April 10-22, 2025: 13 Day, Luxury Tour across Turkey!
See below itinerary for details! Only 35 spots available.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.thecommunitygarden.org/retreats/p/uncharted-x-turkey-april-10-22
Contact info@thecommunitygarden.org and tours@unchartedx.com with any inquiries.
Gobekli Tepe
Price: $6,500 USD for twin share. $500 deposit required to secure reservation.
$1,300 Single supplement (for a single room)
April 10-22, 2025, 13 days and 12 nights!
Join Ben from UnchartedX, along with Kyle and Russ Allen from the Brothers of the Serpent Podcast and expert Egyptian guide and stonemason Yousef Awyan for an unforgettable 13 days exploring the ancient sites of Turkey! We will be visiting the Sanliurfa region with it’s incredible, pre-historical Tepe sites like Gobekli and Karahan Tepe, the enigmatic Mt Nemrut, the Cappadocia region with the underground city of Derinkuyu, the Phyrigian Valley, and much more!
With only 35 spots available, we will be a small group. The tour starts in the beautiful ancient city of Sanliurfa in south-eastern Turkey and we will have the chance to explore sites like Sogmatar, Gobekli Tepe, nearby quarries, as well as recent archaeological discoveries still under excavation, like Karahan Tepe.
We will take a day cruise on the Euphrates River, visit the sunken city and have the chance to swim, as well as visiting the awe-inspiring and mysterious Mount Nemrut. The group will travel to beautiful Cappadocia to explore the Derinkuyu underground city and Uchisar Castle. We will also visit the Phyrigian valley, with its enigmatic cart ruts, and explore the Ayazini Metropolis and Avdalas Castle, with the tour ending on April 22 in Ankara.
As has become tradition, you can expect some live music from your hosts!
Included: 13 days and 12 nights in Sanliurfa, Turkey, Cappadocia, and the Phyrigian Valley. 3 meals per day, and all transportation and site access tickets for the itinerary.
Price: USD $6,500 (shared room), secured with a non-refundable $500 deposit. Single supplement For a private room is $1,300.
The tour starts April 10 in Sanliurfa, and ends April 22 in Ankara. Please keep that in mind when booking your flights!
We are expecting between 30 and 35 guests on this trip.
We supply radio sets for each person so that everyone can hear the speakers as we explore the sites. Please look after the radios as we need to return them at the end of the tour, and there will be a $100 charge for any lost radios.
Registration (and deposit) link, with itinerary details, here: https://www.thecommunitygarden.org/retreats/p/uncharted-x-turkey-april-10-22
contact info@thecommunitygarden.org and tours@unchartedx.com with any questions.
Itinerary:
April 10: Arrival and Welcome Dinner
Upon your arrival in Şanlıurfa, private transportation will be arranged to transfer you to our accommodation at Ala-Han Hotel, conveniently located near Balıklıgöl and the Historical Bazaar. You will have ample opportunity to explore the local surroundings during your free time throughout the week. In the evening, we will gather at 6:00 PM for an introduction session, followed by a Welcome Dinner.
The Ala Han Hotel in ancient Sanliurfa.
April 11: Sanliurfa
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Tour Start: 9:30 AM
Our day will begin with a visit to the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, where we will explore a wide collection of artifacts from the region’s rich history. After the museum, we will enjoy lunch before heading to the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, renowned for its ancient mosaics.
Lunch: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
April 12: Gobekli Tepe and nearby Quarry
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Tour Start: 10:00 AM
After meeting in the hotel lobby, we will embark on a journey to Göbeklitepe, one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. Following our exploration of the site, we will head to the off-limits Quarry with our special permission before returning to a local restaurant for a late lunch.
Lunch: 4:00 PM. Return to the hotel. Dinner: 7:00 PM.
April 13: Harran, Shuayip Ancient City, Soğmatar
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Tour Start: 9:00 AM
Today, we will venture out to visit the historic town of Harran, followed by the Shuayip Ancient City and Soğmatar, which are approximately a two-hour drive from Şanlıurfa.
Lunch: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (featuring local homemade dolma-sarma, with vegetarian options available) Dinner: 6:00 PM.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
April 14: Şanlıurfa Castle and Halfeti District
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Tour Start: 9:00 AM
We will begin the day with a tour of the Şanlıurfa Castle, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we will explore the Halfeti District and the Savaşan Village, both located on the banks of the Euphrates River. We will take a boat tour on the river and to the sunken village, and for those interested in swimming, please bring appropriate attire.
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM. Return to the hotel.
April 15: ŞANLIURFA (Karahantepe and Bazda Cave)
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Tour Start: 9:00 AM
Today, we will visit the Karahan tepe archaeological site, followed by a visit to the Bazda Cave (Quarry) both of which are off limits to the public without special permission.
