Journey from the imperial splendour of Istanbul to the ancient stone cities of Turkey's mystical southeast on this 6-day private tour, planned in-house by Inca Tour, a TURSAB-licensed operator, and led by your own English-speaking guide. It is a rare combination of world-famous icons and off-the-beaten-path Mesopotamian heritage, travelling with your own guide and private vehicle at your own pace.
In Istanbul you explore the UNESCO-listed Old City — Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and the majestic Hagia Sophia — browse the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, and enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise past Ottoman palaces and waterfront fortresses. You then fly east to Diyarbakır, famous for its dramatic black basalt city walls, its Seljuk-era Grand Mosque and the historic Church of the Virgin Mary.
The tour continues to the extraordinary ancient settlement of Hasankeyf, layered with the traces of nine civilisations, and on to atmospheric Mardin, a hillside city of honey-coloured stone houses, intricate carvings, lively bazaars and sweeping views over the Mesopotamian Plain. Here you also visit the venerable Deyrulzafaran (Saffron) Monastery, one of the oldest in the world. Hotels can be tailored to your preferred category — tell us your dates and group size and we will send a customised quote within 24 hours.
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
Welcome to Turkey! On arrival at Istanbul Airport you are met and transferred in comfort to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and begin exploring the city that spans two continents, with the evening free to enjoy Istanbul's restaurants at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Departing around 8:30 a.m., we tour Istanbul's magnificent Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage area. We explore the opulent Topkapi Palace with its imperial collections, the elegant Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome with its historic monuments and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. After lunch we visit a traditional leather workshop and the aromatic Spice Bazaar, fragrant with cinnamon, saffron, mint and herbs. The evening is free to enjoy Istanbul's restaurants at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast we visit the Grand Spice Bazaar, then set out on a classic Bosphorus boat cruise, gliding past the Dolmabahçe, Yıldız, Çırağan and Beylerbeyi palaces, the lively Ortaköy district and the mighty Rumeli Fortress. In the afternoon there is time to shop for carpets, jewellery and leatherware in the historic bazaars, with the evening free. Overnight in Istanbul.
After an early transfer we fly to Diyarbakır in Turkey's southeast. On arrival our guided tour takes in the imposing ancient basalt city walls, the Seljuk-period Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) and the 3rd-century Aramaic Church of the Virgin Mary, immersing you in the region's deep and layered history. Dinner and overnight in Diyarbakır.
After breakfast we travel to the remarkable ancient site of Hasankeyf, whose caves, castle and ruins carry the traces of nine civilisations and thousands of years of settlement. We continue via Midyat, known for its monastery and fine stone architecture, to reach the enchanting hill city of Mardin, with its honey-coloured houses adorned with intricate carvings. We visit the historic Deyrulzafaran (Saffron) Monastery, a Syriac Orthodox landmark founded over a thousand years ago, and take in sweeping views across the Mesopotamian Plain. Dinner and overnight in Mardin.
After breakfast we enjoy a final tour of Mardin's historical old town, its stone houses and bustling bazaars, before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight, at the end of an unforgettable journey through Turkey's ancient southeast.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category — the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul → Diyarbakir → Mardin
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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👥 46 Seats
👥 37+2 Seats
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👥 16+1 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 12+1 Seats
👥 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route — Istanbul, Diyarbakir, Mardin.
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Other private and group tours that visit the same destination.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!