2 Days Gobeklitepe, Zeugma & Halfeti Tour from Gaziantep
2 Days Gobeklitepe, Zeugma & Halfeti Tour from Gaziantep
Explore Zeugma, Halfeti, Göbeklitepe, and Karahantepe in 2 days from Gaziantep. Includes boat tour, museums, sacred sites, transfers, and expert guides.
Tour Overview
Discover the ancient wonders of Southeastern Turkey with our 2-day tour from Gaziantep to Şanlıurfa, including Halfeti, Zeugma, Göbeklitepe, and Karahantepe. Explore world-class museums, take a boat trip on the Euphrates River, walk through sacred Islamic landmarks, and visit the oldest known temple in human history. With expert guides, all transfers, and carefully selected local cuisine included, this compact yet enriching tour is ideal for history lovers and cultural travelers seeking authentic experiences in the heart of Mesopotamia.
Why People Choose This Tour
- Visit the world-famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum and see the iconic Gypsy Girl Mosaic.
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Euphrates River to discover submerged cities and ancient ruins.
- Explore Halfeti, the town of black roses and submerged beauty.
- Walk through Şanlıurfa’s sacred landmarks like the Cave of Prophet Abraham and Balıklıgöl.
- Stand among the 11,000-year-old pillars of Göbeklitepe, the oldest temple site ever discovered.
- Visit Karahantepe and delve deeper into humanity’s earliest sacred spaces.
- Includes all ground transfers, museum tickets, professional guiding, and local meals.
Tour Itinerary
Gaziantep & Halfeti Tour and Overnight in Sanlıurfa
08:30 – Arrival at Gaziantep Airport / Hotel or Bus Station Pick-up
Upon arrival at Gaziantep Airport, bus station, or your hotel, you will be greeted by your professional tour guide. After meeting the rest of the group, your exploration of southeastern Turkey begins with a cultural deep dive into the region’s Roman and Mesopotamian past.
- Zeugma Mosaic Museum
Begin your day at the second-largest mosaic museum in the world — the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. The museum features intricate floor and wall mosaics, sculptures, and relics unearthed from the ancient Roman city of Zeugma, located along the Euphrates River. A major highlight is the hauntingly beautiful Gypsy Girl Mosaic, known for her expressive eyes and timeless artistry. - Lunch Break in Gaziantep
Enjoy lunch at a renowned local restaurant serving authentic Gaziantep cuisine. This is the perfect opportunity to taste regional specialties like Ali Nazik kebab and pistachio baklava, a delicacy that has made the city world-famous. - Halfeti Town Visit
After lunch, head to the enchanting town of Halfeti, a historic settlement partially submerged by the Birecik Dam. Founded in 855 BC, Halfeti is famed for its preserved stone houses, serene waters, and as the only place on Earth where the rare and mysterious black roses bloom. - Boat Tour on the Euphrates River
Board a scenic boat ride on the Euphrates River to explore a number of hidden cultural treasures and ruins. During the cruise, you will see:- Rumkale: The legendary Roman fortress where Apostle John is believed to have transcribed parts of the Bible.
- St. Nerses Church: A historic Armenian church nestled along the riverside.
- Barşavma Monastery: An ancient monastic complex offering glimpses into early Christian life in the region.
- Submerged city ruins and water cisterns: See the remnants of old villages slowly overtaken by water, offering a haunting yet beautiful landscape.
17:30 – Departure for Şanlıurfa
After the boat trip, the tour continues by road to the sacred city of Şanlıurfa, also known as the “City of Prophets.”
19:30 – Arrival & Hotel Check-in in Şanlıurfa
Once you arrive, check into your centrally located hotel and rest for the night — ready to explore Göbeklitepe and the wonders of Urfa the next day.
Sacred Sites of Sanlıurfa – Gobeklitepe & Karahantepe Discovery
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
08:30 – After breakfast at the hotel, our staff will pick you up and begin the full-day cultural exploration of Şanlıurfa — one of the most sacred cities in Anatolia and the heart of the Abrahamic legacy.
