Embark on an extraordinary historical expedition through the heart of Southeastern Anatolia, a region often referred to as the cradle of civilization. This immersive three-day journey begins in the spiritual city of Sanliurfa, where ancient traditions and religious history converge. You will explore sacred landmarks including the Balıklıgöl complex, the cave associated with the birth of Prophet Abraham, and the historic bazaars that have served as trade hubs for centuries. The tour provides deep insight into the regional cultural mosaic, allowing you to experience local customs and the unique atmosphere of a traditional Sıra Night.
The highlight of the archaeological portion of the trip is an in-depth exploration of Göbeklitepe. As the world’s oldest known temple, this UNESCO World Heritage site challenges conventional history with its massive megalithic pillars dating back 12,000 years. In the city, the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum and the large Sanliurfa archaeology museum display an extensive collection of artifacts from Anatolian civilizations. Expert guidance ensures that the complex history of these prehistoric stone circles and the significance of the surrounding archaeological discoveries are brought to life throughout your visit.
The adventure continues into the ancient plains of Mesopotamia, where you will witness the architectural marvels of Harran, famous for its iconic conical-roofed houses and the ruins of the world’s first university. The journey proceeds to the rock-carved city of Dara and the stone mansions and filigree jewellery bazaar of Midyat before concluding in the breathtaking city of Mardin. Known for its distinct stone masonry, narrow passages known as Abbara, and historic religious sites like the Mor Hananyo Monastery and Kasımiye Madrasah, Mardin offers a living heritage that perfectly caps off this deep dive into Turkey’s ancient past.
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Days 2 Nights |
| Price | From €943 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 6 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
Upon arrival at Sanliurfa Airport, your guide will introduce you to the City of Prophets. Around the sacred Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham) and Ayn-el Zeliha Lake you will see three historic mosques: Mevlid-i Halil, Rızvaniye and Halil-Ür Rahman. The tour includes a visit to the cave where Prophet Abraham was born, followed by explorations of the Sipahi, Kazzaz, and Hüseyiniye bazaars. After lunch, we proceed to the UNESCO-listed Göbeklitepe to examine the 12,000-year-old megalithic temple. The day also includes the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum and the neighbouring Sanliurfa archaeology museum. The evening concludes with a traditional Sıra Night, featuring local music and dance.
After breakfast, we travel to Harran to view the unique conical-roofed adobe houses and the ruins of the ancient university and castle. We then head to the ancient city of Dara, known for its rock-carved structures, cisterns, and tombs. Our journey continues to Midyat, a town renowned for its exquisite stone craftsmanship and filigree silver jewelry. You will have free time to explore the local bazaar before we drive to Mardin for check-in at your hotel. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic hillside city.
Our final day is dedicated to the architectural wonders of Mardin. We visit the Mor Behram (Kırklar) Church and walk through the city's characteristic narrow streets and Abbara passages. Key stops include the Mardin Museum, Latifiye Mosque, the Great Mosque and the historic old Post Office Building. We will also explore the Kasımiye Madrasah and the Mor Hananyo Monastery, which served as a major Syriac Orthodox seat. After free time for shopping for local almond candy and handicrafts, you will be transferred to Mardin Airport for your departure.
Sanliurfa and Göbeklitepe → Harran, Dara, Midyat and Mardin → Mardin City Center
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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Extra day tours you can add along your route — Sanliurfa and Göbeklitepe, Harran, Dara, Midyat and Mardin, Mardin City Center.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!