Turkiye Itinerary

Day 1 – 5th September - Arrive in Istanbul
Pick up at airport and transfer to hotel. In the evening orientation and introductory lecture. Overnight Istanbul. Meal: D.

Day 2 - Istanbul Blue Mosque, city tour, Bosphorous Boat Ride
After breakfast, we will visit the Sultanahmet district, called the “historical peninsula”. First we will visit Ottoman ruins and after that the Blue mosque, the most important mosque in Istanbul with its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles and 200 stained glass windows. Visit Byzantine monuments including the St. Sophia Museum (Hagia Sophia, the former Byzantine Church). Then we will see the Basilica Cistern, which was the main water provider for “Constantinople”, and we will also see the Byzantine Hippodrome where we will view beautiful obelisks and columns from the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman periods. Afternoon boat ride on the Boshporous. Meals: B. L. D.

Day 3 - Fly to Sanliurfa and visit Sayburc
Fly to Sanliurfa and visit Sayburc which has dozens of T-shaped pillars and a remarkable 'narrative panel' which is still under excavation. If possible we will visit more pre-pottery Neolithic sites such as Cacmaktepe and Ayanlar Hoyuk, which are part of the ‘Tas Tepeler’ complex, most still under excavatin. Meals: B. L. D

Day 4 - Archaeology Museum, Pools of Abraham, Site of Yeminihale
We will visit the stunning Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum to see display of compelling exhibition of artefacts from Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe and Nevali Cori, including the mysterious bone plaque with an artistic image of Göbekli Tepe.

Explore Sanliurfa and the forgotten site of Yeminhale 8300 BC where Urfa Man was found. Visit the Pools of Abraham, and the birthplace of the great prophet, as well as climb the mound part of Urfa Castle. Urfa, also known as. Sanliurfa, “the prophet’s city”, was called Edessa in ancient times Meals: B. L. D



Day 5 – Harran, Sefer Tepe, Karahan Tepe
We will visit the beautiful Sabian city of Harran with its Astronomical Tower and ancient university.

Our journey continues eastwards into the Tektek Mountains where we will visit Karahan Tepe, Göbekli Tepe’s sister site, where some of the most extraordinary discoveries anywhere in the world are being made at this time. We explore its astronomically aligned stone enclosures, see many T-shaped pillars and the remarkable sunken Pillar Shrine with its protruding head and bedrock pillars. It is here that a stunning winter solstice sunrise alignment was discovered and where Martin Sweatman decoded a Lunisolar calendar. Meals: B. L. D. Overnight Sanliurfa.

Day 6 – Visit Gobekli Tepe, other Tas Tepeler Sites and Sanliurfa Caves
Visit Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest stone temple complex, constructed nearly 12,000 years ago, making it the oldest megalithic site on the planet. See its extraordinary rings of T-shaped standing stones with carved reliefs of birds, animals and abstract forms. Observe Pillar 43 where Martin decoded a calendar system and view other monoliths that represent early forms of astrological signs and more. Visit other Tas Tepeler Sites in the afternoon and visit the caves of Sanliurfa. Meals: B. L. D. Overnight Sanliurfa.

Day 7 - Nemrut Dag (Nimrod’s Mountain)
Today, we start with a stop off by the Euphrates river then continue to visit Nemrut Dag (Nimrod’s Mountain). Is this the original Tower of Babel and Mountain of God of biblical tradition? At the peak of this man-made mound upon a mountain (at over 2000m) are enigmatic statues of a pre-Roman king, Antiochus I, and the various gods he believed to be his nancestors. the views from the summit are sublime, so gaze out over the terrestrial paradise as enjoyed by the biblical patriarchs of the Book of Genesis, to experience a once in a lifetime view from the top of a sacred mountain, where pilgrims hike up to this very day.

(NOTE it is a 20-30 minute walk up steps to reach the summit). Drive to Diyarbak?r. Overnight Diyarbak?r. B.L.D.

Day 8 - Drive to Diyarbak?r Museum and site of Çayönü
Today, we visit Diyarbak?r to see the city’s impressive walls, and its archaeological museum with exhibits from Çayönü, and also Körtik Tepe and other Pre-Pottery Neolithic sites along the Tigris River, some dating to 12,000 years ago. We then visit the site of Çayönü, an 11,000-year-old Neolithic complex northwest of Diyarbakir which is currently under excavation. Explore its nearby cave tombs, tunnels and rock platforms. We end the day with a farewell dinner for those finishing here. Meals: B. L. D. Overnight Diyarbak?r.

