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Eastern Turkey Adventure

8 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
15 peopleMaximum group size
12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Highlights

Marvel at the ancient site of Gobekli Tepi.

Wander the UNESCO-listed open-air museum town of Mardin.

Gaze across the mountains towards Mount Ararat.

Discover the historic ruins of Ani—the legendary “City of 1

001 Churches”

Itinerary

Unlock the ancient mysteries of Eastern Turkey on this easy-paced, eight-day tour catering to experienced travelers seeking comfort and insight. Traverse Istanbul to Kars, pausing at the Karakus Tumulus and marveling at the panoramic views from Ataturk Dam. Enjoy a farm-fresh lunch at Karahantepe, then stand in awe at Göbekli Tepe—the world’s oldest known temple. Explore Mardin’s open-air museum, the shimmering vastness of Lake Van, and the haunting ruins of Ani. From Van Castle’s imposing ramparts to the soulful echoes of lost civilizations, this trip’s USP is its rare access to Turkey’s most evocative historical sites, wrapped in a relaxed, expertly guided journey.

day 1 - Istanbul

Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Afterwards, head out for a short orientation walk around the hotel area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Accomodation:Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul (or similar)
Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Istanbul/Adıyaman

Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. Visit the funerary monument, Karakus, the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Continue on to Adiyaman where you can settle in for the night and enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:White Star Hotel Adıyaman (or similar)
Transport:Plane Duration : 2.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 57 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr - 0.75 hr Distance : 44 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 50 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 90 km
Included Activities:Karakus Tumulus Visit Duration : 0.5 hr, Mt Nemrut Sunset Experience Duration : 2.0 hr

day 3 - Adıyaman/Sanliurfa

After an early breakfast, transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before continuing on to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Afterwards, transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and enjoy the rest of the Day at leisure.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Accomodation:Şanlıurfa Uludağ Otel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr Distance : 175 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 60 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 20 km
Included Activities:Lunch with a Local Family Duration : 1.5 hr, Göbekli Tepe Archaeological Site Visit Duration : 1.0 hr

day 4 - Sanliurfa/Mardin

Travel to Mardin after breakfast this morning. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be an open-air museum. Explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the Day is free for individual exploration or time to relax before joining the CEO for an optional dinner in the evening.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Kaya Ninova Hotel Mardin (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr Distance : 200 km
Included Activities:Mardin UNESCO City Tour Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 2 km, Walking Tour Mardin Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 2 km
Optional Activities:Latifiye Mosque , Tellallar Bazaar

day 5 - Mardin/Van

Settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in Van. Enjoy a free evening to end the day.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Van Life Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr Distance : 400 km, Boat Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 1 km
Included Activities:Walking Tour Akdamar Island Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 1 km, Akdamar Island Boat Trip Duration : 0.5 hr

day 6 - Van/Kars

Visit the Van Citadel this morning, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. From there transfer to the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat, Dogubeyazit. Explore Ishak Pasha Palace then take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Continue on to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr Distance : 170 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.25 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 175 km
Included Activities:Orientation Walk Kars, Van Castle Duration : 1.0 hr, Ishak Pasha Palace Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 1 km

day 7 - Kars

Drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches,. Explore the Ani complex with your CEO, seeing the many religious buildings, palaces and forts before heading back to Kars for a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.25 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 45 km
Included Activity:Ani Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr
Optional Activities:Kars Museum

day 8 - Kars

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast
Included Activity:Departure Day
Eastern Turkey Adventure

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What's Included

Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts).
Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD140-185 for meals not included.
Transport
Plane, private vehicle, boat, walkingAll transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Included activities
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, KarahanIstanbul orientation walkVisit the Karakus Tumulous MonumentSunset from the summit of Mt NemrutGobekli Tepi archaeological site visitWalking tour of MardinBoat ride on Lake VanWalking exploration of Akdamar IslandVisit Van CastleIshak Pasha Palace Tour in DoğubeyazıtTour the Ani archaeological complex

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a Premier Premier tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 5580 reviews for other tours with an average 5.0rating.

Good to Know

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Travel Insurance
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Other Practical Information

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