3 Day’s Tour to Nemrut Mountain and Gobeklitepe

A 3-day tour from Cappadocia to explore Mount Nemrut and Göbeklitepe combines UNESCO World Heritage sites with fascinating archaeological treasures. Priced at $1,025.39 per person, this journey offers a well-rounded experience with included hotels, meals, and transportation, making it ideal for those wanting a hassle-free way to see some of Turkey’s most remarkable ancient sites. The tour is designed for small groups, capped at 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and in-depth explanations from knowledgeable guides like Kadir.

Booking is usually made around 67 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour features pickup from Cappadocia, optional pickup from Istanbul, and a carefully curated itinerary that balances sightseeing with cultural immersions. While the pace is generally smooth, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level due to walking involved at sites like Nemrut Mountain. This tour appeals most to history buffs and curious explorers eager to see Turkey’s lesser-trodden archaeological landmarks.

Key Points

• Three full days exploring Nemrut Mountain, Göbeklitepe, and other historic sites
• Small group size maximizes personalized guidance and interaction
• Includes hotel accommodation, transport, and most meals, providing good value
• Visits UNESCO-listed sites like Mount Nemrut and Göbeklitepe, with early morning sunrise views at Nemrut
• Optional pickup from Istanbul at extra cost, ideal for travelers with limited time
• Expert guides like Kadir deliver engaging historical insights, praised for their knowledge and friendliness

Starting Point: Easy Pickup from Cappadocia Hotels and Kayseri Airport

This tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Cappadocia or Kayseri Airport, simplifying your travel arrangements. The first day involves a scenic drive through the historic Silk Road route, lasting about 1 hour 30 minutes, leading to the 13th-century Karatay Han Caravanserai. This well-preserved caravanserai, built during the Selcuk Turks civilization, offers a glimpse into medieval trade routes and hospitality.

From here, the journey continues with a lunch stop at Pinarbasi Village, set in the Taurus Mountains, offering authentic rural Turkish cuisine and scenic views. Later, a visit to Kahramanmaras introduces the famous handmade goat milk ice cream, a treat valued as a cultural highlight. The day concludes with a check-in at a hotel in Adiyaman, the best location near Nemrut Mountain, with the option to see the sunset from the summit during longer summer days.

Visiting Mount Nemrut for Sunrise and UNESCO Heritage

At the heart of this tour lies the visit to Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO-listed site since 2015. The morning begins with an early departure from the hotel, driving up to the mountain. After a 20-minute walk to the summit, travelers witness a spectacular sunrise illuminating the colossal stone statues and the heads of ancient kings and gods. The admission fee for Nemrut Dagi National Park is included, ensuring easy access.

The site features gigantic statues and relics from the Commagene Kingdom, with impressive sculptures that evoke a sense of monumental craftsmanship. The scenery, combined with the history, makes this a highlight of the tour, especially for those interested in archaeology and ancient civilizations.

Exploring Ancient Arsemia Antik Kenti and Roman Engineering

Post-sunrise, the tour guides visitors to Arsemia Antik Kenti, the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom. Here, the Relief stele depicting the handshake of Antiochos and Heracles offers insight into the religious and political ceremonies of the time. The site provides a glimpse into the spiritual practices and governance of ancient Anatolian civilizations. Admission is included, and the site can be explored comfortably within 30 minutes.

Next, the group visits Cendere Bridge, an impressive Roman construction spanning the Cendere stream. Built by Emperor Lucius Septimius Severus between AD 193 and 211, this stone arch bridge showcases Roman engineering prowess that has stood the test of time. The 30-minute stop allows visitors to appreciate the durability and style of Roman infrastructure.

Karakus Tumulusu and Royal Tombs of Anatolia

A key archaeological site on this tour is the Karakus Tumulusu, a monumental royal tomb often called the pyramids of Anatolia and Mesopotamia. These pyramidal-shaped tombs symbolize the burial practices of Anatolian elites, giving a sense of the region’s ancient customs. The 30-minute visit to this site offers a deep look into regional history and royal symbolism.

Relaxing at Ataturk Dam and Enjoying Local Cuisine

The Ataturk Dam, constructed in 1992, is the largest dam on the Euphrates River. Built in honor of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, this engineering feat not only supports agricultural irrigation but also produces electricity. The tour includes a lunch stop at the dam’s promenade, offering a chance to enjoy the scenery and regional cuisine.

This stop combines natural beauty with practical importance, as the dam plays a vital role in Turkish infrastructure. It also provides a peaceful setting for a relaxed meal, with views of the expansive reservoir.

Discovering Sanliurfa: The City of Prophets

The journey continues to Sanliurfa, a city revered as the “City of Prophets” and sacred for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The tour features a stay at a boutique hotel, with the possibility to explore local markets and historic sites. Optional dinner shows featuring Mesopotamian music, dance, and food are available, enriching the cultural experience.