Day 9 - Hasankeyf Museum and Drive to Lake Van
After breakfast we wish farewell to Dr Martin Sweatman who returns to the UK for Universirty teaching duties, whilst the group continues to Hasankeyf by the Tigris River to see Haankeyf Museum with artefacts from the Tigris River settlements such as Kortik Tepe, Hasankeyf and others, and then journey on to the city of Van. Meals: B. L. D. Overnight Van.

Day 10 - Exploring Lake Van
Visit Tushpa, otherwise known as the Fortress of Van on the Rock of Van, the capital of the Urartian civilization between 900 BC and 600 BC which has a massive cyclopean platform. Explore also Tushpa’s 7000-year-old occupational mound and the Kalecik Urartian ‘Stone Array’ which has 2475 stones. Visit Ayanis Kalesi which is currently being excavated, as well as the Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum of Van. Meals: B. L. D. Overnight Van.

Day 11 - Mount Ararat, Noah’s Ark and Dogubeyazit
Today we head north along the eastern shore of Lake Van, past Mount Suphan and on to Dogubayaz?t where an enigmatic formation known as Noah’s Ark can be seen. In surrounding villages are ‘anchor stones’ inscribed with crosses. Above all of this is the towering presence of biblical Mount Ararat. Return to Van. Meals: B. L. D. Overnight Van.

Day 12 - Visit Çavustepe, Akdamar Island and Mheri-Dur
Visit the Urartian Citadel at Çavustepe with its Temple of Haldi and exquisite, precise Cuneiform carving. Explore Lake Van and enjoy a boat trip to visit Akdamar Island and the 10th century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. Marvel at its images of Adam and Eve, which speak of the region’s memory as the true Garden of Eden. See also the Mheri-Dur (Gate of Meher), a huge rock-cut mountain gateway overlooking Lake Van. Carved by the region’s Urartian civilization, it was once said to be the gateway to the otherworld. See its rockcut inscription, which mentions as many as 79 deities from Assyria, Urartu, Persia, and even from the Vedic religion of India. On the final night of the journey we can say our goodbyes at the farewell dinner. Meals: B. L. D. Overnight Van.

Day 13 - End of Tour
On the last day we fly back to Istanbul Airport, for return flights home. Meals: B.

"The Megalithomania Turkey tour has given me the best opportunity to discuss ancient civilization theories and ideas with like-minded people for almost two weeks, visiting sites I’ve only ever seen in videos and read about in books. With expert guides who promote and inspire guests to view these sites through a different set of eyes and with an open mind, this tour is unlike any other tour in this magnificent country. The bus rides through the vast historic countryside provided a wonderful backdrop to the fascinating conversations. This has been the best tour of my life. Thank you!" - G. Haynes, Australia

“The Megalithomania Turkey Tour is a once in a lifetime trip, not to be missed. Every day was filled with mind-blowing visits ranging from highly anticipated sites such asks Goebekli Tepe to unique surprises off the beaten path. The research, raucousness and rock n roll of the Mega Holy Trinity (Andrew, Hugh and JJ) combined with the passion and knowledge of our Kurdish guide Saba created a history journey of our dreams…on steroids. To top it off, we found ourselves in the delightful company of fascinating and accomplished seekers from all over the world. An experience that has reshaped our perspective on the origins of civilization and many other aspects of life.” Michelle Bouchard, UK

"I have thoroughly enjoyed this tour. It was much, much more than expected. Andrew, Hugh and J.J. are each experts, excellent resources, friendly and comfortable to be with. I was afforded the special honor and privilege to meet the Yazidis as well and I will never forget it. I will always cherish my memories of this unique adventure. I couldn’t have had a better experience in Turkey with anyone else"- Jodie Rowe, USA

