Date 02nd of December 2020

Before we went to bed we thought we were standing under a large carport, that morning we were woken up by the military saying that we were standing under a carport for military vehicles. As a result, we continued on without breakfast. In the next town of Bahçe we had our breakfast right in front of a playground in the center. 

In the evening we reached Adıyaman and decided to spend the night in the leisure area (Alidagi Mesire alani) of Adıyaman outside the city.  To reach this leisure area we had to climb a hill.

Distance 243 km

Hasan Aybaba Anadolu Öğretmen Lisesi Hatıra Ormanı -> Kalecik -> Bahçe -> Arıcaklı -> Gökçedere -> Gölbaşı -> Adıyaman -> Alidagi Mesire alani

Date 03rd of December 2020

In the morning we discovered the leisure area (Alidagi Mesire alani) of Adıyaman. We were escorted by dogs but apart from that we were alone at the very large leisure area. We found several playgrounds as well as several sport courts and many picnic areas. In the next town of Kâhta we took our lunch break and cooked in our truck.

In the afternoon we reached the Nemrut Dağı national park. After one and a half our climbing we reached the parking area to visit the Nemrut Dağı monument. However the parking area was closed and their was no ability to turn our truck. Therefore we had to drive backwards down the mountain. We decided to search an overnight spot for the night and we planned to visit the Nemrut Dağı monument tomorrow.

In Burmapınar we found our overnight spot in front of the Chabinas-Bridge (Cendere Köprüsü).

Distance 50 km

Alidagi Mesire alani -> Adıyaman -> Kâhta -> Işıktepe -> Kayadibi -> Nemrut Dağı Nationalpark -> Burmapınar -> Cendere Köprüsü

Date 04th of December 2020

We were out at sunrise to admire the Severan Bridge. The Severan Bridge is a late Roman bridge. Today we want to visit the Nemrut Dağı monument again. We drove across the complete Nemrut Dağı National Park to the town Karadut. In Karadut we took a small guesthouse. Here we took a lunch it was wonderful we sat at the terrace of the guesthouse by sunny weather. 

In the afternoon we took a taxi to the parking lot of the Nemrut Dağı monument. However, visiting the Nemrut Dağı Monument was once again not permitted as the monument is closed in the afternoon in winter. But we don't give up and have planned another attempt for tomorrow. 

Distance 37 km

Cendere Köprüsü -> Burmapınar -> Kocahisar -> Kayadibi -> Karadut -> Karadut Pension Nemrut

Date 05th of December 2020

We were woken up together with the sun. First thing after breakfast we took a taxi again to the visitor parking area of the Nemrut Dağı monument. Yay, our third attempt was successful, we were able to visit the Nemrut Dağı monument. The sky was blue and sunny. The sun warmed us even though there was snow everywhere. The fantastic Nemrut Dağı monument amidst impressive scenery. We spent the entire lunchtime around the Nemrut Dağı monument.

In the afternoon we drove with our truck to east and crossed the Euphrates via the Nissibi Köprüsü (Nissibi Euphrates Bridge). Now we were in Mesopotamia. In Siverek we couldn't find anything for the night due to a lockdown. That's why we continued to Şanlıurfa because we were able to book a hotel room in an international hotel despite the lockdown.

Distance 271 km

Karadut Pension Nemrut -> Karadut -> Nemrut Daği -> Narince -> Nissibi Köprüsü (Nissibi Euphrates Bridge) -> Beydeş -> Kalınağaç -> Siverek -> Şanlıurfa

Date 06th of December 2020

Breakfast with chocolate, thank you “St. Nicholas". The St. Nicholas Day celebrations took place on the hotel floor. Afterwards we discovered the center of Şanlıurfa. Şanlıurfa is a wonderful oriental city with a beautiful park right in the center.

In the afternoon we drove west along the border with Syria. Finally we drove north along the Euphrates.

In Halfeti we took a hotel with a great view to the Euphrates. The kids slept in the hotel and Lotta and her parents overnighted in the truck in front of the hotel.

Distance 112 km

Şanlıurfa -> Koçören -> Tekyamaç -> Halfeti -> Şitamrat otel

Date 07th of December 2020

It is impressive to stay in a place like the Euphrates with its historical background. We had our breakfast on the top floor of the hotel in a large lounge with a fantastic view over the Euphrates.

After breakfast we drove south along the Euphrates. In Birecik we crossed the Euphrates and left Mesopotamia. At the lunch time we visited Gaziantep. We were able to stop with our truck in the centre, directly at a park with playground and a lot of restaurants. 

In the afternoon we drove west and stayed overnight in a hotel in Bahçe. It is our second stop in Bahçe.

Distance 203 km

Şitamrat otel -> Halfeti -> Birecik -> Uluyatır -> Gaziantep -> Yeşilce -> Bahçe -> Park Otel