Explore Exotic Eastern Turkey

1st Day: Arrive at Istanbul airport, meet your personal guide and fly to Erzurum in the east of Turkey. In Erzurum you can relax in your hotel.

2nd Day: Erzurum, the most mystic city of the East. In Erzurum we will visit the glorious Selcukian Madrasah and other historical places. Before we return to our hotel, we visit the water fall of Muradiye. Overnight in Erzurum.

3rd Day: Passing the Old Silk Road we will leave for Kars. At the Eastern border of Turkey, we will be able to look at an Armenian site. 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 used as a mosque at the present. We will drive to Dogu Beyazit along the border and will have a mystic night at the outskirts of Mount Ararat. Overnight in Dogu Beyazit.

4th Day: After breakfast we will visit the famous Ishak Pasa Palace which was constructed over a century years. After passing volcanic mountains we will arrive in Van, where Turkey’s largest lake is located. After lunch we will take a boat to the Monastery at Akdamar Island, in Lake Van. Overnight in Van.

5th Day: Today again we will spend our day in Van. Starting with the Castle of Hosap, we will see a most interesting archeological site at Cavus Tepe which is a 2.900 years old settlement of the Urartu Civilization. After lunch we will first visit the castle of Van and then the tombs of the Urartu Kings. You will have chance to see the oldest traditional handicraft culture brought by the Turkish nomads. Young Turkish artists recreate this old culture, weaving carpets. Overnight in Van.

6th Day: Today our target is to see the most mystic city Mardin. But first on the way we will have a stop at the ancient city of Hasan Keyf which will be under the water of River Tigris in a few years time. Overnight in Mardin.

7th Day: 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 listen to the Bible in the original language of Jesus Christ. Overnight in Mardin.

8th Day: We start our journey to Mesopotamia. First we will see the Malabadi Bridge, across the River Tigris. After lunch we will walk on the streets of Diyarbakir and will visit the Ulu Mosque.The city walls of Diyarbakir 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 Urfa.

9th 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.

10th Day: After breakfast we will go to the Nemrut Mountain which is said to be the 8th wonder of the world. There we will see the legendary statues of Gods and Goddesses in 2.000m height. Overnight in Adiyaman.

11th Day: Leaving Adiyaman, we will see the natural wonder of Cappadocia. Later we will see Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos, Zelve. After dinner we watch the whirling dervishes show, representing Sufism from the 13th Century .AD. Overnight in Cappadocia.

12th Day: Before the breakfast you will have a fascinating balloon tour and have a chance to view the unforgettable scenery of Cappadoccia. You will see dreamlike Cappadocia, Goreme open air museum, monasteries and churches founded by Saint Basil, containing the most beautiful frescos. Overnight in Cappadocia.

13th Day: Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight via Istanbul.