Our most recommended things to do in Şanlıurfa

From Istanbul: Göbeklitepe Day Trip with Return Flights

1. From Istanbul: Göbeklitepe Day Trip with Return Flights

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport. Arrive at the Istanbul airport for your flight from Istanbul to Sanlıurfa. Fly from Istanbul to Sanlıurfa.Upon your arrival at Sanlıurfa Airport, you will meet with your guide at the airport and drive to Göbeklitepe, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in human history, dated 12000 years ago, which is thought to be the first pilgrimage center, which deeply shakes the truths of the known written history. Göbeklitepe, one of the oldest temples known as a result of the studies made so far, is located in the Mesopotamia region. Göbeklitepe provides important data on religious belief in hunter-gatherer societies. Göbeklitepe, which we will consider in terms of architecture and socio-economic terms, gives information about how the people of the period can create a sacred space in order to live their groundbreaking beliefs and enlightens us about their religion, religious symbols, technology, and sciences. Then, proceed to Harran, one of the world's oldest cities, was the home of the prophet Abraham/Ibrahim, as referenced several times in the Bible and later an important stop on the Silk Road. Harran has been an important center since Mesopotamian times. Due to the hot climate here, the city has become known for its "beehive homes", which have a high domed roof and thick walls built from mud, specially designed to keep cool inside. Harran is also well known for its blue fabrics. Explore the mystical secrets of this ancient city with Alaturka. We will then visit Harran Castle and explore the city walls. At the Sanliurfa city center, we will visit the famous HALİL-ÜR RAHMAN MOSQUE- AYN ZELİHA (BALIKLI LAKE)- RIZVANİYE MOSQUE and the cave where Prophet Abraham was born, Sipahi Bazaar, Kazzaz market, Hacı Kamil Han, Hüseyiniye Bazaar, Naccar Bazaar, Historical Customs Inn, Ulucami and Kitchen Museum. After the tour, you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Our driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you back to your hotel in the evening.

From Istanbul: Göbeklitepe and Harran Full-Day Tour

2. From Istanbul: Göbeklitepe and Harran Full-Day Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport.Arrive at the Istanbul airport for your flight from Istanbul to Sanlıurfa. Fly from Istanbul to Sanlıurda. Upon your arrival at Sanlıurfa Airport, you will meet with your guide at the airport and drive to Göbeklitepe, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in human history, dated 12000 years ago, which is thought to be the first pilgrimage center, which deeply shakes the truths of the known written history. Göbeklitepe, one of the oldest temples known as a result of the studies made so far, is located in the Mesopotamia region. Göbeklitepe provides important data on religious belief in hunter-gatherer societies. Göbeklitepe, which we will consider in terms of architecture and socio-economic terms, gives information about how the people of the period can create a sacred space in order to live their groundbreaking beliefs and enlightens us about their religion, religious symbols, technology, and sciences. Then, proceed to Harran, one of the world's oldest cities, was the home of the prophet Abraham/Ibrahim, as referenced several times in the Bible and later an important stop on the Silk Road. Harran has been an important center since Mesopotamian times. Due to the hot climate here, the city has become known for its "beehive homes", which have a high domed roof and thick walls built from mud, specially designed to keep cool inside. Harran is also well known for its blue fabrics. Explore the mystical secrets of this ancient city with Alaturka. We will then visit Harran Castle and explore the city walls. At the Sanliurfa city center, we will visit the famous HALİL-ÜR RAHMAN MOSQUE- AYN ZELİHA (BALIKLI LAKE)- RIZVANİYE MOSQUE and the cave where Prophet Abraham was born, Sipahi Bazaar, Kazzaz market, Hacı Kamil Han, Hüseyiniye Bazaar, Naccar Bazaar, Historical Customs Inn, Ulucami and Kitchen Museum. After the tour, you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Our driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you back to your hotel in the evening.

