10-Day Eastern Turkey Tour: Cappadocia, Mount Nemrut & Göbeklitepe
Tour Overview
Quick Answer
This 10-day private Eastern Turkey tour combines Cappadocia, Gaziantep, Mount Nemrut, Şanlıurfa, Midyat, and Mardin with 4-star hotels, domestic flights, private guided sightseeing, and private airport and intercity transfers throughout the itinerary.
This private itinerary explores some of Turkey’s most historically and culturally significant regions, combining remarkable archaeological sites, UNESCO-listed landmarks, ancient cities, and distinctive local traditions. Beginning in Cappadocia, the journey continues through Gaziantep, Mount Nemrut, Şanlıurfa, Midyat, and Mardin, offering insights into civilizations that shaped Anatolia over thousands of years. Travelers experience rock-cut landscapes, monumental royal tombs, early religious heritage, renowned mosaic collections, Syriac architecture, and Mesopotamian culture while traveling with a dedicated English-speaking guide and private vehicle. The itinerary balances guided sightseeing with leisure time, making it suitable for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of southeastern Turkey.
Tour Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations: Cappadocia, Gaziantep, Mount Nemrut, Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe, Harran, Midyat, Mardin
Guide Language: English (licensed guide)
Group Type: Private Group – 14 guests in 7 Dbl/Twin Room
Maximum Group Size: Up to 14 guests
Accommodation: 9 nights in 4-star hotels (Bed & Breakfast)
Meals: 9 Breakfasts
Flights: Domestic flights: Istanbul → Kayseri and Mardin → Istanbul
Starting Price: €2,565 per person
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour date
Physical Difficulty: Moderate
Season: Available all year round
Recommended For: First-time visitors to Turkey, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a comprehensive multi-city itinerary
Highlights
Explore Cappadocia's extraordinary landscapes, including Uchisar Castle, Pasabag, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Ortahisar, Soğanlı Valley, and Kaymaklı Underground City.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Nemrut to witness its monumental stone heads and spectacular sunrise.
Discover the world-famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep and experience the city's traditional copper craftsmanship and culinary heritage.
Experience the sacred atmosphere of Şanlıurfa with visits to Balıklıgöl, Abraham's Cave, and the remarkable archaeological site of Göbeklitepe.
Explore the historic towns of Midyat and Mardin, known for their Syriac heritage, stone architecture, monasteries, churches, traditional markets, and panoramic Mesopotamian views.
Itinerary
Start your adventure with a flight from Istanbul to Kayseri, the gateway to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to the charming town of Göreme, where you’ll settle in and unwind amidst the fairy-tale landscapes. Prepare for the magical journey ahead!
Optional Experience: Soar above Cappadocia in a sunrise hot air balloon – a memory you’ll never forget.
After a hearty breakfast, your guide will meet you for a day exploring the northern treasures of Cappadocia. Marvel at Uchisar Castle, wander through the vibrant red rocks of Cavusin (Rose Valley), and be captivated by the surreal Fairy Chimneys, Pasabag (Monks Valley), and the historic Zelve Open-Air Museum.
Post-lunch, enjoy the scenic beauty of Devrent Valley and the enchanting Three Beauties Valley. End the day in Avanos, where you can try your hand at traditional pottery or explore an optional Turkish rug workshop. Return to Göreme for a restful evening.
Discover the south of Cappadocia, starting with the impressive Ortahisar Rock Castle. Visit Mustafapaşa, a village with exquisite Greek architecture, then continue to Şahinefendi and the recently uncovered Roman mosaics at Sobesos.
Walk the serene Soğanlı Valley, dotted with historic cave churches, and enjoy a traditional lunch. Explore Kaymaklı Underground City, an ancient subterranean wonder, before returning to Göreme.
Travel from Cappadocia to Gaziantep, enjoying diverse landscapes along the way. Check into your hotel and spend the evening wandering the vibrant streets, sampling local delicacies, or relaxing after your journey.
Explore the culinary and cultural gems of Gaziantep, beginning with the spectacular Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to the world’s largest mosaic collection. Taste the city’s legendary baklava, and discover centuries-old craftsmanship at the Copper Making Bazaar.
In the afternoon, drive to Adıyaman, then continue to Kahta for a peaceful evening.
Experience a breathtaking sunrise at Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring colossal stone heads and ancient tombs. Explore Septimius Severus Bridge over the Euphrates and the historic ruins of Arsemia.
Cross the engineering marvel of Atatürk Dam before arriving in Şanlıurfa, where you can enjoy a relaxed evening soaking in the city’s historic ambiance.
Dive into history with visits to Balıklıgöl (Holy Fish Lake) and Abraham’s Cave, sacred sites linked to Prophet Abraham. Wander the lively Copper Market, savor Urfa Kebab, and uncover the mysteries of Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest temple complex.
Optional visit to Harran allows you to marvel at the iconic Beehive Houses. Return to Şanlıurfa for the night.
Drive to Midyat, famous for its intricate stone architecture and Syriac heritage. Stroll through narrow streets, historic stone houses, and abandoned churches. Visit the ancient Mor Gabriel Monastery and the elegant Midyat Guest House, then admire local telkari silverwork. Enjoy free time to soak in the town’s unique atmosphere.
Explore the ancient city of Mardin, perched above the Mesopotamian plains. Visit the Grand Mosque, Church of the Virgin Mary, and other remarkable landmarks. Wander the bustling souks, hunt for silver treasures, and immerse yourself in the city’s timeless charm. Evening at leisure.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Mardin Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable journey across southeastern Turkey.
