    Depart after delicious breakfast and Visit Ishak Paşa Palace on the way, an Ottoman-Persian architectural masterpiece, with views of Mount Ararat.

    We will visit a cheese shop. Kars is famous for its Gravyer cheese (Swiss-style, nutty, aged) and rich Kars kaşar. The high-altitude pastures give the milk a unique aroma.

    Overnight in Kars

    Accommodation : Katarina Palace Hotel or Similar

Day 10

Kars Ani Ruins & Fly back to istanbul

  • A city where the echoes of empires still linger in its streets

    A city where the echoes of empires still linger in its streets. Discover Kars’s fascinating blend of Russian-era architecture, Ottoman heritage, and vibrant local culture.

    This Afternoon, journey to the awe-inspiring Ani Ruins, the once-glorious medieval capital known as the “City of 1,001 Churches.” Perched dramatically on the border overlooking the Arpaçay River, Ani’s silent stone walls and towering cathedrals whisper tales of Silk Road traders, ancient kingdoms, and lost civilizations. Stroll among its hauntingly beautiful remains, from the grand Cathedral of Ani to the Church of the Redeemer, and feel the weight of history beneath your feet.

    We have a afternoon flight to istanbul and Tour ends in istanbul airport

Please Note

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers Arrival Transfer included. Your Driver will pick you up from istanbul airport or Sabiha gökçen airport.

Know Before You Go

  • Animals or pets allowed
  • Public transportation nearby
  • Infants must sit on laps

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 1 day before start

Non-refundable after 1 day before start