From Istanbul: Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe & Balıklıgöl Day Trip
Şanlıurfa
Price
Overview
Discover the wonders of Southeastern Turkey on a day trip from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa. Visit Göbeklitepe, the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, and Balıklıgöl, the Pool of Abraham.
Highlights
- Marvel at the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum
- Visit Balıklıgöl, the Pool of Abraham, and the cave believed to be his birthplace
- Enjoy a walk through the surrounding park and bazaar area in Şanlıurfa
- Travel from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa and back with a domestic flight
Included/Excluded
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Istanbul
- Round Trip Domestic flights to/from Şanlıurfa
- Şanlırfa Airport Transfers
- Private Air-conditioned van during the tour
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Entrance fees to Göbeklitepe
- Entrance fees to Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum
- Entrance fees to Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum
- Visit to Balıklıgöl (the Pool of Abraham)
- Meals
- Tips for the guide
- Tips for the driver
- Personal expenses
Tour Plan
Itinerary
Begin your day with an early morning pickup from your Istanbul hotel and a short domestic flight to Şanlıurfa. Upon arrival, travel to Göbeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back over 11,000 years. Often referred to as the cradle of civilization, Göbeklitepe features massive T-shaped stone pillars carved with animal motifs—predating Stonehenge by millennia and reshaping what we know about human history.
Following your exploration of this archaeological marvel, continue to the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, one of Turkey’s finest, where artifacts from Göbeklitepe and the wider region provide deeper context to your visit. Next, explore the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, showcasing exquisite Roman-era mosaics, including rare depictions of Amazon warrior queens.
In the afternoon, visit Balıklıgöl (the Pool of Abraham), a sacred site revered in Islamic tradition as the place where Prophet Abraham was miraculously saved from fire. See the cave believed to be his birthplace and enjoy a walk through the surrounding park and bazaar area, steeped in spiritual and cultural atmosphere.
After a full day of historical discovery, return to Şanlıurfa Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul, with a final transfer to your hotel.
