Şanlıurfa in 3 Days for Couples - Guided visit to Göbeklitepe (world's oldest ritual complex)
In Collaboration with Mesopotamia And Gobeklitepe Tour Guide. Updated on February 14, 2026.
Three-day guided tour focused on the Commagene kingdom, Göbeklitepe-era sites, and Şanlıurfa city heritage. Includes guided visits to Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, Commagene monuments (Karakuş, Arsameia), the Severan Bridge, summit visit to Mount Nemrut timed for sunset, Harran beehive houses and ruins, Şanlıurfa museums, Balıklıgöl and the historic bazaars. Accommodation nights at Hasbahan Konak (
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Mesopotamia And Gobeklitepe Tour Guide, inspired by the tour 3 days Mt Nemrut Gobeklitepe Karahantepe and City Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to Göbeklitepe (world's oldest ritual complex)
- Explore Karahantepe Neolithic site
- Sunset at Mount Nemrut summit
- Commagene monuments: Karakuş Tumulus, Arsameia, Severan Bridge
- Harran beehive houses and medieval university ruins, Şanlıurfa museums and bazaars
Itinerary
Day 1
Göbeklitepe & Karahantepe discoveries, visit to Balıklıgöl and overnight at a restored stone konak in Şanlıurfa.
Hotel pickup and depart for Göbeklitepe
Meet at your hotel in Şanlıurfa for pickup and depart by private vehicle to Göbeklitepe. Start of the guided itinerary.
Tips from local experts:
- Share your hotel location via WhatsApp if pickup is needed from a different address
- Bring a light daypack and a bottle of water for the short transfer
- Check that your mobile phone is accessible for the guide’s pickup confirmation
Visit Göbeklitepe
Guided visit to Göbeklitepe, the pre-pottery Neolithic ritual complex outside Şanlıurfa, with explanation of the site's significance and visible enclosures.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection; much of the site is exposed
- Photography is allowed in the open areas—keep to marked paths to protect excavations
- There is an on-site visitor centre with toilets; finish any restroom needs before returning to the vehicle
Lunch (included)
Lunch at a local restaurant near Göbeklitepe / on route to Karahantepe. Traditional regional dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform the guide in advance of any dietary restrictions to arrange suitable options
- Try local mezze portions to sample a range of flavours without heavy portions
- Restrooms are available at the restaurant—use these during the break
Transfer to Karahantepe
Drive from Göbeklitepe area toward Karahantepe (Keçilitepe area) for the afternoon visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep your jacket handy—wind can be noticeable in open plateau areas
- Expect a roughly 1–1.5 hour drive depending on local traffic and road conditions
- Charge camera batteries during the transfer if possible; remote sites may not have charging facilities
Visit Karahantepe (Keçilitepe)
Guided visit to Karahantepe to see the T-shaped pillars and early Neolithic remains that complement Göbeklitepe research.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the guide’s path to avoid active or sensitive excavation areas
- Bring a hat and sunscreen; shade is limited at the site
- Walking can be over uneven ground—use sturdy shoes and take care near loose stones
Drive back to Şanlıurfa
Return transfer to Şanlıurfa and short rest before the evening visit to Balıklıgöl.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a 1–1.5 hour drive; there will be short comfort stops when needed
- Keep small local currency on hand for any incidental purchases during stops
- If you feel cold after the higher-elevation sites, layer up for the descent to the city
Visit Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham) and Abraham's Cave
Walk around the sacred pool (Balıklıgöl), visit the cave traditionally associated with the birth of Prophet Abraham and the surrounding historic area.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect local customs and dress modestly around holy sites
- There are many fish pools—do not feed them unless a local vendor provides approved feed
- Small steps and slightly uneven surfaces exist around the pool; allow time for gentle walking
Check-in and overnight at Hasbahan Konak (boutique stone house)
Overnight stay at Hasbahan Konak — a restored traditional stone konak used as a boutique hotel. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a historic building with uneven floors and steps; request accessible rooms in advance if needed
- Carry a small flashlight for navigating traditional corridors after dark
- Confirm wake-up times with reception for early departures the next day
Day 2
Commagene monuments, Arsameia and Severan Bridge, summit visit to Mount Nemrut timed for sunset; return to Şanlıurfa for overnight.
Breakfast at hotel (included) and depart for Kahta
Breakfast at Hasbahan Konak before departure toward Kahta district where the Commagene monuments are located.
Tips from local experts:
- Have breakfast early if you prefer to sit down before the day's long drive
- Ask staff for a packed snack if you anticipate a late dinner after the Nemrut return
- Keep any motion-sickness medication handy for winding mountain roads later in the day
Transfer to Karakuş Tumulus (Karakuş Tümülüsü)
Drive to the Karakuş tumulus near Çukurtaş to see the funerary monument with its distinctive columns and animal reliefs.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry water and wear sensible shoes; the tumulus area is exposed to sun and wind
- Bring a light coat for higher-elevation breezes
- Keep your identification with you when entering archaeological sites
Visit Karakuş Tumulus
Guided stop at Karakuş to learn about the Commagene funerary monument for royal women and the eagle-topped column.
