Embark on an extraordinary journey through Turkey’s ancient eastern regions with the Eastern Horizons: 8-Day Anatolia Discovery Tour. This captivating eastern horizons turkey tour takes you through the cradle of civilization, from the historic stone city of Mardin to the sacred grounds of Sanliurfa and the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia. Perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers, this anatolia discovery tour reveals millennia-old mysteries and architectural marvels.
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Begin your eastern horizons turkey tour with arrival at Istanbul International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your professional guide who will accompany you throughout this incredible journey through Turkey’s eastern regions. Transfer to your carefully selected hotel in Istanbul, allowing time to settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Turkish cuisine, providing the perfect introduction to the rich culinary traditions you’ll experience throughout your anatolia discovery tour.
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight to Mardin, gateway to Turkey’s fascinating eastern heritage and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Upon arrival in this ancient Mesopotamian city, drive to the historic city center and begin exploring the remarkable Kasimiye Madrasa and Zinciriye Madrasa, followed by visits to the beautiful Erkulu Mosque and the ancient Deyrulzafaran Monastery. This turkey east anatolia tour introduction showcases the region’s incredible multicultural heritage through its stunning stone architecture and religious significance.
After breakfast, depart for Sanliurfa, known as the “City of Prophets” and one of humanity’s most sacred destinations, representing a cornerstone of your 8 day eastern turkey itinerary. Visit the world-famous Gobeklitepe, recognized as the world’s oldest temple complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site that predates Stonehenge by thousands of years. Continue to the Sacred Fish Ponds and Rizvaniye Mosque, then explore the revered Halil ul Rahman Mosque and the legendary Cave of Abraham, where according to tradition, the prophet Abraham was born. This profound spiritual experience connects you with the very foundations of human civilization and religious history.
Journey to Gaziantep, renowned as one of Turkey’s greatest culinary capitals and a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, where ancient history meets exceptional cuisine on your mardin sanliurfa cappadocia tour. Explore the magnificent Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to some of the world’s finest Roman mosaics including the famous “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, followed by visits to the Archaeological Museum and the imposing Gaziantep Castle. Enjoy free time exploring the traditional bazaar at your own pace, where you can discover local specialties including the world’s finest pistachios and traditional Turkish delights. Dinner and overnight accommodation provide the perfect conclusion to this culturally rich day.
Embark on a scenic drive toward Cappadocia with a fascinating stop in Adana, where you’ll visit the historic Adana Mosque and the ancient Roman stone bridge that has spanned the Seyhan River for nearly two millennia. After lunch, continue your journey through Anatolia’s diverse landscapes as your eastern horizons turkey tour transitions from the southeastern plains to the volcanic heartland of central Turkey. Arrive in Cappadocia as evening approaches, where you’ll be amazed by the otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings that await your exploration.
Immerse yourself completely in Cappadocia’s surreal landscape with comprehensive visits to the world-famous Goreme Valley, where ancient cave churches contain remarkable Byzantine frescoes, and the distinctive Pigeon Valley with its unique rock formations and traditional dovecotes. Continue through the lunar-like terrain of Devrent Valley, ascend to Uchisar’s fortress-like rock formation for panoramic views, witness spectacular sunsets in Red Valley, explore the pottery traditions of Avanos Town, and discover the romantically named Love Valley. This comprehensive day of your anatolia discovery tour also includes visits to traditional jewelry stores, carpet workshops, and pottery factories, showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship techniques.
Begin your final day with breakfast before departing Cappadocia for the return journey to Istanbul, with memorable stops that highlight Turkey’s diverse natural wonders and historical significance. Visit the otherworldly Salt Lake (Tuz Golu), where vast white crystalline formations create a mirror-like surface, and explore a traditional Caravanserai, one of the ancient roadside inns that facilitated trade along the historic Silk Road. These final experiences of your 8 day eastern turkey itinerary provide perfect contrasts between natural beauty and human ingenuity before arriving in Istanbul for your final dinner and overnight accommodation.
Conclude your unforgettable eastern horizons turkey tour with a leisurely breakfast at your Istanbul hotel before checking out and preparing for departure. If flight schedules permit, enjoy a final shopping opportunity at one of Istanbul’s modern shopping centers, perfect for purchasing souvenirs, Turkish carpets, or regional specialties to remember your incredible journey. Transfer to Istanbul International Airport for your departure flight, carrying with you extraordinary memories of Turkey’s eastern treasures, from ancient Mesopotamian cities to Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscapes and the profound spiritual heritage of Anatolia.
