This 16-day tour of eastern Turkey begins in Istanbul, covering iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. The journey then takes travelers to Cappadocia, Nemrut, Harran, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Mardin, Van, Dogubeyazit, Kars, Erzurum, and finally Trabzon.
Highlights of the tour include witnessing sunrise at Nemrut mountain, exploring the ancient site, visiting Harran with its ruins of one of the oldest universities, exploring Gobeklitepe (the world’s oldest megalithic site), and touring cities like Diyarbakir, Mardin, and Van. The itinerary also features stops at historical sites such as Akdamar Island with its 10th-century Armenian church, Ishakpasa Palace, Ani – the 13th-century Armenian capital, and the Sumela Monastery.
The tour encompasses a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to enjoying the scenic beauty of the Black Sea Coast, including the picturesque Uzungol lake. Additionally, the itinerary includes visits to cultural sites, such as the old Selcuk buildings, and provides opportunities to learn about local history and traditions. It concludes with an exploration of Trabzon and its attractions, including the cliff-side Sumela Monastery and a visit to a tea factory before returning to Istanbul
The links for each day give more historical information and descriptions.
Day 1- Arrival in Istanbul- Transfer to hotel and free time. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2- Istanbul- Full day Istanbul tour including the Hagia Sophia,; the Blue Mosque; the Byzantine Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar. After lunch at a local restaurant then fly to Kayseri in Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.(B.L.D)
Day 3- Nemrut- Kahta through Kayseri. After a stop to see the sample of Selcuk tombs in Kayseri, Drive to Adıyaman/ Kahta. Overnight in Kahta. . (B.L.D)
Day 4- Nemrut/ Harran- early wake-up to see sunrise, drive up Nemrut mountain and tour in the ancient site after sunrise. Then back to the hotel for breakfast. Depart for Harran visit the ruins of one of the oldest universities in upper Mesopotamia, then back to Urfa. Overnight in Urfa. (B.L.D)
Day 5– Sanliurfa- visit Abraham’s pool and the old city and then drive out to Gobeklitepe, which dates back to the Neolithic period, around 10,000 BCE, is the oldest megalithic site in the world. Overnight in Sanlıurfa. (B.L.D)
Day 6-Drive to Diyarbalır to visit the old city and its massive city walls. Overnight in Diyarbakır. (B.L.D)
Day 7– Drive to Mardin for a full day. Mardin is famous for its finely decorated limestone houses. Overnight in Diyarbakır. (B.L.D)
Day 8– See old Selcuk stone bridge on the way to Van, stopping at the oldest Turkish cemetery with historical headstones. Take a small boat to Akdamar Island to see the 10th century Armenian church. Overnight in Van. (B.L.D)
Day 9- Visit Van Castle in the morning and head to Dogubeyazıt. Overnight in Dogubeyazıt. (B.L.D)
Day 10- Dogubeyazıt / Kars- visit Ishakpasa Palace and the lower part of Mt Ararat, where Noah’s Ark is said to be located. Head to Kars. Sightseeing in city, including the imposing citadel on the edge of the city. Overnight in Kars.
Day 11– Kars /Erzurum- visit Ani, the 13th century Armenian capital in the morning, then drive to Erzurum. Sightseeing in Erzurum on arrival. Overnight in Erzurum.
Day 12– Visit the old Selcuk buildings of Erzurum and head to Trabzon. Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 13- Visit the cliff-side Sumela Monastery and city tour in Trabzon in the afternoon. Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 14- Explore the green and attractive destinations of the Black Sea Coast including Uzungol, a beautiful alpine lake. Then visit Tea factory. Overnight in Trabzon
Day 15- Transfer to airport, fly to Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Lunch, then free time. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 16– Transfer to the International airport for your flight home.
Prices Include
- 15 nights accommodation at hotels as per respective category.
- 15 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners at local restaurant
- Professional guide during the transfers and excursions.
- Transfers and excursions* by car/minibus/coach depending on the number of participants.
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees,
- service charges, tips for hotels and restaurants, and all taxes.
Prices Do Not Include
- International flights to and from Turkey.
- Dinners in İstanbul
- Beverages during meals.
- Tips for the guide and the driver.
- Visas.
Explore our other custom tours of Turkey
Comments: This is an excellent program from April to end of October. .
* Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. If the visits are on days these attractions are closed, they might be skipped or substituted with other attractions depending on the program’s schedule