Tips from local experts:
- Observe from marked viewpoints to protect archaeological surfaces
- There are limited facilities nearby—use restroom breaks earlier if needed
- Listen to the guide for the inscription and iconography explanations for context
Transfer to Severan (Cendere) Bridge
Short drive toward Adıyaman to visit the late-Roman Severan Bridge across the Cendere stream.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a hat—the area around the bridge has little shade
- Be ready for a short walk from the parking area to the bridge viewpoint
- Traffic in rural areas can be slow—allow the scheduled drive time
Visit the Severan Bridge (approx. 2 hours)
Guided exploration and explanation at the Severan Bridge with archaeological context and local history.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking on and around the bridge approaches
- There are photogenic viewpoints—ask the guide for recommended camera angles
- Carry water; nearby services are limited during site visits
Lunch (included)
Lunch at a local restaurant in the Kahta/Adıyaman area.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary needs, tell the guide before sitting so the kitchen can accommodate
- Try light local dishes to avoid feeling tired during the afternoon mountain transfer
- Restrooms are available at the restaurant—use them before continuing to hillside sites
Visit Arsameia (Arsameia of Commagene)
Guided visit to Arsameia, the Commagene royal summer residence with the Heracles relief and inscriptions.
Tips from local experts:
- The relief is on a hillside—bring layers as wind can be stronger here
- Follow the guide on the short uphill walk to the main relief for best historical context
- There are limited shaded areas—plan short rests as needed
Transfer to Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dağı)
Drive toward Mount Nemrut to reach the summit area in time for the late afternoon and sunset visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Mountain roads are winding—have a light jacket available for sunset temperatures
- Expect the last part of the transfer to be on smaller mountain roads; keep personal items secure
- Charge flashlights/phones during the day; summit return may be after dusk
Mount Nemrut summit visit and sunset (special moment)
Guided walk around the summit sanctuary with its colossal seated statues; timed to watch the sunset and the change of light over the heads and reliefs.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear solid footwear; summit trails are rocky and can be steep in places
- Bring a warm layer—the summit is significantly colder than the valley below at sunset
- Plan to use headlamps or flashlights on the descent if returning after dusk
Return drive to Şanlıurfa and overnight at Hasbahan Konak
Drive back to Şanlıurfa after sunset at Nemrut. Overnight at Hasbahan Konak. Evening arrival depends on traffic and road conditions.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a long return transfer; bring any medication or comfort items into the vehicle
- Inform the guide if you need extra stops on the return journey for comfort
- Confirm arrival time with the guide so the hotel can expect your late check-in
Day 3
Harran beehive houses and university ruins, Şanlıurfa museums, necropolis rock tombs, and exploration of historic bazaars; tour concludes in the evening (no accommodation provided).
Breakfast at hotel (included) and depart for Harran
Breakfast at Hasbahan Konak, then drive to the archaeological site and village of Harran to see beehive houses and the old university ruins.
Tips from local experts:
- Take sunscreen and a hat—the Harran plain gets hot and exposed in spring and summer
- Bring cash for small purchases in Harran; ATMs are limited in rural areas
- If you want quieter photos, ask to visit the beehive house clusters early in the visit
Visit Harran (beehive houses and old university ruins)
Guided exploration of the traditional beehive-shaped mudbrick houses and the archaeological remains associated with the medieval university and settlement.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect private property signs—some beehive houses are still lived in
- Wear flat shoes for walking through uneven village lanes
- Carry water and a handheld fan if spring temperatures rise quickly
Drive back to Şanlıurfa and visit Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum
Return to Şanlıurfa for visits to the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum (Aleppo Bahçe Mosaic Museum reference) and related archaeological displays.
Tips from local experts:
- Mosaic museum galleries can be cool—bring a light layer for indoor comfort
- Photography rules may vary by gallery—follow museum signage
- Lock large bags in the coach or hotel before entering the museum if required
Visit Urfa Archaeology Museum and city necropolis rock tombs
Guided visit to the regional archaeology museum (Urfa Archaeology Museum) where finds from Göbeklitepe and Harran are displayed, followed by the local necropolis and recent rock-tomb finds.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow extra time in the archaeology museum for key exhibits from Göbeklitepe
- The necropolis sites have uneven terrain—wear sturdy shoes and take care near edges
- Ask the guide questions about provenance of the museum objects for deeper context
Lunch (included) and Balıklıgöl (Ainzelha) revisit
Lunch in the city followed by a more relaxed visit to Balıklıgöl and surrounding holy sites, with time for photographs and short walks.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the lunch break to try mild regional dishes if you prefer lighter fare before walking
- Balıklıgöl area can be busy—keep personal items close in crowded areas
- Plan for a short, easy-paced visit here to enjoy the site's atmosphere
Visit the necropolis rock tombs (recent discoveries)
Short guided visit to the local necropolis area with rock-cut tombs discovered in recent years to understand funerary traditions in the region.
Tips from local experts:
- Some tomb entrances are narrow—take care and follow the guide's instructions
- This site can involve short walks over uneven ground—wear supportive shoes
- Respect any restricted areas marked by archaeologists or local authorities
Explore historic bazaars and Gümrük Han (Carpet, Spice, Copper bazaars)
Guided walk through the covered markets and Gümrük Han (Customs Inn), browsing carpets, spices, copperware and local crafts. Time for souvenir shopping and final walking tour of old town lanes.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry small change for purchases and bargaining; vendors expect some negotiation
- Keep valuables in an inside pocket and use a cross-body bag while walking the bazaar
- Look for stamped Yazma or handwoven labels on textiles if you need authenticity details
Tour conclusion (no included accommodation tonight)
The guided part of the program ends in the early evening in Şanlıurfa. If you require additional accommodation, inform the operator in advance.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrange onward transport or extra-night accommodation in advance if you plan to stay
- If you have a late flight, allow extra travel time to the airport given regional traffic
- Confirm pick-up or drop-off locations with the guide before the tour ends
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 8 |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 18 |
| Total Places | 18 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Culture, Hotel, Shopping, Break |
