EASTERN TURKEY TOUR
Tour Name: Eastern Turkey Tour
Duration: 17 Days, 16 Nights
Transportation: Domestic Flights and private van
Visited Places: Istanbul, Trabzon, Kars, Ani, Agri, Van, Diyarbakir, Mardin, Midyat, Urfa, Harran, Adiyaman, Nemrut, Antioch, Cappadocia
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Istanbul, Half Day Tour)
After arriving at Ataturk International Airport we will transfer to our hotel in Sultanahmet (old Istanbul Area, listed in UNESCO World Heritage List) and then take a half-day city tour, visiting Aya Sofya, the Emperor Justinian’s great 7th-century church which became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest; the Grand Bazaar, with its 4500 colourful shops; and the historic Hippodrome where chariot races used to be held in Byzantine times. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 (Full Day Istanbul Tour with Bosporus Cruise)
Today we will visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans and looking straight over the Golden Horn; the beautiful Blue Mosque with its thousands of gorgeous Iznik tiles; and the atmospheric Basilica Cistern where tiny fish swim in the shallow water lapping hundreds of ancient pillars. Overnight in Istanbul
Day 3 (Trabzon, Sumela monastery)
Transfer to airport and early morning flight to Trabzon. Upon our arrival in Trabzon, transfer to hotel and check-in. We will visit the delightful frescoed medieval church of Aya Sofya and then drive out to the lushly green Altindere National Park, stopping for a picnic along the way. After lunch we will climb up to Sumela Monastery, a newly-restored Byzantine building which clings to the rock face high above the pine trees of the national park. Afterwards there will be free time to explore Trabzon, shop in its lively bazaar and drink tea alongside the locals in bustling Ataturk Square. Overnight in Trabzon
Day 4 (Kackar Mountains, Kars)
We will start our day with a scenic morning drive along the luxuriant Black Sea coastline. When we arrive to Yusufeli, we will climb up the Kackar mountains to discover the Georgian church in Yusufeli.
Continue to Kars whose ancient fortress dominates the city. One of the most important sights in Kars is the Kars Museum, housing many archaeological finds from the earliest ages. Overnight in Kars.
![Mount Ararat (5137 mt. - 16854 ft.) [Photo by Christopher C. Smith (c)]](eastern-turkey-tour-4.jpg)
Day 5 (Dogubeyazit, Mt. Ararat)
In the morning, we will visit the medieval city of Ani, a fascinating medieval town situated on the ancient Silk Road. Ani is an Armenian city from the 11th century on the Turkish Armenian border and it used to be called as "The City of 1001 Churches" by its contemporary chroniclers. Ani was a flourishing artistic and religious center ruled by Christian kings. After Ani, we will drive to Dogubayazit. On your way, you can enjoy the unforgettable scenery of Mount Ararat, Turkey's most scenic natural monument. Mount Ararat, an inactive volcano capped year round with ice and snow, rises to a height of 5137 meters. The Old Testament records that it was on this mountain that Noah's Ark came to rest after the great flood. Overnight in Dogubeyazit
Day 6 (Ishakpasa Palace, Van)
A morning visit to the magnificent palace of Ishak Pasa will be beginning of our day. Ishak Pasha, Ottoman governor of the province, constructed the palace in the 17th century in a mixture of architectural styles. After Ishakpasa Palace, we will drive to Lake Van. Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey. The province of Van sits by Lake Van, and was the ancient Urartian capital of Tuspa. It is situated in a green, fertile oasis in the midst of rock-strewn mountains. An impressive citadel stands on one of these peaks and dates back to the 9th century BC. There are steps carved into rock leading to the fortress, and while descending you will be able to see some cuneiform inscriptions paying homage to Persian King, Xerxes of the 5th century BC. Overnight in Van
Day 7 (Van Lake, Akdamar Island)
Enjoy a morning cruise on Lake Van towards the island of Akdamar with its 10th century church of the Holy Cross, which is recently restored and converted to a museum. The outer stone walls of the church are richly carved with Old Testament scenes and figures.
In the afternoon we will make a visit to the 17th century Hosap Castle and Cavustepe dating back to the 9th century BC, an important Urartian citadel. Overnight in Van
Day 8 (Diyarbakir)
Next stop on our journey is Diyarbakir. Diyarbakir, known in ancient times as Amida, has been a cradle of 26 civilizations during its 5000-year history. The city is spread across a basalt plateau close to the banks of the Tigris River. The black basalt triple walls, which encircle the old town, give the city a rather ominous appearance. We will also visit Ulu Camii (the Great Mosque). This piece of history, which was built in 1179 by Melik Nasreddin Mehmet, is an Ottoman piece from the second half of 14th century. Overnight in Diyarbakir
Day 9 (Mardin)
Today, we will explore the city Hasankeyf by the Tigris River, before it is completely lost beneath the water after the installation of the dam. We will also visit two of the oldest universities in the world located in Midyat and Mardin.
