Multi-day tour
Southeast Anatolia in 7 days: Göbeklitepe, Harran and Nemrut
A narrated journey from Göbeklitepe to Harran, Mount Nemrut and Gaziantep, with Istanbul as the gateway and a licensed guide throughout.
Key facts
- Duration 7 days / 6 nights
- Route Istanbul → Gaziantep 7 destinations
- Quotation Quotation within 24 business hours
- Recommended months March–May, October, November
- Type Private
Overview
A 7-day, 6-night circuit for travellers who come for the sites: Göbeklitepe, Harran, Mount Nemrut and Gaziantep, with Istanbul as the gateway in and out.
After two days in the historic city, with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Bosphorus, a domestic flight leads to Şanlıurfa. From there the route takes in Göbeklitepe, one of the oldest known temple complexes, and Harran, with its beehive mud-brick houses. It continues to Mount Nemrut and its colossal Hellenistic statues on the summit, and ends in Gaziantep, with the Zeugma Mosaic Museum and one of the most respected kitchens in Turkey. A domestic flight returns to Istanbul to close the trip. This route trades Mardin for Gaziantep: fewer kilometres and more time at each site.
After two days in the historic city, with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Bosphorus, a domestic flight leads to Şanlıurfa. From there the route takes in Göbeklitepe, one of the oldest known temple complexes, and Harran, with its beehive mud-brick houses. It continues to Mount Nemrut and its colossal Hellenistic statues on the summit, and ends in Gaziantep, with the Zeugma Mosaic Museum and one of the most respected kitchens in Turkey. A domestic flight returns to Istanbul to close the trip. This route trades Mardin for Gaziantep: fewer kilometres and more time at each site.
Route: IstanbulŞanlıurfaGöbeklitepeHarranMount NemrutAdiyamanGaziantep
- Physical level: Moderate
- Languages of the guided visits: Spanish, English
Highlights
- Göbeklitepe, one of the oldest known temple complexes in the world, with its archaeological context explained.
- Harran, with its beehive mud-brick houses, and Şanlıurfa with Balıklıgöl and its pilgrimage atmosphere.
- The climb to Mount Nemrut and the monumental Commagene statues, with a chance of catching the best light.
- Gaziantep and the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, with the coppersmiths’ bazaar and one of the richest kitchens in the country.
- Classical Istanbul as the way in: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Topkapi surroundings.
- Domestic flights on both long legs, so seven days are enough to reach the southeast and come back.
What is included and what is not
Included
- 6 nights’ accommodation in total: 2 nights in Istanbul, 2 nights in Şanlıurfa, 1 night in Adıyaman/Kahta and 1 night in Gaziantep (or similar distribution, subject to availability).
- Daily breakfast at the hotels.
- Airport–hotel–airport transfers in Istanbul.
- Required hotel–airport–hotel/next-city transfers in Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman/Kahta and Gaziantep.
- Domestic flights according to the itinerary (e.g. Istanbul–Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep–Istanbul; exact combination to be specified in the offer).
- Transportation by air-conditioned tourist vehicle for all mentioned transfers and sightseeing.
- Services of a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the circuit (other languages on request and subject to availability).
- Entrance fees to the monuments, museums and sites listed in the itinerary.
Not included
- International flights (home country – Istanbul – home country).
- Lunches and dinners (unless specifically stated as included).
- Optional activities (folk evenings, ‘sıra gecesi’ in Şanlıurfa, regional shows, etc.).
- Personal expenses (shopping, minibar, drinks not mentioned, laundry, room service, etc.).
- Tips for guide, driver, porters, restaurants and hotel staff.
- Visa fees and visa handling services, if required.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Any services not explicitly mentioned as included.
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul
Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW) and meet-and-greet with our representative. After a short welcome briefing, private transfer to your hotel and check-in. Depending on your arrival time, you will have free time to rest, get to know the area around the hotel or enjoy your first taste of Turkish cuisine. -
Day 2
Classical Istanbul: Historic Peninsula
After breakfast we start exploring Istanbul’s historic peninsula. In the former Hippodrome square we see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column and the Walled Column, silent witnesses of Byzantine chariot races and ceremonies.
We then continue to the Blue Mosque (interior/exterior visit depending on current regulations) and, just opposite, Hagia Sophia, an icon of the city that encapsulates centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history.
In the afternoon we visit the courtyards of Topkapi Palace and its terraces overlooking the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara (entrances according to the program). Depending on time and opening days, we may also visit the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar. Return to the hotel and evening at leisure.Notes for the day: A walking day around the historic peninsula, on cobbled streets and slopes. Working mosques close to visitors during prayer times.
