Gobeklitepe, The World’s First Temple

Discover the full-day private tour of Gobeklitepe and Harran from Sanliurfa, Turkey, priced at $377.30 per person. This engaging journey combines visits to the UNESCO-listed Gobeklitepe, believed to be the world’s oldest temple, with stops at Abraham’s Cave and the ancient city of Harran. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and features pick-up service, private transportation, and Wi-Fi onboard for your convenience. It is highly recommended, with a perfect rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews and 100% recommendation.

This tour is ideal for those curious about archaeology, ancient history, and cultural sites. The experience is fully personalized, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a private, flexible itinerary. While the pace involves a fair amount of driving—around 3 hours in total—the stops offer a mix of archaeological marvels, legendary stories, and local cuisine. The only notable consideration is the cost, which some may find on the higher side, but the comprehensive nature of the experience and expert guides help justify the price.

Key Points

• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site: Explore Gobeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple, with its T-shaped pillars and relief carvings.
• Full-day, private tour: Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi, including hotel or airport pickup.
• See Prophet Abraham’s Cave: Discover the legendary site next to the Urfa citadel and the holy fishpond.
• Explore Harran’s ancient city: Walk through beehive houses, visit the Grand Mosque, and learn about Harran’s historical significance.
• Includes dinner and refreshments: End your day with a traditional Turkish dinner—a highlight of regional cuisine.
• Expert local guides: Guides share detailed insights, making the experience informative and engaging.
• Easy booking: On average, tours are booked 41 days in advance, reflecting popularity and ease of planning.
• Limited physical demands: Suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as the stops involve walking and some uneven surfaces.
• No hidden costs: All admission tickets for sites and dinner are included in the price.

The Route from Sanliurfa Airport to Gobeklitepe

The tour begins at GAP Sanliurfa Airport, where a friendly guide greets travelers after arrival. From this point, the private vehicle transports guests in comfort, with Wi-Fi available onboard. The first stop is the archaeological wonder of Gobeklitepe, about a 2.5-hour visit. The site remains under excavation, with ongoing discoveries by a team led by Dr. Klaus Schmidt.

Exploring Gobeklitepe’s Unique Monuments

At Gobeklitepe, visitors see obelisks carved with reliefs of animals and plants, as well as T-shaped pillars, some decorated with sculptures like a bird with a human face or a female figure. The site dates back approximately 12,000 years, spanning the Mesolithic and Pre-Pottery Neolithic Ages. The famous T-shaped pillar and central pillars are highlights, along with high relief carvings of predators and other motifs. The site’s ongoing excavations reveal a layered history of early human civilization.

Visiting Abraham’s Cave and the Fishpond in Sanliurfa

After exploring Gobeklitepe, the tour returns to Sanliurfa to visit Abraham’s Cave, a revered site linked to legend. Here, the fire where Abraham was said to have been thrown is now a large pond, and the holy fishpond nearby adds to the spiritual atmosphere. The free entrance and legendary significance make this stop particularly meaningful.

Discovering Harran’s Historic Significance

Next, the tour heads to Harran, an ancient city mentioned in Genesis and the Bible as the city of Abraham. Visitors see the surreal beehive houses—known as Altnbaa—and stroll around the Grand Mosque, built by an Arab Caliph in the 18th century. As a city that hosted the first university and first mosque on Turkish soil, Harran’s layers of history include Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hittite, and Roman influences.

Exploring Harran’s Ruins and Historical Decline

Further, the Harran ruins showcase the city’s past as a cultural and knowledge center during the Islamic Golden Age, from 718 to 913. The city was a hub for scholars like Thabit Ibn Qurra and Al-Battani. Its decline began with Mongol invasions in 1260, after which Harran was reduced to a village. The destruction of the Grand Mosque and other sites by Hulagu Khan marked the end of Harran’s prominence.

Ending with a Traditional Turkish Dinner

As the day concludes, the tour includes a traditional Turkish dinner in Sanliurfa, featuring regional tastes and specialties. This hour-long meal offers a chance to relax, reflect on the day, and enjoy local flavors. The tour wraps up at GAP Sanliurfa Airport, with drop-off service arranged for your onward journey.

Logistics and Practical Details

The entire experience is private, with admission tickets included for sites, and the cost covers transportation, meals, and refreshments. The tour operates every day, with confirmation upon booking, and is suitable for travelers with moderate physical activity. Service animals are allowed, and Wi-Fi ensures connectivity during transport.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour appeals most to those interested in archaeology, history, and culture. The expert guides help bring the sites’ stories to life, making it an educational experience. The comfort of private transport and all-inclusive pricing add to its appeal, though the length of travel time between stops is worth noting for those with limited stamina or tight schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they are comfortable with walking and spending a full day sightseeing, with moderate physical activity involved.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional Turkish dinner at the end of the day.

What is the price for this tour?
The cost is $377.30 per person, which covers transportation, site admissions, dinner, bottled water, and refreshments.

Does the tour operate every day?
Yes, it is available Monday through Sunday and can be booked in advance.

How long is the driving time?
Expect around 3 hours of total driving, split between the different sites.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven surfaces at sites like Gobeklitepe and Harran.

Are guides fluent in English?
Yes, guides are capable of providing explanations in English, ensuring a clear understanding of each site.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended for capturing the sites.

Can I customize this tour?
As a private experience, the tour can be tailored to your interests and pace upon request.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of world’s oldest temple, legendary sites, and personalized service makes it a comprehensive and memorable day in Sanliurfa.