Midyat is famous for its silver objects known as 'telkari' and has many elegant, historic houses.
Mardin is also known for its' historic houses which have been recently restored by UNESCO. From a distance, the golden stone of Mardin houses blend into the rock of the hills on which the city is built. Overnight in Mardin.
Day 10 (Urfa, Harran)
In the morning we will drive to Urfa, which is presumed to be the location where Rebecca drew water for Jacob and where Abraham decided to move into the land of Canaan. In the afternoon, we will explore Harran, lying on the Mesopotamian plain, known for its mud-brick "beehive" like dwellings. Included among the archeological finds are those of the largest ancient Islamic university, city walls dating from the eighth century, four gates and a citadel. We will also visit the Kapali Carsi and Balikli Gol. The Kapali Carsi, or covered bazaar could be an adventure all on its own. Charming souvenirs and gifts can be selected from among Turkish crafts, the world-renowned carpets, brilliant hand painted ceramics, copperware, brassware, and meerschaum pipes. Leather and suede goods of excellent quality make a relatively inexpensive purchase. Overnight in Urfa
Day 11 (Mount Nemrut, Adiyaman)
Overlooking the Ataturk Dam on the way to Nemrut we will drive and walk to the summit of Mount Nemrut. On the summit of, Mount Nemrut, the highest mountain in Northern Mesopotamia at 7,053 feet, sits the gigantic funerary sanctuary erected in the first century BC by King Antiochus I of Commagene. The engineering involved continues to amaze visitors seeing for the first time the artificial tumulus as terraces flank it on which rest the colossal statues of Apollo, Zeus, Hercules, Tyche and Antiochus. Overnight in Adiyaman.
Day 12 (Zeugma, Antioch)
We will drive to Zeugma by the Euphrates, which has become a world heritage because it will soon remain underwater. In Antakya (Antioch) you will discover the largest Mosaic Museum in Turkey and the Cave of Saint Peter where he spent time with the first Christians of history. Once the capital of the Seleucid kings, it was notorious for its wealth and luxury. In Roman times, the city continued to thrive with commerce and culture. It featured prominently in early Christianity where the name "Christian" was first coined. Overnight in Antioch.
Day 13 (Cappadocia, Goreme Open Air Museum)
We will drive to “land of beautiful horses”, Cappadocia, today. This area has a unique geography, lunar-like landscapes, ancient churches and dwellings carved into caves throughout the region, and picture postcard villages steeped in tradition. Once the home of the Hittite Empire (2000BC), this “other worldly” region of Cappodocia will provide the backdrop to explore traditional village life, Turkish cuisine, and famous Turkish hospitality.
Upon our arrival and check-in to hotel, we will visit Goreme Open Air Museum, one of the first sites of Turkey, listed in UNESCO World Heritage List. The museum has many churches carved into rocks and decorated with frescoes. Overnight in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 14 (Cappadocia, Kaymakli Underground City)
The final days of our trip in Cappadocia will be more relaxing offering more free time for our guests. We will visit Kaymakli Underground City after breakfast and will have 2 hours horse-back riding trip afternoon. Whirling dervishes ceremony can be arranged in the evening. Overnight in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 15 (Cappadocia, Rose Valley Hike)
You can start your day with an optional hot air balloon ride with sunrise. After breakfast, we will have an adventurous hike in Rose Valley for 2 hours with a horse-back riding trip at the end of the hike. You can visit a local kilim (Turkish flat-woven rug) workshop and get detailed information from rug experts. Overnight in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 16 (Cappadocia, full day tour and goodbye banquet)
Today we will have a bicycle tour in the morning to Cavusin, which has the biggest cave church of Cappadocia, St. John the Baptist, Monks Valley, Devrent Valley, Saruhan Caravanserai and Avanos. We will have pottery kebap in Avanos and talk with the chef about Turkish cuisine. Avanos has been a ceramic center since the Hittities. We will learn about the local ceramics and try our hands at it, under the supervision of a master potter. Potters have handed down the craft and used the red clay of the region to produce famous artisan earthenware for centuries. In the evening, we will have a banquet at a rose garden with fabulous Pigeons Valley view. While having your drinks, you will dance with live gypsy music of Turkey with a belly-dancer. Overnight in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 17 (Istanbul, flight back home)
We will drive to Kayseri Airport and take the early morning flight to Istanbul. Optional accommodation in Istanbul can be arranged.
The rate of Eastern Turkey tour is 2400 Euro including;
Domestic Flights and airport transfers, Private transportation with Mercedes AC Vehicle, 16 Nights accommodation (minimum 3 stars), All breakfasts and lunches, Professional guiding and all entrance fees in the tours,Goodbye banquet at Cappadocia with live gypsy music.Accommodation costs are based on per person on double room. Single Supplement cost is 330 Euro.
Eastern Turkey Tour is based on private transportation and requires minimum number of participants.
Please send us an email (info@goreme.com) for booking and further information