From Istanbul: Gobeklitepe Day Tour

3. From Istanbul: Gobeklitepe Day Tour

Visit the fascinating archeological site of Gobekli Tepe on a full-day private tour from Istanbul. Explore this 11,500-year-old hilltop sanctuary, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your day with an early morning pickup at your hotel. Transfer to the airport for a 2-hour-long flight to Sanliurfa, formerly known as Edessa. Edessa is noted as one of the most important holy places in the world. Upon arrival at the airport in Sanliurfa, you will meet your guide that will lead you to Gobekli Tepe. The discovery of Gobekli Tepe and its architecture has changed the entire known history of advanced civilizations. Archeologists believe it is the oldest religious site in the world. Explore its Neolithic collection of stone circles in this prehistoric site of worship. Learn how people built this structure 12,000 years ago using stone-age tools. Take a walk at the site of the excavation and find out recent findings. Give your feet a well-earned break by going to Sanliurfa and taking some time for yourself for lunch at a local restaurant. Savor the delicious flavors of southeast Turkey. You can also spend some time shopping in the local market. After making the most of your free time, transfer to Sanliurfa airport to take a flight back to Istanbul. Be met with a representative upon landing to transfer back to your hotel.

From Cappadocia: 2-Night Nemrut, Sanliurfa, and Harran Tour

4. From Cappadocia: 2-Night Nemrut, Sanliurfa, and Harran Tour

Day 1: Cappadocia - Kahramanmaras – Kahta Meet your guide and driver at your hotel at 8:00 AM and depart from Cappadocia. After passing Kayseri, visit the Seljuk Karatayhan Caravanserai on the famous Silk Road. Then, drive through the Taurus Mountains, observing the countryside and everyday life of rural Turkey. After stopping for lunch, drive to Kahramanmaras and try some of the best ice cream in Turkey. Then, drive to Kahta and check into your hotel. Spend the night in Kahta. Day 2: Adiyaman - Mt. Nemrut - Harran – Sanliurfa Depart from your hotel early in the morning and head to Mount Nemrut. At the end of the road, get out of the van and walk twenty-five minutes to the summit. Watch the memorable sunrise between the colossal-sized statues and heads of the kings and Gods. Then, visit Arsemia, once the capital of the Commagene Kingdom, before continuing to the ancient Septimus Severus Bridge over the Cendere Stream and the Karakus Tumulus, where members of the royal family were buried. Continue driving to Sanliurfa and Harran. Visit the Ataturk Dam, the largest dam in the Middle East, en route. Check into your hotel in Sanliurfa and have lunch there. Visit Gobeklitepe, a 11,500 year-old hilltop sanctuary, believed by archaeologists to be the oldest sanctuary in the world. After lunch, visit Abraham's Cave and the Pools of Holy Carp surrounding it. Then, walk around an oriental covered bazaar and Gumrukhan. Drive to Harran, a village of Mud-Brick "beehive" houses mentioned in the Book of Genesis, where Abraham spent the last years of his life. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Sanliurfa. DAY 3: Sanliurfa – Cappadocia After breakfast, depart from Sanliurfa to Birecik, famous for its Bald-Ibis birds, which only live in Birecik. Enjoy a visit to the Bald Ibis breeding farm. After lunch, drive up to the Taurus Mountains. Take a short tea break and drive back to Cappadocia.

