Gobeklitepe Day Tour from Istanbul

Morning: Flight to Sanliurfa & Gobeklitepe You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul early in the morning, around 4:00 am, and transferred to the airport for your flight to Sanliurfa (approximate departure at 7:35 am). Upon your arrival at Sanliurfa GAP Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional tour guide and driven directly to the archaeological marvel of Göbeklitepe. Here, you will explore the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Age (9600–7300 BC), featuring massive T-shaped pillars adorned with ancient animal carvings that revolutionized our understanding of early human history.

Mid-Day: Museums & History Next, you will visit the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, the largest of its kind in Turkey, where you can see thousands of artifacts including the famous “Urfa Man,” the oldest life-sized human statue ever discovered. Just adjacent to the main museum, you will tour the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum to admire intricate Roman-era mosaics, specifically the renowned Amazon Warrior Queens.

Afternoon: Sacred Pool & Bazaars After a break for a delicious local lunch, you will visit the sacred Pool of Abraham (Balıklıgöl), a site steeped in legend where it is believed Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, which miraculously turned into water. Your final stop will be Haşimiye Square, the bustling cultural heart of the city, where you can explore traditional stone-arched bazaars and shop for local copper crafts and spices.

Evening: Return to Istanbul At the end of the tour, around 5:00 pm, you will be transferred back to the airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred back to your hotel.