Flight From Istanbul to Sanliurfa

Sanliurfa - Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Istanbul at 04:30 and transported to the airport. The flight is scheduled to depart at 06:40, arriving at Şanlıurfa airport around 08:40. A staff member will be waiting at the exit to greet you. From the airport, you will be taken to Göbekli Tepe.

Potbelly Hill - Gobekli Tepe is one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. Dating back 12,000 years, it predates the invention of writing or pottery and is considered the oldest known ritual complex. This fascinating site is reshaping archaeologists’ understanding of early human history, so don’t miss the chance to visit.

Sanliurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum - Enjoy a delicious kebab lunch before starting your exploration of Sanliurfa. The city has been inhabited since the time of the Babylonians, followed by the Hurrites, Hittites, Assyrians, and Greeks. Visit the Urfa Archaeological Museum and Aleppo Bahce Mosaic Museum, which house extensive collections from the Harran and Gobeklitepe areas. Then, stroll through Sanliurfa’s local covered bazaar and explore the town to uncover its many hidden gems.

Balikligol - Visit Abraham’s cave, the birthplace of the prophet Abraham, and the Pool of Prophet Abraham, believed to be where Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire by Nimrod.

Continue Visit Sanliurfa and Return to Istanbul

KIzIlkoyun Nekropolu - The Kızılkoyun Caves, a historical and cultural treasure of Şanlıurfa, offer an unforgettable experience. The area dates back approximately 2,000 years to the Roman and Byzantine periods. The rock tombs, used during the Edessa Kingdom, housed royal family members. The Kızılkoyun Necropolis contains two Roman Era statues and a limestone sarcophagus within the rock tombs. Studies have uncovered 1.85-meter-tall statues from the 3rd-4th century A.D. Roman Era soldier statues from the 11th century are displayed on a single-piece base, depicted in oriental attire and adorned with military gear.

The construction method and style are similar, using limestone, the region’s characteristic stone. Kızılkoyun Caves have recently become a popular attraction, drawing many visitors.

Harran Kalesi - Harran Castle, located southeast of the city, consists of the “Inner Castle” and “Lower Wall.” The Inner Castle, built adjacent to the city wall, features a rectangular plan with dodecagonal towers at its corners. Measuring 90 by 130 meters, the castle has three floors and includes a Sabian temple. The palace, constructed by Umayyad Caliph II. Mervan with 10 million dirhams of gold, shaped the castle’s current form. Researchers suggest the castle contained 50 corridors and 150 rooms. The city walls, forming the circular “outer castle,” are 4 kilometers long and 5 meters high. The castle’s towers range from 15-17 meters in height. The castle has six gates: Aleppo, Raqqa, Aslanli, Mosul, Baghdad, and Anatolia, with only the Aleppo Gate remaining today.

Harran Culture House - This area is identified as the location of Hârân mentioned in the Torah. Islamic histories link the site to Mother-in-Law, a grandchild of Prophet Noah, or to Aran (Haran), Prophet Abraham’s brother. According to 13th-century historian Ibn Shaddad, Prophet Abraham lived here before moving to Palestine. Harran is called “the city of Prophet Abraham” due to the house of Prophet Abraham, a mosque named after him, and a stone used where he lived. Harran’s history is based on archaeological findings. The name Harran appears in cuneiform tablets from the 2nd millennium BC as “Har-rana” or “Ha-ra-na.” The Ebla tablets from Northern Syria also mention Harran as “Ha-ra-na.” Harran is situated at the crossroads of major trade routes from Northern Mesopotamia extending west and northwest.

Sanliurfa - After the final stop of the tour, transportation will be provided to Sanliurfa airport. The return flight to Istanbul is at 20:30. Upon arrival in Istanbul, a staff member will meet you at the airport and escort you back to your hotel. This concludes the tour. Şanlıurfa holds significant historical importance and boasts numerous historical sites. Efforts were made to include diverse destinations in this tour, ensuring a satisfying experience.

• Entry/Admission - Sanliurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum
• Domestic Roundtrip Flights (if option is selected)
• Museum Tickets
• Entry/Admission - Göbekli Tepe
• Lunch
• Entry/Admission - Kızılkoyun Roman Cemetery
• Entry/Admission - Balikligol
• Breakfast
• English Tour Guide
• Entry/Admission - Harran Cultural Houses
• Entry/Admission - Harran Castle
• All Airport Transfers (if option is selected)

• Dinner
• Personel Expenses

Şanlıurfa, known as the city of prophets, is a very old region that has hosted many civilizations throughout its history. Departing from Istanbul, you will explore most of the important regions with your guide on your 2-day tour. Our professional guide will enlighten you on everything you are curious about. Learn from your own guide to safely explore the culture, mythology and religious traditions of the region. Get ready to take a little journey into the past.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.