From Istanbul: Göbeklitepe and Harran Full-Day Tour

Explore the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe and Harran on this captivating full-day tour from Istanbul. Uncover the world’s oldest known temple and the unique beehive-shaped homes of the ancient city, all while enjoying the rich cultural and religious history of these remarkable sites. With roundtrip flights, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees included, this tour offers an exceptional value at just $675.00 per person. Prepare to be amazed as you explore the secrets and stories that have captivated travelers for centuries.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple dating back over 12,000 years, and gain insights into humanity’s early spiritual development.
• Discover the ancient city of Harran, known for its distinctive beehive-shaped homes, vibrant local markets, and well-preserved historical landmarks like the Harran Castle.
• Immerse in the rich cultural and religious history of these ancient sites, uncovering the legacy of Prophet Abraham and the timeless allure of these destinations.
• Enjoy a full-day tour from Istanbul, with an English-speaking guide, transfers, entrance fees, and roundtrip flights included in the $675 per person pricing.
• Benefit from a flexible booking option with the ability to reserve now and pay later, and a cancellation policy allowing a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day tour from Istanbul to Göbeklitepe and Harran is priced from $675.00 per person.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour offers flexible booking, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.

The entire experience lasts 1 day. This tour package includes an English-speaking guide, all transfers, museum and historical site entrance fees, as well as roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Sanlıurfa.

This tour package includes an English-speaking guide, all transfers, museum and historical site entrance fees, and roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Sanlıurfa.

Meals, personal expenses, and lunch are excluded from the price.

Key Highlights and Attractions

The tour highlights the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site of Göbeklitepe, which is renowned as the oldest known temple in the world at 12,000 years old.

Visitors will also explore the ancient city of Harran, known for its distinctive beehive-shaped homes and production of blue fabrics.

The tour includes a visit to the Harran Castle and city walls, as well as the vibrant Sanlıurfa city center, featuring the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, Balıklı Lake, and various historic markets and bazaars.

Guests will explore the rich cultural and religious history of these remarkable destinations.

Exploring Göbeklitepe: The Oldest Known Temple

Göbeklitepe stands as a remarkable testament to humanity’s ingenuity and spiritual evolution. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back over 12,000 years, is the oldest known temple in the world. Its gigantic carved stone pillars, weighing up to 20 tons each, hint at the advanced engineering and communal organization of its builders.

| Göbeklitepe’s Significance | |

| — | — |

| Oldest known temple | 12,000 years old |

| Monumental architecture | Massive carved stone pillars |

| Evidence of early religion | Complex symbolic designs |

| Predates written history | Sheds light on hunter-gatherer societies |

Exploring Göbeklitepe is a unique window into the dawn of human civilization, where the seeds of spirituality, social organization, and technological prowess were first sown.

Discovering the Ancient City of Harran

Harran, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, beckons travelers with its millennia-old history and captivating architecture.

Harran, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, beckons travelers with its millennia-old history and captivating architecture.

Known as the birthplace of Prophet Abraham, Harran is renowned for its distinctive beehive-shaped mud brick houses, a testament to the region’s ancient building traditions.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved Harran Castle, stroll along the ancient city walls, and enjoy the vibrant local markets, where artisans showcase their crafts.

From the iconic blue-dyed fabrics to the rich culinary heritage, Harran offers a window into a bygone era, captivating visitors with its timeless allure.

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Sanlıurfa City Center: A Cultural Treasure Trove

While Göbeklitepe and Harran capture the ancient allure of this region, Sanlıurfa’s city center stands as a vibrant cultural treasure trove. Visitors can explore the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, the Ayn Zelihan Balıklı Lake, and the Rizvaniye Mosque. The cave of Prophet Abraham, the Sipahi Bazaar, and the Kitchen Museum offer glimpses into the city’s rich history. Wandering through the Kazzaz market, Hacı Kamil Han, Hüseyiniye Bazaar, Naccar Bazaar, and the Historical Customs Inn further immerses one in Sanlıurfa’s captivating cultural tapestry.

| Landmark | Description |

| — | — |

| Halil-ür Rahman Mosque | A historic mosque known for its striking architecture |

| Ayn Zelihan Balıklı Lake | A sacred site with legendary carp fish |

| Rizvaniye Mosque | A beautiful example of Ottoman-era mosque design |

Transportation and Itinerary

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Istanbul, followed by a transfer to the airport for a flight to Sanlıurfa.

Once you arrive, you’ll meet your guide and head to the ancient site of Göbeklitepe. After exploring this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll continue to the historic city of Harran, known for its distinctive beehive-shaped homes.

The day then leads you back to Sanlıurfa’s city center, where you’ll visit key landmarks like the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque and Balıklı Lake.

Finally, you’ll transfer back to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, all necessary transfers, entrance fees to museums and historical sites, as well as the flight tickets from Istanbul to Sanlıurfa and back.

However, the tour doesn’t cover personal expenses, meals beyond what’s specified, dinner, and lunch. Guests are responsible for their own meals unless otherwise included.

The tour package is designed to provide a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the rich cultural and historical attractions without the hassle of logistics.

Designed to provide a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore cultural and historical attractions without logistical hassle.

This ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey from Istanbul to the ancient sites of Göbeklitepe and Harran.

Customer Testimonials and Ratings

Travelers have awarded this full-day tour from Istanbul to Göbeklitepe and Harran an impressive 5/5 rating based on 4 reviews.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable tour guides who bring the rich history and culture of these ancient sites to life. Highlights include the flexibility of the itinerary, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the unique architecture and gastronomy of the region.

Travelers describe the tour as a well-organized and unforgettable experience, providing a deep appreciation for Göbeklitepe’s significance as the oldest known temple and Harran’s status as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour, but visitors are advised to dress comfortably and wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sightseeing activities. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, any personal expenses, including meals, are not included in the tour price unless specified. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it includes visits to historical sites and cultural attractions that can be engaging for families. Flexible booking options allow for customization to accommodate children’s needs.

Are There Any Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific fitness requirements for this tour. The itinerary involves walking around historical sites, which can be manageable for most visitors. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some moderate physical activity throughout the day.

Can I Customize the Itinerary for the Tour?

The tour allows for some flexibility in the itinerary, so customers can customize their experience. They can discuss any preferences or special interests with the tour provider to personalize the day’s activities.

The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating journey through the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe and Harran, where you’ll uncover the rich cultural and religious history of these sites. Priced at $675.00 per person, this full-day tour from Istanbul offers an immersive experience, with roundtrip flights, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees included. Discover the world’s oldest known temple and the ancient city famed for its unique beehive-shaped homes, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable destinations.

You can check availability for your dates here: