Hatay, Gaziantep and Adana Gourmet Tour

We are having breakfast at one of the places where we can taste the finest examples of Hatay’s local flavors, in the southernmost part of our country, Hatay, which has hosted many cultures, beliefs, and civilizations and is one of Turkey’s most important gastronomic centers. Then, accompanied by our guide, we visit Habib-i Neccar Mosque, which was built after Antakya was conquered in 636 A.D. by Ebu Ubeyde Bin Cerrah, one of the commanders of Hz. Ömer, and is known as the oldest mosque built within the borders of the Republic of Turkey. After seeing the Old Antakya houses and the Catholic Church, our guests who wish can taste the famous haytalı and Turkish coffee served in an elegant Turkish coffee cup at Affan Coffee House, which still preserves its original form from 1911 and gives the feeling of traveling back in time. Then we walk toward the famous Uzun Çarşı, where nearly all of Hatay’s local products can be found together. In this magnificent feast of colors and aromas, we get to know Hatay culture, and our guests who wish may shop and stop by Hatay’s most famous künefe and pumpkin dessert shops to taste these wonderful delicacies. After that, we stop by a historical soap workshop to see and, if we wish, buy Hatay’s famous handmade laurel and olive oil soaps. Then by our vehicle, we go to St. Pierre Church, located on the slopes of Mount Habib-i Neccar, a natural cave that was expanded into a church in the 30s A.D. and is known as the first church of Christianity. Afterward, we relax our souls at Harbiye Waterfalls, known as the tears of Daphne, and head to Vakıflı Village, which is affiliated with the Samandağ seaside region and has the distinction of being Turkey’s only Armenian village. When we enter Vakıflı Village, the houses built by Armenian stonemasons immediately stand out with their distinct architecture. The houses form a unity with nature. We complete our tour amid these natural beauties. After finishing our excursions, we depart from there to Gaziantep. Accommodation: Gaziantep

After having breakfast at the hotel, we set out with our guide to explore Gaziantep. Our first stop is Tahmis Coffeehouse, one of the oldest coffeehouses in Turkey. In this charming, history-filled venue, guests who wish may sip menengiç or dibek coffee accompanied by special assorted nuts. From here, we continue on to Bakırcılar Bazaar. Although it is generally referred to as Bakırcılar Bazaar, the Gaziantep Bakırcılar Bazaar is actually a complex of bazaars where many artisans work, offering wooden-fronted shops and stone-paved streets that provide us with a glimpse into another era. After Bakırcılar Bazaar, we see Zincirli Han and take a short walk through the streets of the historic Bey Neighborhood to see Antep’s historical houses. After a short break, guests who wish may taste Antep’s famous katmer or baklava. Then, after learning about this historic mosque with its Seljuk architectural features and special minbar, we depart by vehicle for the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. We visit this unique and very large museum, which is among the world’s most important museums and houses an exceptional collection of mosaics unearthed from the Zeugma (Belkıs) Ancient City, excavated mostly in Belkıs village in Gaziantep’s Nizip district. Afterwards, we join a boat tour in Halfeti. After having dinner at a place famous for its delicious specialties, we head to our hotel to rest. Accommodation: Gaziantep

After having breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we set off for Adana. When we arrive in Adana, our first stop is TAŞKÖPRÜ, one of Adana’s historic landmarks. After seeing this 1,700-year-old stone bridge from the Roman period, which is still in use and is the oldest stone bridge, we visit Sabancı Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey and the Middle East, and listen to our guide’s explanation there. Then, while overlooking the Seyhan River, we enjoy our Adana kebab and taste the famous halka dessert. Afterwards, we visit the city center in order: the Great Clock Tower, Kazancılar Bazaar, Adana Grand Mosque, and the Adana Atatürk House Museum. After completing our visits, we begin our return journey to Antalya. Upon arrival in Antalya, we drop you off at the points where we picked you up and say goodbye, hoping to see you again on another tour.