Highlights
- Explore the ancient temple ruins at Gobeklitepe.
- Watch the sunrise over Mount Nemrut’s giant statues.
- Guided visits to key archaeological sites with an English-speaking guide.
- Seamless transfers between locations and a final flight into Istanbul.
Inclusions
- Pickup from your hotel in Cappadocia by our vehicle
- One-way domestic flight from Sanliurfa Airport to Istanbul (15 kg checked baggage + 8 kg carry-on per person)
- Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout
- One night’s hotel stay with breakfast
- All entrance fees (Nemrut, Gobeklitepe, museums, etc.)
- Lunches on both tour days
- All ground transfers (vehicle, driver, fuel)
- Local taxes, service charges, parking fees, and highway tolls
Exclusions
- Personal expenses (shopping, tips, etc.)
- Drinks during lunches
- Dinners
- Optional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary
Remarks
- Exact pickup time will be given at the time of booking.
- You are kindly requested to present yourself at the departure point 30 minutes prior the pre-advised departure time.
- The Mount Nemrut is closed from October to May. Therefore, we might change the program upon your request.
- Please note that the summit hike takes about 30–40 minutes and may be challenging for elderly guests with limited mobility and guests using wheelchairs, or those who cannot stand/walk long distances. You might wait at a lower terrace to enjoy partial views of the statues and the sunset.
- If your next destination is not returning to Istanbul, please inform us so we can create a tailor-made program according to your travel destination.
- Comfortable shoes and a hat are recommended as shade is limited in the summertime.
2-Day Nemrut & Gobeklitepe from Cappadocia to Istanbul
Day 1 – Cappadocia to Adıyaman and Sunset Mount Nemrut
Departing Cappadocia at 08:00, we embark on an approximately six-hour drive through the heart of central Anatolia. Around midday, we pause in a charming local village for a relaxed lunch break, refueling before continuing toward Adıyaman. By approximately 14:00, we arrive and immediately begin our exploration of the region’s most remarkable archaeological gems:
- Arsemia Ruins: Perched on a sheer cliff, this site displays the rock-carved inscriptions of King Antiochos I and once functioned as the political heart of the Commagene Kingdom. As you stand before those weathered carvings, you’ll feel the weight of centuries of royal decrees echo through the canyon below.
- Roman Bridge of Cendere: Spanning the Cendere River with graceful Roman arches built upon ancient Hittite foundations, this bridge exemplifies true engineering finesse. Lean against its stone balustrade and admire the seamless way two great civilizations merged their architectural styles.
- Royal Tomb of Karakus: Situated atop a windswept hill, this funerary monument features intricate reliefs of lions and eagles honoring Commagene royalty. From this vantage point, sweeping vistas of rolling plains stretch out in every direction—a stirring reminder of how power and nature intertwined in antiquity.
- As the afternoon ends, we drive up to Mount Nemrut’s summit. You’ll see the stone heads of gods and kings lit by the setting sun, turning the sky from gold to red. Then, about 30-minute hike takes you to the highest terrace, where you can enjoy panoramic views and a quiet moment before dusk.
After this magical sunset experience, we descend to our hotel in Kahta/Adıyaman for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay.
Day 2 – Sanlıurfa & Gobeklitepe and Flight to Istanbul
Departing Kahta/Adıyaman at 09:00, we enjoy a scenic two-hour drive toward Şanlıurfa. Once there, we visit each highlight in turn:
- Gobeklitepe: Dating back to around 9600 BCE, this prehistoric sanctuary is built around towering T-shaped limestone pillars set in circular formations. The finely carved reliefs of foxes, boars, and birds testify to ritual gatherings that predate settled farming by millennia.
- Balıklıgol (Fish Lake / Holy Pool of Abraham): Legend holds that Abraham was delivered from Nimrod’s fire at this very spot, where the flames transformed into a pool now inhabited by thousands of sacred carp. Today, the tranquil waters lie surrounded by gardens and ornate pavilions, creating an atmosphere of reverent calm.
- Cave of the Prophet Abraham: Just above Balıklıgöl, a small, dimly lit chamber marks the place where Abraham is said to have stayed before his trial. Pilgrims enter this humble cave to connect with its centuries-old spiritual significance.
- Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum: Situated near the banks of the Euphrates, this museum displays outstanding Roman-era floor and wall mosaics recovered from ancient Zeugma. Among its treasures is the renowned “Gypsy Girl” portrait, as well as vivid mythological scenes that highlight the technical mastery of Roman craftsmen.
- Sanlıurfa Archaeology Museum: Located in the city center, this museum’s galleries span from the Paleolithic period through the Ottoman era. You’ll see flint tools, Neolithic figurines, and statues—many linked to Göbeklitepe and later Roman settlements—offering a comprehensive look at over 12,000 years of local history.
Conclusion
Later in the evening, we transfer to Sanlıurfa Airport for the 20:25 flight to Istanbul (subject to change). Upon landing at 22:40, a private transfer will take you directly from the airport to your centrally located Istanbul hotel.
The tour ends when we drop you off at your central hotel in Istanbul. Thank you for choosing us for your journey through eastern Turkey!
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