Day 1: Ancient History and the Heart of Old Mardin
Begin your day at the 5th-century Deyrulzafaran Monastery, once the seat of the Patriarch. Walk through its ancient sun temple, underground tombs, and peaceful courtyards. Sip a cup of traditional saffron tea at the monastery cafe before leaving.
Next, drive south to the “Ephesus of Mesopotamia,” the Dara Ancient City. Explore the jaw-dropping massive underground Roman cisterns, often called the “Dungeon,” as well as the rock-cut tombs, agora, and ancient water channels.
Head back to the centre of Old Mardin. Walk down 1. Caddesi (the high street) and wander into the narrow, cascading stone alleys (abbaras). Visit the Great Mosque of Mardin (Ulu Camii), iconic for its beautifully carved cylindrical minaret dominating the landscape.
Stop by local shops to pick up blue Süryani şarabı (Syriac wine), handmade silver telkari jewellery, and fragrant almond sweets (badem şekeri).
Grab a spot on a rooftop terrace (like Seyr-i Merdin or Maristan Cafe) to watch the sunset over the endless, flat plains of Mesopotamia. Follow it up with a traditional dinner featuring Mardin Usulü İçli Köfte (stuffed kibbeh) and Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs).
Day 2: Midyat Architecture and Dining in the Water at Beyazsu
Drive about 1 hour from Mardin to Midyat. Midyat's stone carving (Kapkari) is even more ornate than Mardin's. Visit the Midyat Devlet Konukevi (State Guest House), a stunning 3-story mansion with sweeping views of the town—famous as a filming location for many Turkish dramas. Take time to explore the old Syriac churches scattered through the area.
From Midyat, drive about 30 minutes south into a lush, green canyon where the freezing cold Beyazsu River springs from the desert rocks. Have lunch at a riverside restaurant where traditional wooden seating platforms (taht) are built directly over—and sometimes inside—the rushing water. Dip your feet into the ice-cold water while eating freshly grilled trout (alabalık) or local lamb kebabs.
If you have extra time after lunch before heading back, visit Mor Gabriel. It is the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world and still functions as a vibrant community hub.
Drive back to Mardin (about 1 hour from Beyazsu) for your final night. Wind down at a local cafe listening to traditional live Reyhani music.
