Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Trabzon
Trabzon- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Melissa Suite)
- Day 2
Trabzon to Elâzığ
Trabzon to Elâzığ- Meals
- Breakfast (English/Irish breakfast)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Elazığ Marathon Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore the historic stone houses and charming streets of Kemaliye, renowned for its traditional cranberry sugar and handmade textiles
- Visit the tranquil village of Apçağa, famous for its traditional architecture and serene valleys, offering an authentic glimpse into local life
- Discover the Elazığ Grand Bazaar, operating since 1928, a bustling marketplace showcasing the city's vibrant trade and culture
- Admire the İzzet Paşa Camii, an Ottoman-era mosque completed in 1866, reflecting the region's rich architectural heritage
Landmarks Karanlık Canyon Kemaliye Euphrates River İzzet Paşa Camii Elazığ Grand Bazaar - Day 3
Nemrut Dağı
Nemrut Dağı- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet, continental, or Italian breakfast)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Euphrat Nemrut)
Optional Activities
- Discover the Eastern Terrace of Nemrut Dağı, where an impressive array of stone heads of gods and kings stands, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
- Witness the dramatic sunset from the Western Terrace of Nemrut Dağı, where the monumental statues create a spectacular backdrop against the setting sun
Landmarks Nemrut Dağı Eastern Terrace of Nemrut Dağı Western Terrace of Nemrut Dağı - Day 4
Karadut to Şanlıurfa
Karadut to Şanlıurfa- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental or halal breakfast, served in room)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (BABIL ANTIQUE HOTEL)
Optional Activities
- Explore the ancient city of Arsameia, home to fascinating rock reliefs and inscriptions that narrate the tales of kings and gods
- Admire the architectural marvel of the Cendere Bridge, an ancient Roman stone bridge from 198 AD, connecting both banks of the Cendere River
- Visit the Karakuş Tumulus, a grand burial mound from 38–20 BC, notable for its stone eagles and columns, dedicated to a significant queen
- Wander through the Rizvaniye Camii, a historical Ottoman mosque in Şanlıurfa, admiring its impressive minarets and tranquil courtyard
- Experience the spiritual ambiance of the Halilurrahman Mosque, one of Şanlıurfa's most important mosques, nestled near the sacred Balıklı Göl
Landmarks Arsameia Cendere Bridge Karakuş Tumulus Rizvaniye Camii Halilurrahman Mosque Balıklı Göl - Day 5
Şanlıurfa to Mardin
Şanlıurfa to Mardin- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental or à la carte breakfast, including hot dishes, juice, cheese, and fruit)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rumetpaşakonağı)
Optional Activities
- Explore the Göbekli Tepe archaeological site, one of the oldest religious centers in the world, with its monumental T-shaped pillars and intricate animal carvings
- Wander through the Kasımiye Madrasah, a magnificent 16th-century Islamic school complex in Mardin, renowned for its detailed stone ornamentation and architectural harmony
- Immerse yourself in the historic city of Mardin, known for its unique stone architecture, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the Mesopotamian valley
Landmarks Göbekli Tepe Kasımiye Madrasah Mardin - Day 6
Mardin
Mardin- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental or à la carte breakfast, including hot dishes, juice, cheese, and fruit)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rumetpaşakonağı)
Optional Activities
- Visit the Ulu Camii, one of Mardin's most significant mosques, built in the 12th century, with its robust stone architecture and historic minaret
- Discover the Forty Martyrs Church (Kırklar Kilisesi), a Syrian Orthodox church dating back to the mid-6th century, adorned with ancient murals and frescoes
- Explore the Surp Hovsep Armenian Church, a beautiful historical church from 1894, reflecting the Armenian community's rich spiritual life in Mardin
- Ascend to the terrace of the Zinciriye Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic school, to enjoy panoramic views of Mardin's historic rooftops and the Mesopotamian valley
Landmarks Ulu Camii Forty Martyrs Church (Kırklar Kilisesi) Surp Hovsep Armenian Church Zinciriye Madrasa - Day 7
Mardin to Batman
Mardin to Batman- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet breakfast)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Batman)
Optional Activities
- Wander through the small Yezidi village of Mağarakoy, known for its traditional stone houses and serene mountain scenery, offering picturesque views
- Explore Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the world's oldest active Syrian monasteries, a significant spiritual and cultural center
- Discover the Hasankeyf Yeni Kültürel Park Alanı, a modern cultural park preserving and presenting the historical legacy of the ancient city of Hasankeyf
- Visit the Zeynel Bey Tomb, a beautiful 15th-century mausoleum showcasing intricate stone architecture and geometric motifs
Landmarks Mağarakoy Mor Gabriel Monastery Hasankeyf Yeni Kültürel Park Alanı Zeynel Bey Tomb Tigris River - Day 8
Batman to Nemrut Caldera
Batman to Nemrut Caldera- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Konak Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore the Nemrut Kalderas Tabiat Anıtı, a stunning natural reserve around the volcanic crater of Mount Nemrut, featuring unique volcanic landscapes and crater lakes
