Trails of Eastern Anatolia 11 Days
Istanbul • Gaziantep • Şanlıurfa • Mardin • Van • Kars
Price
€0
Overview
Embark on a transformative journey through Eastern Türkiye, where ancient civilizations, sacred sites, and culinary traditions converge. Explore ancient monasteries, bustling bazaars, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, all while tasting the region’s extraordinary cuisine and connecting with the people who keep these traditions alive. Every day brings new discoveries—from serene riverside towns to mountain landscapes and sacred islands.
Highlights:
- Explore the ancient mosaics of Zeugma Museum
- Discover Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex
- Experience the spiritual heritage of Assyrian Christians
- Witness breathtaking landscapes of Hasankeyf, Van, and Mount Ararat
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Ishak Pasha Palace and the ruins of Ani Cathedral
- Delight in regional gastronomy, from Gaziantep baklava to Kars gruyere cheese
Included/Excluded
- 10 Nights' Accommodation
- Airport Transfers Upon Arrival and Departure
- 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 3 Dinner
- Professional licensed tour guide throughout the tour
- Land Transportation by Air-conditioned, Non-smoking Bus
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- V.A.T.
- Drinks with meals
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Any activity mentioned as optional
Tour Plan
Day 1 – Arrival, Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul and warm welcome by our team at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and settle in before a welcome dinner in the evening, introducing the upcoming journey.
*Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport, at least 14 days prior to your departure.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 - Gaziantep
Fly to Gaziantep, a city famed for its culinary excellence and rich history. Begin with a leisurely lunch in the city center, followed by a visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to some of the world’s most intricate Roman mosaics. Stroll through the historical Bey district, savoring traditional katmer or baklava, and explore the bustling Coppersmith Bazaar, where local artisans display their timeless craftsmanship.
Overnight: Gaziantep
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – Halfeti, Şanlıurfa
Depart Gaziantep for Halfeti, a picturesque town along the Euphrates River. Here, enjoy a scenic boat tour, gliding past partially submerged streets and traditional stone houses.
The day continues with a drive to Urfa and concludes at Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish), believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. Stroll through the lively Urfa bazaar, filled with local crafts, spices, and delicacies, before settling in for the overnight stay.
Today's total driving distance is 250 km (approx. 3.5 hours).
Overnight: Şanlıurfa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Mardin
Depart from Mardin in the morning and begin your journey at the majestic Kasimiye Medresesi, an architectural gem of the 15th century, where intricate stonework and grand arches reflect the city’s rich Islamic scholarly heritage. Continuing to the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, a 5th-century Syriac Orthodox monastery nestled on a hillside, offering insight into centuries of spiritual tradition and a chance to admire its historic chapels and stunning views over the Mesopotamian plains.
The day continues to Beyazsu, a charming village known for its natural springs and local crafts. Proceed to Midyat, a town famous for its silverwork, intricate stone architecture, and vibrant bazaars. Enjoy a guided exploration of the old streets, artisan workshops, and local markets, discovering the craftsmanship and culture that have flourished here for generations. Return to Mardin in the evening.
Today's total driving distance is 220 km (approx. 4 hours).
Overnight: Mardin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Mardin and around
Begin your morning departure from Mardin with a visit to a traditional Ezidi village, where you will learn about the customs, traditions, and unique way of life of this indigenous community. Continue to the Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the oldest Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the world, founded in 397 AD. Here, explore its historic chapels, tranquil courtyards, and ancient manuscripts, gaining insight into centuries of spiritual devotion and the region’s religious history.
Afterwards, venture to the ancient city of Dara, an archaeological gem that reveals the ingenuity of Roman engineering with its impressive fortifications, cisterns, and underground tunnels. Walk among the ruins and immerse yourself in the stories of the city that once thrived along the Silk Road. Return to Mardin in the evening for an overnight stay.
Today's driving distance is 290 km (approx. 5 hours).
Overnight: Mardin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Hasankeyf and Van
Depart Mardin for Hasankeyf, an ancient town on the Tigris River. Visit the Hasankeyf Museum to explore artifacts from various civilizations. Enjoy lunch locally before continuing to Van, arriving in time for an evening at leisure.
Today's total driving distance is 450 km (approx. 6.5 hours).
Overnight: Van
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Çavuştepe, Akdamar Island
Discover Çavuştepe’s Urartian fortress and explore the Urartu Hali carpet atelier. After a local lunch, take a scenic boat trip to Akdamar Island to visit the 10th-century Holy Cross Cathedral, renowned for its intricate stone carvings and religious heritage.
Overnight: Van
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 - Mount Ararat and Kars
Begin the day with a visit to the majestic Muradiye Waterfalls. Enjoy lunch in Dogubeyazit with views of Mount Ararat, then explore the stunning Ishak Pasha Palace, a blend of Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian architecture. Conclude your journey with a ride to Kars.
Today's total driving distance is 390 km (approx. 6 hours)
Overnight: Kars
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 - Kars
Explore the ancient city of Ani, with its iconic cathedral, mosques, and citadel ruins. Sample Reyhan Sherbet and local Kars gruyere cheese, then visit Kumbet Mosque and drive past Kars Castle, enjoying the 19th-century Russian-style architecture en route. Dinner concludes your day of history and gastronomy.
Overnight: Kars
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Kars, Istanbul
Tour Kars’ Old City, visiting the Fethiye Mosque and Kars Museum to explore artifacts from the Bronze Age, Urartu, and Roman periods. Enjoy free time in the market before transferring to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Celebrate the final evening with a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight, concluding your journey through the historic and spiritual heart of Eastern Turkey.
Overnight: None
Meals Included: Breakfast
