Day 1: Arrival Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by our tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps exploring Istanbul’s famous sights such as the Taksim Square.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul / Van ( B/L/D)
After breakfast, we drive to Istanbul airport for our fly from Istanbul to Van, a city located near the shores of Turkey's largest lake. After arrival, we will explore Van Castle, perched above the lake with anoramic views of the surrounding area. Enjoy a walk along the lake, and visit the Van Museum,which houses important Urartian artifacts.
Overnight in Van.
Day 3: Van / Cavustepe / Akdamar Island ( B/L/D)
Today, we visit the ancient Urartian city of Çavuştepe to explore the ruins, including a well-preserved palace. Afterward, we will take a boat ride to Akdamar Island, home to the Church of the Holy Cross, an impressive 10th-century Armenian church. Admire the beautiful frescoes and the stunning views of the lake.
Day 4: Van / Muradiye / Dogubeyazit ( B/L/D)
Today we drive through the picturesque countryside to Muradiye, where we will visit the Muradiye Waterfalls. Then, continue to Doğubeyazıt, located near the foot of Mount Ararat, for a glimpse of the famed peak. We will visit Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural wonder with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 5: Dogubeyazit / Ani / Kars ( B/L/D)
This morning, we drive to the Ani Ruins, the ancient capital of the Armenian Kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its stunning medieval churches and ruins. Afterward, we continue our journey to Kars, a town with a rich mix of cultures and historic landmarks, including the Fethiye Mosque and Kars Castle.
Day 6: Kars / Erzurum ( B/L/D)
Today, we travel to Erzurum, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture. Upon arrival, we will visit the Çifte Minareli Medrese, Yakutiye Madrasa, and Erzurum Castle. If time allows, stroll through Cumhuriyet Caddesi to experience local life.
Day 7: Erzurum (B/L/D)
Spend a full day exploring Erzurum. You will visit the Lala Pasha Mosque, the Ulu Cami, and the Erzurum Archaeological Museum. You may also wish to relax and enjoy the local muhlama (melted cheese dish) and kavut (roasted flour dessert).
Day 8: Erzurum / Istanbul (B/L)
In the morning, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight from Erzurum back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, We will start with a visit to the renewed Sultanahmet Mosque, known popularly as The Blue Mosque an incredibly beautiful mosque known for its blue Iznik (Nicaea) tiles are unique for the fact that it has six minarets. We continue on to the Hippodrome once the vast arena that functioned as the heart of sporting (chariots races and athletics) events and political activities of the old city. From here we go to the nearby Hagia Sophia the Church of Divine Wisdom. Ranking as one of the greatest marvels of world architecture, this awe-inspiring building was constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The tour will end with the visit to the Grand Bazaar, the vast and legendary covered market that is the biggest souk in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, jewelry and carpets. UNIQUE MOMENTS: During the visit of the Grand Bazaar we will be experiencing Turkish coffee, historical coffee roasters located in the Grand Bazaar. Each variety has been prepared with a blend of traditional knowledge, experience and an abiding “Love of Coffee”
Day 9: Istanbul / Fly Back Home. (B)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home, concluding your unforgettable tour of Eastern Turkey.
