Embark on a journey through Eastern Turkey, where textiles are woven legacies of ancient civilizations
Starting in Antakya, discover handwoven silk rooted in centuries of cultural exchange.
In Gaziantep, explore Ottoman-era Kutnu fabric and indulge in its renowned cuisine.
Şanlıurfa offers the oldest historical sites on the Globe and vibrant markets, while Mardin showcases “telkari” (filigree) silverwork and the multicultural heritage of Turkmen, Arab, Kurdish, Assyrian Armenian, and Jewish ethnicities.
In Cizre, the camlet fabric from angora, woven for centuries since medieval times, unites Kurdish and Assyrian traditions, while two lovers, Mem and Zin, seeping side to side, are the heroes of one of the oldest legends in the area.
Travel through Hakkari and Van, where women weave symbolic kilims and “parzun” backpacks reflecting the semi-nomadic cultural infrastructure of the area. Akhtamar Island on Lake Van reflects the glorious days of the Armenian Vaspuraghan Dynasty, while Van Castle is the symbol of the Urartian civilization’s blinking eye to the present day. Ishakpasha Palace is another wonder rising on the cliffs of Mount Ararat.
In Kars, explore the ruins of Ani, the old Armenian capital, and the opening gate of the Anatolian Peninsula to the Turks who came into these lands in the early 10th century. Conclude in Erzurum, home to the Ehram wool weaving and Seljuk architecture. This tour interlaces history, culture, and craft into a rich tapestry of Eastern Turkey.
The Itinerary:
Day 1, June 5, Friday: Meet up in Istanbul Airport, Flight to Antakya City, Dinner & overnight in Antakya.
Day 2, June 6, Saturday: The day begins with a visit to St. Peter Church, one of the world’s oldest Christian churches, carved into the mountainside and rich with spiritual and historical significance. After the church visit, we will stop by the Museum Hotel. Here, you can enjoy the Roman heritage, with the longest mosaic in the world and modern elegance. We will continue to the Glass Objects Museum, where you’ll explore unique glass artifacts that reflect the region’s ancient artistry and craftsmanship. Then we will visit Harbiye’s silk producers, where we will witness the traditional process of handweaving silk, a living legacy of the Silk Road. We will enjoy a relaxing lunch, savoring local flavors in a nearby restaurant. After lunch, we will visit the Tokaçlı Olive Museum, with a 30-minute drive, where we will learn about the region’s rich olive oil heritage. Next, we will visit the Sarılar Kaddis Mar Circos Arab Orthodox Church, a peaceful, centuries-old church that reflects the area’s deep-rooted spiritual diversity. We will return to your hotel for some well-deserved resting time. The day concludes with a delicious dinner, enjoying the local cuisine in a cozy setting. Overnight in Antakya.
The Museum Hotel has the biggest Roman mosaic in its basement/Antakya
An elderly man working with silk cocoons, Harbiye/Antakya
Day 3, June 7, Sunday: We start our day with a scenic drive to the hilltop ruins of the ancient St Simeon monastery, where we admire panoramic views and explore the remains of a site once home to stylite monks. We continue our journey as we head toward Vakıflı, Turkey’s last remaining Armenian village. Charming village streets, unique cultural heritage, and a sustainable way of life await us there. We then travel to the nearby shrine of St. Khidir, a sacred place visited by people of various faiths. We enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, where we taste the flavors of the region. We then make our way to the impressive Titus Tunnels, an ancient Roman engineering marvel carved into the rock. We will walk through the tunnels, imagining the incredible effort it took to build them. We return to Antakya in the late afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore, rest, or shop at our leisure. We end the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Antakya
Roman graves, near Titus Tunnel, Çevlik/Antakya
The church of Vakifli, the last Armenian village in Turkey/Antakya
Day 4, June 8, Monday: We begin our day with a comfortable drive of 2.5 hours to Gaziantep, Turkey’s most vibrant cultural and culinary capital. We first visit the Hammam Museum and explore the traditional Turkish bath culture. We then head to the historic and elegant Kendirli Armenian Church and witness the rich multicultural heritage of the city. Afterward, we relax with a cup of traditional Turkish coffee at the iconic Tahmis Coffee House, a historic café serving guests since the 17th century. We enjoy lunch at the renowned İmam Çağdaş restaurant, a Gaziantep institution famous for its mouthwatering kebabs and baklava. In the afternoon, we explore the vibrant Coppersmith Market. Next, we dive into the world of traditional textiles with a visit to a Kutnu weaving workshop. We witness firsthand how this shimmering silk-and-cotton fabric is made using age-old techniques. We then visit an Aba weaving atelier, where we learn about this traditional wool fabric once worn by dervishes and villagers alike. Dinner and overnight in Gaziantep.
