Tour Description
Gardens of Humanity: A 24-Day Cultural and Garden Tour Across Türkiye
Discover Türkiye through a unique blend of nature, history, and culture on this 24-day, three-part journey designed for lovers of garden tourism, cultural heritage, and culinary exploration.
Gardens of Humanity takes you from the ancient plains of Mesopotamia to the imperial city of Istanbul and the artisan-rich landscapes of the Aegean coast—showcasing Türkiye’s deep agricultural traditions, botanical diversity, and living history.
Join One, Two, or All Three Tours
Each part is designed as a unique, standalone experience, allowing you to join a single tour or combine two or all three for a more immersive journey through the gardens, cuisine, and historical landscapes of Türkiye.
Tour Pricing
Participants have the flexibility to join one, two, or all three parts of the Gardens of Humanity tour. Each segment is priced individually and includes all accommodations, transportation within Türkiye, meals as listed, expert guides, site entries, and cultural experiences.
Part I: Eastern Türkiye (April 23 – May 2, 2026) – $7,150 USD
Part II: Istanbul (May 3 – 7, 2026) – $3,250 USD
Part III: Western Türkiye (May 8 – 16, 2026) – $5,850 USD
Join the Full Journey – Special Rate
Guests who register for all three parts of the tour will receive a combined discounted rate of $14,900 USD, instead of the regular total of $15,600. This full experience offers the most comprehensive immersion into Türkiye’s botanical, cultural, and culinary heritage—at a preferred rate.
Part I: Eastern Türkiye – The Birthplace of Agriculture
April 23 – May 2, 2026
(Istanbul / Urfa / Diyarbakır / Gaziantep / Cappadocia / Konya)
Trace the origins of human settlement and agriculture through some of the most significant archaeological and cultural sites in the world.
Visit Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple
Discover Çatalhöyük, one of the earliest urban settlements
Wander through the lush Hevsel Gardens of Diyarbakır (UNESCO)
Explore the beehive houses of Harran
Cruise the Euphrates River past the sunken town of Halfeti
Admire Roman mosaics at Zeugma and experience the culinary capital Gaziantep
Witness the surreal beauty of Cappadocia and the spiritual serenity of Konya
Part II: Istanbul – Imperial Gardens & Urban Elegance
May 3 – 7, 2026
(Istanbul)
Step into the heart of Türkiye’s imperial capital and explore the hidden natural and cultural treasures of Istanbul.
Discover the historical and botanical richness of the Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul University Botanical Garden, and private estates in Bebek and Emirgan
Stroll through the Grand Bazaar and the Old City
Experience a Bosphorus cruise and visit the Princes’ Islands
Enjoy optional workshops such as Ebru marbling and Turkish cooking classes
Part III: Western Türkiye – Gardens, Crafts & Flavors of the Aegean
May 8 – 16, 2026
(Iznik / Bursa / Birgi-Ödemiş / Izmir / Urla)
This final leg takes you through the fertile lands and coastal gems of Western Türkiye, a region known for its crafts, agriculture, and culinary excellence.
Visit Iznik, famous for its tiles and lakeside charm
Explore Bursa’s historical gardens and the wild flora of Mount Uludağ
Meet local artisans in Birgi and Ödemiş
Discover ancient sites like Ephesus and the vibrant city of Izmir
Taste regional wines and olive oils in Urla
Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner at OD Urla, one of the country’s top farm-to-table restaurants
With over twenty years of experience in garden and cultural tourism, our tours are thoughtfully crafted to illuminate the rich tapestry of Türkiye’s landscapes and traditions.
As you journey through enchanting gardens, majestic highlands, serene parks, thriving vineyards, and historical greenhouses, you’ll experience not only the country’s natural beauty, but also its timeless culinary heritage and artisanal craftsmanship.
From Neolithic settlements to Ottoman estates, from spiritual centers to slow cities, this adventure offers an intimate and inspiring view of Türkiye—its past, its present, and its deep connection to the land.
Who Should Join This Tour?
This immersive experience is ideal for travelers passionate about:
Botanical gardens and landscapes
Ancient history and archaeology
Traditional arts and crafts
Local cuisine and wine culture
Whether you join one part or experience all three, Gardens of Humanity offers a rare opportunity to explore Türkiye through its plants, people, and places.
