Join our daily excursion to Halfeti, one of the most atmospheric corners of southeast Turkey, where an entire historic town lies partly beneath the deep blue waters of the Euphrates. This Sanliurfa day trip combines a relaxing boat cruise, haunting sunken ruins and the ancient fortress of Rumkale, all in one easy full-day programme from Sanliurfa.
Halfeti's story is unlike anywhere else in Turkey. When the Birecik Dam was completed, the rising waters of the Euphrates slowly swallowed the lower town, and today visitors glide by boat over rooftops, gardens and streets that once bustled with life. The town is also famous for the rare black rose, known locally as Karagul, which blooms only in this microclimate.
Rumkale, perched where the Euphrates meets the Merzimen stream, has served as a fortress for Hittite, Assyrian, Roman, Byzantine and Armenian rulers over the centuries. Viewing its mighty walls from the water is a highlight of the boat tour. The region is also home to a protected sanctuary of the Northern Bald Ibis, a critically endangered bird whose population has been lovingly restored here.
This fully guided day tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Sanliurfa, comfortable air-conditioned transport and all entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary. With a relaxed physical level, it suits travellers of all ages. Lunches and personal expenses are not included, so bring some extra cash for refreshments and souvenirs during your free time.
| Tour type | Private · day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full Day |
| Price | From €220 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 4 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full day programme — click to see every stop.
Sanliurfa – Halfeti Boat Tour – Savasan Village – Rumkale – Urfa Castle Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Sanliurfa, followed by a comfortable drive through the southeastern Anatolian countryside towards Halfeti. On arrival, you will board a boat for a leisurely cruise on the Euphrates, gliding past the partially submerged quarters of the old town, where stone facades and minarets emerge eerily from the deep blue water. The boat continues to Savasan Village, famous for its sunken houses and the iconic submerged mosque whose minaret still rises above the surface — a truly unforgettable photo stop. Along the way you will also pass the imposing fortress of Rumkale, dramatically positioned on the cliffs above the river. After the cruise, enjoy free time in Halfeti: stroll through its narrow historic streets, browse small local shops and walk up to the suspension bridge for sweeping views over the water. In the afternoon we drive back towards Sanliurfa, a city celebrated for the rare Karagul black rose, and visit Urfa Castle, the ancient hilltop citadel whose foundations date to the 3rd century BC, when the Osrhoene kingdom ruled this region. At the end of the tour you will be transferred back to your hotel in Sanliurfa.
Sanliurfa → Halfeti → Sanliurfa Sunken Village → Rumkale
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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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!