Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul & Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Dinner Included
Arrival & Transfer: Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Free time to relax before the evening program.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: In the evening, transfer to the Bosphorus for an unforgettable dinner cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia while enjoying spectacular views of Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Maiden's Tower, Rumeli Fortress, Bosphorus Bridge and Beylerbeyi Palace. Traditional Turkish entertainment and folklore performances accompany your dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Historic Peninsula: After breakfast, depart for a full-day guided city tour of Istanbul's historic peninsula. Visit the magnificent Topkapı Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries and one of Turkey's most important cultural landmarks. Continue to the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its elegant architecture and beautiful Íznik tiles. Walk through the historic Hippodrome Square, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople.
Hagia Sophia & Grand Bazaar: Optional Entrance to Hagia Sophia: €30 per person. Hagia Sophia, one of the most important monuments in world history. Your guide will provide detailed information about its fascinating Byzantine and Ottoman heritage from the exterior. After lunch, visit the famous Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, featuring more than 4,000 shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices and souvenirs. Return to the hotel.
Day 3 – Flight to Mardin & Old City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Flight to Mardin & Old City: After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Mardin. Upon arrival, explore the enchanting Mardin Old City, famous for its honey-colored stone houses, narrow alleyways and breathtaking views over the Mesopotamian Plains.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery: Continue to the magnificent Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most important centers of Syriac Christianity in the world. Overnight in Mardin.
Day 4 – Midyat, Dara & Mesopotamian Heritage Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Midyat Heritage: After breakfast, visit the historic town of Midyat, renowned for its stone mansions, silver craftsmanship and unique cultural heritage.
Dara Ancient City: Continue to the fascinating ancient city of Dara, once an important Roman frontier settlement. Explore ancient cisterns, city walls and rock-cut tombs while learning about the region's remarkable history. Overnight in Mardin.
Day 5 – Transfer to Sanliurfa & Gobeklitepe Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Transfer to Sanliurfa: After breakfast, depart for Sanliurfa.
Göbeklitepe Exploration: Upon arrival, visit the world-famous Göbeklitepe, recognized as the oldest known temple complex on Earth and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in human history. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site before continuing to your hotel. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 6 – Sanliurfa & Harran Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Spiritual Heart of Mesopotamia: After breakfast, discover the spiritual heart of Mesopotamia. Visit the sacred Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham), Urfa Castle and the traditional bazaars of Sanliurfa.
Ancient Harran: Continue to the ancient settlement of Harran, famous for its beehive-shaped houses and its role as one of the oldest continuously inhabited locations in the world. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 7 – Halfeti & Gaziantep Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Halfeti & Rumkale: After breakfast, depart for the picturesque town of Halfeti, partially submerged beneath the waters of the Euphrates River. Enjoy a relaxing boat excursion with views of the historic Rumkale Fortress.
Zeugma Mosaic Museum: Continue to Gaziantep and visit the world-renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to some of the finest Roman mosaics ever discovered. Overnight in Gaziantep.
Day 8 – Departure Breakfast Included
Checkout & Transfer: After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Gaziantep Airport according to your departure flight schedule. Optional activities may be arranged depending on departure flight timing and availability.
Conclusion: End of Grandoria Services.