Destinations / Türkiye /Mesopotamia

Gaziantep · Şanlıurfa · Mardin

Mesopotamia, where history began.

Between the Euphrates and the Tigris lie some of humanity's oldest monuments, honey-coloured stone cities, ancient monasteries and one of the richest culinary traditions in the world.

Ideal stay5–7 nights
Best forArchaeology, culture, gastronomy
GatewayGaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Mardin
UNESCOGöbeklitepe, Nemrut, Diyarbakır

Southeastern Anatolia

The cradle of civilisation.

At Göbeklitepe, monumental stone pillars carved more than 11,000 years ago have changed our understanding of the Neolithic world. Nearby, Şanlıurfa honours its tradition as the birthplace of Abraham.

Gaziantep, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, is home to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, while Mardin's stone houses and Syriac monasteries overlook the plains of Mesopotamia.

Discover

The essence of Mesopotamia.

01

Stone Architecture

Madrasas, mansions and carved arches in honey-coloured stone.

02

Şanlıurfa

Balıklıgöl, the Sacred Fish Lake, and its historic bazaar.

03

Mardin Old Town

Stone houses climbing the hillside above the Mesopotamian plains.

Must-See

Highlights not to miss.

  • 01Göbeklitepe
  • 02Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum
  • 03Balıklıgöl
  • 04Zeugma Mosaic Museum
  • 05Halfeti boat trip on the Euphrates
  • 06Mardin old town
  • 07Deyrulzafaran Monastery
  • 08Mount Nemrut
Perfect ForTailor-made all year
  • ArchaeologyGöbeklitepe, Karahantepe and Mount Nemrut.
  • GastronomyGaziantep, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
  • Faith & HeritageMonasteries, mosques and ancient Harran.
  • Special-Interest GroupsCulture-focused programmes with expert guides.
Design your journey →

Sample Itinerary

Three days in Mesopotamia.

A starting point. Every programme is adapted to your travellers, season and pace.

Day 1

Gaziantep

Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the Copper Bazaar and baklava tasting.

Day 2

Halfeti & Şanlıurfa

Euphrates boat trip, then Balıklıgöl in Şanlıurfa.

Day 3

Göbeklitepe & Mardin

The world's oldest known temple, then on to Mardin.

Planning a journey to Mesopotamia?

Tell us your dates, number of travellers and interests. We'll design a programme around them.

Plan Your Trip →