9 Day Private Tour of Turkey, Black Sea Dream, Magic of Mesopotam

After welcoming you at Rize-Artvin Airport, we embark on an enchanting entry into the Eastern Black Sea through the Storm Valley. On our first day, we'll immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Black Sea, exploring its streams, plateaus, villages, and getting to know the Hemşin culture. Heading towards the Çat Valley, we'll travel through scenic routes, visiting landmarks like Zilkale, Şenyuva village, and the boxwood forest. Along the way, we'll capture historical bridges, streams, and breathtaking views. Depending on weather conditions, we'll explore two of the most beautiful plateaus in Hemşin. ­ Accommodation: Çamlıhemşin Valley or Plateau

Following the coastal road to Arhavi, we visit the historical Çifte Kemer Köprü, where stone craftsmanship is displayed at its finest. A scenic walk through the valley leads us to Mençuna Waterfall, where we cool off and enjoy the stunning landscape. After Mençuna, we descend for lunch and explore the serene city of Şavşat. Our journey ends at the Yavuzköy viewing terrace, offering magnificent views of Şavşat's landscapes. Optionally, we can take a short walk before heading to our hotel. ­ Accommodation: Şavşat

Starting the day in peaceful Şavşat, our first stop is the historic Tibet Church. After a guided tour, we explore the charming wooden houses and engage in tea and coffee conversations with locals. Our journey continues to Veliköy, followed by a climb to the Fish Lake near Arsiyan Mountain. A walk through the forest, optional refreshing in the lake, and a delightful lunch precede our visit to Şavşat Karagöl, a landslide dam lake within the Sahara National Park. ­ Accommodation: Şavşat

Waking up to a beautiful Şavşat morning, we embark on a nature adventure to Turkey's first and only Biosphere Reserve, Macahel. Our route along the Green Road introduces us to villages, streams, forests, and plateaus. In Meydancık village, we connect with locals, sharing stories and experiences. Continuing our journey through Papart and Çurupira plateaus, we savor regional dishes with a view of the Caucasus Mountains. After a visit to Maral Waterfall in Macahel Valley, we take a nature walk and reach our pension for the night. ­ Accommodation: Macahel

We visit the region's oldest mosque, İremit Mosque, known for its wooden craftsmanship and natural dyes. Our next stop is Camili village, located on the Georgian border. Afterward, we head towards Borçka Karagöl for a picturesque walk around the lake. The day concludes with a visit to a tea factory before embarking on an overnight journey to Gaziantep.

Upon arriving in Diyarbakır around 07:30, we kick off our tour with a delightful local breakfast at the historic Hasanpaşa Han. Our first stop in Diyarbakır is the Ulu Mosque, known as the 5th Haram of Islam, followed by a visit to the 500-year-old Four-Legged Minaret. After exploring the world's longest city walls following the Great Wall of China and capturing the unique panorama of Diyarbakır, our Diyarbakır tour concludes, and we head to Hasankeyf.

After a two-hour journey, we reach Hasankeyf, where we have an hour of free time for lunch and then begin exploring Hasankeyf. Moving through Hasankeyf's bazaar, we visit the Elrızık Mosque, famous for its minaret that will soon be submerged underwater. How about enjoying a cup of coffee in the historic Hasankeyf Cave? Wrapping up our Hasankeyf tour, we head to the heart of the Turabidin Region in Midyat for accommodation and dinner, with free time to explore the charming streets and purchase silver and telkari in the historic Midyat bazaar. We also visit the Midyat Guesthouse, known for hosting various TV series.

After an open buffet breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Mardin. Exploring the historic Silanin Konagi and Martyrs' Mosque, we wander through the ancient bazaars and alleys of Mardin, witnessing the unique architecture of the 11th-century minaret of the famous Ulu Mosque. We may also visit the Sheikh Çabuk Mosque and the globally significant Deyrulzafaran Monastery, depending on availability. Exploring the stone houses in Mardin's center, we have the opportunity to stroll through narrow streets and shop for local flavors. After visiting the Kasımiye Medrese, built by Sultan Kasım in the 15th century, and capturing the Mesopotamian Plain, we head to Urfa for overnight accommodation and dinner at the El Ruha Hotel. ­ Accommodation in 4-star hotels in Şanlıurfa.

After an open buffet breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Harran. In Harran, we visit the Harran Mound, Cennet Mosque with a wooden dome built by the Umayyad caliph II. Marwan, Harran University, Inner Castle, historic walls, and cone-domed houses. We then visit the sacred place of Eyyüp Prophet, learning about his life story from our guide. Next, we enter the area of Balıklıgöl, exploring the Halil-ür Rahman and Rızvaniye Mosques, Balıklı Lake, Ayn-el Zeliha Lake, and the place of Prophet Ibrahim. After some free time for regional shopping at the Customs Inn, we continue to the Extra Sıra Night event. Are you ready to experience the local entertainment? ­ Accommodation in 4-star hotels in Şanlıurfa.

After a delightful breakfast at our hotel in Şanlıurfa, we head to Halfeti. Traveling towards Halfeti, partially submerged under the Birecik Dam Lake, we embark on a one-hour boat tour over the Euphrates River. The boat tour includes visits to Rum Castle, the Historic Cave Houses, and the sunken village of Savaşan. After returning to Halfeti, we take a lunch break. We then explore Gaziantep Castle and have free time at the Bakırcılar Bazaar before bidding farewell at Gaziantep Airport. ­ Until our next journey...