Exotic Turkey Tour

There are many impressive sights – both natural and man-made – including picturesque mountain villages and historic sites. Culturally, the region has had as many Urartian, Greek, Georgian, and Armenian influences as it has Ottoman and Selcuk Turks. Kurdish and Armenian histories are intertwined with Turkish history in this fascinating biblical crossroads. Trip top highlights are Sumela Monastery, Mount Ararat, Ishak Pasha Palace and Akdamar Armenian Church.

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Deluxe or Uncommon Hotels

Best Time of Year

Ideal (late MAY, JUN, JUL, AUG, SEP,

early OCT)

Not Recommended

(late NOV, DEC, JAN, FEB, MAR, early APR)

TOUR DURATION

8 days

Day-by-Day Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Van, Turkey

Arrive in Van, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Later this evening, gather with your fellow guests for a welcome dinner. Overnight in Van. (D)

Day 2: Van – Tatvan

This morning, enjoy the Old Van site which was the Urartian capital of Tushpa whose formidable fortress – built on a steep cliff rising from the lakeshore – dominated the Lake Van & modern city. Following this, visit the nearby Van archaeological museum. In the afternoon, explore Armenian Hosap Fortress and the famous Akdamar Church in the uninhabited island. Overnight in Tatvan. (B)

Day 3 : Tatvan – Kars

Rise early for a fascinating site which is called Nemrut Volcanic Crater Lakes, Turkey’s loveliest natural wonders before the visit to Ahlat historical sights including its museum. Then head to Dogubeyazit where you’ll marvel at Ishak Pasha Palace which is quite a fantastic mixture of Armenian, Persian, and classical Ottoman styles. Tonight, overnight in Kars. (B)

Day 4: Kars

Today, enjoy the hauntingly beautiful sites at the ancient Ani which was once the capital of an Armenian kingdom, almost more than a thousand years ago. Later this afternoon, visit the all major sights in the old Kars including its historical castle. Overnight in Kars. (B)

Day 5: Kars – Findikli

Today, a magical journey to the Black Sea Coast through the green mountains, beautiful sceneries and countless Georgian historic churches on the way. En route to Findikli, we’ll visit a few of them. Overnight in Findikli. (B)

Day 6: Findikli – Trabzon

Drive to Ayder, observing the colorful rural life of the Black Sea Laz people on your journey to Macka. Later this afternoon, explore the Orthodox monastery complex of Sumela, which is the Black Sea coast’s most famous monument owing to its unparalleled location, built into sheer cliff. Overnight in Trabzon. (B)

Day 7: Trabzon

Today’s visits to Ataturk Mansion, St. Sophia, Old Citadel, Trabzon Museum and the amazing local bazaars. Tonight, join us for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Trabzon. (B,D)

Day 8: Trabzon – Journey Home

After breakfast, fly home anytime. Transfers are included to local airport. Bon voyage. (B)

Includings

Transfers, Ferries, Best top available hotels, Modern Vehicles, Boat/ Gulet rides, All admissions’ fees, the meals as indicated in the tour program, all taxes, all tolls, all parking fees, and the professional official guiding throughout the tour itinerary.

Excludings

The personal expenses, the international flight tickets, the domestic flight tickets, the other optional shows and tours which are not mentioned in the tour program, and any gratuities to the drivers and the guides.

Pricings

Prices are in USD, per person, based on double occurancy
8 days from $5,995 per person
Single supplement $1,995
Limited to 18 guests
Guaranted departures with just Two Guests