Welcome to Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa (the Prophets' City; also known as Urfa), is a pilgrimage town and spiritual centre. This is where the prophets Job and Abraham left their marks, and the Dergah complex of mosques and the holy Gölbaşı area is imbued with a compelling atmosphere redolent of the Middle East.
Top experiences in Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa activities
14 Days Small Group Tour of Eastern Turkey
Day 01: Cappadocia Arrival (B)Fly to Cappadocia and transfer to hotel (not included). Overnight in Cappadocia.Day 02: Cappadocia (B L)After breakfast pick up from your hotel. You will visit Devrent Imagination Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum, Pasabaglari, Avanos, Uchisar Rock-Castle, Esentepe and Goreme Open Air Museum. Overnight in Cappadocia.Day 03: Cappadocia (B L)Kaymakli Underground City, Soganli Valley, Sobesos, Keslik Monastery and Mustafapasa. Overnight in Cappadocia. Day 04: Cappadocia - Gaziantep (B)After breakfast, depart for Gaziantep. Enjoy lunch at Maras. Visit Mosaic Museum then the old city castle and copper bazaar. Overnight in Gaziantep.Day 05: Gaziantep - Sanliurfa (B) Drive to Sanliurfa. Visit Urfa Archaeological Museum and holy sites at the Ainzelha Lake, prophet Abraham's birthplace and local covered bazaar. Overnight stay in Urfa.Day 06: Sanliurfa – Mt. Nemrut (B)Visit Harran and see beehive houses. Drive to Kahta. On the way, visit Gobeklitepe Temple. In the afternoon hike to Mt. Nemrut (UNESCO site), watch the sunset. Visit the old castle Arsemeia, Cendere Bridge and Tumulus Tomb of Karakus. Overnight in Adiyaman.Day 07: Adiyaman - Mardin (B)Departure to Mardin. Visit this old, historical city. Take in fantastic views of the Plain of Mesopotamia. Visit Forty Martyrs Church, Zinciriye Madrasah, Monastery of Deyr-az-Zaferan. Walk in its busy streets and bazaars, and admire the stonework all around the town. Overnight in Mardin.Day 08: Mardin - Tatvan (B)Drive to Hasankeyf, with stop at the beautiful little town of Midyat to see the Monastery and ancient houses. Then, depart to Tatvan, a small village by the Lake Van. Overnight in Tatvan.Day 09: Tatvan - Van (B)Drive to Van. Take a ferry across the lake to visit the finest Armenian architectural wonder of the Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island. Step over to the huge Van Castle. Overnight in Van.Day 10: Van - Dogubeyazit (B)Drive to Dogubeyazit. We will visit Muradiye Waterfalls, we will also see Mt. Ararat from all sides, the IshakPasa Palace. Overnight in Kars.Day 11: Kars (B) Drive to the medieval Armenian City of Ani. Also visit the impressive Kars Castle and Holy Apostles Church. Overnight in Kars.Day 12: Kars - Erzurum (B)Drive to Erzurum. Visit the 12th century Medrese (a Seljukian School), an old market place where the local black stone is mounted. Overnight in Erzurum.Day 13: Erzurum - Trabzon (B)Drive to Trabzon. On the way we will visit Karaca Cave. A short hike through the forest, visit the Sumela Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Virgin Mary. Overnight stay in Trabzon.Day 14:Trabzon–Istanbul (B)Visit the city of Trabzon and Hagia Sofia Church. After city tour transfer to Trabzon Airport and fly back home.
Gobeklitepe Tour from Istanbul
Early morning pick up at your hotel and transfer to airport for flight 2 hours to Sanliurfa, formerly known as Edessa. Edessa was always known as one of the most important holy places of the world. We will travel to the on-going archaeological dig at Göbekli Tepe. Although this site is not so widely known it is one of the most important archaeological digs currently being undertaken anywhere in the world – this site represents a major shift in our understanding of man’s cultural evolution. The discovery of Gobekli Tepe is strong evidence that changed the entire known history of advanced civilizations. Upon arrival at the airport in Sanliurfa, you will meet your guide that will lead to Gobekli Tepe to visit the site.You’ll be surprised how people built this structure 10,000 years BC using stone tools. After walking at the site of the excavation, Drive back to Şanlıurfa. Visit the Şanlıurfa Archeological and Mosaic Museum, which is the largest museum complex in Turkey. Then onto the Pools of Abraham and the Cave where local tradition says the Prophet Abraham was born. Then after , we will be taken back to for lunch at a local restaurant where you can taste the delicious flavors of southeast Turkey. You can also enjoy shopping in the local market.After the tour and time, transfer to Sanliurfa airport to take flight back to Istanbul where one of our representatives will be waiting to transfer to the hotel in Istanbul.
Full-Day Gobekli Tepe and Pools of Abraham Tour from Sanlıurfa
Upon your arrival in Şanlıurfa, you will be met by your guide. Regarding the number of people we will use car or a minivan to travel. On this tour you will be accompanied by a professional guide. Guide/driver and all road transport in fully A/C, all museum/site entry is inlcuded on the tour. Flights, visas, beverages, personal expenses,meals are not included on this service We will travel to the ongoing archaeological dig at Göbekli Tepe. Although this site is not widely known it is one of the most important archaeological excavations currently being undertaken anywhere – this site represents a significant shift in our understanding of man’s cultural evolution.
Eastern Turkey Adventure
Spectacular mosques, rustic Armenian churches and towering stone castles reward those willing to get off the beaten path. From ancient mud brick cities to exotic bazaars and the mysterious fallen stone heads at Nemrut Dagi, this 8-day trip is Turkey at its most fascinating. Travel to the land beneath the snow-capped peak of Mt Ararat, the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark and immerse yourself in the magnificent sights and legendary hospitality of the people in this lesser-known, and lesser-travelled, region of Turkey.
Ultimate Turkey
Combining the best of western and eastern Turkey, this comprehensive adventure offers a sweeping view of this fascinating country. From the architectural highlights of Istanbul's long history, make your way east for a glimpse of Turkey’s less travelled and more traditional side. Explore exotic covered bazaars and mud brick cities, and experience life in a place where time seems to stand still. From its incredible Mediterranean beaches to the unreal fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and giant stone heads of Nemrut Dagi—uncover all that Turkey has to offer.