4-Day Private Journey to Göbeklitepe & Southeastern Anatolia

A Private Journey to the Birthplace of Civilization

This 4-day private journey invites you to explore Southeast Anatolia, a region where the earliest chapters of human history were written. Designed for travelers who seek depth, meaning, and cultural connection, this itinerary moves beyond sightseeing and into understanding the origins of belief, settlement, and civilization.
Traveling by domestic flights and private vehicle, accompanied by a licensed professional guide, you will experience ancient sites at a calm and unhurried pace. Each stop is carefully selected to offer context, atmosphere, and a genuine sense of place.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Istanbul to Sanliurfa

Gobeklitepe and the Sacred Heart of Urfa
Early in the morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Sanliurfa. Upon arrival, your private driver and guide welcome you and begin the day with a short drive to Gobeklitepe.
At Gobeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, you walk among massive T-shaped stone pillars carved more than 11,000 years ago. Your guide explains how this extraordinary site reshaped our understanding of early human belief systems and communal life.
The journey continues to the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum, home to one of Turkey’s most important collections from the Neolithic period. Statues, tools, and ritual objects reveal the story of early settlements in Upper Mesopotamia.
Later in the afternoon, you visit Balikligol, a sacred pool surrounded by legends and religious tradition. Believed to be the place where Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, this peaceful area reflects the spiritual identity of the city.
Overnight in Sanliurfa.
In the evening, you may relax at your hotel or optionally join a traditional Sira Night featuring local music and regional flavors.

Day 2 – Sanliurfa to Harran to Adiyaman

After breakfast, you travel to Harran, known for its beehive-shaped houses and ancient city walls. Once a major center of learning and trade, Harran offers insight into daily life in early Mesopotamian civilizations.
Following the visit, you continue toward Adiyaman, passing through landscapes shaped by centuries of history. Your guide shares stories connecting ancient cultures with modern Anatolia.
Overnight in Kahta or Adiyaman.

Day 3 – Mount Nemrut to Gaziantep

Depending on seasonal conditions, you visit Mount Nemrut at sunrise or sunset. At the summit, monumental stone heads of gods and kings from the Kingdom of Commagene overlook the horizon. The combination of history, symbolism, and panoramic views creates a powerful and unforgettable moment.
After descending the mountain, you travel to Gaziantep, a city celebrated for its cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.
Overnight in Gaziantep.

Day 4 – Gaziantep to Istanbul

Zeugma Mosaics and Return
Your final day begins with a visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the worlds most important mosaic museums. Roman era mosaics, including the iconic Gypsy Girl, display extraordinary artistic detail and storytelling.
After the visit, you are transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you to your hotel, marking the end of your journey.

Tour Overview

Duration: 4 Days
Tour Type: Private tour for your group only
Route: Gobeklitepe, Sanliurfa, Harran, Mount Nemrut, Gaziantep
Transportation: Domestic flights and private air-conditioned vehicle

Included Services

• Private hotel to airport transfers in Istanbul
• Round-trip domestic flight tickets
• Private deluxe vehicle with professional driver
• Licensed private tour guide throughout the journey
• Museum and site entrance fees
• Accommodation with breakfast
  • 1 night in Sanliurfa
  • 1 night in Kahta or Adiyaman
  • 1 night in Gaziantep
• Bottled water during tours
• Akresa Travel coordination and 24/7 local support

Excluded Services

• Lunches and dinners
• Personal expenses
• Tips for the guide and driver

Notes and Private Tour Benefits

•  This itinerary is fully private and can be customized to your interests.
• Time spent at each site is flexible and unhurried.
• No mandatory shopping stops.

Upon request, a visit to a local cooperative showcasing traditional Turkish handicrafts such as rugs and kilims can be added to the program.
With Akresa Travel, this journey is not only about visiting ancient sites but about understanding the land where belief, culture, and civilization first emerged.