Escorted Tours

 
The Cradle of Civilisation

10 June to 29 June 2025 (19 nights)

An in-depth exploration of some of Turkey's most important historical treasures, including what is believed to be the world's oldest temple, and appreciation of the country's wonderfully diverse landscapes.

Istanbul - Cappadocia - Zeugma Commagene - Mount Nemrut - Midyat - Dara Ancient City - Mor Hananyo & Mor Gabriel Monasteries - Mardin - Gobekli Tepe - Karahantepe - Gaziantep - Antioch - Pamphylia - Lycia - Rhodes

Itinerary:

Day 1; 10 June
Arrival to Istanbul airport. Stay for 3 nights in a boutique hotel in Sultanahmet district on BB (bed & breakfast) basis.
Day 2; 11 June
First of two days to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. Visit Underground cistern, Topkapi Palace, Saint Sophie, Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the spice market.
Day 3; 12 June
Continue your exploration of Istanbul, or join a leisurely Bosphorus sightseeing cruise.
Day 4; 13 June
Early departure flight to Nevsehir, where you will be met by your guide. Visit open air museum at Goreme. Stay for 2 nights in a 4/5 star cave hotel on BB basis
Day 5; 14 June
Optional hot-air balloon ride in the early morning for a bird's-eye view of Cappadocia's unique landscapes.
Visit Underground City, pottery at Avanos, the Valley of Love and other sites in Cappadocia.
Day 6; 15 June
Drive via Adiyaman to Arsameia, a royal seat of the Kingdom of Commagene. Continue to Mount Nemrut and visit the top in the evening to catch the sunset. Overnight stay in Kahta in the foothills of Mount Nemrut on BB basis.
Day 7; 16 June
Drive to Midyat, the centre of a centuries-old Hurrian town in Upper Mesopotamia. Overnight stay on BB basis.
Day 8; 17 June
Drive via the antique east Roman city of Dara, situated on in Northern Mesopotamia on the border with the Sassanid Empire, to Mor Hananyo Assyrian Monastery, also known as Deyrulzafaran (the 'Saffron Monastery') on account of the golden colour of its stone. Overnight stay in Mardin on BB basis.
Day 9; 18 June
Drive to Karahantepe and Gobekli Tepe, "the cradle of civilization". Dating back to the 10th millennium BC, this temple is considered to be the world's oldest ritual structure, predating Stonehenge and the pyramids by more than six millennia. Visit Balikligol (the Pool of Abraham) and the museum in Sanliurfa before proceding to Gaziantep, where we overnight on BB basis.
Day 10; 19 June
We visit Zeugma mosaic museum and the castle of Gaziantep. Overnight stay in Gaziantep on BB basis.
Day 11; 20 June
Drive to Antioch, Antakya, visit mountain-side cave church of St Peters from the early Christian period, the biggest one-piece mosaic and the bazaar. Overnight stay in Antakya on BB basis.
Day 12; 21 June
Drive via Tarsus (the birthplace of St Paul) and Kiz Kalesi (Maiden Castle) to Anamur. Overnight stay in Anamur on BB basis.
Day 13; 22 June
Drive to Faralya visiting the coastal archaeological site of Anamurium on route. Stay the remaining 7 nights at Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotels on HB basis (breakfast & 5-course dinner).
Day 14; 23 June
A well-deserved day at leisure to relax by the pool or in your private Jacuzzi at Mandarin & Mango.
Day 15; 24 June
Another relaxing day, with an optional boat trip in the Bay of Gemile around St Nicholas Island. Swim, snorkel and enjoy a BBQ lunch on the boat.
Day 16; 25 June
Visit the ghost village of Kaya, old Greek village called Levissi, known as Karmylassos during Lycian time, then drive to Lycian ruins of Tlos, Xanthos, and the gorge of Saklikent.
Day 17; 26 June
Day at leisure, to enjoy hiking in the countryside around Faralya, try paragliding or diving, or just laze by the pool.
Day 18; 27 June
Day at leisure, with optional visit to the nearby town of Fethiye for Market Day. Shop till you drop, or enjoy a drink by the picturesque harbour.
Day 19; 28 June
Day trip from Fethiye harbour to the Greek island of Rhodes by ferry/hydrofoil. Visit the medieval Crusaders' castle.
Day 20; 29 June
>Depart from Dalaman airport via Istanbul for your homeward journey.

Price:
(19 nights): US$4295 per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room; Single supplement US$1795.
For those with limited time, we can offer a shortened itinerary, joining us in Kayseri on Day 4 and/or leaving from Fethiye before Day 20. Prices on request.

Price includes:

Not included:

Payment Terms:
A non refundable deposit of US$350 is required to secure a space. Balance payment due by 15 January 2025. I strongly recommend that you obtain not only medical insurance but also travel insurance which covers you for any cancellation charges

All our tours in 2025 are covered under the Tursab-licence of our agent, Light Tours (Tursab Nr. 1739).