Eastern Anatolia Tour - 9 Days

Arrive at Van Airport, meet the assistant guide, who will be waiting for you, and transfer to the hotel.
In your free time, explore this beautiful city of the East. Visit the Van Cat House, a unique white breed with two different eye colours.
Overnight in Van. (Dinner)

Our tour begins with a visit to the Tuspa Castle, built by the Urartian King Sarduri in the 9th century and containing rock tombs belonging to the Urartian Kings. We then visited Husrev Pasha Mosque and the Van Museum, where Urartian jewellery, inscriptions, and many historical artefacts are exhibited. Visit the Van Museum, where Urartian jewellery, inscriptions and many historical artefacts are exhibited.
Akdamar Church is located on an island in Lake Van and can be reached by boat. The Turkish state restored it three years ago, and visitors are amazed by its architecture and striking stonework.
Lunch break is in Tatvan, and then we will visit Ahlat.
Ahlat is the largest Turkish-Islamic cemetery in the world. Founded in 1200 by the Seljuks, it boasts 8,169 tombstones, some 3.5 meters long. The inscriptions and decorations on these tombstones make them incredibly unique and worth seeing after visiting the Grand Vault, Emir Bayindir Mosque, and the tombstones.
Overnight in Van. (Breakfast - Dinner)

After breakfast, we will head to Doğubeyazıt, making a coffee stop at Muradiye Waterfall. After crossing the stunning Tendürek Mountain, we will arrive in Doğubeyazıt, where we will take a lunch break.
Our first destination will be the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. Construction of this impressive 116-room palace took 99 years. Bayazit Mosque and Urartian Castle Near the Ishak Pasha Palace.
Next, we will visit the Noah's Ark monument at the foot of Mount Ararat, approximately 35 km away. Since 1983, the search for the remains of the sacred ship has intensified in this region. American researchers, particularly James Irwin, have conducted numerous studies here and uncovered findings that they believe may be related to Noah's Ark. After our explorations, we will return to our hotel and have the opportunity to take beautiful pictures.
Overnight in Doğubeyazit.  ( Breakfast  - Dinner)

After a pleasant 2.5-hour journey, we arrived at the Ani Ruins. The city peaked between 953 and 1020 as the capital of the Armenian Kingdom. The Byzantines captured the city in 1045, leading to the kingdom's end.
Ani is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring essential sites like the Gate of Lions, the Church of the Redeemer, and the Inner Fortress, as well as historical artefacts such as the Menüçehr Mosque, Ani Cathedral, the Church of the Redeemer (St. Prkitch), the Stone Bridge, the Seljuk Palace, and the Church of Saint Gregory of Tigran Hornets.
After exploring Ani Ruins, we will travel to Kars, where you can try local specialities such as goose meat, honey, Kars cheese, and Kars gruyere cheese. The climate and architecture of Kars resemble Russian cities, making it an interesting stop.
Overnight in Kars.  ( Breakfast  - Dinner) 

After breakfast, we will start our Kars city tour. During the tour, you will admire the Seljuk and Russian architecture. We will visit Kars Castle, 12 Apostles Church, Merkez Kumbet Mosque (where Ebu'l Hasan Harakani's tomb is located), Kars Museum, Fethiye Mosque, and Kars War Museum.
We drive to and arrive in Erzurum after a beautiful journey through the changing landscape of Anatolian geography. Once there, we’ll enjoy a brief city tour and lunch with a delicious local speciality: Cag Kebab. 
The main attractions in Erzurum province include Twin Minaret Madrasa. As you approach the Three Cupolas (Tomb), you will tour a 300-year-old Ottoman home. 
Ulu Mosque was built in 1179. Twin Minaret Madrasa is a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture built in 1253. Erzurum Castle, Clock Tower, Yakutiye Madrasa, and the National Struggle Museum. You'll also have time to shop at Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai (TAŞHAN) for Oltu stone jewellery. Drink your tea while experiencing history and culture at "Erzurum Houses", 300-year-old Ottoman houses that serve as museums and restaurants. 
Accommodation in Erzurum  ( Breakfast  - Dinner)

After breakfast, we'll drive to Trabzon. Our first stop will be Karaca Cave, one of the two caves in Gümüşhane. Formed 15 million years ago and discovered in 1983, Karaca Cave is renowned for containing the wealthiest stalactites and stalagmites in the world. The cave features stunning dripstone formations and columns displaying various colours.
Arrive at Hamsiköy from the Zigana pass, at 2032 altitude, between the Eastern Black Sea geographical structure and the Central Anatolian plateaus. Then, take a photography and Lunch break.
We will visit the famous Sumela Monastery. This Greek Orthodox monastery and church complex is perched on a steep slope 300 meters above the Altın valley, surrounded by tall mountains and deep streams. The construction of Sümela Monastery began in the 13th century, and it continued to be used until 1923, with several new sections added throughout its history.
Accommodation in Trabzon  ( Breakfast  - Dinner)

We start our trip to Trabzon by visiting the Atatürk Mansion, one of the best examples of civil architecture. As we stroll through the city, we see Trabzon Castle, Gülbahar Hatun Mosque and Tomb, Zağnos Valley, the Historical Zağnos Pasha Bridge, and the Ortahisar (Kaleiçi) Quarter.
Hagia Sophia Church is now a museum and mosque. Built in the 13th century as a Byzantine church, it is unique in value due to its rare frescoes. The Elegant Telkari and Kazaziye jewellery crafted in gold and silver by Trabzon craftsmen is a passion for ladies.
We take a lunch break in a local restaurant. Then we move to Uzungol. (1.5 hours) We have a short souvenir shopping break in Sürmene, which is famous for the quality of knives on the road.
Uzungöl, between high, steep, and green forested mountains, is ideal for photography and hiking because of its exquisite natural scenery. The end of the tour overnight in Rize. 
Accommodation Rize  ( Breakfast  - Dinner)

Today, we will discover the Natural and cultural beauties of the Black Sea Region and meet the hospitable, humorous, and hardworking local people. The first stop is a workshop visit where one of the local textiles, Rize Cloth (Feretiko), is exhibited.
Visit a tea factory in Rize and learn about tea production. Afterwards, you can experience the tea gardens of Çeçeva Village. Enjoy the magnificent view of the endless green tea gardens while sipping your tea from the Ceceva Cafeteria at the summit.
You can also enjoy activities such as rafting and ziplining in Fırtına Deresi, surrounded by natural beauty. We have lunch at a local restaurant. 
The tour ends at the fascinating Ayder Plateau, at an altitude of 1,218 meters. You will find a nature break with rich flora and a peaceful atmosphere here.
Accommodation Ayder Yaylasi or Rize.  ( Breakfast  - Dinner)

Depending on your flight, After breakfast, our tour concludes with your transfer to Rize or Trabzon Airport. See you on another holiday in Turkey.

Customised Tours
We can create a tour program on your request and offer an itinerary that suits your personal, educational, cultural, and budgetary requirements. Don't hesitate to contact us with your requests.