Faith & Civilizations: Cappadocia & Gobeklitepe (6 Days)

Overview

This is the journey of a lifetime through the deep history of Anatolia, from the dawn of religion to the heart of early Christianity. Over six days from Istanbul we explore two of Turkey's most extraordinary regions: the otherworldly valleys, cave churches and underground cities of Cappadocia, and the cradle of civilisation around Sanliurfa, home to Gobeklitepe, the world's oldest known temple, and the sacred sites of the prophet Abraham. Round-trip flights from Istanbul, internal transport, 3-4 star hotels, transfers and an expert guide are included.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul to Cappadocia

We fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia and discover the fairy chimneys of Devrent and Pasabag and the castle-town of Uchisar at sunset. Overnight at a 3-4 star cave-style hotel.

Day 2 - Cappadocia: cave churches and valleys

We visit the UNESCO Goreme Open-Air Museum with its frescoed rock churches and the valleys of Cappadocia. An optional sunrise hot air balloon flight can be arranged.

Day 3 - Underground city and journey south

We descend into the Derinkuyu underground city, then travel south and east towards Sanliurfa, the ancient City of Prophets, for our overnight stay.

Day 4 - Gobeklitepe and Karahantepe

The heart of the tour: Gobeklitepe, built around 9600 BC and the oldest known temple on Earth, and its sister site Karahantepe, with the superb Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum and the Urfa Man.

Day 5 - Abraham, Balikligol and Harran

We visit the sacred Balikligol (Pool of Abraham), the cave revered as the prophet's birthplace, and the beehive houses and ancient ruins of Harran.

Day 6 - Return to Istanbul

After a final morning in the bazaars of Sanliurfa we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Istanbul.

Tour highlights

  • The fairy chimneys and UNESCO cave churches of Cappadocia
  • The Derinkuyu underground city
  • Gobeklitepe, the world's oldest temple, and Karahantepe
  • The sacred sites of the prophet Abraham at Balikligol and Harran
  • Flights from Istanbul, internal transport, 3-4 star hotels, transfers and an expert guide included
Frequently Asked Questions

It links two of the most extraordinary regions in Turkey in a single journey: the dreamlike landscapes and early Christian heritage of Cappadocia, and the cradle of civilisation around Sanliurfa, where Gobeklitepe, the world's oldest temple, and the sacred sites of Abraham are found.

The package includes all internal transport between the regions, whether by a connecting domestic flight or a comfortable private vehicle, depending on schedules. Your guide accompanies you throughout.

Yes. It is designed for travellers who want both the spiritual depth of the early Christian and Abrahamic sites and the awe of the world's oldest temple and Cappadocia's wonders, making it ideal for a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul, all internal transport, 3-4 star hotels with half board, transfers, site and museum entrance fees and an expert guide. The optional balloon flight, lunches and personal expenses are not included.

Faith & Civilizations: Cappadocia & Gobeklitepe (6 Days)

Tour Program
Faith & Civilizations: Cappadocia & Gobeklitepe (6 Days) - Tour Program
Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys

The surreal valleys of fairy chimneys carved from volcanic rock, with the castle-town of Uchisar at the highest point of Cappadocia.

Goreme Cave Churches

The UNESCO Goreme Open-Air Museum, a monastic complex of rock churches with vivid Byzantine frescoes.

Derinkuyu Underground City

The deepest excavated underground city in Cappadocia, a multi-level refuge of tunnels, wells and chapels.

Gobeklitepe

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's oldest known temple, built around 9600 BC, millennia before farming and writing.

Karahantepe

A sister site of Gobeklitepe in the Tas Tepeler culture, with rows of pillars and striking carved human figures.

Balikligol & Harran

The sacred Pool of Abraham and the cave of his birth in Sanliurfa, and the ancient beehive houses of Harran.

Faith & Civilizations: Cappadocia & Gobeklitepe (6 Days)

Included and excluded
Including
  • Round-trip Domestic Flights
  • 3-4 Star Hotel Accommodation
  • Airport & Tour Transfers
  • Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Museum & Site Entrance Fees
  • All Local Taxes
Not Included
  • Lunches
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Drinks
  • Tips & Gratuities

Faith & Civilizations: Cappadocia & Gobeklitepe (6 Days)

Reservation & Refund & Cancellation
  • This is a tailor-made package; please contact us for current availability and a personalised quote.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure, excluding non-refundable flight tickets.
  • Cancellations 15-29 days before departure: 50% of the tour price.
  • Cancellations within 14 days of departure are non-refundable.
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