Turkey Gastronomy Tour (3 Days Private)

Embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure with the Turkey Gastronomy Tour, a delightful journey that will tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of Turkey. Perfect for those seeking tours from Ankara, this itinerary is designed to provide an authentic gastronomic experience in a concise yet fulfilling timeframe. Short turkey tours such as this one allow you to discover the vibrant city of Gaziantep, renowned for its exquisite cuisine and warm hospitality.

Begin your adventure with your arrival in Gaziantep, where you will spend the night soaking in the city's unique ambiance. The next day, embark on a scenic journey along the Euphrates River to Rumkale and Halfeti, where you will be enchanted by stunning landscapes and historical sites before returning for another overnight stay in Gaziantep. The following morning, enjoy an immersive Gaziantep City Tour, exploring its bustling markets and sampling local delicacies. Conclude your trip with a flight back to Ankara, carrying with you unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for Turkish cuisine. This Turkey Gastronomy Tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Turkish culture and flavors in a short yet enriching escape.

TOUR OVERVIEW (PRIVATE TOUR)

Day 01: Gaziantep Arrival –Overnight in Gaziantep

07:00 Depart for Ankara airport via private transfer.
08:50 Fly directly from Ankara to Gaziantep Airport.
09:50 Arrive in Gaziantep; our team will greet you and arrange a private transfer to your hotel.
After check-in, enjoy lunch at İmam Cagdas, renowned for traditional home-cooked meals since 1887.
Savor dishes like Ali Nazik, eggplant kebabs, and pistachio kebabs; indulge in various baklava options.
Visit the Zeugma Museum, the largest mosaic museum globally, featuring exquisite mosaics from Zeugma.
Admire the famous Gypsy Girl mosaic and the Birth of Venus during your museum tour.
Explore Gaziantep, including the citadel, castle, Hammam museum, and vibrant market.
Discover the Copper Bazaar, showcasing handcrafted copper items and traditional artisan crafts.
Conclude the tour around 17:00 and proceed to dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 02: Euphrates River to Rumkale and Halfeti -Overnight in Gaziantep

Wake up early at 06:00 to start the day.
Enjoy a local breakfast featuring Metanet's renowned “Beyran” soup.
Experience a traditional Turkish breakfast amidst spice markets.
The soup is served in a medium metal pot, potentially large for newcomers.

Metanet operates early in the morning and closes by afternoon.
“Beyran” consists of rice and pulled lamb soup with garlic.
After breakfast, drive to Karkamis (Carchemish) for exploration.
Visit the Ancient City of Carchemish, a key Hittite administrative center.
The site, located on the Euphrates' west bank, has restricted access due to a military base.
Conclude the day with a visit to Zeugma Ancient City and the Euphrates River, including a glimpse of ongoing archaeological work.

Day 3: Gaziantep City Tour- Flight to Ankara

Wake up early at 06:00 to start the day.
For a local breakfast, visit Dürümcü Recep Usta for the renowned “Nohut Durumu” chickpea wrap.
Gaziantep is known for its culinary scene, but some popular spots are overrated on social media.
Dürümcü Recep Usta, however, truly deserves its acclaim.
Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast before trying the Chickpea Wrap.
The wrap features chickpea puree cooked in bone broth, garnished with parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon.
Check out of the hotel at noon and head to the Culinary Arts Center.
Experience meticulously prepared local dishes in Gaziantep, recognized as the Capital of Gastronomy.
Savor UNESCO-listed dishes like Yuvalama soup and pistachio kebab, along with visually appealing appetizers.
Conclude the day with shopping at Şıra Han, where you can find local products and natural ingredients.

Duration:

3 Days

Departing:

Ankara

Time:

It is up to you

Pickup Point:

Ankara city,Ankara Hotels,Ankara Airport

Highlights:

Turkey Gastronomy Tour

Bodrum Holiday Tour (3 Days Private)

Day 01: Gaziantep Arrival –Overnight in Gaziantep

Welcome to an unforgettable journey in Gaziantep! Our team will be delighted to meet you on arrival and ensure a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Once you've checked in, be prepared to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Antep. We'll head straight to İmam Çağdaş, a renowned culinary gem established in 1887. Savor traditional home-cooked dishes like Ali Nazik, delectable eggplant kebabs, and delicious pistachio kebabs that are lauded by food lovers worldwide. Make sure to save room for their baklava, reputed to be the finest in Turkey—a true treat for your taste buds.

Next, let history come alive at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the world's largest mosaic museum, where you'll encounter exquisite mosaics from the fascinating ancient city of Zeugma, including the famous Gypsy Girl and the Birth of Venus.

Continuing the adventure, we'll explore the vibrant city of Gaziantep. Discover the impressive citadel, the historic castle, and unique cultural spots like the Hammam Museum and bustling markets. Experience the colorful spectacle of Anatolian trade with its fiery spices, copper crafts, 'Kutnu' fabrics, and 'Yemeni' slippers—all contributing to the dynamic tapestry of Gaziantep.