The Coppersmiths Market, Gaziantep
Master Abdülkadir Mekki, the Kutnu fabric Master, Gaziantep
Day 5, June 9, Tuesday: We start our day with a visit to the Bayazhan City Museum, where we dive into the rich history and cultural evolution of Gaziantep, in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era building. We then make our way to the Şehreküstü Mansions and the historic Ağa Mosque. We stroll through this charming district, feeling the echoes of a time when Gaziantep’s elite once lived in these stately homes. Next, we head to the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of Roman mosaics. We enjoy lunch at Halil Usta, one of Gaziantep’s most beloved local eateries. After lunch, we set off for the ancient city of Zeugma itself. We explore the Zeugma archaeological site, walking among the ruins on the banks of the Euphrates. We then return to our hotel, where we enjoy some free time to rest or explore the city. Dinner and overnight in Gaziantep.
Sehrekustu Mansinos, Gaziantep
One of the famous mosaics in Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Gaziantep
Ancient Zeugma City, on the banks of Euphrates, Nizip, Gaziantep
Day 6, June 10, Wednesday: We begin our journey with a morning transfer of nearly 2 hours to Şanlıurfa, the legendary city known as the birthplace of prophets and steeped in spiritual and historical significance. We arrive and explore the mystical site of Abraham’s Pool, believed to be where the prophet Abraham was cast into the fire. Just nearby, we wander through the bustling old marketplace, where local culture comes alive in vibrant colors, aromas, and handmade crafts. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we travel to the world-famous archaeological site of Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple complex on earth, with its massive stone pillars and mysterious carvings. We then continue our journey with a scenic transfer to Harran, an ancient city known for its unique beehive houses and long-standing history as one of the oldest universities in the world. We return for some well-deserved rest and free time. Dinner and overnight in Şanlıurfa.
Day 7, June 11, Thursday: We start our day with a visit to the Urfa Archaeology Museum, where we delve into the deep historical roots of the region. We continue just next door to the Urfa Mosaic Museum, where there are Roman mosaics that once adorned the villas of the ancient city. We then head to the Urfa Women’s Weaving Center before we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, tasting the signature dishes of Urfa’s rich culinary heritage. In the afternoon, we set off on an excursion through the city’s historic heart. We visit the beautifully detailed Fırfırı Mosque, stroll through the charming streets to the Culinary Museum, and stop at the Rejis Church—a reminder of Urfa’s diverse cultural past. We then enjoy some free time to explore at our own pace, shop for local handicrafts, or simply take in the rhythm of the city. Dinner and overnight in Şanlıurfa.
Day 8, June 12, Friday: We begin our morning with a scenic transfer of 3 hours to Mardin, a city of stone houses and golden light, overlooking the Mesopotamian plains. We start our visit at the Mardin Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, where we explore a rich collection of artifacts that spans thousands of years. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors infused with spices and influences from Arab, Kurdish, Assyrian, and Turkish traditions. In the afternoon, we visit the majestic Great Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that reflects the city’s deep-rooted Islamic heritage. We then stroll through the atmospheric Revaklı Market, full of traditional goods under the shade of ancient archways. We continue with a relaxed excursion through the old city’s winding streets. We stop by a local filigree workshop and see techniques passed down through generations. Afterward, we enjoy some free time to shop or explore on our own. We return to our hotel for a short rest. Dinner and overnight in Mardin.
Day 9, June 13, Saturday: We begin our day with a visit to the Sabancı City Museum, where we explore the history, architecture, and multi-faith heritage of Mardin in a former patriarchal building. We then head to the Alive Museum, where we step into immersive displays that bring Mardin’s diverse past to life. Next, we visit two of Mardin’s most iconic educational and religious landmarks: the Zinciriyye and Kasımiyye Madrasahs. We break for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying the flavors of Mardin’s layered cuisine. In the early afternoon, we take a scenic drive to Deyrülzaferan Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world and a spiritual center of the Syriac Orthodox Church. We then continue our journey to the ancient city of Dara, once a major Roman fortress, with its impressive ruins—massive cisterns, city walls, and tombs carved into rock. We return to Mardin in the late afternoon and enjoy some free time. Dinner and overnight in Mardin.
Day 10, June 14, Sunday: We begin our day with a 2.5-hour transfer to Cizre, a city rich in Kurdish culture, poetry, and history, nestled along the banks of the Tigris River. We start by visiting a local Shal u Shepik fabric workshop, serving the traditional clothing of Kurdish and Assyrian men, using handwoven medieval “camlet” fabrics. Next, we visit the site of Mem û Zîn, the legendary resting place of the star-crossed lovers immortalized in Kurdish literature. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, tasting regional flavors. After lunch, we explore the Red Madrasa (Kırmızı Medrese), one of Cizre’s oldest Islamic educational centers. where the first robotic models were drawn and mounted by the famous scientist Al Jazaree. We then step into the Dengbêj House, where we experience a vibrant piece of local music and dance. Our journey continues with a visit to the Noah Mausoleum, a site believed by many to be the final resting place of the prophet Noah. We end our afternoon with a visit to the Kasrik recreation area. Dinner and overnight in Cizre.
