Eastern Turkeys Nature History and Culture Tour Highlight

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Trabzon⌄

   Upon arrival at Trabzon Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time to relax or explore the lively city center and Black Sea coastline.

   Overnight: Overnight in Trabzon, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

2. 2Trabzon City & Historical Highlights⌄

   A spectacular Greek Orthodox monastery built into the cliffs of Altındere Valley.

   Elegant early 20th-century mansion surrounded by scenic gardens.

   A beautifully preserved Byzantine church featuring medieval frescoes.

   Discover traditional streets, local markets, and centuries-old city walls.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Trabzon, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

3. 3Uzungöl & Rize Cultural Experience⌄

   Famous alpine lake surrounded by dense forests and mountain scenery.

   Traditional Black Sea architecture built over rushing streams.

   Learn about the production of Turkey’s world-famous Black Sea tea with tasting 3 different kinds of local teas

   Stunning river valley known for its nature and adventure atmosphere.

   Centuries-old bridges reflecting the engineering of the Ottoman era.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Rize, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

4. 4Ayder Highlands & Zilkale⌄

   Remote mountain plateau offering authentic village life and panoramic views.

   Medieval fortress dramatically positioned above the valley cliffs.

   One of the most powerful and scenic waterfalls in the Black Sea region.

   Famous highland town known for wooden houses, thermal springs, and green landscapes.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Ayder/Rize, a 4 or 5 star Hotel or bungalow

5. 5Artvin & Borçka Karagöl⌄

   Peaceful crater lake surrounded by untouched forests and nature trails.

   Discover local culture shaped by Ottoman and Caucasian influences. Experience dramatic landscapes and breathtaking viewpoints throughout the journey.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Artvin, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

6. 6Erzurum Historical Route⌄

   Iconic Seljuk theological school famous for its twin minarets.

   Historic Islamic school featuring remarkable stone carvings and architecture.

   Ancient fortress overlooking the historic city center.

   Important mausoleums representing medieval Anatolian architecture. Visit traditional Ottoman marketplace renowned for Oltu stone jewelry.

   Continue your way to Kars City.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Kars, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

7. 7Ancient Ani & Transfer to Van⌄

   Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ani near the Armenian border. Magnificent medieval Armenian city known as the “City of 1001 Churches.”

   Hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding plains.

   Admire the Russian-era stone buildings unique to Kars.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Van, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

8. 8Van Historical Tour⌄

   Experience the ancient kingdom of Urartu. Scenic island famous for its Armenian Holy Cross Church.

   A masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture with detailed relief carvings.

   Visit ancient Urartian fortress overlooking Lake Van. Enjoy panoramic scenery of Turkey’s largest lake and surrounding mountains.

   Continue your way to Diyarbakır City.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Diyarbakır, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

9. 9Diyarbakır Highlights⌄

   Massive basalt city walls recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   One of Anatolia’s oldest mosques with unique architectural details.

   Historic caravanserai known for local breakfast culture and traditional atmosphere.

   Historic stone bridge crossing the Tigris River.

   Continue your way to Mardin City

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Mardin, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

10. 10Mardin & Midyat⌄

    Historic Islamic school with panoramic views over Mesopotamia.

    Impressive 15th-century madrasa featuring elegant courtyard architecture.

    Famous for its stone houses, Syriac culture, and traditional craftsmanship.

    One of the world’s oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monasteries.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight in Mardin, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

11. 11Gaziantep Culinary & Historical Tour⌄

    Home to extraordinary Roman mosaics, including the famous “Gypsy Girl.”

    Historic fortress located in the heart of the old city.

    Traditional copper bazaar filled with artisan workshops and local crafts.

    Traditional Cuisine Experience – Taste authentic Gaziantep dishes and regional desserts.

    Continue your way to Şanlı Urfa City

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight in Şanlı Urfa City, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

12. 12Göbeklitepe & Şanlı Urfa Region⌄

    UNESCO-listed archaeological site dating back over 11,000 years.

    Sacred pool associated with the story of Prophet Abraham.

    Historic hilltop fortress overlooking the ancient city.

    Traditional Bazaars – Experience authentic southeastern Turkish culture and local handicrafts.

    Continue your way to Adıyaman City

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight in Adıyaman City

13. 13Mount Nemrut Sunrise Tour⌄

    UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for colossal stone statues at sunrise.

    Ceremonial center of the Kingdom of Commagene.

    Remarkably preserved Roman bridge still standing after nearly 2,000 years.

    Ancient royal burial monument dedicated to Commagene queens.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight in Adıyaman or Gaziantep City, a 4 or 5 star Hotel

14. 14DEPARTURE⌄

    Transfer to Adıyaman or Gaziantep Airport for your departure flight.

    Meals: Breakfast