Lunch: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (featuring local homemade dolma-sarma, with vegetarian options available). Dinner: 7:00 PM. Return to the hotel.
April 16: ADIYAMAN (Excursion to Mount Nemrut, Adıyaman)
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Tour Start: 9:00 AM
After breakfast, we will travel approximately 2-3 hours to Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will enjoy a late lunch before returning to the hotel, where dinner will be served at 8:00 PM.
April 17: JOURNEY TO CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Tour Start: 9:00 AM
We will check out of our hotel and depart for Cappadocia, a scenic seven-hour drive. We will stop for lunch along the way before arriving at our hotel in the evening for dinner at 7:00 PM.
April 18: CAPPADOCİA
Breakfast From 07:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Start: 09:00 AM.
We meet at 09:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby and start the day. First we will see Derinkuyu underground city then we will have lunch between 01:00-02:00 P.m. After lunch we will see Uchisar Castle and after having dinner at 06:00 P.M. We will return to the hotel.
April 19: JOURNEY TO PHRYGİAN VALLEY
Breakfast From 07:00 AM. To 10:00 AM. Start: 09:30 AM.
We will meet at the lobby at 09:30 A.m. to check out of the hotel and go to Phrygian Valley. The journey will take around 6 hours. We will take a break for lunch around 01:00-02:00 PM. and then continue on our way. After having dinner at 07:00 PM., we will rest till the next day.
April 20: PHRYGİAN VALLEY (Cart Ruts, Ayazini Metropolis, and Avdalas Castle)
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Tour Start: 9:30 AM.
We will meet at 9:30 AM in the hotel lobby to start the day. Our first destination is the Cart Ruts, about one hour from the hotel. Following that, we will visit Ayazini Metropolis, a significant point in the Phrygian Valley. After lunch from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, we will visit Avdalas Castle and conclude the day with dinner at 6:00 PM.
April 21: PHRYGİAN VALLEY (Phrygian Valley – Lion and Snake Stone, Maltaş Archaeological Site, Üçlerkayası)
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Tour Start: 9:30 AM.
After checking out of the hotel, we will depart for Lion and Snake Stone, about 2 hours away. We will then visit the Maltaş Archaeological Site before stopping for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. The final destination of the day will be Üçlerkayası, after which we will begin our 3-hour journey to Ankara to check into our hotel. The tour will conclude in Ankara, a more convenient location for participant departures.
April 22: (ANKARA, end of tour)
Breakfast: Included
Hotel Check-out: 12:00 PM
Breakfast will be served in the morning, and check-out is scheduled for 12:00 PM. Private shuttles will be arranged to transfer participants to the airport for their international flights home. If any participants wish to extend their stay for an additional night, please inform the hotel in advance.
Inclusions:
Accommodation: 12 nights in twin-share rooms (single supplement available for an additional cost of $1300).
Meals: 3 Meals a day. 1 plate per person, with 1 refill.
Dietary preferences accommodated (e.g., vegetarian/vegan options available with prior notice).
Domestic Transportation: Coach transportation throughout the retreat, including airport transfer. Transportation to all scheduled sites, including special access locations like Karahan Tepe, Bazda Cave, and Sayburc.
Guided Tours: All guided tours, including entry to restricted access sites. Expert local guides at each major site, providing historical and cultural insights.
Entrance Fees: All entrance fees to historical sites and attractions listed in the itinerary. Special permissions for sites that are not yet open to the public (Karahan Tepe, etc.).
Group Activities: Organized group activities, such as cultural experiences, special events, or local workshops.
Exclusions:
International Flights: Flights to and from Turkey are not included. Please arrange travel to arrive in Sanliurfa on or before April 10, 2025, and departing from Ankara on or after April 22, 2025.
Travel Insurance: Participants are required to arrange their own travel insurance
Tips: Tips for drivers, guides, hotel staff, and other service providers are not included. If you wish to tip, $2-5 per day is appropriate.
Personal Expenses: Personal purchases, such as souvenirs, snacks, or optional extra activities. Laundry, telephone calls, and other hotel services not included in the retreat package.
Visas (if applicable): Any required visa fees for entering Turkey are not included. Participants should check their visa requirements and arrange this on their own.
Beverages and Alcohol: Beverages, including alcohol, are not included unless specifically stated (e.g., if you’re including drinks during a welcome dinner or farewell event).
Optional Activities: Any optional excursions or activities not included in the official itinerary will be at the participant’s own cost (e.g., spa treatments, extra tours).
Medical Expenses: Any medical expenses incurred during the trip (related to illness, injury, or personal medication).