3-Day Ancient Wonders Tour: Göbeklitepe, Urfa & Mardin
|3 Days, 5 Destinations |Starts from Sanliurfa
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Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits
Duration

3 days

Max Group Size

30

Departure Type

Scheduled

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

easy

Operated In

English

Age Requirement

11 - 99 Ages

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey with our Göbeklitepe - Urfa - Mardin Tour, where ancient mysteries and vibrant cultural heritage intertwine. Over 3 days and 2 nights, you will traverse the cradle of civilization—from the awe-inspiring megalithic site of Göbeklitepe, regarded as the world’s oldest temple, to the spiritual city of Urfa, steeped in prophetic lore, and finally, to the enchanting streets of Mardin, where history is etched in every stone. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the deep roots of human history and experience the rich tapestry of Turkish culture firsthand.

ExplorerPhotographyHistoricalDiscoveryIn-depth CulturalSightseeingFamilySolo Travel

Route

Starts from

Sanliurfa

Ends in

Mardin

Pickup Location

Şanlıurfa Airport

Dropoff Location

Mardin Airport

Tour route map

Highlights

Göbeklitepe – Cradle of Civilization: Discover the enigmatic stone circles and intricate carvings at Göbeklitepe, a groundbreaking archaeological site that redefines our understanding of prehistoric society. Urfa – The City of Prophets: Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Urfa, visiting sacred sites like the Pool of Abraham and ancient mosques that echo centuries of religious tradition. Mardin – A Living Heritage: Wander through the narrow, stone-paved streets of Mardin, renowned for its distinctive architecture, ancient monasteries, and cultural mosaic that reflects the region’s diverse history Expert Guided Exploration: Benefit from insightful commentary by knowledgeable guides who will bring the history and legends of these remarkable sites to life. Cultural Immersion: Experience local cuisine, interact with friendly residents, and gain an intimate understanding of the region’s cultural heritage

Itinerary

(Lunch, and Dinner included)

Our guests coming on Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara flights meet at the Sanliurfa Airport with our guide, and we will go to a local restaurant for a decadent breakfast consisting of local delicacies. (not included)

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). 

Visit the Urfa Archeology Museum and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, where many historical artefacts from Anatolian civilisations are exhibited in an indoor area of 29,000 square meters.

We take a lunch break at a local Kebab restaurant to taste the delicious kebabs of Şanlıurfa.

 Our first stop in Urfa will be Göbeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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? Why was Göbeklitepe, the oldest temple in the world, abandoned and buried with soil on purpose? The technology and mathematical knowledge used to build the Temple with rock megaliths weighing 16 tons is still a mystery.

Overnight stay in Sanliurfa

Traditional Sıra Night: On our Urfa trips, we attend Sıra Nights (Sıra Gecesi), which is a dinnertime entertainment with music and dances that is synonymous with Şanlıurfa.

 

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

After breakfast at our hotel, we will take a road trip to Harran, passing through the fertile agricultural lands, one of the most fertile in Mesopotamia.

 The 3000-year-old Harran houses with conical roofs, designed specially to keep cool in the extreme heat in summer months, were built with adobe and stone masonry techniques. We will visit a Harran house in the village. The first university in the world, Harran University, was also established here. After visiting the ancient ruins of the University of Harran, the historical Harran Castle and city walls from the period when Harran was the capital of the Umayyads, and the tomb of the famous sheikh of the region, Hayat al-Harran.

 Next, we will visit the ancient Mesopotamian city of Dara, also known as Anastasiopolis, consisting of structures carved into the rocks, water channels, cisterns, and rock tombs.

 After Dara, we will head for Midyat, which is famous for its stone houses and beautiful stonework, and take a lunch break here. We’ll have free time to shop in the local bazaar, where silver and gold jewellery designed by filigree artists and workers are sold. We will go to our hotel in Mardin and check in at the end of our visits.

