Adventurous Eastern Turkey

Tour Overview

22 day Premium quality tour

Turkey

Visiting - Istanbul, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Adiyaman, Nemrut, Mardin, Midyat, Van, Dogubeyazit, Kars, Erzurum, Rize, Trabzon, Antalya, Kas

Activities - Culture, History, Archaeology

Group size - Maximum 12 guests

Arrive in Istanbul. Welcome to Turkey! TK2222 Flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep dep;12:00 arr;13:50. Meet your private vehicle and driver and transfer to your hotel in Gaziantep.

After breakfast, we will visit the ancient Roman city of Zeugma and tour Gaziantep, visiting the Mosaic Museum where the superb Roman mosaics of Zeugma are displayed. Gaziantep (also known as a food lovers paradise) has 30 different local dishes registered for the region as official dishes of culture and there are a few special ones that you must try. One should never leave Gaziantep without trying 'Baklava' available on every corner, Antep is truly a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast travel to Sanliurfa. Driving distance approx 1 hour 40 minutes. Visit; ancient city of Urfa, home of Abraham with Sacred Lake. Visit the famous 'beehive' village houses of Harran and the ancient city of Urfa. Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Today, we will visit Göbeklitepe which will allow you to discover the region and observe the excavation currently running at the site.This beautiful town is partially flooded, while here you will view the tops of buildings including the minaret of an old mosque still standing proud from in the water. Continue to Adiyaman for overnight and dinner.

Arrive at Mt. Nemrut before dawn and ascend the mountain for 15 minutes to watch the magical sunrise over the plateau and visit the massive ancient rock statues. Continue to Mardin. Driving distance approx 3 hours 30 minutes.

Today visit will be Deyrulzafaran Assyrian Monastery which is considered as the center of all the Assyrians in the world for a long time with its authentic structure. Continue to Kasimiye Madrasah and you will see the fascinating view of the Mesopotamian Plain. Continue to the Dara Necropolis & Cistern founded in 506AD. Around the village you can view the cave houses carved into the rocks, a church, palace, bazaar, dungeon and a cannon foundry are still extant. Afterwards, you will find yourself in another world while walking around the city center with our guide. You can see stonework and many other craftsmanship such as Mardin Streets, Kirklar Church, Abbaralar, Old Post Office Building, Ulu Mosque and Şehidiye Mosque.

After a short drive, arrive to Midyat and you will see the best examples of stonework. We will first visit the metropolitan center and Mor Gabriel Monastery, the largest monastery in the region. We will visit the shops where legendary filigree is manufactured and sold. Also visit the famous buildings where local TV series shot. Enroute to Van, we view the historical Malabadi Bridge, which has a single arch extending north-south over the Batman River on the Silvan-Bitlis road. Travel to Van approx 5 hours.

Visit; Hosap sits high above the surrounding landscape and was used to control and tax the road to Persia. Enjoy the stunning scenery! After Hosap we will head to Gevas, on the coastline of Lake Van, where we will have lunch before taking a boat to the most famous location in the Lake Van District, Akhtamar Island. Akhtamar is home to the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, a beautifully preserved example of the architecture of 10th Century Armenian architecture. Decorating the exterior walls of the cathedral are an extensive array of carved Biblical reliefs, depicting scenes such as David and Goliath, and the Virgin Mary.

Continue to Dogubeyazit driving approx 2 hours 25 minutes. We will travel to Durupinar, at the foot of Mt. Ararat, which some believe is the final resting place of Noah's Ark, we visit the open air museum. We return to Dogubeyazit where we will visit the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace with its unique fusion of architectural styles from Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Armenian and Persian traditions.

After breakfast continuing through Kars to Ani, close to the Turkish Armenian border.

Today we travel to Erzurum explore Sarikamis on the way. Driving distance from Kars to Erzurum approx 2 hours 30 minutes. Free day in afternoon.

We visit the highlights of city which are from mainly Seljuk empire period, in addition to historical sites.Then we visit two beautiful mosques of the city; Ulu cami and Lala Pasa after that we see the best example of Seljukian Medrese other saying Theological School. After having lunch at historical Ottoman Pavillion we also visit Erzurum castle which was built by Roman Emperor Theodosius. After all visits we have some free time on main street of the city.

