Our Eastern Turkey Cultural Tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of Eastern Anatolia, a region renowned for its outstanding landscapes and historical significance.
Throughout this journey, you will explore ancient wonders such as the remarkable city of Ani, the fascinating Van Fortress, built by the Urartians, and the stunning Ishak Pasha Palace. Additionally, you will visit sites connected to the legendary Noah’s Ark. As part of this unforgettable experience, you will also have the chance to swim in the pristine waters of Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey.
Join us on this extraordinary adventure through Eastern Turkey, where history, culture, and nature intertwine to create an unforgettable travel experience.
Day 1: Sightseeing of Van – transfer to Dogubayazit
Upon your arrival at Van Ferit Melen Airport, our local guide will welcome you and accompany you on a scenic drive to Gevaş (approximately 40 km) to embark on a ferry ride to the picturesque Akdamar Island. Here, you will explore the Church of the Holy Cross, an architectural gem built by Armenians in the 10th century, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of Lake Van. For those interested, there will also be an opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the waters of the lake.
Afterwards, we will return to Van for a lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, we will visit the ancient Urartian Castle (Van Kalesi), an impressive fortress offering panoramic views of Lake Van and the surrounding landscape.
Our journey continues as we drive to Doğubayazıt, with a brief stop en route to admire the Muradiye Waterfall, where we will pause for a few photos and enjoy a cup of tea.
In the evening, we will arrive in Doğubayazıt, where you’ll enjoy a dinner and spend the night at your hotel.
Day 2: Exploring Ishak Pasha Palace and relaxing at Diyadin Hot Springs
After enjoying a breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our day with a visit to the Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most significant palaces of the Ottoman Empire, dating back to the 17th century. As we explore the palace’s intricate details and panoramic views, you will get a glimpse into the grandeur of Ottoman architecture.
From the palace, we will take a short walk to visit the Urartian Castle and an Ottoman-era mosque, which add even more layers of historical richness to the region. Additionally, we will stop by the Tomb of Ahmed-i Hani, the renowned Kurdish philosopher, poet, historian, and Sufi, whose legacy still resonates today.
After the morning's explorations, we will return to town for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will journey to the small town of Diyadin, where you can rejuvenate in the natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. This relaxing experience will offer a perfect balance to the day’s cultural discoveries.
We will return to Dogubayazit for dinner.
Day 3: Explore the Dogubayazit Region – transfer to Kars
We begin the day with a visit to the Noah’s Ark National Park, located just 10 kilometers from the legendary Mount Ararat. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to see the famous "footprint" of Noah’s Ark, a ship-shaped formation nestled between the villages of Telçeker and Üzengili, which many believe to be the resting place of the Ark.
Next, we will head to the Meteor Crater, the second-largest meteor crater in the world, measuring 60 meters deep and 35 meters across. On the way to the crater, we will also pass by the Iranian border crossing, offering a glimpse of the frontier between Turkey and Iran.
After enjoying lunch in Dogubayazit, we will continue our journey to Kars, a city rich in history and culture. Along the way, we will make a stop to explore Akori village, adding to the day’s cultural immersion.
In the evening, we will arrive in Kars, where we’ll have dinner and stay overnight.
Day 4: Discovering Kars and the Ancient City of Ani
After breakfast, we will begin our exploration of Kars with a tour of the city center, followed by a visit to the Kars Castle, a 12th-century Seljuk fortress that offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Next, we will visit the Kümbet Camii (Church of the Apostles), originally constructed as an Armenian church in the 10th century before being converted into a mosque, showcasing the city’s diverse religious history.
In the afternoon, we will drive approximately 50 kilometers to the remarkable ruins of Ani, the ancient capital of the Armenian Kingdom. Once known as the "City of 1001 Churches," Ani is home to impressive fortifications and the ruins of churches, mosques, and caravanserais.
We will return to Kars in the evening for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 5: Departure
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will have some free time to explore the city centre of Kars, where you can purchase local specialties such as the famous Kars cheese and honey, perfect as souvenirs or gifts.
Then we will transfer you to Kars Airport for your onward journey.
Alternative Option:
If you prefer, we can also arrange to drop you off at Van Airport. In this case, we will return to Dogubayazit for an overnight stay on Day 4, and on Day 5, you will be transferred to Van Airport for your departure.
Included in full service option
- All transfers during the tour
- Professional guide service
- Accommodation at the hotels (with breakfast) - 4 nights, twin rooms
- Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
- Ferry cruise to Akdamar Island
- Bath in Diyadin hot springs
Not included
- Domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunches and dinners
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.