Overnight Stay in Mardin

(Breakfast and Lunch included)

After breakfast, our first stop in the city of tolerance will be the Mor Behram (Kırklar) Church. Walking in the narrow streets of this city, where people from different religions and sects live together in peace, you’ll see many door knockers and beautifully carved old doors, each having a history of its own. The small passages built under the houses to create narrow streets are called Abbara, and they are the characteristic features of the city. Next, we will visit the Mardin Museum, Latifiye Mosque, the Great Mosque of Mardin, and the old Post Office Building, which reflects the best examples of the region’s stonework. Do not ask where the tourist places are in Mardin because every place here is unique, and at every corner, you are presented with a new surprise.

Free time for shopping in the city. You may visit the local market, where you can find the famous almond candy of Mardin, local desserts, and jewellery made of silver, gold, and precious stones. Finally, we will visit the Kasımiye Madrasah (Mosque Kebir), which had extraordinary architecture and provided university-level education in the Seljuk period, and the Mor Hananyo Monastery ( Deyrulzafaran Monastery ), which was the official seat of the patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church until 1932. You’ll be transferred to Mardin Airport at the end of the tour

Trip includes

Included

1 night accommodation in Sanliurfa   Dedeman Hotel
1 night  accommodation in Mardin Raymar Mardin 5*

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost.

Hotel

 Professional English-speaking guide

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

Meals as per itinerary 

Vegan Vegetarian Halal Meat

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

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

All tours as per itinerary
Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
VAT & City Tax
 Hotel room taxes

Destinations Covered:

  • Şanlıurfa (Urfa) – The “City of Prophets,” home to Balıklıgöl and ancient history.
  • Göbeklitepe – The world’s oldest known temple, dating back over 12,000 years.
  • Mardin – A breathtaking historical city known for its unique architecture and cultural heritage.

Important Travel Tips Before You Go

Best Time to Visit:

  • Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for mild weather.
  • Summers can be extremely hot, especially in Şanlıurfa and Göbeklitepe.

What to Pack:

  • Light, breathable clothing for daytime; a jacket for cooler nights.
  • Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets in Mardin, rocky terrain in Göbeklitepe).
  • Modest attire for religious and cultural sites (e.g., mosques, shrines).

Local Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are accepted, but small cash is useful in bazaars and local shops.

Language: Turkish and Arabic are spoken in the region. English is understood in major tourist areas.

Must-Try Foods:

  • Urfa: Ciğer Kebabı (liver kebab), Lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza), and Şıllık Tatlısı (a traditional dessert).
  • Mardin: Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), Harire (spiced dessert), and Dibek Coffee.

Cultural Etiquette:

  • Greet locals with “Merhaba” (Hello).
  • Remove shoes before entering mosques or religious sites.
  • Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for guides (5-10%).

 Quick Facts About Your Destinations

Şanlıurfa (Urfa)

 Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish) – Believed to be where Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire by King Nimrod.
 Rizvaniye Mosque – A beautiful mosque next to Balıklıgöl.
 Visit the Urfa Bazaar, famous for spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

Göbeklitepe

 Recognized as the world’s first temple, predating Stonehenge by 7,000 years.
 A UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive stone pillars and ancient carvings.
 Perfect for history lovers and archaeology enthusiasts.

Mardin

 Mardin Old Town – A mesmerizing hillside city with traditional stone houses.
 Deyrulzafaran Monastery – A historic Syriac Orthodox monastery over 1,600 years old.
 Zinciriye Medrese – Offers stunning panoramic views of the Mesopotamian plains.


Why Take This Tour?

Explore the birthplace of civilization – Göbeklitepe’s history dates back over 12,000 years!
Witness stunning architecture and cultural heritage in Mardin’s stone-built old town.
Perfect mix of history, spirituality, and local traditions, making it a unique travel experience.


This 3-Day Ancient Wonders Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the oldest and most fascinating sites in Turkey! ?✨

Excluded

Domestic flight tickets 

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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