TOUR PROGRAM

Day 1 | Antalya – Diyarbakır – Suriçi – Zerzevan Castle – Mardin

In the morning, we depart from Antalya Airport to Diyarbakır on our SunExpress XQ 7112 flight. After our arrival at Diyarbakır Airport at 08:40, we meet our guide and transfer by vehicle to Diyarbakır’s historic Suriçi district.

First, we visit the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Cultural House, where Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı, one of the important names of Turkish literature, was born and which is now used as a museum.

Then we visit the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, one of Anatolia’s oldest mosques, the historically atmospheric Hasanpaşa Inn, the Four-Legged Minaret, one of the city’s symbols, Mardin Gate, and Goat Bastion.

After seeing the Hevsel Gardens panoramically, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, we take a photo break at the historic Ten-Eyed Bridge over the Tigris River.

After our Diyarbakır tour, we head to the Zerzevan Castle, one of the most important military garrisons on the eastern border of the Roman Empire. After exploring the historic castle with our guide’s explanations, we continue on to Mardin.

In the evening, we check in at the Büyük Mardin Hotel in Mardin.

Highlights of the Day:

Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Cultural House • Diyarbakır Grand Mosque • Hasanpaşa Inn • Four-Legged Minaret • Mardin Gate • Goat Bastion • Hevsel Gardens • Ten-Eyed Bridge • Zerzevan Castle

Accommodation: Büyük Mardin Hotel

Day 2 | Dara Ancient City – Deyrulzafaran Monastery – Old Mardin – Reyhani Night

After breakfast at our hotel, we head to Dara Ancient City, one of Mardin’s most important historical settlements.

In Dara, one of Mesopotamia’s important ancient cities, we explore the rock-cut tombs, necropolis area, historic water cisterns, and remains of the ancient settlement with our guide’s explanations.

After our Dara visit, we tour the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most important religious centers of the Syriac Orthodox world. After learning about the monastery’s history and Syriac culture, we return to Mardin city center.

In Old Mardin, we visit the Kasımiye Madrasa, Mardin Grand Mosque, Zinciriye Madrasa, and the city’s historic stone streets, known for their magnificent stone craftsmanship.

We provide free time so you can discover Mardin’s unique architecture, the view of the Mesopotamian Plain, and its traditional bazaars. We also have free time for lunch.

In the evening, we join one of the most special activities of our program, the traditional Reyhani Night included in the tour price.

After experiencing Mardin culture with music, entertainment, and traditional performances, we return to our hotel.

Highlights of the Day:

Dara Ancient City • Deyrulzafaran Monastery • Kasımiye Madrasa • Old Mardin Streets • Mardin Grand Mosque • Zinciriye Madrasa • Reyhani Night

Accommodation: Büyük Mardin Hotel

Special Activity: Reyhani Night Included

Day 3 | Midyat – Mor Gabriel Monastery – Mağaraköy (Kiwex) – Mardin – Antalya

After breakfast at our hotel, we check out of our rooms and depart for Midyat.

In Midyat, famous for its stone mansions and traditional architecture, we see historic mansions and tour Telkari Street and Midyat Bazaar.

We provide free time so you can shop in the bazaar, famous for silver and filigree products, and explore the area on your own.

After our Midyat tour, we visit the Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the oldest living Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the world.

Then we turn our route to the Mağaraköy (Kiwex) area, one of the region’s different cultural stops. After our tour, we head to Mardin Airport.

At 22:10, on our SunExpress XQ 7181 flight, we depart for Antalya.

After our arrival at Antalya Airport at 23:55, we complete our tour, hoping to meet again on another Tayga Tour organization.

Highlights of the Day:

Historic Mansions of Midyat • Telkari Street • Midyat Bazaar • Mor Gabriel Monastery • Mağaraköy (Kiwex)