NEMRUT
The region that lies between the Taurus Mountains and the Euphrates was called Commagene during the Greek and Roman periods. Commagene was established originally as an independent kingdom in 162 BC by Mithridates Kalinikos. I. Mithridates brought together Persians and Macedonians and other communities in the area to form this powerful state and named it Commagene, which means "community of genes" in Greek. The kingdom was at the height of its splendor during the period of King Antiochos I (69-36 B.C.), who succeeded Mithridates. Most of the archeological remains which survive to our times, including the tumulus at the peak of Nemrut Dag, which still refuses to reveal all its secrets, are from the time of Antiochos I.
At the cone shape summit of this 2,200m elevated mountain one can find statues mythical figures of Apollon, Zeus, Hercules and others. These gigantic heads fallen from the tomb of the obscure Commagene king Antiochus, stare at you silenty for more than 2000 years and were first found in 1881 by Karl Sester, a German archeologist. They are carved around 63 B.C during the reign of Antiochus-I, the emperor of the Commagene King. Here you can wonder around the cone shape, a man made summit, where Antiochus' tumulus was located which were hidden under the man made limestone dome.
In 1987, Nemrut mountain became a member of UNESCO World Heritage list. It is also a National park.
NEMRUT TOURS
Classic Nemrut Tour from Cappadocia (3 nights, 4 days)
Day 1 (Cappadocia - Gaziantep, No Meal)
After breakfast at hotel, departure from your hotel at 08:00. Stop at Kahramanmaras for lunch and a taste of its famous ice cream. Continue onto visit the world famous
Gaziantep Mosaic Museum. This museum exhibit superb mosaic discovered at the
Roman site of Belkis-Zeugma before the Birecik Dam flooded most of the site. We will
visit the old city castle which is located in the center of the city and copper bazaar.
This bazaar is one of the most special and oldest bazaars in Turkey. You can find
variety of copper handcrafts. We will also have the chance to taste famous baklava; a
sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held
together with syrup or honey (Baklava is originally from Gaziantep). After visiting the
city, drive to hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in
Gaziantep.
Day 2 (Gaziantep and Urfa, Breakfast Only)
After breakfast, check-out from our hotel and drive to Sanliurfa. Urfa has been
occupied since the Babylonians followed by the Hurrites, Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks.
Today we will visit Urfa Archaeological Museum. This museum exhibit a huge
collection, founded from Harran and Gobeklitepe Area. We will also visit the holy
sites at the Ainzelha, a lake with millions of domesticated fish. While in Urfa we will
visit the cave where the prophet Abraham was born. Then, walk through the local
covered bazaar of Sanliurfa. Walk through the town to discover the many hidden
treasures. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Urfa.
Day 3 (Sanliurfa - Mt. Nemrut, Breakfast Only)
After breakfast at hotel we will visit nearby Harran and see the incredible beehive
houses. Harran- according to the Bible- was the site where prophet Abraham spent a
few years with his family before moving on to Israel, the Promised Land. There are
exceptional photo opportunities in this area. In the afternoon drive to Kahta city. On
the way, you will see Gobeklitepe, a hilltop sanctuary erected on the highest point of
an elongated mountain ridge some 15 km northeast of the town of Urfa. 
What makes
Gobeklitepe unique in its class is the date it was built, which is roughly twelve
thousand years ago, circa 10,000 BC. In the afternoon hike to the summit of the
mount Nemrut (one of the most popular UNESCO world cultural heritage sites),
watching the sunset, be amazed by the colossal heads and statues of ancient deities,
as you step into mythology. This extraordinary landmark rests at an elevation of 8000 ft. The mountain top complex is
composed of two flattened areas strewn with statues and separated by a false peak of crushed rock. Antiochus built the
entire complex approximately 2000 years ago as a monument to his divine ancestry. Also definitely take time to visit the
old castle, Arsemeia, cross over the still functioning Cendere Bridge (Septimius Severus bridge) dating all the way back
to the 3rd century and Tumulus Tomb of Karakus. After visiting Nemrut, drive to hotel. Overnight stay in Adiyaman.
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Adiyaman or Diyarbakir Airport and fly back to Istanbul or any other destination. End of services…
The rate will be 360 Euro per person in double rooms, 335 Euro per person in triple rooms and 500 Euro in single rooms. Maximum group size is 15 people on this tour.
| PERIODS | |
| April | 06th – 20th |
| May | 04th – 18th |
| June | 08th – 22th |
| July | 06th – 20th |
| August | 10th – 24th |
| September | 07th – 21st |
| October | 05th – 19th |
Please send us an email (info@goreme.com) to make booking
PRIVATE NEMRUT TOURS
Classic Nemrut tour can also be arranged as private tours or we can tailor-make the tour to include other cities of Eastern Turkey like Mardin, Diyarbakir and Van. You can also have Nemrut tours departing from other parts of Turkey instead of Cappadocia.
On private tours, you will have your private guide and transportation and can adjust the visiting durations according to your interests.
Private tour rates are calculated according to group size and itinerary.
Please send us an email (info@goreme.com)
to get further information about Private Nemrut Tours
