Istanbul To Gobeklitepe 2 Day

Ancient Pilgrimage Cities of Turkey’s Mystical Southeast
A Journey Through Time, Faith, and Civilization
Embark on a spiritual and historical journey through the ancient pilgrimage cities of Southeastern Turkey, departing from Istanbul or Izmir. This guided tour takes you through some of the oldest and most significant religious and archaeological sites in the world, where history, faith, and legend intertwine.

🏺 Gobekli Tepe – The World’s First Temple
At an astonishing 12,000 years old, Gobekli Tepe predates the invention of writing, pottery, and even agriculture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has revolutionized our understanding of early civilization, proving that humans built places of worship long before they settled into villages.

🔎 Explore:
Intricately carved stone pillars, depicting mystical animals and ancient symbols.
Sacred enclosures, once used for rituals that shaped humanity’s earliest belief systems.
Theories & discoveries that challenge everything we knew about human history.

📍 Sanliurfa Archaeology & Mosaic Museum
To deepen your understanding, visit the Sanliurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of artifacts from Gobekli Tepe and beyond. This museum brings ancient civilizations to life, revealing the artistic, spiritual, and cultural achievements of humanity’s earliest societies.

🕌 Sanliurfa – The City of Prophets
Known as the “City of Prophets,” Sanliurfa holds immense religious significance as the birthplace of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and a sacred destination for pilgrims.

✨ Sacred Highlights:
🐟 Abraham’s Pool (Balıklıgol) – The site where, according to legend, God saved Abraham from a fire, transforming flames into water and burning logs into sacred fish, which still swim here today.
⛰ Cave of Abraham – Believed to be the prophet’s birthplace, now preserved as a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
🛍 Sanliurfa’s Historic Bazaar – Wander through a bustling marketplace, where you can shop for handmade textiles, spices, and traditional crafts while soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

🏛 Harran – A City of Ancient Mysticism
Step into one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, where faith, trade, and scholarship flourished for thousands of years. Mentioned in both the Bible and the Quran, Harran is believed to have been the home of Prophet Abraham and a vital crossroads on the ancient Silk Road.

🏠 Beehive Houses – These ingeniously designed mud-brick homes, built with thick walls and domed roofs, have been used for centuries to withstand the region’s extreme climate.

🏺 Historic Ruins – Once a thriving intellectual center, Harran was home to one of the earliest universities in the world, attracting scholars from across the Middle East.

🔹 Famous Blue Fabrics – Harran has long been known for its vibrantly dyed blue textiles, which hold deep cultural and historical significance.

🌍 A Journey Through Time & Spirituality
This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, prophets, and scholars. Whether you’re drawn by history, archaeology, or faith, exploring Gobekli Tepe, Sanliurfa, and Harran will leave you with a profound sense of connection to the past.

📅 Reserve your journey today and uncover the sacred stories of Turkey’s mystical Southeast!

Day 1 :

🏺 Arrival & Exploration of Sanliurfa and Gobekli Tepe

Arrival & Exploration of Sanliurfa – The City of Prophets

🏨 Hotel Pickup & Flight to Sanliurfa
Your journey into Turkey’s mystical Southeast begins with a hotel pickup in Istanbul or Izmir, followed by a transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Sanliurfa. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide, and your exploration of ancient history and sacred sites begins.

🏺 Gobekli Tepe – The World’s Oldest Temple
Your first stop is the UNESCO-listed Gobekli Tepe, one of the most groundbreaking archaeological discoveries in human history. Dating back over 12,000 years, this mysterious sanctuary predates Stonehenge by 6,000 years and challenges everything we thought we knew about early civilization.

🔎 During your guided tour, you will:
🗿 Walk among intricately carved megalithic pillars erected by prehistoric societies.
🌀 Unravel the mysteries of its purpose—a place of worship built long before permanent settlements existed.
📸 Capture stunning photos of this breathtaking ancient site that is rewriting human history.
Gobekli Tepe is not just a site—it’s a window into the dawn of spirituality and the earliest known religious rituals of humankind.

