B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner | – = Not included. Lunches are not included in this programme.
This journey connects Istanbul with the dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage of Turkiye’s Black Sea region and Eastern Anatolia, from Trabzon and Sumela Monastery to the scenic Zigana Pass, Erzurum and Kars.
Following the historic Silk Road through Dogubeyazit and the foothills of Mount Ararat, the route continues to Lake Van, Akdamar Island, Ahlat and the region’s Urartian heritage – a journey through striking landscapes, historic sites and distinctive local cultures.
Net agency rates available on request.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, transfer to the hotel. Drive to the Old City and visit the Hippodrome, with the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Continue to the Blue Mosque and visit Hagia Sophia. Lunch is not included. Visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
MEALS: - / - / D
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Trabzon. Drive to Uzungol. Visit a tea factory and a traditional Surmene knife workshop. Lunch is not included. Continue to the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon and explore Trabzon city centre. If time permits, visit Ataturk Mansion. Dinner and overnight.
MEALS: B / - / D
Breakfast. Visit Sumela Monastery, dramatically situated on a rocky cliff. Continue to Hamsikoy, known for its traditional rice pudding. Lunch is not included. Drive through scenic Zigana Pass, visit the glass observation terrace in Torul and continue to Karaca Cave. In Erzurum, visit Erzurum Castle, Cifte Minareli Madrasa, Yakutiye Madrasa and Tashan, a historic Ottoman caravanserai known for Oltu stone handicrafts and jewellery. Dinner and overnight in Erzurum.
MEALS: B / - / D
Breakfast. Drive to Tortum Lake and Waterfall. Continue to Narman to see its red rock formations, known as the Narman Fairy Chimneys. Lunch is not included. Drive to Kars. Dinner and overnight.
MEALS: B / - / D
Breakfast. Visit Kars Citadel and explore the city’s historic streets and distinctive Russian-era architecture. Visit Fethiye Mosque, originally built as a Russian Orthodox church. Continue to Ani Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the important cities of the ancient Silk Road. Dinner and overnight in Kars.
MEALS: B / - / D
Breakfast. Continue to Dogubeyazit, a historic staging post on the Silk Road. Stop at the Noah’s Ark viewpoint, with Mount Ararat rising above the surrounding landscape. Lunch is not included. Visit Ishak Pasa Palace, a remarkable complex combining the features of a fortress and an oriental palace. Dinner and overnight in Dogubeyazit.
MEALS: B / - / D
Breakfast. Cross the Tendurek Mountain area and continue to Muradiye Waterfall. Lunch is not included. Visit the ruins of Ahlat and see its beautifully inscribed memorial tombstones. Continue to Nemrut Crater Lake. Dinner and overnight in Tatvan.
MEALS: B / - / D
Breakfast. Take a boat ride to Akdamar Island on Lake Van and visit the Church of the Holy Cross, known for its frescoes and reliefs dating from the 10th century. Lunch is not included. Continue to Cavustepe, an important Urartian citadel, and visit Hosap Castle. Dinner and overnight in Van.
MEALS: B / - / D
Breakfast. Visit the Van Cat House, home to the famous Van cats. Lunch is not included. Continue to the Citadel of Van, where the Urartians carved steps into the rock leading to the fortress. Enjoy the sunset before returning to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Van.
MEALS: B / - / D
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Istanbul. Visit Topkapi Palace, the former seat of the Ottoman Empire. The Topkapi Palace entrance fee is not included. Lunch is not included. Enjoy shopping opportunities before the transfer to the airport for the international flight.
MEALS: B / - / -
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