Discover Gobeklitepe: A day trip from Istanbul to Sanliurfa

If you’re looking for a day trip combining history, culture, and a taste of local flavors, visiting Sanliurfa’s Gobeklitepe from Istanbul is an unforgettable experience.

Known as the world’s oldest cult center, Gobeklitepe is an archaeological wonder that will transport you back to the dawn of human civilization. Here’s how to make the most of your day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

How to get there: Direct flights, easy transfers

Start your journey with a morning flight from Istanbul to Sanliurfa, where Gobeklitepe is located. Turkish Airlines offers several direct flights daily, making finding a convenient departure time easy. The flight takes just under two hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area once you land.

Flight options:

• 7:35 a.m. IST – 9:25 a.m. GNY
• 1:25 p.m. IST – 3:15 p.m. GNY
• 6:10 p.m. IST – 8 p.m. GNY

Upon arriving at Sanliurfa GAP Airport, you can take a shuttle, bus, or taxi to the city center. From there, Gobeklitepe is about a 25-minute drive, which can be done by car or via a local bus from the Abide stop.

Gobeklitepe: World’s oldest cult center

As you arrive at Gobeklitepe, you’ll be stepping onto one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. This ancient structure, dating back to 9,600 B.C., is considered the world’s oldest known religious cult center.

The site consists of massive T-shaped pillars arranged in circles with intricate carvings of animals like foxes, snakes, and birds, offering a glimpse into the spiritual life of prehistoric people.

Gobeklitepe was likely a center of religious and ritualistic practices, and it’s believed that it played a key role in the development of human societies.

Walking through the site, you’ll feel as though you’re stepping into history itself, with the well-preserved remains of these ancient structures telling a story of mankind’s early devotion to the divine.

Lunch: Taste flavors of Sanliurfa

After a morning of exploration, head to the Gobeklitepe Gastronomy Center to enjoy a delicious lunch. Located just 25 minutes from the site, the center offers a variety of local dishes, with a different menu each day. Sample traditional Sanliurfa specialties like dogmec, lebeni, and ayakoftesi, which are perfect for replenishing energy after a morning of sightseeing.

The center also serves local soups like the famous Gobeklitepe soup, providing a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

Return to Istanbul

After a satisfying lunch, you’ll have some time to explore the area before catching your flight back to Istanbul. Turkish Airlines offers several flights in the evening, ensuring that you’ll return to Istanbul with ease and comfort. The evening options for your return flight are:

• 8:55 p.m. GNY – 11:00 p.m. IST

Tips for your trip

• Make sure to check the visitor hours at Gobeklitepe: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the winter months (Oct. 31 to April 1) and 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the summer months (April 1 to Oct. 31).
• Tickets for the site are available at the entrance, but make sure to arrive early since ticket sales close at 4:30 p.m. (winter) and 6:30 p.m. (summer).
• For a deeper understanding of the site, watch the informative animations and displays available at the entrance.

Pro tip: Breakfast onboard

While traveling to Sanliurfa, enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard your Turkish Airlines flight, featuring a local treat—Gobeklitepe bread.

This special bread, inspired by the ancient site, offers a taste of the region’s culinary heritage even before you land. Enjoy your breakfast while heading toward one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world.

This day trip to Gobeklitepe offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world, combined with the rich culture and cuisine of Sanliurfa. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for an enriching experience, this day trip is sure to be a highlight of your travels.