Private Arslantepe Tour: Malatya, Its Mound and Its Apricots
The World Heritage mound of Arslantepe, where the earliest known swords were found, its new visitor center, and the apricots of Malatya.
Photo: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Duration
- Half day (about 4 hours)
- Region
- Eastern Anatolia
- Walking
- Easy
- Starts
- Morning
Best for Returning visitors
Tour code EAS-H01
The essence
A private Arslantepe tour takes you to a mound in the Malatya plain that has been on the World Heritage List since 2021. People lived here from at least the 6th millennium BC, and the site shows the rise of an early state, with a bureaucracy older than writing. Among its finds are the earliest swords known in the world. Then you taste Malatya's dried apricots, a registered local product.
Highlights
- A World Heritage mound since 2021
- The rise of an early state
- The earliest known swords
- The visitor center of 2025
- Malatya's dried apricots
Program
-
Morning
Arslantepe on the Arslantepe tour
The mound and its visitor center; ask us to confirm before you plan.
Opening hours & dress code -
Late morning
Malatya
Dried apricots in town, and the Malatya Museum if open.
-
Midday
Back to your hotel
After Malatya, the car takes you back.
In depth
In the plain of Malatya, in eastern Anatolia, a low mound holds one of the oldest stories of power in the Near East. A private Arslantepe tour takes you there with your own guide, and ends with the apricots the city is known for.
The Mound on the Arslantepe Tour
First, you drive to Arslantepe, a tell about 30 meters high, some 12 to 15 kilometers from the Euphrates. People lived here from at least the 6th millennium BC into the Middle Ages. In 2021, it joined the World Heritage List.
An Early State and the First Swords
Here you see why the mound matters. It shows the rise of an early state society, with a bureaucracy older than writing. Among its metal finds are the earliest swords known in the world. A new visitor center opened at the site in October 2025, with simulation areas and exhibition halls. Since the visiting status can change, ask us to confirm before you plan a visit.
From our guides
Our suggestion Climb to the top of the mound at Arslantepe: from there, the plain spreads out in orchards.
Malatya and Its Apricots
Next, you drive into Malatya. Its dried apricots carry a registered designation of origin in Türkiye and EU protection too, so you taste them and buy some to take home. If the Malatya Museum is open, you can add it to your morning.
After the Arslantepe Tour
From Malatya, the road leads back to your hotel. For the stone heads on the mountain, see our Mount Nemrut sunset tour. Would you like to see where the first swords were found? The mound of the first swords, then Malatya’s apricots: say when you are in the east and we will plan the day.
Before you go
-
- Entry
- Check opening before visiting
Hours can change on religious holidays. Your guide confirms them the day before.
What’s included
Included
- A professional licensed guide, in the language you ask for
- A private vehicle and driver for the day, with pick-up from your hotel
- A 10 GB eSIM for one traveler in your group, our gift, valid for 30 days (data only)
Not included
- Entrance tickets, unless agreed in your program
- Anything you buy to take home
- Meals and drinks
- Tips
“From the pick up to the drop off, the entire experience was top notch”
From your guide
What to wear
Comfortable shoes and a hat.
Best time
Spring and autumn; the apricot harvest falls in summer.
Photos
From the top of the mound, the plain spreads out in orchards.
Practical
Updated:
- Starts
- Morning. We collect you at your hotel in Malatya.
- Ends
- Your hotel
- Meeting point
- Your hotel in Malatya, or the airport
- Walking
- Easy: paths on and around the mound.
- Accessibility
- Tell us your needs.
- Cancellation
- The visiting status of the mound is not certain; ask us to confirm before you plan a visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arslantepe open to visitors?
A visitor center opened at the site in October 2025, but the visiting status can change. Ask us to confirm before you plan a visit.
Why is Arslantepe on the World Heritage List?
It shows how an early state and a bureaucracy older than writing took shape in the Near East.
What is special about Malatya apricots?
The dried apricots of Malatya are a registered designation of origin in Türkiye and are also protected in the European Union.
Can we add Mount Nemrut?
Yes, on another day. See our Mount Nemrut sunset tour.
What is your cancellation policy?
Every trip with us is private, so we agree the cancellation terms with you by email before you book, and you find them in writing in your booking confirmation. The deposit is non-refundable.
How long does the tour take?
Half a day, about 4 hours. It is your own day, so you choose how long to stay at Arslantepe and in Malatya.
Do you pick us up at our hotel?
Yes. Your guide and driver collect you at your hotel in Malatya, or at the airport if you arrive that day.
Can children join?
Yes. The walking is easy. Tell us their ages, and we arrange child seats in the car.
What about lunch?
Meals are not included. Your guide can suggest a place nearby before or after the tour.
Which language does the guide speak?
Whichever you prefer. We have licensed guides for every language our guests ask for.
