Step into the heart of ancient Mesopotamia with our immersive Midyat Tour, a journey through stone-carved streets, timeless traditions, and the living heritage of Tur Abdin. This full-day experience reveals the multi-layered soul of Midyat—where Syriac, Kurdish, Arab, and Turkish cultures have intertwined for centuries.
Your day begins in the old town of Midyat, wandering through narrow alleys lined with honey-colored stone mansions, ornate archways, and intricately carved balconies. As you explore these historic streets, you’ll recognize familiar corners used as filming locations in popular Turkish TV series, yet here they feel utterly authentic and alive. You’ll visit traditional stone houses, learn about their unique architecture, and admire panoramic views over the labyrinthine old quarter from rooftop terraces.
Next, we delve into the rich religious heritage of the region, visiting centuries-old churches and monasteries that still echo with ancient Syriac prayers. Step inside beautifully preserved sanctuaries, discover symbolic carvings on stone facades, and hear stories of the Christian communities who have worshipped here for nearly two millennia. The serene courtyards and cool stone interiors provide a powerful contrast to the sunlit streets outside.
Midyat is also famous for its master craftsmen, and no visit is complete without discovering its renowned filigree silverwork, known locally as “telkari.” You’ll stop by artisan workshops where silversmiths expertly twist and weave delicate strands of silver into earrings, rings, and intricate ornaments. Watch their meticulous process up close and, if you wish, choose a unique handcrafted souvenir to take home.
Food is another highlight of this region. During the tour, you’ll enjoy a flavorful local lunch featuring regional dishes, homemade mezze, and fragrant spices. It’s an opportunity to taste the culinary diversity shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
In the afternoon, we explore nearby villages and viewpoints for sweeping vistas of the Mesopotamian plains, bathed in golden light. Here, time seems to slow down as you absorb the landscape and reflect on the layers of history beneath your feet. Throughout the tour, your guide will share legends, historical insights, and personal anecdotes that bring Midyat’s stories to life.
By the end of the day, you won’t have just “seen” Midyat—you’ll have felt its spirit: a quiet yet powerful blend of faith, craftsmanship, and enduring tradition that makes this corner of Turkey truly unforgettable.
The tour typically includes visits to Midyat’s historic stone houses, old town streets, and key religious sites such as churches and monasteries: This tour usually focuses on Midyat’s well-preserved stone architecture, allowing visitors to walk through charming old town streets lined with traditional houses carved from local stone. In addition, it often highlights the region’s rich religious heritage by including stops at important churches and monasteries, where guides explain their historical and cultural significance.
The tour typically includes visits to Midyat’s historic stone houses, old town streets, and key religious sites such as churches and monasteries
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour often involves walking on cobblestone streets and some uphill sections: Participants can expect to spend a substantial portion of the tour on foot, navigating uneven cobblestone streets and occasional inclines in the historic district. Wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes helps prevent fatigue and ensures better balance and safety on the sometimes irregular surfaces.
Modest clothing may be required for entering religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered for both men and women: Many of the churches and monasteries included in the itinerary follow traditional dress codes to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Visitors are typically asked to cover shoulders and knees, so bringing a light scarf or wearing longer garments is recommended to avoid any issues entering these sacred places.
Photography is usually allowed in most outdoor areas, but restrictions may apply inside some religious or cultural buildings: While it is generally fine to take photos of Midyat’s picturesque streets, stone houses, and city views, certain interiors may have rules to protect artworks or maintain the sanctity of religious spaces. Guides often inform visitors where photography is limited or prohibited, and it is important to respect any posted signs or instructions from staff and clergy.
Depending on the tour package, traditional Syriac and local cuisine tastings or lunch at a local restaurant may be included or offered as an add-on: Some versions of the tour incorporate a culinary experience, giving participants the chance to sample regional dishes and Syriac specialties at local eateries. In other cases, food experiences might be optional extras, so checking what is included in advance helps with planning both budget and schedule.
Transportation to and from Midyat, as well as an English-speaking guide, is often included, but participants should confirm pick-up points and times in advance: Many tour operators arrange transfers from nearby cities or central meeting points, and provide an English-speaking guide to explain the history, culture, and architecture throughout the day. However, exact logistics can vary, so travelers should review their booking details carefully and confirm transportation arrangements and departure times before the tour date.
The tour typically includes visits to Midyat’s historic stone houses, old town streets, and key religious sites such as churches and monasteries
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour often involves walking on cobblestone streets and some uphill sections: Participants can expect to spend a substantial portion of the tour on foot, navigating uneven cobblestone streets and occasional inclines in the historic district. Wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes helps prevent fatigue and ensures better balance and safety on the sometimes irregular surfaces.
Modest clothing may be required for entering religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered for both men and women: Many of the churches and monasteries included in the itinerary follow traditional dress codes to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Visitors are typically asked to cover shoulders and knees, so bringing a light scarf or wearing longer garments is recommended to avoid any issues entering these sacred places.
Photography is usually allowed in most outdoor areas, but restrictions may apply inside some religious or cultural buildings: While it is generally fine to take photos of Midyat’s picturesque streets, stone houses, and city views, certain interiors may have rules to protect artworks or maintain the sanctity of religious spaces. Guides often inform visitors where photography is limited or prohibited, and it is important to respect any posted signs or instructions from staff and clergy.
Depending on the tour package, traditional Syriac and local cuisine tastings or lunch at a local restaurant may be included or offered as an add-on: Some versions of the tour incorporate a culinary experience, giving participants the chance to sample regional dishes and Syriac specialties at local eateries. In other cases, food experiences might be optional extras, so checking what is included in advance helps with planning both budget and schedule.
Transportation to and from Midyat, as well as an English-speaking guide, is often included, but participants should confirm pick-up points and times in advance: Many tour operators arrange transfers from nearby cities or central meeting points, and provide an English-speaking guide to explain the history, culture, and architecture throughout the day. However, exact logistics can vary, so travelers should review their booking details carefully and confirm transportation arrangements and departure times before the tour date.
What's Included
Guided walking tour of Midyat Old Town stone houses and narrow streets
Visit to historic churches and monasteries such as Mor Gabriel or Mor Hobil–Mor Abrohom
Free time in the traditional Midyat bazaar for shopping local crafts and silver jewelry (telkari)
Entrance fees to specified museums or historical sites in Midyat region
Traditional Assyrian or local lunch at a regional restaurant
Photo stops at panoramic viewpoints and historic caravanserais
Professional English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
Round-trip transportation from and to hotel or central meeting point in Midyat or nearby city
Visit to historic churches and monasteries such as Mor Gabriel or Mor Hobil–Mor Abrohom
Free time in the traditional Midyat bazaar for shopping local crafts and silver jewelry (telkari)
Entrance fees to specified museums or historical sites in Midyat region
Traditional Assyrian or local lunch at a regional restaurant
Photo stops at panoramic viewpoints and historic caravanserais
Professional English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
Round-trip transportation from and to hotel or central meeting point in Midyat or nearby city
Not Included
International flights to and from the tour starting point
Personal travel insurance coverage
Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
Optional activities, shopping, and personal expenses
Visa fees and passport-related costs
Personal travel insurance coverage
Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
Optional activities, shopping, and personal expenses
Visa fees and passport-related costs
Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings
Refillable water bottle
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Camera or smartphone for photos
Small amount of local currency for purchases
Light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings
Refillable water bottle
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Camera or smartphone for photos
Small amount of local currency for purchases
Historical
Per Group
550 €
Free Cancellation & Refund.
The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours before the start time.
Book Now & Pay Later.
Make your reservation now, pay anytime before the tour starts.
Our partners
