Eastern Turkey From Istanbul - 14 days

Begin your multi-day adventure in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where East meets West in a dazzling fusion of history and modernity. After arriving and settling into your comfortable hotel (Hilton Istanbul or similar), the remainder of the day is yours to unwind or start exploring the city’s bustling streets, lively bazaars, and iconic skyline at your own pace.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Trabzon, where you’ll marvel at the 14th-century Hagia Sophia, perched above the Black Sea. Journey onward to Altindere National Park to discover the cliffside Sumela Monastery, a masterpiece of Byzantine devotion. The scenic drive continues along the Black Sea coast, passing through Hopa and arriving in Artvin for an overnight stay, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s breathtaking views and cultural encounters.

Depart Artvin and traverse the dramatic landscapes of northeastern Turkey, passing through the picturesque village of Ishan and the lush Georgian Valleys. The journey is filled with panoramic vistas and untouched natural beauty, offering a true sense of adventure before arriving in the historic city of Erzurum for your overnight stay.

Begin your day exploring Erzurum’s historical treasures before heading east through the scenic Aras River valley. Pause at Sarikamis, a poignant World War I battlefield, then continue to Kars. Here, you’ll explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ani, once a thriving medieval Armenian capital, now a testament to centuries of cultural heritage.

Travel south from Kars, passing the legendary Mount Ararat, shrouded in myth and majesty. Stop in Dogubayazit to visit the stunning Ishak Pasha Palace, a unique blend of Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian architecture. Continue to the lakeside city of Van, where you’ll enjoy a restful night by Turkey’s largest lake.

Discover the historic Hosap Castle, a formidable fortress along the ancient Silk Road. In the afternoon, take a boat to Akdamar Island on Lake Van, where the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross awaits, famed for its intricate stone carvings and serene setting. Return to Van for another night of lakeside relaxation.

Journey along the southern shore of Lake Van to Tatvan, where you’ll ascend the volcanic crater of Mount Nemrut, a striking natural wonder. Continue to Ahlat to explore the remarkable Seljuk tombs and mausoleums, offering a window into the region’s medieval past before settling in for the night.

Travel through the scenic Bitlis Gorge and the city of Batman, arriving at Hasankeyf, a riverside town rich in ancient caves and Byzantine remnants. Continue to Midyat to experience the lively Silver Bazaar, then reach Mardin, where you’ll visit the historic Kasimiye Medrese, a testament to the city’s architectural and scholarly legacy.

Begin with a visit to the ancient Saffron Monastery, once the heart of the Syriac Christian Patriarchy, built atop a former sun temple. Journey northwest to Diyarbakir, where you’ll marvel at the 10 Arches Bridge spanning the Tigris River, a remarkable feat of early engineering and a symbol of the region’s enduring heritage.

Explore Diyarbakir’s Ulu Cami, a site of both Christian and Islamic significance, before journeying to Nemrut National Park. Cross the Euphrates by ferry to reach Narlice Village, then ascend Mount Nemrut to witness the colossal statues and royal tombs of the Commagene Kingdom, culminating in a breathtaking sunset atop the summit.

After breakfast, travel to the extraordinary archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe, home to the world’s oldest known religious structures. Continue to Sanliurfa to visit the sacred Pools of Abraham and the nearby cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, both revered pilgrimage sites steeped in legend.

Start your day exploring the vibrant Ottoman Bazaar in Sanliurfa, then delve into the region’s rich history at the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum. Journey to Gaziantep to visit the world-renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where ancient artistry and culture come alive through its spectacular collection of mosaics.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, savor local cuisine, or shop for unique souvenirs before your final night at your hotel (Hilton Istanbul or similar).

Enjoy a final breakfast in Istanbul before bidding farewell to your fellow travelers. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Turkey’s diverse landscapes, ancient wonders, and vibrant cultures.