About the Leaders
Gursan Ergil
Gursan Ergil spent six years living in the United States and studying landscape design, history, and preservation at Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum, where he later lectured on Islamic Gardens for two years. After moving United Kingdom from US, he continued studying at Cambridge Universtiy’s advanced garden history program. We celebrate two decades of collaboration with Unison Travel & Events through an inspiring tour titled “Gardens of Humanity.”
Itinerary
Part I: Eastern Türkiye
Day 1 - Apr, 23
Arrival in Istanbul and welcome dinner. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2
Apr, 24
Journey to Şanlıurfa & Göbeklitepe Exploration Early Morning: Start your day early with a serene dawn moment and a light breakfast featuring local grains and cereals. Flight to Şanlıurfa: Board your flight to Şanlıurfa, the ancient city known as the “City of Prophets.” Lunch in Şanlıurfa: Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, where your local guide will join the group and introduce the cultural richness of the region. Guided Visit to Göbeklitepe: Explore Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back over 12,000 years to the end of the Pleistocene Epoch. This extraordinary archaeological site consists of massive circular enclosures with T-shaped limestone pillars carved with animal motifs and anthropomorphic figures, believed to have served ritualistic purposes for early hunter-gatherer communities. Led by the late Professor Dr. Klaus Schmidt, excavations at the site revealed early agricultural activity, including remnants of lentils, barley, chickpeas, and the world’s oldest wheat: single-grain red wheat from nearby Karacadağ. Evidence of fermentation practices in large stone vats suggests early brewing or food processing techniques. Sanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museums: Visit two of Türkiye’s most significant museums. The Archaeology Museum features Neolithic artifacts, including those from Göbeklitepe, while the Edessa Mosaic Museum showcases intricate Roman-era mosaics uncovered in the region. Evening – Historical Walk in the Old City: Stroll through the historical heart of Şanlıurfa, exploring the labyrinthine Hans (caravanserais), vibrant bazaars, and the sacred Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish), a site deeply rooted in Abrahamic traditions. Overnight – Babil Antique Hotel: Stay at the charming Babil Antique Hotel in the city center, offering authentic atmosphere and comfort.
Day 3
Apr, 25
Water & Food: Hevsel Gardens and Diyarbakır Exploration Morning – Departure from Urfa: After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Diyarbakır at 10:00 AM. Enjoy a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive through the Mesopotamian landscape. Lunch at Ameditan Restaurant: Upon arrival in Diyarbakır, stop for lunch at Ameditan, where you’ll enjoy regional flavors in a setting that blends tradition and taste. Guided Tour of the Hevsel Gardens: Meet your local guide and begin the day’s cultural journey with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Hevsel Gardens. These historic gardens, which date back to Sumerian times, span 7,000 decares of fertile alluvial soil. They have sustained local populations for millennia with orchards, vineyards, and vegetable plots. The area is also a haven for biodiversity, home to over 180 species, including otters, foxes, and a variety of birds and small mammals. Next Stop – Diyarbakır Castle and Citadel Museum: Explore Diyarbakır Castle, a massive fortification that has stood since Roman times and was used through the Sassanid, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. The outer and inner castle structures boast 5,800 meters of city walls and 82 bastions. From one of these bastions, enjoy a sweeping view of the Hevsel Gardens stretching toward the Tigris River. Visit the Citadel Museum and learn about the city’s rich military and architectural heritage. Stop by the Dağ Kapı (also known as Harput Gate), now serving as the Tourism Office and the State Fine Arts Gallery. Stroll through Diyarbakır’s Old City and Ulu Camii: Wander the cobbled streets of the old town and visit the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), one of the oldest and most significant mosques in Anatolia, blending Seljuk and local architectural styles. Return to Urfa: Depart Diyarbakır and begin the journey back to Şanlıurfa. Overnight Stay at Babil Antique Hotel: Arrive back in Şanlıurfa and check in for your second night at the atmospheric Babil Antique Hotel.
Day 4
Apr, 26
Harran Plain & The Origins of Domestication Departure for Harran Plain: After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the ancient plains of Harran, located just outside Şanlıurfa. Lunch in Harran: Enjoy a traditional lunch in the heart of Harran, surrounded by the region’s unique architectural and historical textures. Exploration of Harran: Step into one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Harran holds deep spiritual significance as the place where Abraham is believed to have lived before his journey to Canaan, drawing both historians and religious travelers alike. The town is renowned for its beehive-shaped mudbrick houses, a rare architectural style dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. These cone-like dwellings, similar to Italy’s Trulli houses, are designed to withstand the region’s extreme heat—remaining cool in the scorching summers and warm in the cold winters. The Harran Plain is also a cradle of early agriculture. This is where sheep are thought to have been first domesticated, with evidence of agricultural practices going back over 10,000 years. The area reflects humanity’s first transition from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle. Return to Şanlıurfa: After a day immersed in early civilization, we return to our hotel in Urfa. Dinner & Traditional “Sıra Gecesi” Experience: Conclude the day with an unforgettable Sıra Gecesi, a traditional Urfa-style evening featuring local music, food, and communal storytelling—a joyful celebration of Kurdish and Turkish culture. Overnight – Babil Antique Hotel: Enjoy your final night in Şanlıurfa at the charming Babil Antique Hotel.
Day 5
Apr, 27
Day 6
Apr, 28
Day 7
Apr, 29
Day 8
Apr, 30
Day 9
May, 1
Day 10
May, 2
Part II: Istanbul
Day 11 - May, 3
Day 12
May, 4
Day 13
May, 5
Day 14
May, 6
Day 15
May, 7
Part III: Western Türkiye
Day 16 - May, 8
Day 17
May, 9
Day 18
May, 10
Day 19
May, 11
Day 20
May, 12
Day 21
May, 13
Day 22
May, 14
Day 23
May, 15
Day 24
May, 16
Gursan Ergil
Price Details
Popular
Price Includes:
Accommodation
– 23 nights at carefully selected boutique and heritage hotels across Türkiye, including Istanbul, Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep, Cappadocia, Konya, İznik, Bursa, Birgi, and İzmir
Meals
– Daily breakfast throughout the tour
– Selected lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary, including:
• Welcome dinners in Istanbul (Part I & II)
• BBQ lunch on Mount Uludağ
• Wine tasting and dinner at Lucien Arkas Vineyard
• Farewell dinner at OD Urla
• Sıra Gecesi cultural dinner in Şanlıurfa
• Lunches at local restaurants, nurseries, and vineyards
• Box lunch during intercity transfers (where noted)
Transportation
– All private ground transportation throughout the tour by air-conditioned coach
– Domestic flight from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa
– Ferry transportation to and from the Princes’ Islands
– All airport transfers (arrival and departure) when arriving/departing with the group
Guided Tours & Site Entry
– All scheduled guided tours with expert local guides
– Entry fees to all museums, archaeological sites, historical landmarks, gardens, and cultural centers mentioned in the itinerary, including:
• Göbeklitepe
• Hevsel Gardens
• Diyarbakır Citadel and Museums
• Ephesus
• Çatalhöyük
• Mevlana Museum
• Zeugma Mosaic Museum
• Göreme Open Air Museum
• Sabancı Museum Garden (if applicable)
• Iznik Foundation & tile workshop
• Carpet & weaving center in Ödemiş
• Botanical gardens in Bursa and İzmir
• Uzbaş Arboretum and Köstem Olive Oil Museum
Cultural Experiences
– Hands-on tile-painting (çini) workshop
– Carpet dyeing demonstration
– Private winery visits and tastings
– Sculpture garden visit at Mehmet Aksoy’s studio
– Boat tour in Halfeti
– Optional hot air balloon and horseback riding activities in Cappadocia (fees may apply)
– Farewell and welcome dinners to connect with fellow participants
Tour Coordination & Support
– English-speaking tour coordinator throughout the journey
– Daily briefings and cultural insights from knowledgeable guides
– Gratuities for all local guides and drivers
– All applicable taxes and service charges
Price does not Include:
International flights to and from Türkiye
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Visa fees, if applicable
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities not explicitly listed as included (e.g., hot air balloon ride, spa treatments)
Personal expenses such as laundry, minibar, beverages, room service, and souvenirs
Gratuities for hotel staff and restaurant servers (at your discretion)
Early check-in or late check-out unless otherwise arranged
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