Şanlıurfa: Harran, Where Mesopotamia meets Anatolia

5. Şanlıurfa: Harran, Where Mesopotamia meets Anatolia

Get to know the city at your own pace with the interactive application you download to your phone. Interact with the city's top attractions and discover interesting facts and legends. Start your journey by downloading the GeziBilen Digital Guide application and continue by following the map on the relevant route. On this route, you can listen to the history of all these works from us. We believe that you will also embrace and enjoy it. Make sure to prepare your vehicle, as there are long distances between the works to prepare our route. Let's start when you are ready. First of all, we would like to tell you a little bit about Harran. Harran, which is mentioned in Assyrian sources as 'Harranum', in Greek authorities as 'Kharran', and Roman sources as 'Carrhae', means "the place where the roads meet". When you look at its geopolitical position, it is located at the intersection of the most important trade routes that come from Northern Mesopotamia and connect to the west and northwest. The fact that the trades flow between Anatolia and Mesopotamia was made over Harran for thousands of years has led to a rich cultural accumulation in this historical city. Archaeological excavations at Höyük(Mound), the first settlement of Harran, discovered traces of uninterrupted life starting from 3000 BC until the 13th century A.C. The most remarkable artefacts found in the excavations belong to the 6th century B.C. Come on; pack up whatever equipment you have to take pictures! Because on our route starting with Cevahir Inn, we will visit the monastery, visit the well, which is the subject of legends, see the world's first university and look at the throne of Nemrut. Moreover, we will stop at the most special landmarks that make Harran is Harran. Anyway, let's not give you too many clues; do not forget to get your best phone chargers.

From Istanbul : Gobeklitepe & Sanliurfa Tour - 2 Days

6. From Istanbul : Gobeklitepe & Sanliurfa Tour - 2 Days

Day-1: You meet your guide and vehicle at Şanlıurfa Airport. After a short breakfast break upon your request, we arrive at Göbeklitepe Ruins. You watch the digital presentation at the welcome center. We see T-shaped monuments and surprising reliefs, which are known to have been built 12 thousand years ago. We listen to the detailed explanation of our guide. Then we arrive at the historical Şanlıurfa old city centre. You can taste traditional gourmet flavors for lunch. You see the authentic city center, Balıklıgöl, the cave of the prophet Abraham. After a shopping break, transfer to our hotel. You can optionally attend the traditional Sira Night entertainment (with dinner). accommodation at our hotel. Day-2: Check out after having breakfast at the hotel. You are visiting the Şanlıurfa Museum. Our next stop is Harran, defined as the world's first university. We tour the ancient city and visit historical conical houses and witness hundreds of years of life. Your guide drops you off at the airport and our tour ends.

Şanlıurfa:Quick Tour, Essentials of Şanlıurfa With GeziBilen

7. Şanlıurfa:Quick Tour, Essentials of Şanlıurfa With GeziBilen

Get to know the city at your own pace with the interactive application you download to your phone. Interact with the city's top attractions and discover interesting facts and legends. Start your journey by downloading the GeziBilen Digital Guide application and continue by following the map on the relevant route. On this route, you can listen to the history of all these works from us. Knowing that you may not have much time may take either a day or maybe less to see around. However, we are not going to let you down while we are in this ancient land. Do you want to make the most of your brief time and, as you like to call it, dust this town off? Then you are on the right course. We are ready to visit all the points of Şanlıurfa, the city's Prophets, which is considered the zero point of history. In Şanlıurfa, each street has a different mystery; each step has a different history. We set out on this course to give account its due, albeit in a little time. However, no doubt, we will see Göbeklitepe, which makes Sanliurfa much more vulnerable, and Balıklıgöl where you can use your short time efficiently. Additionally, while we are walking through Fifty-eight Square, we will find time to shop even in its bazaars. Then, there is no point in waiting any longer.

