Tour Description
Gardens of Humanity: A 25-Day Cultural and Garden Tour Across Türkiye
Discover Türkiye through a unique blend of nature, history, and culture on this 25-day, three-part journey designed for lovers of garden tourism, cultural heritage, and culinary experiences. Gardens of Humanity takes you from ancient Mesopotamian plains to imperial Istanbul and the artisan-rich Aegean coast, showcasing Türkiye’s deep agricultural traditions, botanical diversity, and living history.
Part I: Eastern Türkiye – The Birthplace of Agriculture
This section explores the roots of civilization with visits to Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple, and Çatalhöyük, one of the earliest urban settlements. Discover the lush Hevsel Gardens of Diyarbakır, the unique architecture of Harran’s beehive houses, and the artistic treasures of Zeugma and Gaziantep. The journey also includes a scenic Euphrates River cruise in Halfeti and the dreamlike landscapes of Cappadocia.
Part II: Istanbul – Imperial Gardens & Urban Elegance
In the heart of Türkiye’s most iconic city, explore a hidden side of Istanbul through its historical and botanical richness. Wander through Süleymaniye Mosque, the Istanbul University Botanical Garden, Grand Bazaar, and private estates in Bebek and Emirgan. A relaxing Bosphorus cruise and a visit to the Princes’ Islands round out this reflective and culturally rich segment.
Part III: Western Türkiye – Gardens, Crafts & Flavors of the Aegean
This final leg begins in Iznik, known for its tiles and lakeside serenity, and continues to Bursa, Birgi, Ephesus, and Urla. Engage with local artisans, visit nurseries, explore Mount Uludağ’s wild flora, and sample local wines and olive oils. The journey concludes with a farewell dinner at OD Urla, one of the region’s most renowned restaurants.
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
Day 1
Part I: Eastern Türkiye 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. Dinner – Cevahir Han Restaurant: Conclude the day with a delicious regional dinner in a beautifully restored historical building. 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. Dinner En Route: Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the way, sampling more local cuisine. 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
Day 11
Part II: Istanbul May,3
Day 12
May, 4
Day 13
May, 5
Day 14
May, 6
Day 15
May, 7
Day 16
Part III: Western Türkiye 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
Day 25
May, 17
Gursan Ergil
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