Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe & Harran Tour from Istanbul
Discover the birthplace of civilization on this unforgettable 2-day Şanlıurfa tour from Istanbul, featuring Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe, Harran, and Soğmatar. Explore the world’s oldest temples, ancient universities, sacred cult centers, and authentic local culture with professional guiding and seamless transfers.
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Istanbul to Urfa | Göbeklitepe & Şanlıurfa City Tour
Day 1 – Istanbul to Urfa | Göbeklitepe & Şanlıurfa City Tour
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Şanlıurfa (Urfa). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local guide and begin your Şanlıurfa city tour.
Your journey starts at the heart of the city with visits to:
Halil-ur Rahman Mosque
Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish / Ayn Zeliha)
Rızvaniye Mosque
The Cave of Prophet Abraham
Historic bazaars such as Sipahi Bazaar, Kazzaz Bazaar, Hüseiniye Bazaar, and Naccar Bazaar
Hacı Kamil Han, Historic Customs Inn (Gümrük Hanı)
Ulu Mosque and the Şanlıurfa Culinary Museum
You will then visit the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, home to some of the finest mosaics in the region.
Göbeklitepe – The World’s Oldest Temple
In the afternoon, we head to Göbeklitepe, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the world. Dating back nearly 12,000 years, Göbeklitepe is recognized as the oldest known temple complex and is believed to be the first pilgrimage center in human history.
Located in Upper Mesopotamia, Göbeklitepe challenges everything we know about early civilizations, offering remarkable insights into prehistoric religion, symbolic art, architecture, and early scientific thinking among hunter-gatherer societies.After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Urfa for overnight stay.
Optional Experience – Sıra Night (Extra)
Enhance your stay with an optional Sıra Night, a unique cultural evening featuring:
Live local Urfa music
Traditional folk songs
Authentic regional cuisine
A warm and social atmosphere
(Available at an additional cost.)
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Harran, Soğmatar & Karahantepe | Return to Istanbul
Day 2 – Harran, Soğmatar & Karahantepe | Return to Istanbul
After breakfast, we depart for Harran, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.
Highlights in Harran include:
Iconic conical mud-brick Harran houses
Ruins of Harran University, considered the world’s first Islamic university
Harran Castle from the Umayyad period
Ancient Harran city walls
The tomb of Hayat el-Harrani, a respected Islamic scholar
Soğmatar – Ancient Cult Center
Next, we travel to Soğmatar, an important religious center dating back to the Roman Period (2nd century AD). During the Abgar Kingdom, this site served as a sacred area where Moon and planetary gods were worshipped.
Here you will explore:
Pognon Cave, dedicated to the Moon God Sin
The Sacred Hill with rock reliefs and inscriptions
Six monumental mausoleums
An inner fortress and numerous rock-cut tombs
Karahantepe – Older Than Göbeklitepe
Our final stop is Karahantepe, one of the newest and most exciting archaeological discoveries in the world. Believed to be approximately 400 years older than Göbeklitepe, this ongoing excavation offers a rare glimpse into humanity’s earliest ritual centers.
After completing the tour, transfer to Şanlıurfa Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred back to your hotel.
Important Notice
Tour days and order of visits may vary depending on operational conditions.
- 1 Night Accommodation at a Boutique Hotel (Included Breakfast)
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- All ground transportation and transfers
- Travel insurance
- Flight tickets (Istanbul – Urfa – Istanbul)
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites
- Personal expenses and hotel extras
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Hat or light scarf
Reusable water bottle and snacks
Camera or fully charged mobile phone
ID and some cash
1 Night Accommodation at a Boutique Hotel (Included Breakfast)
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Package |
Double Room Per Person |
Single Room |
Triple Room Per Person |
Child (0-2 Age) |
Child (2-12 Age) |