- Discover the dramatic and surreal landscape of the Nemrut Dağı Crater, a remnant of volcanic activity perfect for short hikes and photography
Landmarks Nemrut Kalderas Tabiat Anıtı Nemrut Dağı Crater - Day 9
Lake Van
Lake Van- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet, vegetarian, or halal breakfast)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Konak Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Embark on a boat trip from Akdamar Pier to Akdamar Island, taking advantage of early morning or sunset light for ideal photography
- Visit the iconic Akdamar Island on Lake Van, renowned for the 10th-century Armenian Church of Surp Khach and its picturesque lake views
- Explore Akdamar Kilisesi, the iconic 10th-century Armenian Church, known for its richly carved stone reliefs and biblical frescoes
- Climb to the top of Çavuştepe Kalesi, an ancient Urartian fortress from the 9th-6th centuries BC, for breathtaking views of Lake Van
- Discover Hoşap Kalesi, an imposing 17th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the Hoşap River valley and surrounding mountains
Landmarks Akdamar Island Akdamar Kilisesi Çavuştepe Kalesi Hoşap Kalesi Lake Van Hoşap River - Day 10
Van
Van- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet, vegetarian, or halal breakfast)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Konak Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Wander through the historic city of Van, a captivating city on the shores of Turkey's largest lake, known for its ancient fortress and vibrant market
- Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Eastern Anatolia at the Van Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, featuring artifacts from the Urartian period to modern times
- Explore the imposing Van Fortress, an ancient site dating back to the Urartian civilization, offering panoramic views of Van city and Lake Van
Landmarks Van Fortress Van Archaeology and Ethnography Museum Van Lake Van - Day 11
Van to Kars
Van to Kars- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kar's Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore the monumental Ishak Pasha Palace, a 17th-18th century architectural marvel showcasing Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian influences
- Capture breathtaking photos of Mount Ararat near Kavaktepe village, with a local mosque in the foreground
- Wander through the ruins of the ancient city of Ani, known as the 'City of a Thousand and One Churches,' a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Turkish-Armenian border
- Visit the Holy Savior (Surp Amenap'rkich) Church in Ani, a significant 10th-11th century Armenian medieval architectural masterpiece
- Discover the Ani Cathedral, a dominant 10th-century structure that served as the main church of the Armenian Kingdom, showcasing impressive stone remains and elegant arches
- Explore the Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins, a historical Armenian monastery in Ani, reflecting 10th-11th century monastic architecture
- Admire the St. Gregory (Abughamrents) Church in Ani, a 10th-11th century Armenian church with distinctive architectural features
- Visit the St. Gregory of Gagik Church in Ani, an 11th-century Armenian church noted for its robust stone walls and elegant arches
- Discover the Ebul Manucehr Camii, a historical mosque in Ani that exemplifies early Islamic architecture within the Armenian Kingdom
- Experience the historic city of Kars, a strategic city in Eastern Turkey known for its diverse cultural heritage and architecture
Landmarks Ishak Pasha Palace Mount Ararat Ani Holy Savior (Surp Amenap'rkich) Church Ani Cathedral Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins St. Gregory (Abughamrents) Church St. Gregory of Gagik Church Ebul Manucehr Camii Kars - Day 12
Kars to Ayder
Kars to Ayder- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet breakfast)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ayder Paradise Otel)
Optional Activities
- Explore the Kars Historical Area, encompassing Kars Fortress, ancient churches, mosques, and traditional Ottoman houses
- Visit the Kars On Iki Havariler Kilisesi (Church of the Twelve Apostles), a historical Armenian church from the 10th-11th centuries
- Ascend to Kars Castle, the dominant fortress of the city, for breathtaking views of Kars and its mountainous surroundings
- Discover Kocabey Köyü Yaylası, a traditional Turkish mountain pasture near Ayder, offering picturesque landscapes and an authentic glimpse into pastoral life
- Stop at the Scenic viewpoint near Kocabey Köyü Yaylası to capture panoramic views of the mountainous landscape, valleys, and villages around Ayder
- Arrive at Ayder Plateau, a famous mountain resort in Rize province, renowned for its stunning scenery, lush meadows, and forests
Landmarks Kars Historical Area Kars On Iki Havariler Kilisesi Kars Castle Kocabey Köyü Yaylası Ayder Plateau - Day 13
Ayder to Trabzon
Ayder to Trabzon- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet breakfast)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Melissa Suite)
Optional Activities
- Explore the Ayder Plateau, a famous mountain resort ideal for hiking, relaxation, and experiencing the traditional culture of the Black Sea region
- Take a walk through the scenic landscape of Galer Düzü, a picturesque plain above Ayder, offering panoramic mountain views
Landmarks Ayder Plateau Galer Düzü - Day 14
Trabzon - Departure
Trabzon - Departure
