
-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 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.
Highlights
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*
✔ Professional English-speaking guide
Guiding Method
Fully guided
✔ Meals as per itinerary




✔ 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:
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
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.