Şanlıurfa Region Tour: Rumkale, Halfeti & Bald Ibis Sanctuary

🏺 Discover the Hidden Gems of Sanliurfa
This tour takes you through some of the most remarkable historical and natural wonders in the Sanliurfa region. Explore the ancient fortress of Rumkale, the partially submerged town of Halfeti, and visit a bird sanctuary where the endangered Bald Ibis population has been revived through conservation efforts.

Tour Highlights

🏰 Rumkale – The Fortress on the Euphrates
Visit the majestic ruins of Rumkale, an ancient fortress perched high above the Euphrates River.
Learn about its strategic importance through the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods.
Enjoy stunning panoramic views over the turquoise waters surrounding the fortress.

🏘️ Halfeti – The Sunken City
Explore Halfeti, a town partially submerged beneath the Euphrates River following the construction of the Birecik Dam.
See the famous submerged mosque, where only the minaret rises above the water, creating an eerie and beautiful scene.
Take an optional boat tour to experience this unique sunken village from the water.

🦢 Bald Ibis Sanctuary (Kelaynak Sanctuary)
Visit the Bald Ibis Conservation Center in Birecik, dedicated to saving one of the world’s rarest bird species.
Learn about the efforts to revive the Bald Ibis population, once on the brink of extinction.
Observe these elegant birds in their protected habitat, a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.

End of Tour & Drop-Off
🚐 After a day of historical exploration and wildlife encounters, we will return to Sanliurfa, where your tour concludes.
💬 Interested in more tours? We’re happy to assist with additional travel arrangements in Turkey!

Tour Inclusions
✔️ Hotel pick-up & drop-off
✔️ Professional guide service
✔️ All entrance fees
✔️ Round-trip transportation
📜 Embark on a journey through history, culture, and conservation with this unforgettable Şanlıurfa region tour!

Day 1 :

🏘️ Halfeti & Rumkale Tour

🦢 Explore Ancient Towns, Historic Fortresses & A Rare Bird Sanctuary
This tour takes you through the Sanliurfa region’s hidden gems, starting with a visit to the Bald Ibis Sanctuary, followed by the partially submerged town of Halfeti, and concluding with a scenic boat tour to Rumkale, a fortress steeped in history.

Tour Itinerary

🦢 Bald Ibis Sanctuary – A Conservation Success Story
Your tour begins at the Bald Ibis Sanctuary, where you will learn about the efforts to revive the Bald Ibis population, once on the brink of extinction. Thanks to dedicated conservation work, the number of breeding pairs has grown to over 100, giving these ancient birds a chance to thrive once again.

🏘️ Halfeti – The Sunken City
Next, we travel to Halfeti, a charming town with an ancient air, partially submerged by the Birecik Dam.
From the harbor, you can take in the surreal sight of a town piercing the surface of the water.
Many visitors opt for an optional boat tour, offering a closer look at the submerged buildings and the mosque’s iconic minaret, rising above the water.

🍽️ Traditional Turkish Lunch
Enjoy a delicious Turkish meal, prepared with regional flavors, while taking in the stunning scenery.

⛵ Boat Tour to Rumkale
In the afternoon, we depart on a boat cruise toward Rumkale, offering breathtaking views of the ancient fortress city of Hromla, now surrounded by the dam’s waters.

🏰 Rumkale – The Sacred Fortress
Originally a strategic stronghold for the Assyrians, Rumkale later became a sacred site, where copies of the New Testament were hidden within its fortress walls.
Visit the nearby Church of Saint Nerses, dedicated to the Armenian patriarch who served in the 12th century.
Discover the mystical and historical significance of this ancient castle city, which has fascinated visitors for centuries.

🚐 Return to Sanliurfa
After an unforgettable day of wildlife, history, and stunning landscapes, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Sanliurfa.

Tour Inclusions
✔️ Hotel pick-up & drop-off
✔️ Professional guide service
✔️ All entrance fees
✔️ Boat tour to Rumkale
✔️ Traditional lunch
✔️ Round-trip transportation
📜 Experience a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture with this unforgettable tour through Sanliurfa’s hidden treasures!