Set off from your Mardin hotel and discover the magical town of Halfeti, perched on the turquoise Euphrates. This daily tour blends natural beauty with centuries‑old history, offering a unique glimpse of houses and a mosque that now lie beneath the water’s surface.
Halfeti, once a thriving riverside settlement, was partially flooded after the construction of the Birecik Dam. Today, the water‑filled streets reveal the outlines of stone homes and a small mosque, creating a surreal landscape that feels frozen in time. A short boat trip lets you glide past these ghostly structures, while the surrounding cliffs frame the scene with dramatic limestone formations.
Further downstream, the ancient citadel of Rumkale crowns a steep hill overlooking the river. Built by the Romans and later fortified by the Byzantines, the fortress offers panoramic views and a palpable sense of the region’s strategic importance through the ages. After the boat ride, you’ll have a chance to admire the stronghold from the water’s edge.
Back on land, Halfeti’s winding lanes invite leisurely exploration. The suspension bridge, spanning the Euphrates, provides a perfect photo spot and a glimpse of everyday life in this riverside community. A short walk leads to the historic Urfa Castle, erected in the 2nd century AD during the reign of the Osroene kingdom, where you can wander among its stone walls and imagine the battles that once raged here.
Practical notes: the tour is relaxed, suitable for all ages, and conducted in English. Comfortable, air‑conditioned transport ensures a pleasant journey, and a professional guide will share stories and answer questions throughout the day. The excursion lasts approximately six hours, returning you to your Mardin accommodation by early evening.
| Tour type | Private · day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full Day |
| Price | From €395 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.
Halfeti Day Tour – River, Ruins & Castle Early in the morning the English‑speaking guide meets you at your Mardin hotel and assists with luggage before boarding a modern, air‑conditioned coach. The drive to Halfeti takes you through the rolling plains of southeastern Turkey, offering occasional glimpses of ancient stone farms. Upon arrival, a short walk brings you to the riverbank where a comfortable boat awaits. The guide points out the submerged stone houses of Savaşan Village and the tiny mosque that now rests beneath the water, explaining how the Birecik Dam created this underwater museum. After the boat glides past the ghostly structures, the vessel continues toward Rumkale, the mighty fortress perched on a cliff. From the water you can see the massive stone walls that have guarded the Euphrates for millennia, and the guide shares anecdotes about Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman occupations. Once the boat returns, you have free time to wander Halfeti’s narrow streets, cross the iconic suspension bridge, and soak up the atmosphere of a town that lives both above and below the water. The tour then proceeds to Şanlıurfa, where you visit the imposing Urfa Castle, a 2nd‑century AD stronghold built during the Osroene kingdom. The guide explains the castle’s strategic role and the layers of history visible in its stonework. After a thorough exploration, the group boards the coach for the return journey to Mardin, arriving back at the hotel in the early evening, full of memories of a day spent among sunken villages, river forts, and historic castles.
Mardin → Halfeti → Mardin Sunken Village → River Fortress
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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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!
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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.
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