We'll visit the Copper Bazaar, where the craft of copper is presented in its full glory, offering you a chance to shop for unique artisan goods. Indulge your senses in the Spice Market and marvel at the craftsmanship of the Yemeni Makers, who create distinctive slippers.

As the day winds down, prepare for a gastronomic delight at Halil Usta, famed for producing the best kebabs and küşleme in Antep. Try their mouth-watering küşleme, lahmacun, and kuşbaşı kebap, guaranteed to be the best you've ever tasted.

Our enriching tour and culinary exploration of Gaziantep will draw to a close around 21:00, after which we will head back to the hotel for a restful overnight stay. Be prepared for memories that will stay with you forever.

Day 02: Euphrates River to Rumkale and Halfeti -Overnight in Gaziantep

Embark on an unforgettable day in Turkey, packed with unique culinary experiences and breathtaking historical sites. We’ll start bright and early at 06:00 AM, diving right into the local tradition with a visit to Metanet, renowned for its “Beyran” soup. This delicious dish, served in a medium-sized metal pot, combines rice and pulled lamb with a hint of garlic, perfect for those eager to embrace authentic Turkish flavors. Metanet's location amid traditional spice markets adds a cultural touch to your breakfast experience.

Post-breakfast, we’ll drive to Karkamis (Carchemish), a historic Hittite center on the Turkey-Syria border. The site is steeped in history, dating back to the Neolithic era. Though it lies partially within Syrian territory and a Turkish military base, its compelling past as a strategic location along the Euphrates is worth discovering.

Next, our journey leads us to Nizip and the famed Zeugma Ancient City, home to incredible mosaics that captivate history and art enthusiasts alike. Make sure to explore this archaeological gem before moving on to Halfeti, the mesmerizing "Sunken City." As we sail silently along the Euphrates River, we’ll witness the beautiful Byzantine castle Rumkale and take in scenic views, enhanced by a short coffee break by the sunken mosque.

For lunch, we’ll stop in Birecik, famous for its delectable eggplant kebabs and Kunefe. A leisurely walk by the Euphrates follows, leading us to the Ibiscus Bird Farm, home to the rare Ibis birds. This encounter provides an exquisite moment worth cherishing. Our day concludes with dinner at Mirkelam Restaurant, where you will savor traditional dishes such as Kellepaca Soup.

We'll wrap up this action-packed day around 11:00 PM, retreating to a cozy hotel in Gaziantep for the night, enriched with the memories and experiences of Turkey's cultural and historical wealth.

Day 3: Gaziantep City Tour- Flight to Ankara

#### Discover Gaziantep: A Culinary and Cultural Journey

**Wake Up to Local Flavors:** Begin your day early, around 06:00, embracing the local culinary culture with a visit to Dürümcü Recep Usta. Here, you can indulge in the much-celebrated "Nohut Durumu," a chickpea wrap that holds true to its reputation. This delightful breakfast features chickpea puree, simmered in a rich bone and marrow broth, snugly wrapped in bread with a hint of chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon. This hearty and affordable breakfast provides both nutrition and satisfaction, embodying the essence of Gaziantep's rich culinary heritage.

**Culinary Arts Center:** As you check out from your hotel by noon, make your way to the Culinary Arts Center of Gaziantep, regarded as the Capital of Gastronomy. Here, you'll be treated to an exquisite array of local dishes, prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Experience UNESCO-registered dishes such as Yuvalama soup, pistachio kebab, stuffed meatballs, and more. The presentation is as delightful as the taste, ensuring a feast for both eyes and taste buds.

**Shop at Şıra Han:** Continue your exploration with a visit to Şıra Han, a treasure trove of local, handmade products adjacent to the Apple Market. Discover molasses, spices, pistachios, and other unique ingredients. The marketplace accepts cards, making it easy to purchase authentic Antep cheese and other local specialties. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and shopping enthusiasts seeking natural ingredients.

**Relax at Gumruk Han:** Unwind with a cup of traditional Turkish Tea or Dibek and Menegüç coffees at Gumruk Han. This historic inn offers a glimpse into Turkey's rich past, with exquisite local handicrafts and stylish souvenirs. Explore Antep embroideries, Kutnu fabric items, and other charming gifts, making it a haven for antique lovers.

**Explore Pişirici Kasteli:** Your cultural journey continues with a tour of Pişirici Kasteli, an ancient underground water structure dating back to the 13th century. Known for its innovative water management system, this structure offers insight into the advanced engineering of the era. Witness the blend of practicality and historical significance, with features like toilets, pools, and prayer rooms reflecting the period's focus on hygiene.

**End the Day on a High Note:** Conclude your tour around 17:00, setting off for Gaziantep or Adiyaman Airport, leading to a flight to Ankara. Reflect on the rich experiences of the day, from savoring traditional flavors to immersing yourself in Gaziantep's rich cultural landscape.