3-Day Mesopotamian Journey: Gobeklitepe, Urfa, and Mardin
Highlights
- Göbeklitepe – Cradle of Civilization: Marvel at the enigmatic stone circles and intricate carvings of Göbeklitepe, the world's oldest known temple, and delve into the mysteries of prehistoric spirituality
- Urfa – The City of Prophets: Immerse yourself in the rich religious heritage of Urfa by visiting sacred sites such as the Pool of Abraham, ancient mosques, and vibrant bazaars that echo centuries of tradition
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from insightful commentary by local experts who will bring the legends, historical events, and cultural narratives of these remarkable sites to life.
Overview
Embark on a transformative 3-day, 2-night journey through the heart of southeastern Turkey with our Göbeklitepe - Urfa - Mardin Tour. This immersive expedition invites you to explore the origins of human civilization at Göbeklitepe, wander through the ancient streets and sacred sites of Urfa—the city of prophets—and experience the unique cultural mosaic of Mardin, where history is etched into every stone. Designed for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to step back in time and witness the legacies that have shaped our world.
Route
The interactive map couldn’t be loaded.
View the route on Google MapsItinerary
(Lunch, and Dinner included)
Arrive at GAP Urfa Airport with an early morning flight. Our guide will meet you at the exit, and 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 see in Urfa are the Sipahi Bazaar, Haci Kamil Han, Hüseyiniye Bazaar, Naccar Bazaar, Tarihi Gümrük Inn and Ulucami (Grand Mosque).
Before going to Gobeklitepe, visit the Urfa Archeology Museum and the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, where many historical artefacts from Anatolian civilizations are exhibited in an indoor area of 29,000 square meters.
We will have lunch at a local restaurant and visit Gobeklitepe, 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 Gobeklitepe 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.
Arrive at the hotel and check in at the end of the tour. 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)
We Continue for Mount Nemrut and lunch break in a local Restaurant on the road.
B.C. Visit the ancient city of Arsemia, founded as the summer capital of the Commagene kingdom at the beginning of the 2nd century.
We will see the Karakus Tumulus and Cendere Bridge on the way to the top by minibus (Big buses and minibuses are not allowed to go up the hill.) Mount Nemrut is where the tumulus of the Commagene King Antiochus I and giant God statues are located. This place will be one of the highlights of the entire trip. With our guide's narration, we will admire the region's history. After some climbing, we will see the Zeus, Apollon, Heracles, Antiochhos, Commagene, Eagle, and Lion sculptures on the eastern terrace of the Nemrut summit. The tumulus of the Commagene King Antiochus I is at the top. We will see the altars and sculptures on the western terrace as well. It is impossible not to be impressed by the magnificent view and the beauty of the colossal statues at the top of Mount Nemrut. Watching the glorious sunset in a mystical atmosphere among the statues of God.
Be the guest of the mythological Gods and enjoy the fascinating view of Mount Nemrut.
The end of the Mount Nemrut tour. Arrival and overnight in Adiyaman.
(Breakfast,and Lunch included)
After breakfast, visit the Ancient City of Perre. Perre, 5 km far-away from Adiyaman. Perre was a strategic city where the commercial routes of the merchants established during the Kingdom of Commagene met. It lived its comfortable and brightest period during the Roman period. M.S. It is a crucial city for Christianity, as there were essential bishops in the 4th century.
Continue Gaziantep visit the second largest mosaic museum in the world, Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where the mosaics unearthed in the ancient city of Zeugma on the Euphrates, the world-famous Gypsy Girl mosaic, and the statue of the god of war, Ares, are exhibited. The Sassanid destroyed the ancient city of Zeugma on the Euphrates, which lived its heyday around 256 AD during the Roman period.
Lunch break in a traditional local restaurant. Test delicious Baklava of Gaziantep.
The other historical places we will visit in Gaziantep are the Antep Castle, Zincirli Bedesten, the old Coppersmiths' Bazaar, Gümrük Han, and the oldest coffee house in the region, Tahmis Kahvehanesi, where we’ll give a coffee break. You may shop in the meantime; we recommend trying the delicious Antep favourite, Baklava with pistachio filling. At the end of our Gaziantep tour, you’ll be transferred to Gaziantep Airport. Gaziantep Airport Transfer is private
Trip includes
Included
1 nights of accommodation Sanliurfa - Nevali Hotel 5*
1 nights of accommodation Adiyman - Ramada Adiyaman Hotel
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
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," rich in religious and historical significance.
Göbeklitepe: The world’s oldest known temple, dating back over 12,000 years.
Mardin: A breathtaking ancient city known for its unique stone architecture and cultural heritage.
✅ Important Travel Tips Before You Go
✔ Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather.
Summers can be extremely hot, especially in Göbeklitepe and Urfa.
✔ Packing Essentials:
Light, breathable clothing for daytime; a jacket for cooler evenings.
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces in Göbeklitepe and Mardin’s old town.
Modest attire for visits to mosques and religious sites.
✔ Local Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are accepted, but cash is useful in bazaars and local shops.
✔ Language: Turkish and Arabic are widely spoken. English is understood in major tourist areas.
✔ Must-Try Foods:
Urfa: Ciğer Kebabı (liver kebab), Lahmacun, Şıllık Tatlısı (a local dessert).
Mardin: Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), Harire (a traditional dessert), 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%).
Highlights of Your Destinations
Şanlıurfa (Urfa)
Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish): A legendary site where Prophet Abraham was saved from the fire.
Rizvaniye Mosque: A stunning mosque adjacent to Balıklıgöl.
Urfa Bazaar: A lively market offering spices, textiles, and traditional handicrafts.
Göbeklitepe
The oldest known temple complex in the world, built around 9600 BCE.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with intricately carved stone pillars.
A must-visit for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
Mardin
Mardin Old Town: A mesmerizing hillside city with historic limestone buildings.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery: A Syriac Orthodox monastery over 1,600 years old.
Zinciriye Medrese: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mesopotamian plains.
Why Take This Tour?
✅ Step back in time to the origins of civilization at Göbeklitepe.
✅ Explore diverse cultures and ancient architecture in Urfa and Mardin.
✅ A unique blend of history, spirituality, and Mesopotamian heritage.
This 3-Day Mesopotamian Journey is a must-do experience for history lovers, cultural explorers, and adventure seekers! ?✨
Excluded
Domestic flight tickets
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses
Guide & driver tips
Türkiye entry visa
Alcoholic drinks & beverages
Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions
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.
We're ready to help.
Availability
Now, just deposit 25% of the total
Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before departure.
No scheduled departures for the selected month — try another month or send an enquiry.
Online availability isn't published for this tour. Please send us an enquiry and we'll help you book.
Upcoming departures
-
Starts→EndsTotal
What our travelers say
Real, verified reviews from travelers who explored Turkey with us — straight from Tripadvisor.
“We had an incredible experience on the 14-day ANZAC Gallipoli and Türkiye tour. The real highlight was our guide, Mert — outstanding from start to finish.”
“The Travelshop team made our trip to Istanbul truly unforgettable. Everyone was extremely professional, from the first message to the last day.”
“Our recent tour of Türkiye was an unforgettable experience, made truly exceptional by our highly knowledgeable and personable guide, Ash.”
“Mrs. Derya Buyukgol stepped up with extraordinary commitment and professionalism, securing full refunds across all our services. Truly grateful.”
Reviews are sourced from our verified Tripadvisor profile.
Similar Tours & Activities
Hand-picked trips in the same category — more unforgettable ways to explore.