From Istanbul to Adıyaman - Mount Nemrut Tour

Nemrut Dagi National Park - The tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel at 08:30, followed by a transfer to Istanbul airport. The flight from Istanbul to Adıyaman departs at 11:10, arriving at 13:00. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted at the airport and will set off for the Mount Nemrut tour, enjoying lunch at a local restaurant en route. The tour includes visits to Blackbird Tumulus, Severan Bridge, New Castle, and Arsemia, culminating with a visit to Mount Nemrut to admire the renowned statues. The East and West Terraces offer a breathtaking sunset view. After exploring Nemrut, there will be time to capture photos in the nearby valleys before returning to the hotel.

Karakus Tumulusu - The guide will provide detailed information about the Karakuş Tumulus, a funerary monument for Queen Isias and Princesses Antiochis and Aka I of Commagene, constructed by Mithridates II of Commagene between 30–20 BCE. Located near the village of Çukurtaş in Kâhta District, Adıyaman Province, Turkey, “Karakuş” translates to “black bird,” named for the eagle-topped column. Situated 12 kilometers from Kâhta, the tumulus is encircled by groups of three Doric columns, each approximately 9 meters tall, adorned with steles, reliefs, and statues of a bull, lion, and eagle. An inscription reveals the presence of a royal tomb housing three women.

Cendere Bridge - The guide will share insights about the Severan Bridge, where the group will spend about 2 hours. The Severan Bridge (Turkish: Cendere Köprüsü) is a late Roman bridge near the ancient city of Arsameia (now Eskikale), 55 km northeast of Adıyaman in southeastern Turkey. It crosses the Cendere Çayı (Chabinas Creek), a tributary of Kâhta Creek, on provincial road 02-03 from Kâhta to Sincik in Adıyaman Province. This bridge was documented and illustrated in 1883 by archaeologists Osman Hamdi Bey and Osgan Efendi.

Arsemia Antik Kenti - The guide will provide comprehensive details about Arsemia, where the group will spend about 1 hour. Arsemia, once the summer residence of the Commagene kings, is located 60 kilometers from Adıyaman. At the base of this ancient city is a remarkable relief depicting Heracles (or possibly Artagnes, a Persian deity equated with Heracles by the Greeks) shaking hands with King Mithridates of Commagene from around 50 BC, alongside the largest Greek inscription.

Mount Nemrut - Mount Nemrut, standing at 2,134 meters in southeastern Turkey, is renowned for its summit adorned with large statues surrounding what is believed to be a royal tomb from the 1st century BC. It is one of the highest peaks in the eastern Taurus Mountains, located 40 km north of Kahta, near Adıyaman. In 62 BCE, King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene constructed a tomb-sanctuary on the mountain, flanked by enormous statues 8–9 meters high of himself, two lions, two eagles, and various Greek, Armenian, and Iranian gods, such as Heracles-Artagnes-Ares, Zeus-Oromasdes, and Apollo-Mithras-Helios-Hermes. Originally seated, the statues have had their heads removed and are now scattered across the site. The tour concludes with a stunning sunset, followed by a return to the hotel.

Sunrise Tour and Return to Istanbul

Mount Nemrut - Guests will be picked up from their hotel at 04:00 in Kahta for the Sunrise tour at Mount Nemrut. After the tour, they will return to the hotel for rest and breakfast at 08:00. Transfer to Adıyaman airport is scheduled for 11:00, with a flight to Istanbul arriving at 13:30, followed by a transfer to the hotel in Istanbul, marking the end of the tour.

• Entry/Admission - Nemrut Dagi National Park
• Entry/Admission - Karakus Tumulus
• Entry/Admission - Mountain Nemrut
• Entry/Admission - Arsemia Ancient City
• Airport Transfers
• Hotel Pick-up / Drop-Off
• Both Way Flight Tickets
• English Speaking Guide
• Breakfast
• Lunch

• Personal Expenses

Mount Nemrut is renowned for its colossal mausoleum and statues of gods, constructed for the Commagene King, Antiochus I, who reigned in Adıyaman. The king commissioned these statues and the mausoleum to honor the gods and his ancestors. Interestingly, there are two distinct sets of these statues: one set greets the sunrise, while the other set bids farewell to the sunset. Isn’t it magnificent!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.