2-Day Cultural & Historical Journey: Mardin, Göbeklitepe, & Şanlıurfa
|2 Days, 3 Destinations |Starts from Mardin
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Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits
Duration

2 days

Max Group Size

40

Departure Type

Scheduled

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

easy

Operated In

English

Age Requirement

11 - 99 Ages

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 2-day, 1-night journey through southeastern Turkey, where ancient heritage and vibrant culture converge. Our Mardin – Göbeklitepe - Şanlıurfa Tour invites you to explore the enchanting streets of Mardin, marvel at the prehistoric wonders of Göbeklitepe, and immerse yourself in the sacred ambiance of Şanlıurfa. This compact yet immersive tour offers a unique glimpse into the cradle of civilization, blending millennia-old ruins with the living traditions of modern Turkey. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a cultural explorer, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure into Turkey’s timeless legacy

PhotographyExplorerFamilyHistoricalSolo TravelSightseeingDiscoveryIn-depth Cultural

Route

Starts from

Mardin

Ends in

Şanlıurfa Airport

Pickup Location

Mardin Airport

Dropoff Location

Şanlıurfa Airport

Tour route map

Highlights

Mardin – City of Stone and Culture: Wander through Mardin’s narrow, stone-paved alleys, where ancient architecture and diverse cultural influences create a mesmerizing tapestry of history and art. Göbeklitepe – Cradle of Civilization: Discover the world’s oldest known temple at Göbeklitepe, where monumental stone circles and intricate carvings provide insight into prehistoric spiritual practices and communal life Şanlıurfa – The City of Prophets: Experience the rich spiritual heritage of Şanlıurfa, with visits to iconic sites such as the Pool of Abraham and ancient bazaars that echo centuries of religious tradition.

Itinerary

(Lunch, and Dinner included)
Arrive at Mardin Airport and meet your guide. Take a breakfast on request in a local restaurant featuring regional delicacies (not included). Our first stop in Mardin centre
Mardin is a city known for its tolerance, where people of different religions and sects coexist peacefully, it will be the Mor Behram (Kırklar) Church. The narrow passages built under the houses, known as Abbara, are a distinctive characteristic of the city.  Next, we will visit the Mardin Museum, Latifiye Mosque, the Great Mosque of Mardin, and the old PTT Building, which showcases the finest examples of the region’s stonework. Afterwards, you will have frLatifiye Mosque Latifiye Mosqueping in the city. You can explore the local market, where you’ll find the famous almond candy of Mardin, local desserts, and jewellery made from silver, gold, and precious stones. Following this, we will visit the Kasimiye Madrasah (Mosque Kebir), renowned for its extraordinary architecture and its role as a university during the Seljuk period.
We will also explore the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, which served as the official seat of the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church until 1932. Afterwards, visit the Ancient Dara;
Dara is an ancient Mesopotamian city, also known as Anastasiopolis. It consists of structures carved into the rocks, water channels, cisterns, and rock tombs. 
Note: If you arrive in Mardin at noon, we will not have time to visit Dara. Mardin turu sonrası The departure to Sanliurfa, 190 km. Accommodation in Şanlıurfa.
Traditional Sıra Night: On our Urfa trips, we attend Sira Night (Sıra Gecesi), a dinnertime entertainment with music and dances synonymous with Şanlıurfa.
Note: During winter, the visit to Dara ruins is cancelled because the sun sets early and there is not enough time

