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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.
Highlights
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.
Professional English-speaking guide
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Meals as per itinerary
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Airport transfers as
per itinerary
Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned,
non-smoking coach
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
Availability
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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