After breakfast drive to Rize. Visit Ayder Plateau in the paradise in Turkey. We will see the best examples of the Eastern Black Sea vegetation such as chestnut, alder, eastern spruce and take a photo break at the historical stone bridges. Taking a walk in the plateau which is the best point in Kackar Mountains will give you a chance to see the local villagers and chat with them.

Today the tour continues to Trabzon. We will have a city break and see Island as panoramic views before we continue to Trabzon. We will visit the magnificent Monastery of Sumela. The monastery’s alpine setting will amaze you. Climbing to a sheer rock cliff in the midst of dense evergreen forests loud with the splash of the chill mountain in stream will fascinate you. In late afternoon we return to city centre and evening at leisure. Dinner at hotel and overnight stay in Trabzon.

This morning we make our way to Trabzon Airport for our flight to Antalya. Flight from Trabzon to Antalya via Istanbul dep; 09:20 arr;15:40. Transfer from Antalya Airport to your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring this lovely old Mediterranean city.

Perge was the capital of Pamphylia. The Roman Baths, the Agora, Colonaded Street, Nympharium and the stadium are all on the visit. The we depart for the Aspendos Ancient Theatre. This incredibly well preserved ancient theatre was built in the 2nd centrury A.D., it has a capacity of 15,000 people and its still being used for festivals and music concerts. Side is one of the best classical ancient cities in Turkey, it was a port city that served the largest slave market in thsi region. During Roman times much construction took place in Side including a large theatre, Roman Baths and the Temple of Apollo. Guests will have 1 hour free time here to enjoy the sea and the city. On the way back, we will stop at the Kusunlu Waterfall then return to Antalya for overnight.

Today we drive to the seaside coastal town of Kas. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this charming town.

Board a traditional Turkish gulet (yacht) and set sail for Kekova Island. The sunken city of Simena is located here and your day will be filled with mini-stops for swimming, snorkelling and enjoying the balmy Turquoise Coast. Enjoy a tasty lunch on board before returning to Kas this afternoon.

Take a leisurely day in Kas. A suggested activity take a ferry to the Greek Island of Kastellorizo, just a couple of kms off the coast.

This morning we make our way back to Antalya Airport for our return to Istanbul. TK2413 Flight from Antalya to Istanbul dep; 12:25 arr;13:55. Private transfer from airport to your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in this bustling city.

Spend today in UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Istanbul, the world’s only city straddling two continents. The city of Istanbul dates back to antiquity, its grand monuments bear testament to the ancient empires that made it their capital. Your day of sightseeing includes visits to the magnificent Blue Mosque and Byzantine Hippodrome, known as Sultanahmet Square. Other highlights are St Sophia Basilica, the former cathedral nearly 1,500 years old and Topkapi Palace, once home of Sultans and now housing Ottoman Empire treasures. Enjoy haggling at the amazing Grand Bazaar where there are over 4,000 market stalls.

Transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport.

What's included

• Arrival & Departure airport transfer (Meet & Greet)
• Premium accommodation with private facilities
• Comprehensive Sightseeing
• Air - conditioned private transport throughout
• Licensed English-speaking Professional Tour Guide
• Entry fees to all museums in the itinerary
• Meals as mentioned in itinerary
• Kekova Boat Tour
• Domestic Flights as mentioned in itinerary
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance with CoverMore
• Turkey Visa
• Tipping

Extras

• Personal expenses and shopping
• Meals and beverages where not stated
• Optional tours or additional side trips
• International Airfares
• Pre existing Medical Conditions Insurance Cover
• Any items not mentioned in the program

Overnight Accommodation

Overnight Stays	Accommodation	Comfort
Gaziantep	Tugcan Hotel	5 star
Sanliurfa	Dedeman Hotel	5 star
Adiyaman	Nemrut Kervansary Hotel	4 star
Mardin	Tughan Hotel	3 star
Van	Ramada by Wyndham	5 star
Dogubeyazit	Ertur Hotel	Boutique
Kars	Hotel Katerina Sarayi	3 star
Erzurum	Polat Palandoken Hotel	5 star
Rize	Kaf Dagi Konak Hotel	Boutique
Trabzon	Yali Park Hotel	4 star
Antalya	Mediterra Art Hotel	Boutique
Kas	Aqua Princess Hotel	Boutique
Istanbul	Yasmak Sultan Hotel	Boutique

Tour Departures

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