- Halil-ur Rahman Mosque
Begin your morning with a visit to this elegant Ottoman-era mosque, situated beside the sacred Balıklıgöl. Known for its spiritual ambiance, this mosque is one of Şanlıurfa’s most iconic landmarks and a pilgrimage site for many. - Cave of Prophet Abraham
Just steps away from the mosque lies the cave believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. It is a revered location for Muslims and a deeply spiritual stop for visitors exploring Abrahamic history. - Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish)
According to Islamic tradition, this is the very site where Prophet Abraham was thrown into fire by King Nimrod. Miraculously, the fire turned into water, and the burning logs into sacred carp fish — which still swim peacefully in the lake today. Feeding them is considered a blessing. - Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum
Continue to one of Turkey’s largest and most modern museums. Explore thousands of archaeological artifacts that cover a wide range of eras — from Neolithic Göbeklitepe to Hellenistic, Roman, and Islamic periods. The museum offers insight into the region’s pivotal role in the development of civilization. - Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum
Located adjacent to the archaeology museum, this rich mosaic hall showcases exceptional Roman-era mosaics, including depictions of mythological scenes and Amazon warrior queens. The level of artistry and preservation is awe-inspiring. - Lunch Break
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Şanlıurfa flavors such as çiğ köfte, kaburga dolması, or lahmacun. This is a great chance to relax and savor southeastern Turkish cuisine at its finest. - Göbeklitepe
After lunch, we drive to the awe-inspiring Göbeklitepe — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is believed to be the oldest temple in the world, dating back over 11,000 years. Walk among the T-shaped monolithic pillars and gain a new understanding of human spirituality and society in the Neolithic age. This site has forever changed what we know about the dawn of civilization. - Karahantepe
Conclude your archaeological journey with a visit to Karahantepe, a nearby Neolithic site that is part of the larger “Taş Tepeler” cultural zone. Featuring similar megalithic structures and anthropomorphic sculptures, Karahantepe complements Göbeklitepe and deepens your appreciation of early human symbolic expression.
17:00 – End of the Tour
You will be transferred to Şanlıurfa Airport or Şanlıurfa Bus Station, depending on your onward travel preference.
We hope this journey through the cradle of civilization leaves you inspired by the timeless spirit of Mesopotamia and Anatolia.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Gaziantep Airport on arrival, Sanlıurfa Airport or Bus Station on departure)
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Sanlıurfa with breakfast
- Professional licensed English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to all mentioned museums and archaeological sites
- All transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- 2 lunches at local restaurants (Day 1 & Day 2)
- Breakfast at the hotel (Day 2)
- Parking fees, fuel, and highway tolls
- Local taxes and service charges
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Beverages at Lunches
- Dinner
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Domestic flights/bus tickets (can be arranged upon request)
Hotel Options
If you have a preferred hotel, please mention it in the "Additional Request" section at checkout.
We’ll do our best, but your booking will be made at one of the listed hotels or a similar-quality option based on availability.
Important Remarks
Please read the following important information carefully before booking. These remarks contain essential details about your tour experience.
- Tour starts with pick-up from Gaziantep Airport, hotel, or bus station
- Ends with drop-off at Şanlıurfa Airport or bus station (based on preference)
- All museum and site entrance fees are included in the tour price
- Professional English-speaking guide accompanies both days
- Boat tour on the Euphrates River is included (weather permitting)
More Details
Your journey begins in the culinary capital of Gaziantep, where ancient civilizations and rich flavors greet you in equal measure. After meeting your guide, you’re immediately immersed in history at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to magnificent Roman mosaics that once decorated riverside villas of the ancient city of Zeugma.
After tasting Gaziantep’s famed dishes, including sweet pistachio baklava, you travel to the enchanting town of Halfeti. As your boat glides over the Euphrates, you pass by partially submerged villages, mysterious ruins, and the legendary Rumkale fortress — said to be a resting place for ancient Christian texts. The still waters, historic echoes, and surreal views create a perfect blend of peace and wonder.
In the evening, you reach the spiritual heart of southeastern Anatolia — Şanlıurfa. The next day begins with a visit to Balıklıgöl and the Cave of Prophet Abraham, sacred to millions. As pigeons fly overhead and visitors light candles, you sense the city’s deep reverence and ancient continuity.
The journey culminates with a visit to Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, where towering T-shaped pillars reveal humanity’s first steps into spirituality. Finally, you explore Karahantepe, a site that continues to reshape our understanding of prehistoric culture. This 2-day experience is not just a tour — it’s a passage through time, faith, and civilization.
This 2-day tour was a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature. Gobeklitepe’s ancient site was fascinating, with its mysterious stone pillars. Zeugma’s mosaics were beautiful and vibrant examples of Roman art. Halfeti’s boat ride on the Euphrates was a relaxing and scenic highlight. The guide was knowledgeable and attentive. The meals were tasty and authentic. Transportation was smooth and comfortable. I highly recommend this tour for an enriching cultural experience.
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