Itinerary
If you're planning to visit Cappadocia but have a keen interest in exploring Eastern Turkey, especially Mesopotamia, or if you're unsure where to start your journey through Eastern Turkey, then the "3 Days 2 Nights Tour to Nemrut Mountain, Gobeklitepe, Urfa, and Harran" is the ideal choice for you. Experience the awe-inspiring sunrise atop Nemrut Mountain, embark on a spiritual journey at Göbeklitepe, learn about ancient astronomy in Harran, and conclude with a profound visit to the Cave and Lake of Prophet Abraham.
Day 1: Cappadocia – Karatayhan – Cendere Bridge – Arsemia Ruins
- 08:30 am: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cappadocia or from Nevşehir and Kayseri Airports. Our journey begins towards Karatayhan Caravansarai, following the historic Silk Road.
- 10:00 am: Arrive at Karatayhan Caravansarai, constructed in 1240 by the renowned Seljuk Vizier Celaleddin Karatay. This structure, which served traders until the 1960s, features intricate stone carvings and detailed workmanship on its entrance gate. We’ll have 30 minutes to explore this monumental site before heading to Tekir Valley.
- 12:30 pm: Enjoy a meal featuring Turkey’s most organic and natural produce in Tekir Valley, which connects Central Anatolia with Mesopotamia. As we pass through, we’ll see herds of sheep, cows, and especially goats on the legendary Taurus Mountains. For dessert, we’ll savor handmade Turkish ice cream made from goat’s milk in Kahramanmaras, the most delicious and natural ice cream in the world.
- 14:00 pm: Depart from Kahramanmaras for Cendere Bridge.
- 17:00 pm: Arrive at Cendere Bridge, our first stop in Mesopotamia. Built between 193-211 A.D. under Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, this impressive example of Roman architecture features two massive arches and smooth-cut stonework.
- 17:30 pm: Depart for Arsemia Ruins.
- 17:45 pm: Reach Arsemia Ruins, which served as the summer capital and administrative center of the Commagene Kingdom. Founded in the early 2nd century BC, the site includes the relief stele of Mithras, the Antiochos-Herakles handshake stele, and an extensive Greek inscription. Explore the tomb temple and palace of Mithridates Callinichos.
- 18:15 pm: Head to the top of Nemrut Mountain to witness the Tumulus of Antiochus I, built in 62 BC. Enjoy the stunning sunset while exploring the sculptures of Western (Hellenic) and Eastern (Persian) gods.
- 19:30 pm: Arrive at our hotel near the eastern terrace of Nemrut Mountain. You’ll have time to watch the sunset before enjoying a barbecue dinner at the hotel. Overnight at our boutique hotel on Nemrut Mountain.
Day 2: Sunrise on Top of Nemrut Mountain – Ataturk Dam – Harran – Cave of Prophet Abraham – Holy Lake – Covered Bazaar of Urfa
- 04:00 am: Wake up early for a 500-meter walk to the summit of Nemrut Mountain. After a 15-minute climb, reach the eastern terrace to witness an extraordinary sunrise and explore the statues of Eastern (Persian) and Western (Hellenic) gods.
- 06:30 am: Return to the hotel for a brief rest and breakfast.
- 08:30 am: Depart for the Ataturk Dam, the largest dam in the Middle East.
- 10:30 am: Enjoy a 30-minute break en route from Kahta to Harran.
- 13:00 pm: Arrive in Harran, one of Mesopotamia’s oldest settlements. Known for its historical significance in astrology, Harran was a vital commercial hub linking Mesopotamia to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean to Persia. It is also the site of the holy temple of the Moon God Sin and the residence of Prophet Abraham.
- 14:00 pm: Depart for Urfa. Stop for lunch and experience the best liver kebab you’ll find, with chicken and vegetarian options available.
- 16:00 pm: Stroll through the Historical Covered Bazaar of Urfa. Marvel at the wide array of spices, Turkish delights, and copper items, giving you a feel of the 12th and 13th centuries.
- 16:30 pm: Visit the Cave of Prophet Abraham, believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham and a significant pilgrimage site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
- 17:00 pm: Conclude the day at Holy Lake (Balıklıgöl), thought to be where Prophet Abraham was thrown into fire. According to legend, the lake's fish are sacred and are forbidden to eat or touch in Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
- 17:30 pm: Check into our boutique hotel in the old city of Urfa.
Optional: For a deeper cultural immersion, consider joining the “Folkloric Mesopotamian Dancing and Dinner Show” with an additional charge, available daily from 8:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
Day 3: Gobeklitepe – Birecik “Kelaynak Birds” – Zeugma Mosaic Museum
- 09:00 am: After breakfast, depart for Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple.
- 09:30 am: Arrive at Göbeklitepe, recently uncovered by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt. This site, dating back 12,000 years, is considered the ground zero of humanity and a crucial discovery for Neolithic period studies.
- 11:30 am: Head to Birecik to see the famous Kelaynak Birds.
- 13:00 pm: Visit the National Park of Birecik to learn about the Kelaynak Birds, take photographs, and enjoy a lunch break.
- 14:30 pm: Depart for Gaziantep to explore the rich collection at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
- 16:00 pm: Arrive at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, renowned for its extensive mosaic collection from Late Antiquity and Roman periods, including notable works such as the Maenad from the 2nd century AD.
- 17:30 pm: After the museum visit, return to Cappadocia. Alternatively, those preferring to fly can be dropped off at Gaziantep Airport for flights to Istanbul or Izmir (to visit Ephesus).
- 22:30 pm: Return to your hotel in Cappadocia or Kayseri Airport.
Group Reductions:
- 1 pax = 550 €
- 2 pax = 750 €
- 3 pax = 850 €
- 4 pax = 950 €
- 5 pax = 1050 €
- 6 pax = 1150 €
Contact us for a coupon code for group discounts.
What is Included:
- English-speaking licensed guide
- Transportation by A/C comfortable minibus
- Lunches and dinners (on the first, second, and third days)
- 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in boutique hotels
- Entrance fees to historical sites and museums
- Pickup and drop-off from Cappadocia hotels and Kayseri, Nevşehir, Gaziantep Airports
What is Excluded:
- Drinks during lunches and dinners
- Tips for driver and guide
- Domestic flight tickets
- Folkloric Mesopotamian Dancing and Dinner Show (optional)
