4-Day Şanlıurfa Heritage Tour with Göbeklitepe and Harran

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Harran, one of the world's oldest cities
• 02 Visit the ancient pagan site of Sogmatar
• 03 Go to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göbeklitepe
• 04 Admire the mosaic floor at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum
• 05 Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Urfa night programme
• 06 See Balıklıgöl, a sacred pool in Şanlıurfa

Embark on a journey to Şanlıurfa, often known as Urfa or Al-Ruha, the "Prophets City," a name that reflects the region's deep religious significance in Turkey. Visit the sacred Muslim sites of the Grand Mosque in Harran and Balıklıgöl, and gain historical insight at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göbeklitepe. Admire the mosaics at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, experience the atmosphere of one of the world's oldest cities in Harran, and enjoy a traditional Urfa night.

Meet the guide, who will pick you up from the hotel, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple in the world, predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Birecik, Şanlıurfa, Harran

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Şanlıurfa

• Arrive at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

2

Day 02

Explore Harran and Sogmatar

• Meet the guide, who will pick you up from your hotel, and visit Harran, one of the world's oldest cities, the home of the Prophet Abraham/Ibrahim, and later an important stop on the Silk Road.
• Wander around and photograph the "beehive houses," which have survived for over 3,000 years despite being built only from mud.
• Visit Harran Castle and explore the city walls. After leaving the castle, you will visit the ancient pagan site of Sogmatar, a civilisation that welcomed the Prophet Moses while maintaining its way of life. The Grand Mosque offers a fascinating look at the oldest mosque in the region.
• Return to Şanlıurfa and transfer to your hotel.

3

Day 03

Visit Göbeklitepe and Balıklıgöl

• Meet the guide, who will pick you up from the hotel, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple in the world, predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years. After Göbeklitepe, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.
• Visit the Archaeology Museum and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in the afternoon.
• Stop at Balıklıgöl, which is believed to be holy by Muslims.
• Attend the traditional Urfa night programme with dinner and local music, called "Sıra Gecesi."
• End the day and transfer to the hotel.

4

Day 04

Halfeti and Departure

• Have breakfast and depart for Halfeti, which was left under the waters of the Birecik Dam and is known for its famous Black Rose.
• Take a boat tour and then have lunch.
• Transfer to Şanlıurfa Airport.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Professional guide
• 3 nights' accommodation in a boutique hotel
• Transfer from/to the airport
• Entrance fees for museums and historic sites
• Private car for all sightseeing
• 2 lunches during the tour

What's Not Included

• Personal expenses
• Hotel expenses
• Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
• All beverages
• Optional traditional Urfa night programme with dinner (Sıra Gecesi)

What to bring

• Comfortable clothes suitable for the season and weather conditions

Know before you go

• Şanlıurfa is a city with 561,465 inhabitants in south-eastern Turkey. It is a region that has been prominent across different religions and histories, and the area is said to be the birthplace of Abraham, known as the Prophet Ibrahim. The cities in Şanlıurfa are considered some of the oldest and have played important roles on the Silk Road and in ancient Mesopotamia.
• Harran is one of the world's oldest cities and was the home of the Prophet Abraham/Ibrahim, as referenced several times in the Bible. Later, it became an important stop on the Silk Road, and Harran has been an important centre since Mesopotamian times. Due to the hot climate, the city has become known for its "beehive homes," which have high domed roofs and thick walls built from mud, specially designed to keep the interiors cool. Harran is also well known for its blue fabrics. Explore the mystical secrets of this ancient city with Alaturka.
• Please note that there will be extra costs for guides in languages other than English. Get in touch to know more.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Şanlıurfa Gap Havalimanı, Merkez/Şanlıurfa, Turkey

Tour start

Merkez/Şanlıurfa, Turkey

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.