Armenian Heritage

1st Day: You will arrive in Istanbul, the biggest city of modern Turkey. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. You can relax for rest of the day.

2nd Day: Today, we will have an extensive tour of Istanbul. Istanbul is the only city located in 2 continents and was the capital city of 3 empires. Our first visit will be to the legendary St. Sophia which was built 1.500 years ago as the first cathedral of the world. It was the biggest and last construction of The Roman Empire. Following that we will visit the famous Blue Mosque. After lunch, we will visit the Topkapi Palace, where Otoman Sultans used to live and rule for centuries. You will have free time in one of the oldest shopping places in the world, the Grand Bazaar, where also some Turkish Armenians have their shops. Overnight in Istanbul.

3rd Day: After Breakfast visit the Armenian Church ( possibility to join the mass ) .Walking on the famous Taksim and Istiklal Streets and visit another Armenian Church. After having lunch at an Armenian restaurant, free time at the historical Spice Bazaar. Overnight in Ä°stanbul.

4th Day: Early flight to Kayseri Airport. We will land in Kayseri and drive to Armenian Church Surp Astvadzadzin. After lunch, we will drive to Cappadocia, the land of Fairy Chimneys and do a half day tour and rest at the cave Hotel in Ürgüp (Cappadocia )

5th Day: Before the breakfast you have an opportunity to take a fascinating balloon tour which will give you the chance to view the unforgettable view of Cappadoccia from the air .After breakfast start to discover  Goreme open air museum, monasteries and churches with the most beautiful mural frescos  founded by St. Basil. Overnight in Cappadocia.

6th Day: Today you will see Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos, Zelve and the famous underground city where early period Christians were living and hiding. After dinner watch the whirling dervishes show (optional) representing the Sufism from the 13th C.AD Overnight in Cappadocia.

7th Day: Leaving Cappadocia you will drive to the Mediteranean Region of Turkey.On the way you will have stop at the Gumusler Monastery ,famous for its smiling Virgin Mary Fresco. Further in Tarsus, you will see St. Paul’s Well. Overnight will be in Adana.

8th Day: After having breakfast you will drive to Antakya and visit the first Church built by the early Christians called St. Pierre Church. Later you will make a tour to Vakifli, the only Armenian village in Turkey, following resting on the slopes of famous Musa Dagi. Overnight in Antakya.

9th Day: Early drive to the famous city Urfa. Visit Harran and the oldest temple of the world ‘Gobekli Tepe ‘.  visit the Ulu Mosque in Urfa, which was an early Armenian Church. Overnight in Urfa.

10th Day: Today you will drive to Diyarbakir. The biggest Armenian Church in the Middle East ,is recently restored. It is the Surp Grigos Church. Overnight in Diyarbakir.

11th Day: Drive to Van. Enjoy a city tour. Overnight in Van.

12th Day: Enjoy a Boot trip at Van and visit the famous Armenian Church at the Ahtamar Island.Visit after lunch Cavustepe. Overnight in Van.

13th Day: Leaving Van you will reach the city of Dogubeyazit.Visit the wonderful Ishak Pahsa Palace. Overnight next to Mount Ararat, literary under its divine shadow.

14th Day: Today you will drive further North along the border with Armenian Republic. From time to time you will be able to see some military and industrial buildings on the Armenian soil. In Kars you will visit the great ancient site called Ani, once capital of Armenian Kingdom. Many Armenian Churches and buildings are still in good condition. Overnight in Kars.

15th Day: After breakfast drive to Erzurum. After making a city tour you will visit the Cifte Minareli and the Yakutiye Medreses. Overnight and farewell dinner.

16th Day: Transfer to Istanbul.

Note: If there is in the season no early flight from Erzurum to Istanbul, you won’t stay in Erzurum and fly after the tour to Istanbul for overnight.