Discover The Hidden Beauty Of Eastern Turkey

1st Day: We will welcome you at the Istanbul airport and we will fly together to Trabzon. You will arrive at Trabzon airport and transfer to your hotel.

2nd Day: The famous fictional hero of literature, Don Quixote, hoped to become the king of Trabzon as the reward for his efforts. First we will visit the famous Sumela Monastery which was built on the mountain and has a fabulous atmosphere. After having a local lunch we will turn back to the town and will visit another famous Church, St. Sophia. Overnight in Trabzon.

3rd Day: Today we will leave the Black Sea region passing the spectacular Zigana Gecidi and will arrive in Erzurum, the most mystic city of the East. In Erzurum we will visit the glorious Selcukian Madrasah and will have a wonderful lunch. In the afternoon, passing the Old Silk Road we will leave for Kars. We will have quick visits on the road and reach our hotel in Kars. Overnight in Kars.

4th Day: This morning we will reach the Eastern border of Turkey. From there we will be able to look at the Armenian side. We will visit the gorgeous open air city of Ani once the capital city of the Armenian Kingdom and the museum. After having lunch in the city, we will see the 12 Apostle Church which is being used as a mosque at the present. We will drive to Dogu Beyazit along the border and will have a mystic night at the base of Mount Ararat. Overnight in Dogu Beyazit.

5th Day: After breakfast we will visit the famous Ishak Pasa Palace which was constructed in a century. Then, after passing the volcanic mountains we will arrive in Van, where the biggest lake in Turkey is located. After lunch we will reach the Monastery at Akdamar Island which is on Lake Van by boat. Overnight in Van.

6th Day: Today after visiting the Castle of Hosap, we will see the most interesting archeological site at Cavus Tepe which is a 2.900 years old settlement of the Urartu Civilization. After lunch firstly we will visit the Castle of Van and secondly the tombs of the Urartu Kings. Overnight in Van.

7th Day: Our journey starts to Mesopotamia. First we will see the Malabadi Bridge, situated on the River Tigris. After having lunch, we will walk along the streets of Diyarbakir and will visit the Ulu Mosque. Diyarbakir’s city walls are second in length only to the Great Wall of China Before returning to our hotel we will visit the Jacobite Orthodox Church. Overnight in Diyarbakir.

8th Day: Today we will have one of the most mystic and magical days. First we will go to the ancient city of Hasan Keyf which will be under the waters of the River Tigris in a few years time. Then we will visit Midyat, famous for its architecture and we will have lunch there. Later we will visit Mardin one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in the world, where we will visit the Jacobite Christian Church. Today will be the most memorable day since you will hear the Bible in the original language of Jesus Christ. Overnight in Diyarbakir.

9th Day: After breakfast we will go to the Nemrut Mountain which is reckoned to be the 8th wonder of the world. There we will see 2metre high statues of legendary Gods and Goddesses. Later we will visit Urfa, the city of the messengers. Overnight in Urfa.

10th Day: We will go to the Biblical City of Harran, where we will see the famous Harran houses and the first Islamic University. According the Old Testament Harran is the place where Prophet Abraham and his children spent 7 years before leaving for Israel. Walking in the city Urfa, we will see Prophet Abraham’s birth place and the bazaar. Overnight in Urfa.

11th Day: Today we will cruise on the River Euphrates to the Rumkale. After lunch we will see the most beautiful Roman Mosaic in the Gaziantep Museum. We will drive to Antakya for overnight.

12th Day: We will arrive to King Solomon’s Antakya passing Coa Plateau which is mentioned in the Old Testament. Antakya is the place where the word “Christian” was first mentioned. We will also visit St. Peter’s Church which was the first established in the world. Finally, we will see the biggest Mosaic Museum in the world. Later we will arrive in Tarsus. While walking through ancient Tarsus we will reach St. Paul’s Well. Overnight in Adana.

13th Day: Today we will leave for Cappadocia and will visit Tynna and Nigde, later we will continue to Gumusler Monastery where the only smiling fresco of Virgin Mary is visible. Also the controversial story of Apollonius of Tiynna will be mentioned. Overnight in Cappadocia.

14th Day: We will see dreamlike Cappadocia, Goreme open air museum, monasteries and churches, founded by St Basil, with the most beautiful frescos inside. Cappadocia is the best place for hot-air balloon tours, which is optional. Overnight in Cappadocia.

15th Day: After breakfast we will again spend the whole day in Cappadocia. We will see Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos, Zelve and the famous underground city where early Christians lived and hid. Overnight in Cappadocia.

16th Day: Transfer to Kayseri airport for your homebound flight via Istanbul.