Cappadocia to Nemrut & Gobeklitepe (Ends in Istanbul)

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

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!