From Istanbul: Southeast Turkey 8 Day Trip w/ Food & Hotel

8. From Istanbul: Southeast Turkey 8 Day Trip w/ Food & Hotel

Embark on a journey of discovery on this 8-day trip from Istanbul accompanied by a local guide. Explore historical sights, landmarks, temples, and local culture in Southeast Turkey. Dine on authentic Turkish cuisine at local restaurants and wind down for the nights at boutique hotels. Day 1: Istanbul See some of the highlights of Istanbul for a half-day tour, enjoy a local lunch, and a free afternoon. Day 2. Istanbul - Antakya Take a morning flight to Antakya (Antiochia). Visit St Piere Church, the mosaic museum, and walk in the old bazaar by the Asi river. Enjoy the aromatic herbalist market and lunch Tepsi kebabı (lamb with spices, garlic baked in the wood fire oven, served with local bread). Have an optional dinner in the old city of Antakya at one of the old houses. Day 3: Antakya - Gaziantep Depart for Gaziantep on a 4-hour bus ride. Enjoy the scenery, free drinks, and cakes served on the bus. Arriving in Gaziantep, take an orientation walk in the old city, and visit the ancient underground water system. Savor the unique flavor of the Beyran soup and Pistachio kebap which are the local delicacy. Day 4: Gaziantep Visit the Medieval castle of Gaziantep and learn about its history in 1920. Go to the copper makers, spice sellers, local artisans producing Yemeni leather shoes, and more. Wonder the markets or visit the Zeugma mosaic museum. Day 5: Gaziantep - Nemrut - Urfa Drive up to the Nemrut mountain to see the gigantic heads statues of the Commagene Gods on the peak points of the Nemrut mountain. Get a view of the Euphrates River over the mountains. Relax at your hotel in Şanlıurfa which is converted from an Armenian priest's home with a beautiful courtyard. Day 6: Urfa Visit the 11000 years old temple of Göbeklitepe which is accepted as the oldest temple ever found. Then, visit the ancient temples of Sogmatar. Go to Harran town where it contains the ruins of the first Islamic university from 8th-Century. Day 7: Urfa Head to Urfa's old market where the iron is still shaped in the old style in the small shops, the tailor's courtyard where local clothes are being sewed, and have a lunch break at the 15-century custom caravansary for kebabs. Wander around the holly Abraham fish lake where the locals see the fish as sacred. Experience a night of live music performances with an excellent traditional home-cooked dinner. Day 8: Urfa - Istanbul Fly back to Istanbul in the afternoon with a farewell dinner at a restaurant organized by your guide. Day 9: Departure dayYour guide can help you with your transfer to the airport if needed.

Şanlıurfa: 5 Times Prayer With GeziBilen Digital Guide

9. Şanlıurfa: 5 Times Prayer With GeziBilen Digital Guide

Get to know the city at your own pace with the interactive application you download to your phone. Interact with the city's top attractions and discover interesting facts and legends. Start your journey by downloading the GeziBilen Digital Guide application and continue by following the map on the relevant route. On this route, you can listen to the history of all these works from us. Those who know know that throughout the history of religions, many prophets have hosted in the lands of Sanliurfa. For this reason, it is called the city of the prophets. How wonderful would it be to perform your prayers in another holy mosque every time in this city full of spirituality? As GeziBilen family, we set out with this idea and prepared a route to eat in the beautiful cuisine of this city. We will explore the historical sites and pray in the oldest spiritual mosques. Although there are 42 mosques and masjid in Sanliurfa, which have historical value, we will visit the most famous of these values within our route. Our journey will begin with the morning prayer at Fırfırlı (Frilly) Mosque and will end with our Isha prayer at Mevlevi Lodge Mosque. Thus, you have to give us one full day from the earliest morning hours until after the Isha prayer. Our route to the sacred lands of the ancient city of Sanliurfa begins if you are ready!

Turkey's Most Visited Routes With GeziBilen Audio Guide

10. Turkey's Most Visited Routes With GeziBilen Audio Guide

Get to know Turkey at your own pace with the interactive application you can download to your phone. Interact with the most important attractions and discover interesting facts and legends. Start your journey by downloading the GeziBilen Digital Guide application and continue by following the map on the relevant route. You can listen to the history of all these works on the route you chose from us. Each route will reveal the different beauties of Turkey before your eyes; It will take you on a time travel in a historical place, bring you peace while exploring the natural beauties, and sometimes offer you the opportunity to rest at a pleasant taste stop where you can relieve your tiredness. GeziBilen will provide you with the opportunity to discover history, nature, culture and taste in the city you want, in the style you want and whenever you want.

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What people are saying about Şanlıurfa

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

What a fantastic tour. My guide was very knowledgeable and knew about a lot more things than just Gobekli Tepe. There are many other things to see in Sanliurfa, The city closest to Gobekli Tepe. Several museums were very interesting. One of the museums is one of the most interesting ones I've ever seen.

Great experience, very thorough guide, got more than was expected - super authentic Turkish experience