Cappadocia to Nemrut & Gobeklitepe (Ends in Istanbul)
2 Days Cappadocia to Nemrut & Gobeklitepe Tours (Ends in Istanbul)
Embark on a 2-day tour from Cappadocia to Mount Nemrut and Gobeklitepe, explore ancient sites, enjoy a Nemrut sunset hike, and fly to Istanbul.
Tour Overview
A compact 2-day journey from the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia to the mountaintop statues of Nemrut and the world’s oldest temple at Gobeklitepe, concluding with an evening flight back to Istanbul. Perfect for history and culture enthusiasts on a tight schedule.
- Guided visits to the Arsemia Ruins, the Roman Bridge of Cendere, and the Royal Tomb of Karakus
- Hike to Mount Nemrut summit to watch the sunset among its colossal stone heads
- Exploration of Gobeklitepe’s ancient megaliths
- Visit to the sacred Pool of Abraham (Balıklıgol) and local museums in Sanlıurfa
Tour Itinerary
Cappadocia to Adiyaman and Sunset Mount Nemrut
Departing Cappadocia at 08:00, we embark on a scenic approximately. 6-hour drive through 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 three remarkable archaeological sites:
- 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.
- Roman Bridge of Cendere: Spanning the Cendere River with graceful Roman arches built upon Hittite foundations, this bridge exemplifies ancient engineering and architectural finesse.
- Royal Tomb of Karakus: Situated atop a hill, this funerary monument features reliefs of lions and eagles honoring Commagene royalty and offers sweeping views of the surrounding plains.
- Sunset Among Colossal Statues: At Mount Nemrut’s summit, weathered stone heads of gods and kings emerge into view as the sky shifts from gold to crimson, creating an unforgettable, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
- Summit Hike (~30 minutes): A moderately challenging trail winds to Nemrut’s highest terrace, where you’ll find multiple vantage points for panoramic photos and quiet reflection.
As dusk settles over Nemrut’s ridge, we descend to our hotel in Kahta/Adiyaman for a well-deserved rest.
Staying overnight in Kahta/Adiyaman
Sanliurfa & Gobeklitepe & Fly to Istanbul
Departing Kahta/Adıyaman at 09:00, we embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Şanlıurfa. Upon arrival, we transfer to each site in sequence:
- Gobeklitepe:Dating to around 9600 BCE, this ancient sanctuary features massive T-shaped limestone pillars arranged in circular enclosures. Intricate animal reliefs—foxes, boars, birds—carved into these stones hint at ritual activities long before settled agriculture.
- Balıklıgol (Fish Lake / Holy Pool of Abraham): According to legend, Abraham was saved from Nimrod’s fire here, which turned into this pool and its carp. Today, it’s a tranquil spot where thousands of sacred fish swim among gardens, pavilions, and whispering prayers.
- Cave of the Prophet Abraham: Just above Balıklıgol, this modest, dim chamber is believed to be where Abraham stayed before his trial. Pilgrims visit to connect with its ancient atmosphere and shared significance across religious traditions.
- Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum: Near the Euphrates, this museum showcases Roman-era floor and wall mosaics from ancient Zeugma. Highlights include the “Gypsy Girl” portrait and vivid mythological scenes, each piece revealing the craftsmanship of antiquity.
- Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum: Located in the city center, it displays artifacts from the Paleolithic through Ottoman periods. Flint tools, Neolithic figurines, and statues from Göbeklitepe to Roman times trace over 12,000 years of regional history.
Later in the evening, we transfer to Sanlıurfa Airport for the 20:25 flight to Istanbul. (The flight time can change)
22:40 – Upon landing, a transfer will take you directly to your central Istanbul hotel from the exit of the airport.
The tour ends at your central hotel in Istanbul. Thanks for choosing us for your trip to the eastern part of Turkey from Cappadocia!
What's Included
Included
- Hotel pick-up in Cappadocia by touristical vehicles
- Domestic flight tickets to Istanbul from Sanliurfa Airport (luggage allowance is 15 kg for check-in & 8 kg handcarry per person)
- Professional English-speaking tour guide on the tours
- 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Entrance fees to museums and historical sites (Nemrut, Gobeklitepe, museums, etc.)
- Lunches during the tours for 2 days
- All land transportation during the tours
- Local taxes and service charges
- Parking fees, highway tolls, and fuel
Not Included
- Unmentioned meals
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
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.
More Details
- The exact pickup time will be given at the time of booking.
- You are kindly requested to present yourself at the pickup point 15 minutes before the pre-advised pickup time.
- Comfortable shoes and a hat are recommended as shade is limited in the summertime.
- The order of the tour itinerary may vary to avoid congestion.
- 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.
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