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Day 3
Bosphorus Views & Flight to Şanlıurfa
After breakfast, and depending on the flight schedule, we may enjoy a short Bosphorus panorama or some free time around the Spice Bazaar. We then transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Şanlıurfa.
On arrival, we transfer to the hotel and, after a short rest, if time allows we take an evening walk around Balıklıgöl for a first glimpse of the ‘City of Prophets’. The ponds, mosques and bazaars already reveal the distinctive atmosphere of Southeast Anatolia.Notes for the day: Domestic flight from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa. The walk around Balıklıgöl depends on the arrival time of the confirmed flight.
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Day 4
Göbeklitepe, Harran & Şanlıurfa
After breakfast we drive to Göbeklitepe, where T-shaped pillars with animal reliefs and circular enclosures have reshaped our understanding of early human settlements. Your guide will explain the archaeological context and leading theories about the site.
We then continue to Harran, famous for its mud-brick beehive houses and biblical references. We see remains of the old city walls and madrasa, while the landscape evokes the proximity of Mesopotamia.
In the afternoon we return to Şanlıurfa to visit Balıklıgöl, the cave associated with the prophet Abraham and the bustling local bazaar. In the evening, those who wish may join an optional ‘sıra gecesi’, a traditional Urfa night with live music and local cuisine.Optional activities
- Sıra gecesi: traditional musical evening in Şanlıurfa
Notes for the day: Göbeklitepe is visited on raised walkways under a protective canopy; Harran is open-air and unshaded. Between June and September the heat in the region is intense.
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Day 5
Mount Nemrut & Adıyaman
After breakfast we leave Şanlıurfa and head towards the Adıyaman/Kahta area, travelling through landscapes shaped by the Euphrates River and modern dams. After entering the national park, we continue by vehicle to the highest possible point and then hike up to the summit of Mount Nemrut (rocky path with incline; moderate walking level).
At the top we find the funerary mound of King Antiochus I of Commagene and the famous colossal stone heads. Weather permitting, we aim to be there around sunset or at the best light to enjoy the panorama and take photos. We then descend and return to Adıyaman/Kahta for overnight.Notes for the day: The final ascent of Mount Nemrut is on foot along a stony, sloping path at a moderate walking level. The summit is considerably colder and windier than the valley, even in summer.
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Day 6
Gaziantep Tour & Flight to Istanbul
After breakfast we drive to Gaziantep, one of the gastronomic capitals of Turkey. On arrival we visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of Roman mosaics from ancient Zeugma.
We then walk around the castle area, the coppersmiths’ bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı) and historic streets, where copperwork and other crafts are still very much alive. There will be free time for lunch to sample local dishes and Gaziantep’s famous baklava.
In the afternoon we transfer to the airport for our domestic flight back to Istanbul. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and free evening.Notes for the day: Road transfer from Adıyaman/Kahta to Gaziantep and, in the afternoon, a domestic flight back to Istanbul. Time in the bazaar depends on the flight schedule.
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Day 7
Farewell Turkey & Departure Transfer
Breakfast at the hotel (depending on flight time) and final free moments in Istanbul. You may take a short farewell walk or simply relax at the hotel until your transfer. At the agreed time, transfer to the airport for your international departure flight.
After this 7-day journey linking Istanbul with Southeast Anatolia, you leave not only with photos but with the stories of the imperial capital and the gateways to Mesopotamia.
How the rate is calculated
Rate tailored to the season, the hotel category and the number of travellers. Request a quotation.
Departures
Tailor-made departures: any date
The programme is operated privately for your group: you choose the starting day and the itinerary is built around that date. There is no fixed departure calendar and no outside group to join.
Route map
Istanbul → Şanlıurfa → Göbeklitepe → Harran → Mount Nemrut → Adiyaman → Gaziantep
Operational notes
- The order of the visits may change according to opening hours, traffic and the day’s operation. The content of the programme stays the same.
- Domestic flights are issued in economy class and the checked and cabin baggage allowance depends on the airline and the fare issued; the exact allowance is shown on the ticket. Schedules may be rearranged and the day’s programme follows the confirmed flight.
- The final approach to the summit of Mount Nemrut is on foot along a stony, sloping path at a moderate walking level. On the summit, above 2,000 metres, temperatures are noticeably lower and the wind stronger than in the valley, even in summer.
- Access to the summit of Mount Nemrut may be closed by snow or ice between late autumn and spring. Accessibility is checked for each departure date before the programme is confirmed.