(Breakfast and Lunch included)
After breakfast, we start our tour of Şanlıurfa, known as the city of prophets. Visit Halil-Ür Rahman Mosque, Rızvaniye Mosque, Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, Ayn-el Zeliha Lake, and the Balıklıgöl, Halil-Ür Rahman Lake, where Prophet Abraham is said to have been thrown into the fire, and the burning logs turned into fishes, whereas the fire was turned into water. We will also visit the cave where Prophet Abraham was born. Other historical places to visit in Urfa are the Sipahi Bazaar, Kazzaz Market, Hacı Kamil Han, Hüseyiniye Bazaar, Naccar Bazaar, Gumruk Inn and Ulucami (Grand Mosque). 
Urfa Archeology Museum and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum have an indoor area of 29,000 square meters and exhibit many historical artefacts from Anatolian civilisations.
We take a lunch break at a local Kebab restaurant to taste the delicious kebabs of Şanlıurfa.
Göbeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest temple in the world, with a history of 12,000 years, dating back to the Stone Age. One of the most important archaeological discoveries of our time, Göbeklitepe is thought to be the first pilgrimage centre of the world, as it rewrites history. During our tour here, our guide will answer the following questions surrounding the area: Who built Göbeklitepe 12,000 years ago and why?
Karahantepe, where a recently discovered human statue is believed to be around 14,000 years old. For what purpose were the Karahantepe and Göbeklitepe temples buried underground?
The technology and mathematical knowledge used to build the Temple with rock megaliths weighing 16 tons is still a mystery. The answers to these questions have not yet been found.
At the end of our Taştepeler tour, you’ll be transferred to Urfa Airport

Trip includes

Included

1 night accommodation in Sanliurfa
Nevali Hotel *5

Note: Sample hotels are confirmed on the booking date if they are available. Otherwise, booked in similar hotels.

Hotel

Professional English-speaking guide

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

Meals as per itinerary 
1 breakfast 2 lunch 1 dinner

Vegan Vegetarian Halal Meat

Airport transfers as per itinerary
 Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking coach

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
VAT & City Tax
Hotel room taxes 

Destinations Covered:

  • Mardin – A city of mesmerizing stone architecture and diverse cultural influences.
  • Göbeklitepe – The world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back over 12,000 years.
  • Şanlıurfa (Urfa) – A city rich in history and spirituality, known as the "City of Prophets."

Important Travel Tips Before You Go

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather, making exploration comfortable. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters are mild but may have occasional rain.

What to Pack:

  • Comfortable walking shoes (historic sites have uneven terrain).
  • Modest clothing (especially for visiting religious sites).
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for daytime tours.
  • A camera or smartphone for capturing the breathtaking landscapes and historical sites.

Local Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have cash for small purchases and local markets.

Language: Turkish is the primary language, but some locals speak Arabic and basic English. Having a translation app or knowing a few Turkish phrases can be helpful.

Food & Drinks to Try:

  • Mardin: Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), Sembusek (meat-filled pastry).
  • Şanlıurfa: Çiğ Köfte (spiced raw bulgur), Urfa Kebab, and Şıllık Tatlısı (sweet dessert).
  • Local Drinks: Menengiç Coffee (pistachio-based coffee) and traditional Şanlıurfa-style Turkish tea.

Cultural Etiquette:

  • When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and follow local customs.
  • Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
  • Bargaining is common in local markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.

Quick Facts About Your Destinations

Mardin

* Famous for its golden-stone buildings, this ancient city offers breathtaking views of the Mesopotamian plains.
* Home to Deyrulzafaran Monastery, a significant spiritual site for the Syriac Orthodox Church.
* Explore the historic bazaars filled with handmade crafts, silver jewelry, and spices.

Göbeklitepe

* Considered the oldest known temple complex in the world (built around 9600 BCE).
* Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reshaping our understanding of human history.
* The site features massive T-shaped stone pillars decorated with intricate carvings of animals and symbols.

Şanlıurfa (Urfa)

* Visit Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish), linked to the legend of Prophet Abraham.
* Discover the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, showcasing artifacts from Göbeklitepe and beyond.
*Experience the Urfa Grand Bazaar, one of Turkey’s most vibrant traditional markets.


Why Take This Tour?

Perfect for history lovers seeking to explore ancient civilizations.
Blend of culture & spirituality, from monasteries to legendary sites.
Ideal for photographers, offering stunning architectural and natural landscapes.


This 2-Day Cultural & Historical Journey is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Turkey’s most historic and mystical regions!

Excluded

Domestic flight tickets not included

Travel Insurance 

Personal expenses
Domestic flight tickets
Travel Insurance
Guide & driver tips
Türkiye entry visa
Alcoholic drinks & beverages
Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions

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