Gobekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe from Istanbul 2 Day Private Tour
Sanliurfa, Turkey
2 days EN, KU, TR
5596916P2
Instant confirmation Private tour Free cancellation (24h) Mobile ticket Hotel pickup Adults 0–120
Photos 12
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Tour route
5 stops
~77 km
2 days
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Route drawn automatically from the supplier's itinerary; lines are straight-line estimates, the actual road may differ.
Overview
Step into the world’s oldest temples on this private 2-day journey from Istanbul to the heart of ancient Anatolia.
Visit Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe - two of the most mysterious archaeological sites ever discovered - with expert local guides who bring their stories to life. Walk among carved pillars that predate the pyramids, explore Sanliurfa’s bazaar and archaeology museum, and visit sacred places like Sogmatar, where ancient planet-worshippers once mysteriously prayed.
This custom tour includes flexible pacing, comfortable travel, and personal attention throughout - designed for travelers who want more than just photos. It’s not just a tour, it’s a chance to experience the places that changed history.
Visit Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe - two of the most mysterious archaeological sites ever discovered - with expert local guides who bring their stories to life. Walk among carved pillars that predate the pyramids, explore Sanliurfa’s bazaar and archaeology museum, and visit sacred places like Sogmatar, where ancient planet-worshippers once mysteriously prayed.
This custom tour includes flexible pacing, comfortable travel, and personal attention throughout - designed for travelers who want more than just photos. It’s not just a tour, it’s a chance to experience the places that changed history.
Tour at a glance
Duration
2 days
Multi-day trip
01
Tour type
Private tour
up to 1 travellers per booking
02
Languages
EN, KU, TR
written guide, live guide
03
Pickup
Hotel pickup
04
Operates
Every day
05
Confirmation
Instant
e-ticket by e-mail
06
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
07
Traveller ages
Adults 0–120
min 1 per booking
08
Ticket
Mobile ticket
show it on your phone
09
What's included
- Admission fees
- Lunch
- 3* Hotel
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Flight from Istanbul to Sanliurfa + Return
Day by day
Day 1: Explore the Birthplace of Human Civilization – From Göbekli Tepe to the Legends of Abraham
Overnight stay in common Sanliurfa 3* hotel - Sanliurfa Archeology and Mosaic Museum We will arrange for your airport pick up, or hotel and then begin your journey at one of Turkey’s most important museums, home to world-famous discoveries from the Neolithic era. See the life-size Urfa Man — considered the oldest known human statue — and examine original stones from Nevali Çori, a submerged prehistoric temple now reconstructed inside the museum. The museum also features a full-scale replica of Göbekli Tepe’s Enclosure D, giving you context before you visit the real thing.
- BalIklIgol Visit the holy site of Balıklıgöl, where tradition holds that the Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire by King Nimrod — and God turned the flames to water and the embers to sacred fish. Explore Abraham’s Cave, said to be his birthplace, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this revered pilgrimage site.
- KIzIlkoyun Nekropolu The newly uncovered rock tombs of Kızılkoyun, dating from the 2nd–4th century AD. With over 60 tombs carved directly into the limestone hills, this necropolis reveals the fusion of Roman and local funerary practices in ancient Edessa (modern-day Urfa).
- Gobeklitepe End the day, before dinner, by stepping onto the sacred ground of Göbekli Tepe, built more than 11,000 years ago by hunter-gatherers — long before writing or pottery. Walk among towering T-shaped pillars carved with animals and cosmic symbols that continue to mystify archaeologists. This is the site that’s rewriting the origins of religion, civilization, and human consciousness.
Day 2: Karahan Tepe and the Lost Temples of the Ancients
Overnight stay in common Sanliurfa 3* hotel - BalIklIgol Sanliurfa Old Bazaar Step into the soul of Urfa through its vibrant bazaar, where ancient rhythms still echo through the alleys. From handcrafted textiles and sheepskin rugs to ironmongers and spice stalls, this isn’t just a market — it’s a living museum of Anatolian culture. Meet artisans whose techniques haven’t changed in centuries.
- Sumatar (Sogmatar) Sogmatar: The Forgotten Sky Temple Hidden in the hills lies Sogmatar — a forgotten spiritual center from the 2nd century. Here, temples were dedicated to celestial bodies: the Sun, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. Some believe Prophet Moses lived here in exile. The central hilltop sanctuary and strange inscriptions carved into the rocks suggest a place of astrology, prophecy, and burial — an open-air temple where the stars were worshipped. One of the most mysterious sites in our region.
- Karahantepe Orenyeri Journey into the wild hills of Karahan Tepe — one of the most extraordinary sites of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic. Considered the most important discovery of 21st century. Older than Göbekli Tepe and less visited, Karahan reveals a surreal underworld of carved T-pillars, mysterious faces in stone, and a sunken chamber that feels like an initiation pit. With no crowds and open skies, this is where the past still breathes.
Meeting & pickup
Hotel pickup is included for all travellers.
Travelers can arrange a pickup within Sanliurfa or meet at pick up point
Schedule
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 2 days.
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup is included for all travellers.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
Which languages is the guide available in?
Guide languages: EN, KU, TR
On which days does it run?
It runs Every day.
How fast is the booking confirmed?
Instantly. Your e-ticket arrives by e-mail right after booking.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience for your group only.
Where do I complete the booking?
On viator.com, a Tripadvisor company, with live availability and secure payment. TourViaGo is a Global Partner of Viator.
Product code 5596916P2
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