Eastern Turkiye Tour

Day 1 Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel in Sultan Ahmet. Spend the day exploring the vibrant old city of Istanbul and  

enjoy an afternoon in the colourful Grand Bazaar, which has more than 4000 shops. Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul

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Day 2 Antakya

This morning we will transfer to Istanbul airport for the flight to Antakya. In Antakya, the ancient Antioch of the Bible, we will visit the Archaeological Museum, famous for its Roman fishing and hunting mosaics. We will also visit the Grotto of St. Peter. In the afternoon we will tour Samandağı (ancient Seleuceia Pieria), the port city which was once the capital of Antioch. It was from here where Paul and Barnabas started their first missionary journey. This city was a master of Roman architectural design, with its underground water channel which saved the city from flooding.

Overnight Antakya

 

Day 3 Şanlı Urfa

After breakfast we will drive to Gaziantep where we will explore the copper and spice market , the most interesting market in Turkey. Gaziantep (ancient Aintap), is the pistachio capital of Turkey, and the city where the traditional Turkish foods of baklava and kebab originated.  We will also visit the museum, where the beautiful mosaics rescued from Zeugma are on display.

Overnight Urfa  

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Day 4 Şanlı Urfa

While in Urfa, we will visit Harran, where Terah and Abraham lived when God called Abraham. We will  see the typical round beehive dwellings made of mud. We will visit the well of Jacob where Jacob met Rebecca. We will also visit Göbeklitepe, a Neolithic archeological site and UNESCO World Heritage site. Back in Urfa we will visit the Cave of Abraham, located next to the sacred Pool, which saved his life according to Muslim tradition. There will be time for browsing through the bazaar and the local markets and old churches. 

Overnight Urfa 

 

Day 5 Şanlı Urfa

Today we will visit the Commagene Nemrut, a peak in the Anti-Taurus range rising to a height of 7,000 feet. This archaeological site, famous for its magnificent gigantic heads, was constructed by the pre-Roman King Antiochus I, who thought himself related to the gods. We will also visit Arsameia, the ancient capital of Commagene; the Roman bridge at Cendere; and Karakus with its tumulus (ancient graveyard) and its impressive funeral columns. On the way to Urfa we will stop at the Ataturk Dam on the Euphrates River, one of the world’s largest irrigation projects, in ancient Mesopotamia. 

Overnight Urfa  

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Day 6 Mardin                                       

Mardin is  one of the most interesting and historical cities in south eastern Turkey. Here we will visit the Syrian Orthodox Monastery of Deir-al-Zafaran, where Christian worship has taken place for over 1,200 years, as well as the old city with its many interesting mixture of architecture from different civilizations. In the afternoon we visit some of the Syriac villages around Mardin.

Overnight Mardin  

 

Day 7 Van

Today our drive will take us through the towns of Batman and Tatvan and then along the shores of lake Van to our hotel in Edremit. Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey at 3738 sq. km. It was formed when the volcanic Nemrut mountain dammed the natural outflow of the lake. Some claim it was the site of the Garden of Eden. Van is also famous for its cats with one green eye and one blue eye. Its kilims, carpets, and honey are very special. 

Overnight Edremit

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Day 8 Van

Today we will travel to Hosap Castle, a very photogenic landmark dating from 1643 and built by Sari Suleyman. We will also visit Cavustepe to see remains of the first ancient capital of the Urartian Kingdom. We can find here good examples of cuneiform inscriptions on the temple ruins and a well-preserved cistern dating from 700 BC. In the afternoon we will visit the museum in Van. We will return to our hotel for a swim in the lake. 

Overnight Van

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Day 9 Van

After breakfast we will drive along the south-eastern shore of lake Van and take a small boat to Akdamar Island with its beautiful 10th century Church of the Holy Cross, where wonderful relief carvings of Bible stories, birds, and animals decorate the walls. In the afternoon we will visit the Urartu castle on Van Rock with its many fortifications and worship places as well as fine examples of Urartu writing. The Castle overlooks the lake and the site of Tuspa. Free time for shopping.

Overnight Van.

 

Day 10 Ararat and Doğubeyazit

After breakfast we will travel to Dogubeyazit stopping on the way at the refreshing waterfall of Muradiye.  On the way there will also be breathtaking views of Mt. Ararat. Mt Ararat is the highest mountain in Turkey at 18.000 feet and is covered year round in ice and snow. It is thought to be the final resting-place of Noah’s Ark. We will visit the impressive Palace of Ishak Pasa; a pleasing mix of Ottoman, Seljuk, Persian, Georgian, and Armenian architecture give it a fairy-tale quality. We will continue our journey to Kars travelling along the eastern border of Turkey.

Overnight Doğubeyazit 

 

Day 11 Kars

Today we wıll travel along the westernside of Mount Ararat to Kars. Kars has a frontier feel to it with many Russian buildings dating back to the time it was under Russian control. It is the scene of Orhan Pamuk’s well known book ‘Snow’. The town is located on a high plateau and has a magnificent ancient fortress. Yogurt, milk, cheese, honey, and meat are its main products. The carpets and kilims made in this area are known for their special colour combinations and unique designs.  

Overnight Kars

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Day 12 Ani 

Today we will visit Ani, named after Anahid, the Persian goddess worshipped by pagan Urartians. In the 900’s this was a thriving city and capital of the Armenian kingdom. Ruins of many churches dating to this period can still be seen, many still beautifully intact. Beyond the city walls is a deep gorge separating Turkey from Armenia. 

Evening flight to Istanbul

Overnight Istanbul

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Day 13 Transfer to airport for departure from Istanbul.