Şanlıurfa in 1 Day for Couples - Guided visit to the ancient Harran ruins and beehive houses
In Collaboration with Mesopotamia And Gobeklitepe Tour Guide. Updated on February 14, 2026.
Full-day guided tour from Şanlıurfa visiting the ancient ruins of Harran, traditional beehive houses, Prophet Jacob’s well, a riverside lunch in Halfeti, a scenic boat cruise on the Euphrates to view Rum Castle and Savaşan village, and a stop at the Birecik Northern Bald Ibis breeding station. Pickup from hotels in Şanlıurfa; air-conditioned transport, lunch, guide, and boat fees included.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Mesopotamia And Gobeklitepe Tour Guide, inspired by the tour Daily Harran and Halfeti Boat Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to the ancient Harran ruins and beehive houses
- Visit to Hz Yakup Peygamber Kuyusu (Prophet Jacob’s well)
- Riverside lunch in Halfeti
- Scenic boat tour on the Euphrates with views of Rum Castle and Savaşan village
- Stop at Birecik Northern Bald Ibis breeding station (Kelaynak)
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Şanlıurfa and a paced visit to Harran’s archaeological sites, local beehive house, Prophet Jacob’s well, riverside lunch in Halfeti, a guided boat tour of Old Halfeti, then a visit to the Birecik Northern Bald Ibis breeding station before returning to Şanlıurfa.
Hotel pickup and transfer to Harran
Pickup from hotels in central Şanlıurfa and drive to the Harran archaeological area in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- Share your hotel location via WhatsApp before the tour so the driver can reach you directly.
- Have a light jacket or shawl handy for early-morning breezes inside the vehicle.
- Keep your phone charged for navigation; the driver will confirm pickup time the evening before.
Harran Ruins
Guided visit to the ruins atop Harran, historically significant for early Islamic learning and surrounded by ancient city walls. Your guide will share the site's history and notable features.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — surfaces are uneven and partially rocky.
- Bring sun protection (hat, SPF) — few shaded areas on exposed sections of the ruins.
- Have a small bottle of water; the guide will schedule a short rest if needed.
Harran Culture House (Beehive House)
Visit one of Harran’s traditional beehive houses to learn about their distinctive architecture and cultural role; guests may enjoy a hot or cold drink during the visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Temperatures inside beehive houses can be cooler; bring a light layer.
- Ask your guide about architectural features — many are best seen from inside and just outside the dwelling.
- If you wish to sample a drink, carry small change in local currency for informal purchases.
Hz Yakup Peygamber Kuyusu (Prophet Jacob’s well)
Short visit to the well associated with Prophet Jacob—an historic and local spiritual site illustrating Harran’s pastoral past.
Tips from local experts:
- Approach respectfully; this is a site of local religious significance.
- Photography is usually allowed, but follow guidance from your guide if there are visitors in prayer.
- This stop is brief; keep personal belongings close as you move between viewpoints.
Transfer from Harran toward Halfeti
Drive from Harran to the Halfeti area along routes that follow the Euphrates corridor toward the riverside towns.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to relax; the road follows rural landscapes — windows with a clear view are recommended.
- Restroom stops will be arranged if needed; inform the guide of specific requirements.
- If prone to travel sickness, sit toward the front of the vehicle and have medication ready before departure.
Lunch in Halfeti
Riverside lunch in Halfeti (included). Time to sample regional dishes and rest before the boat tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform the guide of any dietary restrictions or allergies before the tour starts.
- Local dishes include grilled fish and mezze; request milder seasoning if preferred.
- Bring a light layer—riverside seating can be breezy even in late spring.
Old Halfeti — Scenic Boat Tour on the Euphrates
Guided boat tour through Old Halfeti’s partially submerged streets with views of Rum Castle, the village of Savaşan, and riverside caves where early manuscript activity took place.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear non-slip shoes and keep belongings in a dry bag—some splash on the boat is possible.
- Have your camera ready for close-up views of Rum Castle and riverside architecture; use a wrist strap.
- Step carefully when boarding and disembarking; follow the crew’s instructions for safety.
Birecik Kelaynak Üretme İstasyonu (Northern Bald Ibis station)
Visit the Birecik breeding/release station to look for the region’s Northern Bald Ibis population and learn about local conservation efforts.
Tips from local experts:
- Binoculars are useful if you have them; sightings can be seasonal and weather-dependent.
- Keep noise to a minimum near the breeding center to avoid disturbing birds.
- Follow the guide’s path and signage; some areas around the station are restricted for breeding protection.
Return transfer to Şanlıurfa (hotel drop-off)
Drive back to central Şanlıurfa with hotel drop-offs arranged at the end of the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect to arrive back in Şanlıurfa around the scheduled end time; confirm exact drop-off order with the guide.
- Keep any belongings collected from the boat and stops in one bag to speed return logistics.
- If you need a later drop-off at a different location in the city, tell the guide at the start of the day.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Meal, Experience |
