Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Southeastern Turkey from Istanbul to Urfa and Back to İzmir

Day 1: Gaziantep Arrival and Exploration

Gaziantep, Turkey on May 1, 2025

08:00am

Flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep

Take an early morning flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep, which serves as your gateway to Southeastern Turkey.
TUR300, 1h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Seğmenler Kahvaltı Salonu

Enjoy a traditional Gaziantep breakfast with a variety of local cheeses, olives, and breads, a perfect start to your culinary adventure.
TUR50, 1h

11:30am

Visit the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum

Explore the world's largest mosaic museum, including the famous Gypsy Girl mosaic, showcasing Roman-era art and history.
TUR45, 2h

02:00pm

Lunch at İmam Çağdaş Restaurant

Savor authentic Antep kebabs and baklava, a must-try delicacy in Gaziantep, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
TUR100, 1h30m

04:00pm

Visit Gaziantep Castle and historic bazaar

Walk through the ancient castle grounds and browse the vibrant local bazaar for spices, pistachios, and local crafts.
Free, 1h30m

07:00pm

Dinner at Çulcuoğlu Baklava

Indulge in world-famous Gaziantep baklava and Turkish tea, a delightful way to end your day.
TUR40, 1h
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Day 2: Şanlıurfa Cultural Immersion

Şanlıurfa, Turkey on May 2, 2025

07:00am

Drive from Gaziantep to Şanlıurfa

Start early with a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Şanlıurfa to maximize your exploration time.
Car Rental + Fuel, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Ciğerci Bedo

Sample traditional Urfa-style liver kebab, an iconic and flavorful breakfast option famous locally.
TUR40, 1h

11:30am

Visit Göbekli Tepe

Explore the world's oldest known temple dating back over 11,000 years, offering priceless archaeological significance. Open 8:00 to 18:00.
TUR50, 2h

02:00pm

Lunch at Viranşehirin Sofrası

Enjoy famous Urfa kebabs and local dishes featuring fresh spices and flavors rich in history.
TUR60, 1h30m

04:00pm

Visit Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish)

Relax at this serene historic site, famous for the sacred fish and beautiful surroundings in the old town.
Free, 1h

06:00pm

Stroll along the Old Bazaar

Explore local crafts, spices, and sweets in the vibrant bazaar, perfect for shopping souvenirs.
Free, 1h

08:00pm

Dinner at Çiğköfteci Ali Usta

Try traditional Urfa çiğ köfte, a vegetarian delight served fresh with herbs and bulgur.
TUR35, 1h
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Day 3: Mardin Historical Tour

Mardin, Turkey on May 3, 2025

07:00am

Drive from Şanlıurfa to Mardin

Enjoy a 2-hour morning drive to Mardin, known for its unique stone architecture and cultural heritage.
Fuel, 2h

09:30am

Breakfast at Kasr-ı Nehroz Restaurant

Taste traditional Mardin breakfast dishes on a terrace with scenic views of the old city.
TUR45, 1h

10:30am

Explore Mardin Old City and Zinciriye Medresesi

Wander through narrow streets and visit the historic Zinciriye Medrese, showcasing Islamic architecture. Open 9:00 to 17:00.
TUR30, 2h

01:00pm

Lunch at Cercis Murat Konağı

Enjoy traditional Midyat styles of meat dishes and local specialties in a historical mansion setting.
TUR70, 1h30m

03:00pm

Visit Deyrulzafaran Monastery

Tour this ancient Syriac Orthodox monastery located just outside Mardin, rich in history and architecture.
TUR20, 1h30m

06:00pm

Dinner at Latif Restaurant

Sample local Anatolian dishes with a focus on Mardin’s signature flavors accompanied by traditional drinks.
TUR60, 1h30m
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Day 4: Diyarbakır Historical and Cultural Exploration

Diyarbakır, Turkey on May 4, 2025

07:30am

Drive from Mardin to Diyarbakır

Begin your 1.5-hour drive to Diyarbakır, renowned for its historic city walls and vibrant culture.
Fuel, 1h30m

09:00am

Breakfast at Dehne Restoran

Enjoy traditional Kurdish breakfast options with local breads, cheeses, and honey in Diyarbakır.
TUR40, 1h

10:00am

Visit Diyarbakır City Walls and Hevsel Gardens

Walk along the ancient city walls, some dating back to Roman times, and visit the UNESCO-listed Hevsel Gardens. Open all day.
Free, 2h

01:00pm

Lunch at Sachi Restaurant

Try ethnic Kurdish dishes and local specialties in a modern setting celebrating Southeastern Turkish cuisine.
TUR65, 1h30m

03:00pm

Visit Ulu Mosque and Great Mosque of Diyarbakır

Visit two historic mosques symbolizing the city’s religious heritage dating back to the 7th century.
Free, 1h

05:00pm

Evening stroll in Sur district

Explore the historic district with its bustling bazaars, handicraft shops, and local cafes.
Free, 1h30m

07:30pm

Dinner at Ciğerci Nizam

Indulge in famous Diyarbakır liver kebab with a side of ayran or Turkish tea.
TUR40, 1h
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Day 5: Return to Şanlıurfa and Relax

Şanlıurfa, Turkey on May 5, 2025

08:00am

Drive back to Şanlıurfa from Diyarbakır

Return drive of approximately 2 hours to Şanlıurfa for a relaxed day in the city.
Fuel, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Latif Restaurant

Have a leisurely breakfast with classic Urfa flavors and beautiful views overlooking the city.
TUR45, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum

Explore ancient artifacts and mosaics highlighting the city's rich historical significance.
TUR40, 1h30m

02:00pm

Lunch at Zinciriye Restaurant

Enjoy hearty traditional Turkish dishes specializing in local meat and vegetable recipes.
TUR60, 1h30m

04:30pm

Relax at Balıklıgöl Park

Spend a peaceful afternoon enjoying the serene atmosphere and taking photos of the sacred fish pools.
Free, 1h

06:30pm

Dinner at Hazreti İbrahim Sofrası

Dine on local delicacies served in a traditional restaurant setting with warm local hospitality.
TUR55, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return Flight from Diyarbakır or Şanlıurfa to İzmir

Şanlıurfa or Diyarbakır to İzmir, Turkey on May 6, 2025

07:00am

Drive to Diyarbakır Airport or Şanlıurfa Airport

Depending on flight availability, drive approximately 1.5–2 hours to the airport for your flight to İzmir.
Fuel, 2h

10:00am

Flight to İzmir

Catch a mid-morning flight from Diyarbakır or Şanlıurfa back to İzmir to complete your journey.
TUR400, 1h30m

12:00pm

Arrival in İzmir and end of trip

Arrive at İzmir Airport and prepare for your onward journey or rest after a rich cultural and culinary tour.
N/A, N/A
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