If you’re the kind of traveller who finds magic in ancient landscapes, forgotten kingdoms and stories carved in stone, then the journey from Cappadocia to Mt Nemrut and on to the southeast of Turkey is bound to stay with you long after you return home.
This section of our 15-day tour takes you deep into a region where history runs deeper than almost anywhere else on earth. Think crumbling statues above the clouds, mysterious megaliths, and desert towns where time seems to stand still.
From Fairy Chimneys to Kings of the Sky
Day 11 begins as we leave the surreal beauty of Cappadocia and head east. Our first stop is s Caravanserai, a 13th-century stone inn that once provided shelter to traders journeying along the Silk Road. Its massive stone walls and arched entrance hint at centuries of stories that once passed through.
Continuing the journey, we reach the ancient Cendere Bridge, a remarkably preserved Roman structure built during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. Not far from here, we stop at the Tumulus of Karakus, believed to be a royal burial mound, and visit the ancient site of Arsameia with its commanding views and historic reliefs.
As the day draws to a close, we ascend to the summit of Mt Nemrut. The final stretch involves a short but steep 20-minute walk, and the reward at the top is breathtaking. At over 2,000 metres above sea level, the summit is scattered with giant stone heads, remnants of a royal tomb and temple complex built by King Antiochus I. Watching the sunset over these statues is truly unforgettable. We spend the night in Adiyaman.
Lost Civilisations and Ancient Legends
Day 12 begins with a journey to a nearby rural village, where you’ll enjoy a local lunch and a peaceful introduction to life in this lesser-travelled part of Turkey. There’s time to explore the area and take in the quiet charm of the countryside before continuing on to one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.
Gobekli Tepe is considered the oldest known temple complex in the world, dating back more than 12,000 years. The site features massive stone pillars arranged in circles, each carved with intricate animal motifs and symbols. Its purpose and origins remain a mystery, making it a must-see for anyone fascinated by ancient history and human civilisation.
From here, we travel to Sanliurfa, a city rich in religious significance. Before settling in for the night, we visit Abraham’s Cave and the tranquil Pools of Holy Carp, a site deeply revered by many. The peaceful gardens, clear waters and surrounding courtyards provide a calm and spiritual end to a remarkable day.
Mud-Brick Houses and Biblical History
On Day 13, we explore the nearby town of Harran. This ancient city is home to traditional beehive-shaped mud-brick houses, many of which have been used for generations. According to tradition, Harran is also the place where Abraham spent the later years of his life, and the area features the ruins of a once-impressive castle and one of the earliest Islamic universities.
After exploring Harran, we transfer to Sanliurfa Airport for a midday flight back to Istanbul, where you’ll have a free afternoon to relax, shop or enjoy one last walk through the city.
A Journey Through Time
This stretch of the journey showcases Turkey’s incredible depth of history, from prehistoric temples and Roman engineering to spiritual landmarks and dramatic landscapes. It offers a rare glimpse into a side of the country that many travellers never see, yet leaves one of the strongest impressions.
For those who want more than just a holiday, and are seeking a deeper connection to the past, this is one of the most rewarding parts of our tour.