-high.jpg&w=2048&q=100)
-high.jpg&w=828&q=100)
-high.jpg&w=828&q=100)
-high.jpg&w=828&q=100)
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
Highlights
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.
Professional English-speaking guide
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Meals as per itinerary
1 breakfast 2 lunch 1 dinner




Airport transfers as per itinerary
Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned,
non-smoking coach
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
Availability
Loading. Please wait.
Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
Request a Private, Customizable Departure
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Personal
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Protected
Travel withing your own bubble.
Professional
Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.
Privacy
Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Why book with Travelshopbooking
Best price quaranteed.
100% financial protection.
Earn $20+ in travel credits.
Cancellation Policy
On our global marketplace TravelShop Booking Supplier is recognized globally as an online tourism marketplace connecting travelers, suppliers, and tour operators worldwide. All users acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a platform not liable for canceled tours, poor services, or unforeseen circumstances occurring before, during, or after the tour.
Need help or have a question about this tour?
if you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
We're ready to help.