Göbeklitepe Day

Potbelly Hill - Göbeklitepe, translating to “belly hill,” is recognized as the oldest temple in human history and the first religious center on Earth. Around 20 temples have been identified in the area, with six already excavated. The soil level at the site indicates that the structure was intentionally buried by humans. Göbeklitepe was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018. Visitors can observe at least 15 structures and over 200 T-shaped obelisks, ranging from 3 to 6 meters in height, believed to represent stylized human figures. The presence of a 3-dimensional lion relief suggests that lions roamed Anatolia during the Neolithic era. The discovery of Göbeklitepe suggests that the transition to settled life was influenced by religious practices rather than agriculture. Prior to this, historical accounts claimed that settled life began with farming and animal husbandry.

Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum - After exploring Göbeklitepe, a visit to the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum offers further insight into the region’s historical artifacts. The museum showcases a variety of intriguing exhibits, including the world’s oldest statue, a replica of the Göbeklitepe D Temple, the original Nevali Çori Temple, numerous period animations, approximately 13,200 artifacts, and some of the world’s most beautiful mosaics at the New Şanlıurfa Museum.

Balıklıgöl - Enjoy the scenic beauty of Abraham’s Pool and its cave through nature walks. Balıklıgöl, or the Pool of Abraham, holds significance in Jewish and Islamic traditions, where it is believed that Nimrod cast Abraham into a fire. The Cave of Abraham, a renowned pilgrimage site in Urfa, is considered the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. Visitors come to pray and honor one of history’s most esteemed prophets. To protect Abraham from King Nimrod’s decree to kill all newborns, he spent about ten years in the cave. A prayer area is available inside, with the exact birthplace marked by a glass enclosure. Devotees can also wash their hands with holy water from faucets inside the cave. Entry to the cave is through the same courtyard as the Mevlid-I Halil Mosque.

Gümrük Han - Experience the delightful taste of Pistachio Coffee, made from wild pistachios, at the 440-year-old Gümrük Han, located in the heart of the historic bazaars. As the saying goes, “A cup of coffee is remembered for forty years,” we begin a lifelong friendship with our guests.

Karahan Tepe

Harran - A visit to nearby Harran offers a chance to see the remarkable beehive houses. According to the Bible, Harran is where Prophet Abraham spent several years with his family before journeying to Israel, the Promised Land. This area provides exceptional photo opportunities.

• Round-trip flight tickets: Istanbul to Şanlıurfa and back
• Professional tour guide service
• Hotel-airport and airport-hotel transfers in Istanbul
• 2 breakfasts included
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Accommodation with bed and breakfast

• lunches
• dinners
• Gratuities

Embark on a captivating two-day private tour from Istanbul to explore the enigmatic sites of Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe. Delve into the rich history of these intriguing Neolithic archaeological locations in the Mesopotamian region of Southeastern Turkey, far from the usual tourist paths. Savor the distinctive local cuisine while immersing yourself in the area’s culture, mythology, and religious traditions, all under the guidance of your private guide. Be prepared to be astonished at the Şanlıurfa Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Neolithic artifacts, showcasing treasures from these two excavation sites. Tours can be effortlessly tailored to match your specific interests and preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.