Eastern Turkeys Nature History and Culture Tour Highlight

Day 1: Arrival in Trabzon

1. Trabzon
   12h
   Upon arrival at Trabzon Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time to relax or explore the lively city center and Black Sea coastline.

Day 2: Trabzon City & Historical Highlights

1. Sumela Monastery
   2h · Admission ticket included
   A spectacular Greek Orthodox monastery built into the cliffs of Altındere Valley.
2. Ataturk Kosku
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Elegant early 20th-century mansion surrounded by scenic gardens.
3. Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum
   30m
   A beautifully preserved Byzantine church featuring medieval frescoes.
4. Trabzon
   3h
   Discover traditional streets, local markets, and centuries-old city walls.

Day 3: Uzungöl & Rize Cultural Experience

1. Uzungol
   2h
   Famous alpine lake surrounded by dense forests and mountain scenery.
2. Hapsiyas Kiremitli Kopru
   20m
   Traditional Black Sea architecture built over rushing streams.
3. 30m
   Learn about the production of Turkey’s world-famous Black Sea tea with tasting 3 different kinds of local teas
4. Firtina Deresi
   Pass by
   Stunning river valley known for its nature and adventure atmosphere.
5. Timisvat OsmanlI tas kopru
   20m
   Centuries-old bridges reflecting the engineering of the Ottoman era.

Day 4: Ayder Highlands & Zilkale

1. Elevit YaylasI
   1h 30m
   Remote mountain plateau offering authentic village life and panoramic views.
2. Zilkale
   1h
   Medieval fortress dramatically positioned above the valley cliffs.
3. Palovit Selalesi
   30m
   One of the most powerful and scenic waterfalls in the Black Sea region.
4. Ayder Yaylasi
   2h
   Famous highland town known for wooden houses, thermal springs, and green landscapes.

Day 5: Artvin & Borçka Karagöl

1. Borcka Karagol Tabiat ParkI
   2h
   Peaceful crater lake surrounded by untouched forests and nature trails.
2. Artvin
   3h
   Discover local culture shaped by Ottoman and Caucasian influences. Experience dramatic landscapes and breathtaking viewpoints throughout the journey.

Day 6: Erzurum Historical Route

1. Twin Minaret Madrasa
   1h
   Iconic Seljuk theological school famous for its twin minarets.
2. Yakutiye Medresesi
   30m
   Historic Islamic school featuring remarkable stone carvings and architecture.
3. Erzurum Castle
   1h
   Ancient fortress overlooking the historic city center.
4. Erzurum
   3h
   Important mausoleums representing medieval Anatolian architecture. Visit traditional Ottoman marketplace renowned for Oltu stone jewelry.
5. Kars
   Pass by
   Continue your way to Kars City.

Day 7: Ancient Ani & Transfer to Van

1. Ani Ruins
   2h
   Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ani near the Armenian border. Magnificent medieval Armenian city known as the “City of 1001 Churches.”
2. Castle of Kars
   1h
   Hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding plains.
3. Kars
   2h
   Admire the Russian-era stone buildings unique to Kars.

Day 8: Van Historical Tour

1. Akdamar Island
   2h
   Experience the ancient kingdom of Urartu. Scenic island famous for its Armenian Holy Cross Church.
2. Holy Cross Church
   30m
   A masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture with detailed relief carvings.
3. Van
   2h
   Visit ancient Urartian fortress overlooking Lake Van. Enjoy panoramic scenery of Turkey’s largest lake and surrounding mountains.
4. Diyarbakir
   Pass by
   Continue your way to Diyarbakır City.

Day 9: Diyarbakır Highlights

1. Diyarbakir City Walls
   1h
   Massive basalt city walls recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Grand Mosque
   1h
   One of Anatolia’s oldest mosques with unique architectural details.
3. Hasan Pasa HanI
   1h
   Historic caravanserai known for local breakfast culture and traditional atmosphere.
4. On Gozlu Koprusu
   1h
   Historic stone bridge crossing the Tigris River.
5. Mardin
   Pass by
   Continue your way to Mardin City

Day 10: Mardin & Midyat

1. Zinciriye Medresesi
   1h
   Historic Islamic school with panoramic views over Mesopotamia.
2. KasImiye Medresesi
   1h
   Impressive 15th-century madrasa featuring elegant courtyard architecture.
3. Midyat Old City
   2h
   Famous for its stone houses, Syriac culture, and traditional craftsmanship.
4. Mor Gabriel Monastery
   1h
   One of the world’s oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monasteries.

Day 11: Gaziantep Culinary & Historical Tour

1. Zeugma Mosaic Museum
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Home to extraordinary Roman mosaics, including the famous “Gypsy Girl.”
2. Gaziantep Castle
   1h
   Historic fortress located in the heart of the old city.
3. BakIrcIlar CarsIsI
   1h
   Traditional copper bazaar filled with artisan workshops and local crafts.
4. Gaziantep
   2h
   Traditional Cuisine Experience – Taste authentic Gaziantep dishes and regional desserts.
5. Sanliurfa
   Pass by
   Continue your way to Şanlı Urfa City

Day 12: Göbeklitepe & Şanlı Urfa Region

1. Gobeklitepe
   2h · Admission ticket included
   UNESCO-listed archaeological site dating back over 11,000 years.
2. BalIklIgol
   2h
   Sacred pool associated with the story of Prophet Abraham.
3. Castle of Urfa
   1h
   Historic hilltop fortress overlooking the ancient city.
4. Sanliurfa
   2h
   Traditional Bazaars – Experience authentic southeastern Turkish culture and local handicrafts.
5. Adiyaman
   Pass by
   Continue your way to Adıyaman City

Day 13: Mount Nemrut Sunrise Tour

1. Mount Nemrut
   2h · Admission ticket included
   UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for colossal stone statues at sunrise.
2. Arsemia Antik Kenti
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Ceremonial center of the Kingdom of Commagene.
3. Cendere Bridge
   1h
   Remarkably preserved Roman bridge still standing after nearly 2,000 years.
4. Karakus Tumulusu
   1h
   Ancient royal burial monument dedicated to Commagene queens.

Day 14: DEPARTURE

1. Adiyaman
   Pass by
   Transfer to Adıyaman or Gaziantep Airport for your departure flight.

Pickup details

We can pick up customers from any location within 15 kms radius of Trabzon City Center.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness