Eastern Turkey Tour

Program of our cultural tour will give you opportunity to familiarize with cultural and natural heritage of Eastern Anatolia and its outstanding scenery. 

During our Eastern Turkey Tour you will explore the ancient city of Ani, the fascinating Van Fortress built by Urartians and stunning Palace of Ishak Pasha. Your journey will bring you also to the places related to biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Moreover you will have opportunity to swim in the biggest lake in Turkey (Van Lake).

Day 1: Sightseeing of Van – transfer to Dogubayazit
Our trip will start when you arrive to Van airport.
From the airport we will drive to Gevas (about 40 km) to take a ferry trip to Akdamar Island. On the island we will visit Church of the Holy Cross, which was built by Armenians in the tenth century. Those who want can also swim in the lake. Afterwards we will back to Van for lunch. Later we will visit ancient Urartian Castle (Van Kalesi). From the castle we will get good view of Van Lake.
After visiting Van we will drive to Dogubayazit. On the way we will stop to see Muradiye waterfall, take few photos and drink tea.
Afterwards- arrive to Dogubayazit, dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Day 2: Visit in Ishak Pasha Palace, Diyadin Hot Springs
In the morning we will have nutritious breakfast at the hotel. Then we will visit Ishak Pasha Palace - one of the most important palaces in Ottoman history, which was built in 17th century. From the palace we will walk about 200 meters to see Urartian Castle and a mosque from Ottoman time. We will visit also the Tomb of Ahmedi Hani: first Kurdish philosopher, poet, historian and Sufi.
Then we will back to the town for a lunch. In the afternoon we will drive to small town Diyadin, where we can take a bath in natural hot springs.
Overnight in Dogubayazit.

Day 3: Tour in Dogubayazit area- transfer to Kars
We will drive to Noah's Ark National Park which is located 10 km. from Mount Ararat. We will have opportunity to see 'footprint' of Noah's Ark: ship-shaped area on the hill between Telceker and Uzengili villages.
Then we will go to Meteor Crater. It's the second largest meteor crater in the world, 60 meters deep and 35 meters across. On the way to crater we also can see border crossing with Iran. We will have lunch in Dogubayazit and then we will drive to Kars. On the way we will stop to visit Akori village.
Overnight in Kars.

Day 4: Sightseeing of Kars, visit in Ani
After breakfast we will start our sightseeing. First we will visit city centre, then - Kars Castle (12th-century Seljuk fortress) and Kumbet Camii, which was originally built as a Church of Apostles in the 10th century. Afterwards we will drive about 50 km to visit the ruins of Ani - ancient capital city of Armenian Kingdom. We will see its impressive fortified walls still encircling the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravanserais.
Overnight in Kars

Day 5: Transfer to the airport
We will enjoy good breakfast at the hotel. Depending on our departure time we can spend some time in city centre of Kars and buy famous Kars cheese and honey. Then we will pack our luggage and drive to the airport in Kars.