Diyarbakir, Mardin, Midyat and Hasankeyf

Getting here: Fly in and out of Diyarbakir from Istanbul.

How much time? Three to four days will give you enough time to see this area. With extra time, spend another night in Mardin.

Getting around: Renting a car in Diyarbakir is the best option, although there are inter-city buses.

When to go: Summer can be oppressively hot, with temperatures over 100°F, and winter is cold and damp, so the best time to visit is in spring (late April through early June) or fall (September to early November).

Top sights: The walls of Diyarbakir, the bazaar and side streets of Mardin, the exquisite stone homes of Midyat and the riverside ruins at Hasankeyf.

By yourself or with a guide? Touring by yourself is a good option, since distances are short and much of the excursion is really about walking around the area's old towns and soaking up the atmosphere.