Day 11, June 15, Monday: We begin our day with a scenic 4.5-hour transfer to Hakkari, a city surrounded by towering mountains and filled with rich cultural heritage. Our first stop takes us to a local Kilim workshop, where we witness the artistry and skill involved in creating Hakkari’s famous handwoven kilims. We then enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we embark on a transfer to Meydan Pasture, a lush plateau nestled 9,000 feet high in the mountains. We will visit a pure nomadic camp and have tea with nomads, chat about animal husbandry, and the nomadic lifestyle. Next, we visit the charming small church of Koçanıs, the Vatican of Nestorian Assyrians, the old owners of these lands. We then begin our return journey with a transfer to the hotel in Yüksekova town for one hour. We have some time to relax. Dinner and overnight in Yüksekova.
Day 12, June 16, Tuesday: We begin our morning with a scenic transfer of 3 hours to Gevaş, a peaceful lakeside town nestled along the shores of Lake Van, surrounded by rugged mountains and natural beauty. Upon arrival, we enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, where we taste the regional fish. After lunch, we visit the tomb and shrine of Halime Hatun, an elegant Seljuk-era structure. Next, we transfer to the shores of Lake Van and take a short boat ride to Akhtamar Island, one of Turkey’s hidden gems. The journey across the lake offers stunning views of the water and surrounding peaks. After our visit, we return by boat and make our way for 30 minutes to our hotel in Van city center for the evening. Dinner and overnight in Van.
Day 13, June 17, Wednesday: We begin our morning with a 30-minute short transfer to one of Van’s most iconic landmarks—its ancient castle. We learn about the Urartian kingdom and the many civilizations that left their mark on this historic fortress. Next, we visit the Van Museum, where we dive deeper into the region’s rich history. We then enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, relaxing and savoring Van’s unique flavors. After lunch, we head to a traditional kilim workshop, where we witness the intricate process of handweaving Van’s distinctive flatweave rugs. We continue our cultural experience with a visit to the local market, full of dairy product shops, costume and fabric galleries, shops selling rural objects and utensils. We finish the day with a visit to Burhan Hoca’s renowned carpet shop, where we admire beautifully crafted rugs, learn about the different weaving styles. Dinner and overnight in Van city center.
Day 14, June 18, Thursday: We start our morning with a 3-hour drive through the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia as we make our way to one of Turkey’s architectural masterpieces—İshak Paşa Palace. We arrive at the palace and step into a world where Ottoman, Persian, and Seljuk styles blend harmoniously. After soaking in the history and atmosphere, we enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we begin our journey to Kars, passing through open plains, mountain passes, and villages that offer glimpses into the rhythm of life in Turkey’s eastern highlands. We arrive in Kars, a city shaped by Ancient Armenian kingdoms, the 13th-century Seljuk and 19th-century Russian empires, and known for its unique architecture, rich cuisine, and cultural blend. Dinner and overnight in Kars.
Day 15, June 19, Friday: We begin our day by exploring the cultural treasures of Kars. We visit the Kars Museum, where we journey through the city’s layered past, from ancient artifacts to ethnographic exhibits. We continue with a visit to the historic Kars Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city. We will stop by the 12 Apostles church and see the beautiful Armenian stonework. We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the hearty, flavorful dishes that Kars. In the afternoon, we travel to the ancient Armenian city of Ani, once a bustling medieval metropolis known as the “City of 1,001 Churches.” Along the way, we enjoy views of the dramatic border landscape near Armenia. We return to Kars for a little bit of rest and free time. Dinner and overnight in Kars.
Day 16, June 20, Saturday: We begin our day with a 3-hour morning transfer to Erzurum, a city steeped in Anatolian history, known for its Seljuk and Ottoman heritage. Upon arrival, we visit the Ehram Weaving Center, where we learn about this traditional textile craft unique to the Erzurum area. We then enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we explore the Erzurum Archaeology Museum, where we encounter artifacts dating back to ancient civilizations. Next, we step into the grand Erzurum Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), a solemn and majestic Seljuk structure. Just nearby, we visit the striking Triple Seljuk Mausoleums. We continue to the Yakutiye Medrese, a remarkable 14th-century theological school adorned with turquoise tilework and impressive Islamic calligraphy. Finally, we visit the iconic Çifte Minareli Medrese from outside. We marvel at its twin minarets, grand portal, and the stories etched into its stonework. Farewell dinner and overnight in Erzurum
Day 17, June 21, Sunday: Morning flight to Istanbul. The tour finishes at the airport.
