Fez Travel: Eastern Turkey

Itinerary

• Day 1: Istanbul

• Be met and transferred to your hotel on arrival.

• Day 2: Istanbul – Trabzon

• Fly to Trabzon this morning, a city on the Black Sea coast and home to the breathtaking Byzantine Monastery of Sumela. Tour the town’s attractions on arrival and gain an insight into the Byzantine Empire, formed at the end of the 4th century.  

• Day 3: Trabzon – Erzurum

• Travel along the Black Sea coast through the wild landscapes of Coruh Valley. Stop by the picturesque Ishan village en-route to the scenic heights of Erzurum.  

• Day 4: Erzurum – Dogubayazit

• Tour the remarkable Seljuk monuments of Erzurum before continuing to the old Armenian capital of Ani. Journey to the remote town of Dogubayazit, located at the foothill of Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed.  

• Day 5: Dogubayazit – Van

• Tour ancient Ishak Pasa Palace before driving along the Iranian border through barren landscapes of volcanic stones. Stop at the pretty Muradiye waterfalls then continue to Van, located on Lake Van, Turkey’s largest salted lake.  

• Day 6: Van

• Go to Cavustepe, the ancient citadel for exploration before continuing to Hosap village with its large medieval castle. From here, take a boat excursion to the 10th century Holy Cross Church, on Akdamar Island.  

• Day 7: Van – Diyabakir

• Drive along the north shore of Lake Van to visit some of the small picturesque towns en-route. Arrive late afternoon into Diyarbakir,  a city with a medieval air.  

• Day 8: Diyarbakir – Mardin

• Travel to the cliff-top Roman ruins of ancient Cephe and the old town of Midyat, an architectural treasure. Journey on to Mardin with its old stone houses, overlooking the vast plains of Mesopotamia.  

• Day 9: Mardin – Sanli Urfa

• Visit the famous mud-brick houses of Harran and the ancient city of Sanli Urfa, home of Abraham according to both the Bible and Quran. Uncover the ‘City of the Prophets’ secrets on a visit to Abraham's Caves, the pool of sacred carps and the colourful bazaar.  

• Day 10: Sanli Urfa – Kahta

• An unforgettable day awaits with a journey to Mt Nemrut with its staggering giant statues. Stop briefly at Ataturk Dam before concluding the day in Kahta.  

• Day 11: Kahta – Gaziantepe

• Take a boat ride on the Euphrates River to explore the Rumkale Fortress and submerged valley. Visit the ancient Roman city of Zeugma and tour the Archaeological Museum at Gaziantepe, with its alluring collection of artifacts, statues and mosaics from the old city of Zeugma.  

• Day 12: Gaziantepe – Adana

• A jam-packed day ahead with a drive to the holy spot of Antakya, one of the richest museum collections of Roman and Byzantine Mosaics in the world, the Grotto of St Peter, and then on across the Plain of Issus. Conclude with Tarsus, the birthplace of St Paul.  

• Day 13: Adana – Istanbul

• Explore the 8th century open-air museum of Karatepe. Journey north to Kayseri and take a return flight to Istanbul.

• Day 14: Istanbul

• Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the city’s exotic sights.

• Day 15: Istanbul

• Your tour concludes after breakfast with an airport transfer.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.