Amazing Mardin
- Group tour: 3 days / 2 night
- Price: from €330.00 (withour flight)
- Tour Languages: English, Russian
- Guaranteed departures (Small Group - 4-12 pax)
Despite its popularity among foreign tourists, a large part of Turkey's excursion destinations remains unexplored by them. How about the Turkish part of Mesopotamia — the historical region between the great rivers Tigris and Euphrates, in the heart of which lies the mysterious and mystical city of Mardin?
There, in the labyrinth of winding streets, the line between reality and Eastern fairy tale seems to blur. It feels like one more step, and you could find yourself somewhere in the past, surrounded by myths and legends. And if you climb to the terrace, an breathtaking view of the Mesopotamian plain unfolds before you from a bird's eye view.
In this city, located at the crossroads of civilizations, a unique cultural mix has formed, miraculously preserved to this day. Elegant medieval mosques coexist with ancient churches of four Christian denominations, and on the city streets, you can hear several languages at once.
Mardin is beautiful not only by itself. It is also the gateway to the historical region of Tur Abdin, the land of ancient cities and monasteries (many of which are still active), "dining mountains," picturesque canyons, harsh semi-desert landscapes, and stunning sunsets, which in autumn and spring are painted with unusual colors.
But Mardin is not only rich in historical heritage. It is also a genuine paradise of taste sensations: a wide selection of Eastern sweets, fragrant "dibek" coffee, bitter Arabian "myrrh," Assyrian wines, a unique cuisine of the Mesopotamian region, enriched with Syrian, Arab, Persian, and Turkish motifs.
Tour itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Mardin
- Morning: Start your day by visiting the historic center of Mardin. Take a walk through the narrow, winding streets lined with traditional stone houses and enjoy the unique architecture.
- Visit the Great Mosque of Mardin, a magnificent example of Islamic architecture with its towering minaret and beautiful interior.
- Head to the Zinciriye Medrese, an ancient Islamic school that now serves as a museum. Explore its stunning courtyard and admire the intricate stone carvings.
- Afternoon: Visit the Mardin Museum, located in an old church. Discover the region’s rich history and cultural heritage through its collection of artifacts and exhibits.
- Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of authentic Mardin cuisine.
- Visit the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, a significant Syriac Orthodox monastery. Explore its beautiful church, ancient tombs, and peaceful surroundings.
- Evening: Catch the sunset from one of the rooftop terraces in Mardin, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Mesopotamian plains.
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying out traditional dishes like kebabs and baklava.
Day 2: Discovering Midyat
- Morning: Take a day trip to Midyat, a charming town known for its unique architecture and rich cultural heritage.
- Visit the Midyat Old City, famous for its beautifully adorned stone houses and narrow streets. Explore the local bazaars, where you can find handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional textiles.
- Discover the intricate craftsmanship of the Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the world. Marvel at its ancient church, frescoes, and peaceful surroundings.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, tasting the flavors of Midyat’s cuisine, which combines Turkish and Syriac influences.
- Visit the Şehidiye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece with its intricate stonework and unique design.
- Explore the ancient ruins of Hasankeyf, located near Midyat. Discover the fascinating history of this ancient city, which is currently being relocated due to the construction of a dam.
- Evening: Return to Mardin and relax at a local café, sipping traditional Turkish tea or coffee while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
- Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savoring delicious local dishes and taking in the stunning views of Mardin at night.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion
- Morning: Start your day by visiting the Kasimiye Medrese, an impressive medieval Islamic school with a beautiful courtyard and stunning views of the city.
- Explore the Mardin Artuklu Palace, a historical site that showcases the architectural grandeur of the Artuklu Dynasty. Admire its intricate stone carvings and learn about the region’s history.
- Afternoon: Visit the Mardin Ethnography Museum, housed in an old mansion. Discover the traditional costumes, handicrafts, and cultural artifacts that reflect the diverse heritage of the region.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the Mardin Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs, spices, and local products.
- Enjoy a final lunch in Mardin, trying out more local delicacies and flavors.
- Before leaving, visit the Sabancı City Museum, which offers a glimpse into the history, culture, and traditions of Mardin through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations.
- Depart from Mardin with beautiful memories of your cultural journey through this enchanting region of Turkey.
Available dates
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