Ancient Beginnings: Gaziantep to Urfa & Gobeklitepe Expedition - 2 Days 1 Night
|2 Days, 2 Destinations |Starts from Gaziantep
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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 transformative 2-day expedition with our "Ancient Beginnings: Gaziantep to Urfa & Göbeklitepe Expedition". This immersive tour offers a rare glimpse into the cradle of civilization, where ancient mysteries meet modern heritage. Journey from the vibrant streets of Gaziantep through the historic and spiritual heart of Urfa, and finally, witness the awe-inspiring megalithic structures of Göbeklitepe—the world’s oldest known temple. Discover how these remarkable sites connect our past to our present and gain insights into the early chapters of human history.

ExplorerPhotographyHistoricalFamilyDiscoveryIn-depth CulturalSolo TravelSightseeing

Route

Starts from

Gaziantep

Ends in

Sanliurfa

Pickup Location

Gaziantep International Airport

Dropoff Location

GAP Sanlıurfa Airport

Tour route map

Highlights

Gaziantep Heritage: Explore the bustling bazaars, savor local delicacies, and visit key cultural landmarks that showcase Gaziantep's rich history. Urfa – The City of Prophets: Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Urfa, renowned for its sacred sites, ancient architecture, and vibrant local traditions Göbeklitepe – Cradle of Civilization: Marvel at the prehistoric megaliths and intricate carvings at Göbeklitepe, a site that challenges our understanding of early human civilization. Historical & Cultural Insights: Benefit from expert guided commentary that unravels the historical significance and mysteries of these ancient sites Scenic Journey: Enjoy the dramatic landscapes and timeless scenery that connect the modern cities to their ancient roots.

Itinerary

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
After arriving at Gaziantep Airport with an early morning flight, our guide will meet you at the exit and we will go to a local restaurant for a rich breakfast consisting of local delicacies.
Our first stop after breakfast will be the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the second-largest mosaic museum in the world, where mosaics, sculptures, and other artifacts from the ancient city of Zeugma (Belkıs) are exhibited. The ancient city of Zeugma on the Euphrates, which lived its heyday around 256 AD during the Roman period, was destroyed by the Sassanid. The other historical places we will visit in Gaziantep are the Antep Castle, Zincirli Bedesten, the old Coppersmiths' Bazaar, the Gümrük Han, and the oldest coffee house in the region Tahmis, where we’ll give a coffee break. You may shop in the meantime; we recommend that you try the Antep favorite, Baklava with pistachio filling. Afterward, we will have a lunch break at a local restaurant serving delicious dishes particular to Antep.
Next, we will go to Halfeti, founded by the Assyrian King Shalmaneser III in 855 BC. This ancient city was ruled by many civilizations throughout its history including Hittites, Assyrians, Meds, Persians, Seleucids, and Parthians. Many parts of ancient Halfeti, the only region in the world where black roses are grown, have been flooded by the Bilecik dam. During our boat trip on the lake, we will see, Rumkale (Roman Castle) which is thought to be the place where the apostle of Jesus, Johannes, reproduced copies of the Bible. The ruins in Rumkale have Late Roman and Medieval characteristics. Rumkale itself presents a magnificent view with the remains of old water cisterns, St. Nerses Church, and Barşavma Monastery.
At the end of our Gaziantep tour, we will go to Urfa. Dinner and accommodation in Şanlıurfa. 

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 And Lunch included)
Today after breakfast, we will 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, Tarihi Gümrük Inn and Ulucami (Grand Mosque). Afterward, we will visit the Urfa Archeology Museum and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, where many historical artifacts from Anatolian civilizations are exhibited in an indoor area of 29,000 square meters.
We will have lunch at a local restaurant and visit Göbeklitepe, located in the Taş Tepeler region 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 center of the world, as it rewrites history.
During our tour here, our guide will answer the following questions surrounding the region: Who built Göbeklitepe 12,000 years ago and why? Why was Göbeklitepe, the oldest temple in the world, was abandoned and was buried with soil on purpose?
Göbeklitepe provides important data on religious beliefs in hunter-gatherer societies and enlightens us about the religion, religious symbols, technology, and ancient science used by the people at the time. The construction of the temple and the technology used by the primitive society that lived here 12,000 years ago remains unknown.
At the end of our Urfa tour, you’ll be transferred to Urfa Airport.  Şanlıurfa GAP Airport transfer is private. 

Trip includes

Included

1 nights of accommodation Sanliurfa

Şanlıurfa (1)      - Nevali Hotel 5* / El Ruha Hotel 5*

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:
Gaziantep – A historic culinary and cultural hub with impressive museums and ancient sites.
Şanlıurfa (Urfa) – The "City of Prophets," rich in religious and historical significance.
Göbeklitepe – The world's oldest known temple complex, reshaping human history.

Important Travel Tips Before You Go
✔ Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best weather for exploring. Summers are very hot, and winters are mild but can have rain.
✔ What to Pack:
Comfortable walking shoes (some sites have uneven terrain).
Modest clothing (especially for religious sites).
Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for daytime tours.
A camera or smartphone for capturing ancient wonders.
✔ Local Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but having cash for markets and small vendors is recommended.
✔ Language: Turkish is the primary language, but Arabic and Kurdish are also spoken in some areas. Basic English may be understood in tourist locations.
✔ Food & Drinks to Try:
Gaziantep: Baklava, Beyran Soup (spicy lamb broth), Küşleme (grilled lamb).
Şanlıurfa: Urfa Kebab, Çiğ Köfte (spiced raw bulgur), Şıllık Tatlısı (a local dessert).
Local Drinks: Menengiç Coffee (pistachio-based coffee) and Turkish tea.
✔ Cultural Etiquette:
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites.
Always ask for permission before photographing people.
Bargaining is common in bazaars—don't hesitate to negotiate prices.

 Quick Facts About Your Destinations
Gaziantep
* Famous for the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to stunning Roman-era mosaics.
* Explore Gaziantep’s historic bazaars, filled with copperware, textiles, and local delicacies.
* Recognized as Turkey’s culinary capital, offering some of the best traditional dishes in the country.

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 other ancient sites.
*Experience the Urfa Grand Bazaar, one of Turkey’s most authentic shopping experiences.

Göbeklitepe
The oldest known temple complex in the world (built around 9600 BCE).
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, challenging our understanding of early human civilization.
Features massive T-shaped stone pillars with intricate carvings of animals and symbols.

Why Take This Tour?

✅ Perfect for history and archaeology enthusiasts interested in ancient civilizations.

✅ Blend of cultural, religious, and culinary experiences, from sacred sites to world-famous food.

✅ Ideal for photographers and travelers looking to explore unique, less crowded destinations.

This 2-Day Expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the earliest days of civilization!

Excluded

Domestic flight tickets 

Travel Insurance 

  Personal expenses
Guide & driver tips
Türkiye entry visa
Alcoholic drinks & beverages
Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions

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