Istanbul: Gobeklitepe and Harran Day Trip

Discover the wonders of Turkey’s ancient past on this captivating day trip from Istanbul. Explore the remarkable Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple, and uncover the unique architectural marvels of Harran, an ancient city steeped in history. With a knowledgeable local guide by your side, you’ll explore the intriguing stories and significant archaeological findings that have shaped our understanding of human civilization. This seamless excursion promises an unforgettable journey through some of Turkey’s most significant historical treasures, leaving you eager to uncover more of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Key Points

• A private day trip from Istanbul to visit the UNESCO-listed Gobeklitepe, the world’s oldest temple, and the ancient city of Harran, known for its unique beehive-shaped houses.
• The tour includes round-trip domestic flights, private transfers, a local guide, and entrance fees to the historical sites, with the option to customize the experience.
• Visitors can explore the colossal limestone pillars of Gobeklitepe, gain insights into early human civilization, and visit Abraham’s Cave in Harran.
• The tour is highly rated by customers, who praised the knowledgeable guide and smooth logistics, with a flexible booking process and free cancellation policy.
• The tour package starts at 1,503 Turkish Lira per person and can be booked online with the required details, including the number of participants and travel date.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private day trip from Istanbul allows travelers to explore the ancient wonders of Gobekli Tepe and Harran.

Priced from 1,503 Turkish Lira per person, the tour lasts 7 hours to 1 day. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the experience includes a domestic flight, private transfers, and a professional local guide.

Visitors will see the UNESCO-listed Gobekli Tepe, the world’s oldest temple, and discover Edessa’s holy sites.

They’ll also explore the ancient city of Harran and visit Abraham’s Cave.

Entrance fees and air-conditioned transportation are covered, though meals and personal expenses aren’t included.

Itinerary Details

The Istanbul day trip begins with a flight from the city to Sanliurfa.

From there, visitors will explore the UNESCO-listed Gobekli Tepe, the world’s oldest temple with its monolithic pillars and dry stone walls.

The tour then moves on to Edessa, an important holy site, before visiting:

• Abraham’s Cave
• The ancient city of Harran
• The Sanliurfa Museum

The return flight to Istanbul includes airport transfers, providing a seamless and convenient end to the day’s discoveries.

Throughout the journey, a professional licensed local guide ensures a rich and informative experience.

Pricing and Inclusions

For the Istanbul day trip, the price starts from ₺1,503 per person.

The tour includes round-trip domestic flight tickets and private airport transfers in Istanbul and Sanliurfa, if selected.

Travelers will also have access to an air-conditioned vehicle for the visits to Göbeklitepe and Harran, as well as a professional licensed local guide.

Entrance fees for the historical sites are covered in the package.

However, meals and personal expenses aren’t included.

Guests can reserve their spots now and pay later, and they’ll need to provide their hotel or Airbnb address during booking.

Booking Information

Booking the Istanbul day trip is a straightforward process. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, which provides flexibility.

When booking, guests will need to provide their hotel or Airbnb address. The booking form also requires selecting the number of participants and the desired date. This ensures the tour is tailored to individual needs.

The tour operator offers convenient features, such as:

• Round-trip domestic flight tickets, if selected
• Private airport transfers in Istanbul and Sanliurfa, if selected
• A professional licensed local guide to lead the experience

With these options, travelers can customize their Istanbul day trip to fit their preferences and budget.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback for this Istanbul day trip, rating it 5 out of 5 stars based on a single review.

The reviewer praised the competence and adaptability of the guide, Ibrahim, who led them through the UNESCO-listed Göbeklitepe, the ancient city of Harran, and the Şanlıurfa Museum.

Visitors appreciated the opportunity to explore these historical sites, including the world’s oldest temple at Göbeklitepe and the unique beehive-shaped houses of Harran.

The smooth logistics, from the round-trip domestic flights to the private airport transfers, also contributed to the overall positive experience.

With free cancellation and the ability to book now and pay later, this day trip offers a convenient and memorable way to discover the wonders of southeastern Turkey.

Visiting Göbeklitepe

The day trip’s highlight is undoubtedly the visit to Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple, located near the city of Şanlıurfa.

This archaeological site, dating back over 11,000 years, features massive T-shaped limestone pillars arranged in a circular pattern.

Visitors can explore the excavation site, marveling at the intricate carvings and dry stone walls that showcase the architectural prowess of the ancient builders.

The site’s significance can’t be overstated, as it provides invaluable insights into the development of early human civilization.

Key features of the Göbeklitepe visit include:

• Examining the colossal monolithic pillars, some reaching up to 6 meters in height
• Observing the detailed relief sculptures adorning the pillars
• Gaining a deeper understanding of the site’s role in humanity’s pre-historic past

Exploring Harran

After exploring the captivating Göbeklitepe, the day trip continues to the ancient city of Harran, a site steeped in history and cultural significance.

Visitors will discover the unique beehive-shaped houses, a remnant of Harran’s architectural legacy. The tour also includes a visit to Abraham’s Cave, believed to be the birthplace of the biblical figure.

Exploring the city’s ancient ruins and learning about its role as an important center of trade and religious significance provides a deeper understanding of the region’s rich past.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide, the Harran portion of the tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the enduring traditions and history of this remarkable destination.

Travel Logistics

For those booking this day trip from Istanbul, the process is straightforward. The tour package includes round-trip domestic flights and private transfers to and from the airports.

Travelers simply need to provide their hotel or Airbnb address when making the reservation. The tour also provides an air-conditioned vehicle for the visits to Gobekli Tepe and Harran.

Key features of the logistics include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Selection of participants and travel date during booking
• Inclusion of all entrance fees for the historical sites

With these convenient travel arrangements, visitors can focus on exploring the remarkable archaeological wonders of Gobekli Tepe and the ancient city of Harran.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Göbeklitepe?

The best time to visit Göbeklitepe is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable. Avoid the hot summer months as the site has little shade. Early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal to beat the crowds.

Can I Take Photographs at Göbeklitepe?

Yes, visitors can take photographs at Göbeklitepe. Photography is generally allowed within the archaeological site, but visitors should be mindful of not disturbing the excavation process or damaging the ancient structures.

Is It Possible to Combine This Tour With Other Nearby Sites?

It’s possible to combine this tour with other nearby sites, though the tour’s focus is on Göbeklitepe and Harran. Visitors could extend their trip to explore additional historical and archaeological sites in the region if they have more time available.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The average group size for this private day trip is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely a small, intimate group to provide a personalized experience. The tour is designed for flexibility to accommodate individual preferences.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Travelers of all ages are welcome to join, though parents should consider the long travel time and extensive walking when bringing young children. The tour is suitable for a wide range of participants.

Recap

This day trip from Istanbul to Göbeklitepe and Harran offers a unique opportunity to explore Turkey’s ancient history. Göbeklitepe’s remarkable prehistoric temple and Harran’s iconic beehive-shaped houses provide a captivating glimpse into the past. With private transfers, a knowledgeable guide, and all entrance fees included, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience for visitors seeking to enjoy Turkey’s remarkable cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: