Full Day Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe Tour from Istanbul
Step into the cradle of civilization with our exclusive Göbeklitepe tour — a journey 12,000 years into the past. Unlike standard visits, our experience is led by expert archaeologists and local historians who bring the mysteries of the world’s oldest known temple to life. From private access to hidden excavation insights to panoramic views rarely explored by other tours, this isn’t just a trip — it’s time travel.
You’ll walk among massive T-shaped stones carved by Neolithic hands, uncover ancient symbols, and learn how Göbeklitepe is rewriting the history of humanity. With personalized storytelling, small group sizes, and authentic local touches — including traditional cuisine and cultural encounters — this tour offers more than sightseeing. It offers a deep connection to one of the most profound archaeological discoveries of our time.
Book now to be part of a journey that National Geographic called one of the most important archaeological finds of the 21st century.
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Full Day Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe Tour from Istanbul
Pickup included
What's included in Full Day Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe Tour from Istanbul
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Gobeklitepe
Prepare to be amazed by Göbeklitepe, the world's oldest known monumental religious site, dating back to around 9600 BCE — that's over 7,000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids! Göbeklitepe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has completely changed what we know about early human civilization. Its massive T-shaped stone pillars, carved with mysterious animal figures and symbols, were built by hunter-gatherers long before the invention of agriculture or writing. Your guide will take you through the circular enclosures of Göbeklitepe, explaining the complex carvings and how this site has redefined our understanding of prehistoric societies. Göbeklitepe is often referred to as “the zero point in time,” a place where history quite literally began. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious, Göbeklitepe offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into humanity’s spiritual beginnings.
Karahantepe
After Göbeklitepe, we head to Karahantepe, another groundbreaking site in the Taş Tepeler (Stone Hills) archaeological zone. Only recently opened to visitors, Karahantepe is quickly gaining fame for its well-preserved human statues, phallic stone carvings, and underground chambers. Though younger than Göbeklitepe by only a few centuries, Karahantepe offers new insights into early Neolithic rituals and the symbolic lives of our ancestors. The site provides a more intimate look into the artistry and spiritual imagination of early societies in Southeastern Anatolia.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Airport Transfers
- Entrance fee
- Domestic Flights ( Istanbul-Şanlıurfa and Şanlıurfa-Istanbul )
- Professional Licensed English-speaking tour guide
- Parking Fees & Highway Tolls
- Lunch
- Personal Expenses
- Tips to the guide and driver
- Beverages
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Your driver will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel with a sign with the name and surname of the lead traveler.