I recently had the pleasure of joining the Eastern Turkey tour organized by the Megalithomania team, and I feel compelled to share my experience. Booking this trip on a whim turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.The tour featured an array of incredible archaeological sites that truly amazed me, with each destination offering its own unique discoveries. The breathtaking landscapes we encountered throughout the journey left a lasting impression that I will always remember. Each travel companion brought their own perspective, enriching the experience and making every moment enjoyable through our shared discoveries.  A highlight of the trip was the extensive knowledge shared by our organizers. Their expertise and enthusiasm for the region's history and culture deepened our understanding and appreciation of each site we visited, enhancing the overall experience. This journey was more than just a trip; it was an unforgettable adventure filled with discoveries that genuinely changed my perspective. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a meaningful travel experience and look forward to traveling with the Megalithomania team again in the future! - Kathy Erdmann - USA

"It was a great trip"- Graham and Santha Hancock, UK

"It was a fabulous journey with the best of company!" - Anu Nagappa, India

"What a fabulous trip - one which we will be integrating into our minds for some time."
- Terry Fitzsimmons, USA

"Thanks for a great Megalithomaniac Tour! The whole group gelled together with a great positive energy in this wonderful adventure."
- Robert David, USA

"Had a great though exhausting time on the tour. It was wonderful to meet Graham and Santha and hear his lectures, also to have the opportunity to share Andrew's passion for and knowledge of so much of interest to me. Others on the tour were very interesting and such good company - it's so good to travel with like-minded souls. So impressed with Arda' efficiency and patience!! It was all really well organised and I'm sure everyone enjoyed it all." - Christine Levy, Australia

"Pat and I loved the Tour. We've never done anything like that before."- Harold White, USA

"Thank you Hugh and Andrew for a fabulous tour. The thing i liked best was the quality time we got at Gobeki Tepe and with each of you sharing your extensive knowledge. It warmed my heart to see how utterly enthralled Andrew is with Gobekli Tepe e as if he had lived there in a prior life and was coming home. It is one thing to enjoy and appreciate a historical site, but Andrew is in rapture. And his enthusiasm enhanced my appreciation too. My sister and I look forward to another tour with your team."- Colleen McGuire, USA

"Fantastic trip! Well organized with great guides and an fun group." - Bob Patterson, USA

"Many thanks to You and Andrew for a great trip." - Anthony Deleo, USA

Conditions:
1) All Paypal fees and international bank costs must be taken care of by the buyer. These will be added on final payment. We cannot take on these costs as we are keeping the prices right down to create an affordable tour.
2) Megalithomania cannot refund from 60 days before start of tour if you cancel.
3) Megalithomania will refund 50% if you cancel up until 60 days prior to the tour (this does not include deposit).
4) Megalithomania cannot refund deposits up to three months (90 days) prior to tour. Before that we can refund only 50% deposit if you cancel.
5) Megalithomania cannot be held responsible for any injury, accident or stolen goods - please get travel insurance and relevant visas before booking this tour and have a passport with at least 3 months past the end date of the tour.
6) Full payment and passport details must be received by July 1st 2026
7) Roommates: We are happy to try to and match our guests with a suitable roommate for those who are traveling alone. If we are unable to do this, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. Early registration will facilitate this process.
8) Please hold off booking your international flights, until the tour is confirmed in writing via email. We cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred. Please email for further details - steph@megalithomania.co.uk
9) Itinerary may be subject to change if circumstances arise beyond reasonable control.
10) Megalithomania accepts no responsibility for losses or incidental expenses due to delay or change in schedules, hotel booking irregularities, defaults, accidents, sickness, quarantine, emergency, weather, strikes, war, travel restrictions, pandemics, or other causes. All such losses are the sole responsibility of the participants. Please make sure you have travel insurance to cover all this.
11) Force Majeure: Megalithomania LTD is not accountable; nor legally responsible, will not pay you any reimbursement if our obligations have been affected by any unforeseen circumstances that we are not able to avoid. Hereunder; we will list examples but not limited items of the force majeure cases: War, threat of war, terrorist activities, virus outbreaks, quarantine, pandemics, civil discord with its consequences or the risk of such activity, riot, airport closure, natural or atomic disasters, fire, chemical or biological disasters and adverse weather, sea, ice and river conditions, and/or similar occasions.

The tour is organised by Eastern Turkey Tours, a fully accredited travel agency - Alkans Travel - which operates a class "A" license under the auspices of TURSAB (Turkiye Seyhat Acentalari Birligi - The Association of Turkish Travel Agents). Under Turkish law legally established travel agencies must be a member of TURSAB before they are permitted to conduct travel agency business. In line with TURSAB standards our customers are fully insured. You will have the security of endorsement from Turkey's governing tourism body.