Sanliurfa’s atmosphere blends spirituality with history, and its bazaar offers vibrant sights, sounds, and unique crafts. The city’s significance as a holy site adds depth to the overall journey.

Visiting Abraham’s Cave and the Holy Carp Pools

On the third day, the tour visits Abraham’s Cave, a site of religious importance, surrounded by the Pools of Holy Carp. Visitors walk through the oriental covered bazaar and Gümrükhan, experiencing the lively local commerce. The 1 hour 30-minute stop provides a meaningful connection to ancient traditions and biblical history.

The Archaeological Marvel of Göbekli Tepe

One of the most extraordinary stops is Göbekli Tepe, considered the world’s first temple. Discovered in 2008, its excavations have revealed structures dating back to 9600 BC, making it over 11,600 years old. The site features monumental stone pillars arranged in circles, offering insights into early human religious practices. The admission fee is included, and visitors spend about 1 hour 30 minutes exploring this groundbreaking archaeological site.

The site’s significance lies in the fact that the earliest temples appear to predate settled villages, rewriting assumptions about human societal development.

Harran and Its Unique Clay Houses

The tour’s final stop is Harran, an ancient city dating back to 3000 BC. Known for its conical clay houses designed to stay cool in the region’s hot climate, Harran is also associated with the first recognition of the Sun, Moon, and Stars as sacred. The site is mentioned in the Old Testament as founded by Noah’s grandson.

Visitors explore a traditional clay house where a large extended family of 47 members lives together. This living example of rural Anatolian architecture offers a tangible connection to early urban life and spiritual history, with the visit lasting about an hour.

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum: Art from the Roman Era

The tour concludes with a visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the largest mosaic museums globally. Named after the ancient city of Zeugma, the museum houses magnificent mosaics including the famous Gipsy Girl mosaic from the 2nd century AD. It also displays sculptures, columns, and fountains from Roman times, along with early Christian iconography.

The admission fee is included, and the 1-hour visit offers a chance to admire intricate artworks that tell stories of antiquity. The museum’s collection highlights the artistic achievements of the Roman period in the region.

Ending the Journey Back in Cappadocia

After a full day of exploration, the tour returns to Cappadocia around 21:30-22:00, with options for hotel drop-off or transfer to Kayseri Airport. For those wishing to save time or extend their journey, assistance can be provided to arrange flights to Istanbul, Ephesus, or other destinations, or to transfer directly to Gaziantep Airport.

The seamless return logistics ensure travelers leave with a comprehensive understanding of Turkey’s ancient sites, supported by expert guides and comfortable transportation.

Final Thoughts on the 3 Day’s Tour to Nemrut Mountain and Göbeklitepe

This tour offers an exceptional way to see some of Turkey’s most significant archaeological sites without the hassle of planning every detail. The small-group format enhances interaction and the chance to learn directly from guides like Kadir, who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

The inclusion of hotels, meals, and transportation provides good value, especially for those interested in history, archaeology, and culture. While the pace involves some walking and early mornings, the experience of sunrise at Nemrut, exploring Göbeklitepe, and visiting ancient tombs and bridges makes it worthwhile.

Best suited for history buffs and curious explorers willing to walk moderate distances and eager to discover Turkey’s lesser-known but profoundly impactful archaeological sites. The tour’s high rating of 5.0/5 from 13 reviews reflects strong satisfaction, especially with the guides, sites, and overall organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included throughout the 3 days, along with hotel stays and most meals.

Can I be picked up from Istanbul?
Pickup from Istanbul is available at an extra cost.

What is the physical difficulty level?
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level due to walking at sites like Nemrut Mountain.

Are guides available in other languages?
A Spanish-speaking guide is available upon request.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked around 67 days in advance.

What sites are included in the itinerary?
Major stops include Karatay Han, Pinarbasi, Kahramanmaras, Nemrut Dagi National Park, Arsemia Antik Kenti, Cendere Bridge, Karakus Tumulusu, Ataturk Dam, Sanliurfa, Abraham’s Cave, Göbekli Tepe, Harran, and Zeugma Mosaic Museum.

Is there any optional activity?
Yes, in Sanliurfa, an optional dinner show with traditional music and dance can be enjoyed.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled 3 days before the start. Cancellations within 3 days are non-refundable.

How long is each day’s itinerary?
Each day involves around 7-8 hours of sightseeing, with some sites allowing 30 to 90-minute visits.

Can I extend or customize this tour?
While the standard package is fixed, arrangements can be made for flights or transfers to other destinations.

What sets this tour apart?
The combination of UNESCO sites, expert guides, and inclusion of accommodation and transport makes this an appealing, organized way to see Turkey’s archaeological highlights.