Nature & Culture between Cappadocia and Mesopotamia

10 October - 18 October 2026

This journey takes you to the fairy-tale valleys of Cappadocia, with their bizarrely shaped tuff cones and colorful cave churches. On Mount Nemrut, you will marvel at monumental statues set against a breathtaking backdrop. In Şanlıurfa – the birthplace of Abraham – you will immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of bustling bazaars, while Göbekli Tepe offers insight into one of humanity’s earliest known cult sites. The Upper Mesopotamian city of Mardin captivates visitors with its architectural masterpieces and rich cultural heritage. Along the way, enjoy Turkish mocha and sample delicious pastırma. Look forward to a journey through millennia, meeting hospitable people, discovering enchanting landscapes, cultural treasures, and regional specialties.

Travel itinerary

Day 1: To Cappadocia

• Flight Luxembourg–Istanbul
• Connecting flight Istanbul–Kayseri
• Welcome and transfer to the hotel
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 2: Tuff cones and cave churches

• Visit of the “Three Beauties”
• Panoramic view from the highest tuff cone in the region
• Cave churches in the Göreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Rock formations in Pigeon Valley
• Pottery town of Avanos
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 3: Picturesque valleys, underground cities

• Scenic valleys of Cappadocia (rock formations, cave dwellings)
• Visit of an underground city complex
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 4: Kayseri, the soul of Anatolia

• Visit of the Citadel of Kayseri
• Pastırma, a culinary specialty of the city
• Drive through the Anatolian highlands to the Mesopotamian plain
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 5: Monumental statues on Mount Nemrut

• Roman Cendere Bridge
• Karakuş Tumulus
• Minibus ride / walk to the summit of Mount Nemrut
• Visit of the archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Continuation to Şanlıurfa
• Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 6: Şanlıurfa – birthplace of Abraham

• Visit of the archaeological museum
• Walk through the bazaar
• Mocha in a traditional coffeehouse
• Visit of the Cave of Abraham’s Birth, the Pilgrimage Mosque, and the sacred pools

Day 7: Göbekli Tepe – the beginning of civilization

• Visit of the Göbekli Tepe excavations
• Tea break and visit of a carpet manufactory
• Drive to Mardin
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 8: Architecture and religion in Mardin

• Visit of the Deyr Ul-Zafaran Monastery
• Walk through the old town of Mardin
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Day 9: Return home

• Transfer to Mardin Airport
• Flight Mardin–Istanbul
• Connecting flight Istanbul–Luxembourg