Mount Nemrut and Gobekli Tepe Extension
This unique journey explores the ancient heart of eastern and southeastern Turkey, travelling from Cappadocia to the sacred landscapes of Mount Nemrut, Gobekli Tepe, and Sanliurfa. The tour combines dramatic scenery, early civilisations, biblical sites, and archaeological wonders, offering an in depth cultural and historical experience far from the usual tourist routes.
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Highlights
This immersive journey explores the heart of eastern and southeastern Turkey, revealing a region shaped by some of the world’s earliest civilizations and dramatic natural landscapes. Beginning from Cappadocia, the tour travels eastward along historic trade routes, passing through Kayseri and stopping at beautifully preserved Seljuk caravanserais that once served Silk Road merchants. The route continues into the ancient Kingdom of Commagene, where the summit of Mount Nemrut offers one of Turkey’s most unforgettable experiences, with monumental stone heads and royal monuments set against sweeping mountain views. The journey then reaches Gobekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, predating Stonehenge by thousands of years and reshaping our understanding of early human history. The tour concludes in the spiritually significant region of Sanliurfa and Harran, visiting sacred sites associated with the Prophet Abraham, traditional beehive houses, early Islamic centers of learning, and timeless rural landscapes. Throughout the tour, guests experience a rich blend of archaeology, history, culture, and local traditions, providing deep insight into one of Turkey’s most remarkable and lesser explored regions.
Tour Itinerary
Meet your private driver and professional guide this morning as you depart Cappadocia and begin your journey east. Travel via Kayseri, stopping at the impressive 13th century Seljuk caravanserai of Karatayhan, an important resting point on the ancient Silk Road. Continue through changing landscapes towards the Mount Nemrut region. In the afternoon, visit the historic Cendere (Severus) Bridge, the Karakus Tumulus, and the ancient site of Arsameia, once the summer capital of the Kingdom of Commagene. Later, ascend Mount Nemrut to witness a spectacular sunset among the colossal stone heads and royal monuments built by King Antiochus I. Please note that reaching the summit requires an approximately 20 minute walk on a steep but well maintained path. Overnight in Adiyaman.
After breakfast, depart for Gobekli Tepe, considered the world’s oldest known temple complex and dating back more than 12,000 years. Explore its remarkable stone circles and carved pillars, and learn how this extraordinary site has transformed our understanding of early human civilisation. Continue to Sanliurfa, often referred to as the City of Prophets. Visit Abraham’s Cave, believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, and the nearby Pools of Holy Carp, a peaceful and sacred site surrounded by legends and local tradition. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
After breakfast, drive to Harran, famous for its distinctive mud brick beehive houses and its mention in the Book of Genesis as a place where Abraham once lived. Explore the ruins of Harran Castle, the remains of one of the earliest Islamic universities, and the surrounding historic structures that reflect the area’s long and diverse history. Later, transfer to Sanliurfa Airport for your onward flight.
You can customise this trip with additional days! Slow the pace with rest days in locations of your choice, or add additional sightseeing days along the route.
Tour Details
Departure Date
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Start DateFinish DateDay / Days / Every Day
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Start Date: 01.01.2026Finish Date: 31.12.2026Day / Days / Every Day: Every Day
Price List
This tour is offered on fully private basis. Prices start from around 1500 Euros per person (double) for this extension. Please contact us for a quote.
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StartFinishSingleDouble/Twin PPTriple PP
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Start: 01.01.2026Finish: 31.12.2026Single: -Double/Twin PP: -Triple PP: -
Book Now / Enquiry
If you are traveling with children, please send us an enquiry through the below form for costing and further information.
Blogs
The Pool of Sacred Fish in Urfa
One of Urfa’s main attractions is the Sacred Fish Pool inhabited by thousands of fish. The Sacred Fish Pool can be found in the courtyard of the Halil-ur-Rahman mosque, which dates back to 1211.
What makes the Sacred Fish Pool popular aren’t only the fishes or the colorful gardens that surround it, but its historical significance. The location of the Sacred Fish Pool is the spot where the brutal King Nimrod threw Abraham into deathly flames.
History is often partnered with legends and with the Sacred Fish Pool, it is believed that heaven’s gates will open when a white fish is spotted.
This tour, taking place over 5 days, visits a number of historical, religious and cultural attractions in the Southeast of Turkey. As well as the pool of Abraham, other destinations include the ancient temple of Gobeklitepe, the old town of Mardin and the mysterious statue heads of Mount Nemrut.
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