🏛️ Sanliurfa Archaeology & Mosaic Museum
Returning to Sanliurfa, you will visit Turkey’s largest museum complex—the Sanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum. Here, you will:
🔹 See life-size replicas of Gobekli Tepe’s pillars and uncover their hidden meanings.
🏺 Explore ancient Mesopotamian artifacts from civilizations that once thrived in this region.
🎨 Marvel at intricate mosaics, offering insight into the artistic and cultural richness of the past.
This museum provides a deeper understanding of the historical and spiritual significance of Gobekli Tepe and the broader Mesopotamian world.

🐟 Abraham’s Pool (Balıklıgol) & The Cave of Abraham
Next, you will visit Balıklıgol (Abraham’s Pool), one of the holiest sites in Sanliurfa.
🌊 According to legend, this sacred pool marks the place where God saved Abraham from being burned alive by a jealous king. Instead of perishing, the flames miraculously turned into water, and the burning logs became sacred fish, which still swim in the pool today.
🙏 Nearby, you will visit the Cave of Abraham, believed to be the birthplace of the prophet. This ancient pilgrimage site, revered by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike, has drawn visitors for centuries who come to reflect on the life of one of history’s most influential figures.

🏨 Overnight in Sanliurfa
After a day filled with historical wonders and spiritual discoveries, you will check in to your hotel in Sanliurfa. Take this time to relax, enjoy the city’s warm atmosphere, and reflect on the ancient past you’ve just explored.

Lunch

Day 2 :

🏺 Harran, Sacred Sites & Return to Istanbul/Izmir

Journey to Harran & Mystical Sogmatar

🌅 Morning Pickup & Departure to Harran
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Şanlıurfa, you will be picked up and begin your journey to Harran, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Steeped in biblical, Islamic, and Mesopotamian history, Harran is known as the home of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and was once a thriving Silk Road trading hub and a center of learning and astronomy in ancient Mesopotamia.

🏺 Exploring Ancient Harran
Upon arrival, step into a world where history and tradition remain alive, exploring the city’s most fascinating sites:

🏠 Beehive Houses – Wander through Harran’s iconic mud-brick beehive homes, which have stood for over 3,000 years. Ingeniously designed, these structures stay cool in summer and warm in winter, showcasing ancient architectural brilliance. Capture stunning photos of this unique settlement, a living relic of the past.

🏰 Harran Castle (Harran Kalesi) – Explore the ruins of an ancient fortress, which played a pivotal role in the region’s defense. Once a stronghold for multiple empires, the castle reflects the turbulent history of this strategic city.
🛡️ Ancient City Walls – Walk along the remnants of Harran’s massive fortifications, which protected the city through centuries of rule by the Persians, Romans, Arabs, and Crusaders. Imagine the historical battles and trade caravans that passed through these walls for thousands of years.

🌙 Sogmatar – Sacred Grounds of Ancient Civilizations
Next, venture to Sogmatar, a mystical and remote archaeological site. Believed to be a place where Prophet Moses once stayed, Sogmatar was a sacred worship center for the moon god Sin, dating back to the early Semitic civilizations.

🔮 Discover:
🏺 Ancient temples and inscriptions, carved into rock faces, depicting religious devotion to celestial deities.
🔎 Sacred tombs, where ancient rulers and priests were laid to rest.
📜 A fusion of ancient beliefs, blending Mesopotamian, Aramaic, and early Judeo-Christian influences.

🕌 The Grand Mosque of Harran (Ulu Camii)
Before leaving Harran, visit the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia, built in the 8th century during the Umayyad era.
🛕 Key Highlights:
Admire the remnants of this historic structure, once a major center of worship and scholarship.
Learn about its architectural significance, blending Islamic and Mesopotamian elements.
Reflect on the spiritual and historical significance of Harran as a center of faith, astronomy, and education.

✈️ Afternoon: Return to Şanlıurfa & Flight Back
After a day of profound historical and spiritual exploration, you will return to Şanlıurfa Airport, where you will board your return flight to Istanbul or Izmir.

🌍 End of Tour – A Journey Through Time & Faith
Your pilgrimage through Turkey’s mystical Southeast comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of walking in the footsteps of prophets, scholars, and ancient civilizations.
📌 Looking to continue your journey?
If you’re interested in additional tours, private extensions, or cultural experiences, we would be happy to assist in creating a customized travel experience tailored to your interests.
📅 Reserve your place on this extraordinary journey today!