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DAY 01ISTANBUL - SANLIURFA
Flight to Adiyaman. Upon arrival drive to Kahta or Adiyaman and check in the hotel. In the afternoon climb up to Nemrut Mountain to see collosal statues of paganistic gods and goddesses of Commonage Empire and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. Dinner and overnight in Kahta. (D)
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DAY 02KAHTA - ADIYAMAN - SANLIURFA
Drive to Sanlıurfa. First visit Gobeklitepe, considered to be the world's oldest religious construction, this Neolithic (10,000 BCE) temple is 15 km (9 miles) northeast of Sanlıurfa . Then visit Sanlıurfa Castle and Balikligol; "the legendary Pool of Sacred Fish", Cave of Prophet Abraham where he was born. Proceed to visit Harran including spellbinding mud-brick beehive houses, the ruins of Islam's first university. Dinner and overnight in Sanliurfa. (B,D)
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DAY 03SANLIURFA - GAZIANTEP - ANTAKYA
Drive to Gaziantep. Upon arrival we will visit Gaziantep Archeological Museum to see the spectacular mosaics saved from Zeugma Antique Site. Then proceed to Antakya known as Antioch in ancient times, the city has historical significance for Christianity, as it was the place where the followers of Jesus Christ were called Christians for the first time. The city and its massive walls also played an important role during the Crusades.Dinner and overnight in Antakya. (B,D)
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DAY 04ANTAKYA - ISTANBUL
Antakya is one of the most interesting and entertaining cities in southern Turkey.The city is culturally diverse, with its mixture of Arab and Turkish speaking people, as well a Christian minority. The French years (1919-1939) left behind beautiful boulevards and the city seems to have its own architectural style. The ancient Orontes River (Asi River) divides the city in half. The main reason to visit the city is its marvelous Antakya Archaeological Museum, or Mosaic Museum, where a great collection of Roman and Byzantine mosaics can be seen. The Grotto of St. Peter, a cave church where St. Peter is believed to have preached and where Christians met in secret, is also a popular site. (B)