Included
Excluded
Additional Notes
- Combines Cappadocia with southeastern Turkey's major historical and cultural destinations in a single itinerary.
- Travels exclusively with private guiding, transportation, and transfers for greater flexibility and comfort.
- Includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites alongside significant archaeological, religious, and cultural landmarks.
- Domestic flights reduce long travel distances while connecting key regions efficiently.
- Suitable for travelers seeking an in-depth journey focused on history, archaeology, architecture, and regional culture.
- Upgrade to boutique cave hotels in Cappadocia.
- Add a sunrise hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia.
- Extend your stay before or after the tour in Istanbul.
- Arrange additional private sightseeing or photography experiences.
- Upgrade accommodation for honeymoon or special occasion travel.
- Mount Nemrut sunrise tours begin very early; warm clothing is recommended even during warmer months.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential for uneven stone streets, archaeological sites, and valley walks.
- Cappadocia weather varies significantly between day and night, so layered clothing is useful throughout the year.
- Early morning provides the best lighting for photography at Göbeklitepe, Mount Nemrut, and Cappadocia viewpoints.
- When visiting mosques and religious sites, modest clothing is recommended to respect local customs.
Visa requirements for Turkey vary by nationality. Before traveling, please check the latest visa regulations and passport validity requirements applicable to your country. Many travelers can enter Turkey visa-free, while others may be eligible for an e-Visa or need to apply through a Turkish embassy or consulate. Once your booking is confirmed, our travel experts will be happy to provide the latest entry information and travel guidance for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
- This tour is available for Daily all year round
- Tour Can be customized.
- Price per person, based on a minimum of 2 adults.
- Price does not include international flight tickets.
- Transfers are considered with 1 luggage per person.
- Once domestic air tickets are issued cannot be modified and a 100% fees will apply in case of cancellation
- Domestic flights schedule may change.
- Domestic Flights Baggage Allowance (including 15 kilos of luggage + 8 kilos of hand luggage)
- Step 1: Booking Request & Confirmation
Once we receive your official request to book your chosen tour package, our team will check local availability and confirm all services (hotels, ferries, and transfers) accordingly.
- Step 2: Official Itinerary Review
Once everything is verified, we will email you your official, final tour itinerary detailing every aspect of your day-by-day journey.
- Step 3: Secure Your Reservation
Upon your review and explicit confirmation of this itinerary, we will proceed to the secure payment process to finalize your booking.
- Payment Schedule:
To lock in your dates and secure your hotels/transfers, a 50% booking deposit is required at the time of confirmation. The remaining 50% balance will be automatically and safely charged 3 weeks (21 days) prior to your scheduled tour start date.
🔒 100% Encrypted & Hassle-Free Bank Payment Gateway
- No Card Sharing Required: Your financial security is our top priority. You are never required to share your credit card numbers, CVV, or sensitive information via email, chat, or over the phone.
- How the Secure Link Works: We generate a unique, secure payment link directly through our bank’s certified merchant system. This link is pre-set specifically to your exact due invoice amount.
- The Process: You simply open the link, fill in your credit card information on the bank’s fully encrypted payment form, and the transaction is completed instantly.
- Instant Digital Receipts: The moment your payment is processed, our system automatically generates and emails you an official digital receipt for your financial records.
- Accepted Cards: For your security, we accept VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards only. Please note that debit cards, prepaid cards, or other payment cards are not supported by our secure payment gateway.
Reservations may only be canceled by submitting a formal written notice sent via email or certified mail directly to our agency. Because we pre-pay and secure local boutique hotels, high-speed ferries, and domestic flight entities well in advance on behalf of our travelers, our cancellation policy is strictly structured based on the timeline below:
- ⚠️ DOMESTIC FLIGHTS & FERRIES ARE 100% NON-REFUNDABLE: Once domestic flight or ferry tickets are officially issued, they cannot be modified, and a 100% cancellation fee applies to that portion of the package immediately, regardless of when the cancellation notice is received.
- ⏳ Land Portion Cancellation Scale:
For the remaining land portion costs that are legally recoverable from our local hotel and transfer entities, refunds are calculated as follows:
- Notice received 31 days or more prior to arrival/tour start date: 100% Refund (No cancellation fee applies to the land portion).
- Notice received between 31 and 21 days prior to scheduled tour: 75% Refund of the land portion.
- Notice received between 21 and 14 days prior to scheduled tour: 50% Refund of the land portion.
- Notice received 13 days or less prior to scheduled tour: No Refund will be issued.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. The sightseeing program is operated as a private tour with a private English-speaking guide, private vehicle, and private transfers.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes. Domestic flights from Istanbul to Kayseri and from Mardin to Istanbul are included, with 15 kg checked baggage and 8 kg cabin baggage.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. The package includes 9 nights in 4-star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis.
Is the Cappadocia hot air balloon included?
No. The sunrise hot air balloon ride is offered as an optional experience.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included throughout the tour. Lunches and dinners are not included unless otherwise stated.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 30 days before the scheduled tour date.
Is the tour suitable throughout the year?
Yes. The itinerary is available year-round, although seasonal weather conditions may affect outdoor comfort, particularly at Mount Nemrut.
What level of physical activity is required?
The tour has a moderate physical difficulty, including walking through archaeological sites, valleys, historic towns, and uneven terrain.
