Göbekli Tepe & anlurfa City Tour 2 Day 1 Night

Discover the Ancient Wonders of Southeastern Anatolia in a 2-Day Tour

This Göbekli Tepe & anlurfa City Tour offers a fascinating journey through Turkey’s most remarkable historical sites over two days and one night. Priced at $1,004 per person, the tour is operated by Terra Luna Travel, which holds a solid 4.4 rating. It’s designed for those eager to explore the world’s oldest known temple, Göbekli Tepe, along with the vibrant city of Sanliurfa, known as the city of prophets.

The tour begins early in the morning with airport pickups in anlurfa and includes domestic flights, museum tickets, and a hotel stay. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and curious travelers looking for a comprehensive glimpse into Turkey’s southeastern treasures. While the itinerary is packed and involves some walking and short drives, the experience promises to reveal unmatched archaeological and cultural highlights.

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Key Points

• Includes flights, transfers, and museum tickets for a smooth experience
• Visits Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple, over 12,000 years old
• Explores Sanliurfa’s old town, bazaar, and sacred sites like the Pool of Abraham
• Day 2 features Harran’s castle, caves, and ancient city ruins
• Small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures personalized attention
• Tour operates in English with live guides

Early Morning Flight and Arrival in anlurfa

The tour kicks off with a pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul at 04:30, followed by a transfer to the airport for a 06:40 flight. Arriving in anlurfa around 08:40, travelers are greeted and immediately set on a journey into history. This early start maximizes your sightseeing time and ensures a full schedule of visits, making it suitable for those comfortable with early mornings.

The included domestic flight alleviates travel fatigue, connecting Istanbul with southeastern Turkey efficiently. Once in anlurfa, the guided tour begins with a focus on the most significant sites, starting at Göbekli Tepe.

Exploring Göbekli Tepe: The World’s Oldest Known Temple

The highlight of the tour is Göbekli Tepe, a massive archaeological complex that dates back over 12,000 years. This site features T-shaped pillars adorned with animal carvings, revealing early spiritual and ritual practices of humankind. The site predates writing and pottery, making it a groundbreaking discovery for understanding prehistoric civilization.

Visitors learn from guides about the significance of these ancient structures and how they were constructed long before the advent of settled farming. The visit to Göbekli Tepe offers a rare chance to see original carvings and massive stone pillars that continue to inspire archaeologists and historians.

The anlurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museums

After exploring the ancient site, the tour visits anlurfa Archaeology & Mosaic Museum. This complex houses extraordinary artifacts from Göbekli Tepe and surrounding regions, showcasing early human settlements. The Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum complements this with Roman-era mosaics discovered in situ.

Both museums provide visual and contextual insights into the area’s rich past, making them essential stops for anyone interested in regional archaeology and ancient art. The museums’ impressive collections help fill in details about Roman influence and early civilizations that inhabited the region.

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Walking Through Sanliurfa’s Old Town and Bazaar

The tour then leads into Sanliurfa’s lively old town, where narrow alleys and traditional architecture create a vibrant atmosphere. Travelers stroll through covered bazaars, discovering local crafts, spices, and crafts, which offer a taste of daily life and commerce.

This walk provides a sense of the city’s authentic character and its role as a cultural crossroads for centuries. It’s also a chance to experience the local ambiance and observe traditional trade practices.

Visiting the Sacred Balkligöl (Pool of Abraham)

A key pilgrimage site, Balkligöl, is known as the Pool of Abraham where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been thrown into fire by King Nimrod. The serene pool, filled with sacred carp, represents a powerful symbol in Islamic tradition.

Nearby, Abraham’s cave adds spiritual significance to the visit, and the site’s peaceful surroundings provide a moment of reflection amid the tour. The site’s religious and historical importance makes it a memorable part of the journey.

Day Two: Exploring Harran’s Ancient Cities and Rock-Cut Tombs

The second day begins with a visit to Kzlkoyun Caves, rock-cut tombs from the Roman and Byzantine periods. These mystical caves were used by members of the Edessa Kingdom and offer a glimpse into early burial practices. The site’s mystery and historic significance make it a compelling stop.

Next, the tour proceeds to Harran Castle, built during the Umayyad period. Its rectangular layout and defensive towers highlight the strategic importance of Harran throughout history. Visitors can appreciate the ancient architecture and the castle’s role as a military stronghold.

Discovering Harran’s Unique Beehive-Shaped Houses

The Harran Cultural Houses showcase beehive-shaped homes that reflect traditional architecture linked to the city’s long history. The area is also revered as Prophet Abraham’s birthplace, adding cultural and religious significance.

The tour walks among these historically continuous inhabited structures, emphasizing their distinctive design and historical role. This stop enriches understanding of local building techniques and urban development in ancient times.

The Ruins of uayb Ancient City

The uayb Ancient City features ruins of a once-thriving settlement, including a bathhouse, marketplace (agora), and intricately carved stone structures. The site’s archaeological remains reveal trade activity and urban planning from past civilizations.

Walking among these ruins, visitors appreciate the scale and sophistication of ancient urban centers. The site continues to fascinate with its layers of history and architectural details.

End of Tour and Return to Istanbul

After a full day of exploring Harran’s sites, the group is transferred to anlurfa Airport for the return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, a final transfer takes travelers back to their hotel, concluding the unforgettable journey through Southeastern Turkey’s archaeological and cultural landscapes.

Practical Details: Logistics and Inclusions

The tour includes all airport transfers, domestic flights, museum tickets, and one night of hotel accommodation. Lunch is also covered, providing a convenient day of sightseeing without extra planning. However, dinner and personal expenses are not included, so travelers should budget accordingly.

The tour operates with a small group of up to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. It’s designed for those who can handle early mornings, some walking, and potentially warm weather, and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The main appeal of this tour is the chance to see Göbekli Tepe, the oldest known temple, and then expand into the broader historical and religious context of the region. The inclusion of museums, local markets, and sacred sites provides a well-rounded experience.

The daily itinerary is carefully structured to maximize sightseeing while respecting travel times. The small group size and live English-speaking guide enhance the experience, making it engaging and informative.

The tour’s price point reflects its comprehensive nature, covering flights, entrance fees, and accommodation. It is particularly suited for history buffs and those interested in early civilizations and religious history.

Final Thoughts on the Göbekli Tepe & anlurfa City Tour

This 2-day adventure offers a rich, layered experience of Turkey’s southeastern treasures. While the schedule is busy, it delivers key highlights efficiently and effectively. The early start and full itinerary make it ideal for enthusiastic explorers eager to uncover ancient secrets and cultural stories.

Travelers who value historical sites, museum visits, and local culture will find this tour a satisfying and educational option. The experience’s focus on Göbekli Tepe alone makes it worthwhile for those interested in one of the world’s most significant archaeological discoveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers airport transfers, domestic roundtrip flights, museum tickets, one night of hotel accommodation, and lunch.

How long is the tour each day?
The tour starts early in the morning, with the first day including visits to Göbekli Tepe, museums, and local markets, and the second day dedicated to Harran’s ruins and ancient sites. Exact timings depend on flight schedules and group pace.

Is dinner included?
No, dinner is not included, but lunch is provided as part of the tour.

What should I bring?
Travelers should carry passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and comfortable clothes suitable for walking and outdoor activities.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the sites and walking involved.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is operated in English with a live guide leading the group.

How large are the groups?
The group size is limited to 10 participants, providing a more personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most ages, the early mornings and walking distances may require consideration for younger children.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The visit to Göbekli Tepe, the oldest known temple, is the tour’s standout feature.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended to secure your spot, especially given the small group size and high demand for this archaeological journey.

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