- Göbeklitepe is visited on raised walkways under a protective canopy, which keeps the route to the marked areas. Harran is visited in the open, without shade.
- Between June and September the heat in Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman and Gaziantep is intense. Open-air visits are concentrated early and late in the day, and water, a hat and sun protection are advisable.
- Mosques require shoes to be removed and shoulders and knees covered; women are required to cover their hair. Bringing your own scarf is advisable, although the busiest mosques usually lend one at the entrance.
- Working mosques close to visitors during the five daily prayers and, in particular, around the Friday midday prayer. When a visit coincides, the commentary is given outside or the day is reordered.
- Hagia Sophia is a working mosque. Foreign visitors follow a separate tourist route through the upper galleries, while the ground floor is reserved for prayer. That route closes during the five daily prayers and, at Friday midday, for a longer period. The visiting arrangement and opening hours depend on current regulations and may change without notice; if access is restricted on the date of the visit, the monument is explained from outside.
- Museums and archaeological sites may have a weekly closing day and different summer and winter opening hours. The final itinerary is adjusted to the opening calendar in force on the travel dates.
- During the religious holidays (Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı, whose dates move with the lunar calendar) museum and shop hours change, monuments are busier, and domestic flights and roads fill up.
- Şanlıurfa is a pilgrimage city: at Balıklıgöl and in religious precincts, modest dress is appropriate and photographing people should be done with restraint.
- A valid passport, the visa or electronic authorisation and compliance with entry requirements are the traveller’s responsibility. They depend on nationality and should be checked well in advance.
Best time to travel
Recommended months: March, April, May, October, November
Southeast Anatolia has a shorter, sharper season than the west of the country. From March to May and from October to November temperatures allow Göbeklitepe, Harran and Nemrut to be visited in comfort, and the skies are usually clear. Between June and September the heat in Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep is intense and open-air visits are concentrated early and late in the day. Between late autumn and spring, access to the summit of Mount Nemrut may be closed by snow or ice, so accessibility is checked for each departure date.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
How is the tour operated?
It is designed to be run privately, with a vehicle and guide for your party. The hotel category, the included services and the exact conditions are set out in the quotation.
How demanding is the walk up Mount Nemrut?
Sightseeing in Istanbul and Şanlıurfa involves moderate walking on cobbled streets. On Mount Nemrut the final stretch is on foot along a stony, sloping path: a moderate level. On the summit, above 2,000 metres, it is considerably colder and windier than in the valley, even in summer.
Can Nemrut be visited in winter?
Access to the summit may be closed by snow or ice between late autumn and spring. Accessibility is checked for each date before the programme is confirmed.
How is Göbeklitepe visited?
The site is seen from raised walkways under a protective canopy, which keeps the route to the marked areas. The archaeological context is explained by the guide.
Why does this route not include Mardin?
It is a question of pace: in seven days, adding Mardin means cutting time at Göbeklitepe, Nemrut and Gaziantep. If you would rather include Mardin, say so when you request the quotation and the route is adapted.
When is the best time to travel?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) offer bearable temperatures and clear skies for Göbeklitepe, Harran and Nemrut. Between June and September the southeast is very hot; in winter the Nemrut area can have snow or ice.
Are the domestic flights included?
Yes, the domestic flights shown in the itinerary are included, normally Istanbul–Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep–Istanbul. The exact combination is detailed in the offer.
Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?
It depends on your nationality. The visa or electronic authorisation and passport validity are the traveller’s responsibility; current requirements should be checked before travelling.
Booking conditions
- Deposit
- 30% of the total when the booking is confirmed. For bookings made 30 days or less before departure, the full amount at confirmation.
- Balance
- The remaining 70%, no later than 31 days before departure.
- Payment methods
- Bank transfer or credit card. Card payments carry a 3% surcharge; charges applied by the issuing bank are borne by the client.
- Cancellations
- More than 90 days before departure: handling fee only, plus penalties on services already issued · 89–61 days: 25% · 60–31 days: 50% · 30 days or less and no-show: 100%. Reductions in places follow the same scale. Refunds within 10–14 business days of written cancellation.
Credentials
- Legal name
- Colorido Tours Turkey Turizm Ticaret Ltd. Şti.
- TÜRSAB licence
- A-12116
- Office
- Istanbul
- Operating scope
- Turkey only. Egypt, Jordan and the Greek islands only as extensions of a Turkey itinerary.
- Guides
- Licensed guides in Spanish and English
- 24/7 emergency line during the trip
- +90 544 533 53 55
- Who handles your request
- Your request is handled by our reservations team, and the same person follows the file from quotation through to operation on the ground.
