Eastern Turkey Tour

After a brief welcome meeting, we begin our journey with an orientation walk through the old city of Gaziantep. This initial exploration introduces us to one of the city’s most fascinating features: its ancient water distribution system. Situated along the Alleben Stream, Gaziantep has been continuously inhabited since the late 5th century. To manage water scarcity during the hot summer months, a sophisticated network of underground tunnels—known as livas—was carved into the city’s limestone foundations. These tunnels directed water to kastels, subterranean chambers that served as public water access points.

Kastels were more than just water sources; they were multifunctional spaces used for ablution, prayer, bathing, and even social gatherings. Among the most notable is the Pisirici Kastel, believed to be the oldest surviving example, dating back to 1282–83. Accessed via a stone staircase, this kastel comprises two chambers—one with a seating area and bathing pool, and another that serves as a small mosque.

Please note: The Pisirici Kastel is currently closed for restoration. If it remains closed in 2026, we will instead visit the Kozluca Kastel, another well-preserved example of this unique architectural tradition.

This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at one of Gaziantep’s renowned local restaurants, sampling the city’s rich and flavorful cuisine.
Overnight in Gaziantep (D)

• Visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum
  • Explore Bakircılar Çarşısı, Elmacı Bazaar, and enjoy a culinary walking tour

This morning begins with a visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics. These masterpieces, recovered from the ancient city of Zeugma—much of which now lies beneath the waters of a modern dam—feature vibrant depictions of mythological figures such as Poseidon, Oceanus, and Tethys. The museum also houses wall paintings that rival those found in Pompeii in both quality and preservation.

Founded by one of Alexander the Great’s generals, Zeugma originally spanned both banks of the Euphrates River, positioned at the intersection of key trade routes linking east, west, north, and south. The Romans recognized its strategic significance, using it as a military outpost and toll collection center. At its height, the city had a population of around 70,000 and was home to wealthy merchants, officials, and military leaders. Their lavish homes were decorated with elaborate floor and pool mosaics, offering a fascinating glimpse into the fusion of cultural influences that shaped this cosmopolitan city.

Later, we turn our attention to Gaziantep’s rich culinary traditions. Known historically as Antep, the city is widely regarded as Türkiye’s gastronomic capital. Its cuisine reflects a harmonious blend of Arabic, Armenian, Kurdish, and Anatolian influences. Signature dishes include the famous Ali Nazik kebab—tender meat served over a smoky eggplant purée—as well as a range of flavorful kebabs and desserts such as baklava and katmer, both featuring the region’s prized pistachios, often called “green gold.”

In the afternoon, we explore the Bakircılar Çarşısı (Coppersmith Bazaar) and Elmacı Bazaar, the city’s bustling food market, filled with colorful displays of fresh produce, herbs, spices, and, of course, pistachios. We conclude the day with a culinary walking tour, stopping at handpicked local eateries to sample traditional dishes including various types of kebab, içli köfte (stuffed meatballs), çiğ köfte (raw-style bulgur mix), lahmacun (Turkish flatbread with minced meat), and desserts that define Gaziantep’s unique food culture.

Overnight in Gaziantep (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we depart for the ancient city of Zeugma, one of the most significant archaeological sites in southeastern Turkey. Although large parts of the city were submerged due to the Birecik Dam, many of its stunning mosaics and artifacts were preserved and transferred to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. Still, the original site retains several visible structures and mosaics that offer a glimpse into the city's Roman-era grandeur. Our visit to Zeugma Ancient City is one of the highlights of the day.

We then continue to Viranşehir, where we pause for a lunch break at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Şanlıurfa, known as “the City of Prophets.” Here, we visit the Halil-ur Rahman Mosque, the Rızvaniye Mosque, and the sacred Balıklıgöl (Fish Lake)—believed by tradition to be the site where the Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire. We’ll also visit the nearby Ayn-el Zeliha Lake, associated with Abraham’s niece.

Later, we explore the historic bazaars, including the Bedesten and Gümrük Hanı, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant renowned for Urfa's kebabs and regional specialties. In the afternoon, we visit the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum, home to one of the richest collections of prehistoric artifacts in Turkey.

Optional: In the evening, you may choose to attend a traditional Sıra Night, a cultural performance of local music and storytelling.
Overnight in Şanlıurfa (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Göbeklitepe, located in the Taş Tepeler region. Dating back over 12,000 years, this Neolithic site is considered the world’s oldest known open-air temple. Its discovery has reshaped our understanding of early human civilization, pushing back the timeline of monumental architecture by several millennia.

Next, we travel to Karahan Tepe, another extraordinary archaeological site in the Taş Tepeler area. Together, these sites offer rare insight into the rituals, beliefs, and societal structures of humanity’s earliest communities.

In the afternoon, we head to Harran, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth. Once the capital of Assyrian and later Umayyad civilizations, Harran welcomes visitors with its iconic beehive-shaped houses, the Harran Mound, and the El Firdevs Mosque, built by Umayyad Caliph Mervan. This unique district brings ancient Mesopotamian culture to life.

Overnight in Şanlıurfa (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we set out for Mount Nemrut, one of the most iconic and unforgettable sites in Eastern Turkey. Here lies the monumental tumulus of King Antiochus I of Commagene, surrounded by colossal statues of Greek and Persian deities, as well as Antiochus himself. The site’s spiritual aura and panoramic views are truly awe-inspiring.

On our way to the summit, we visit the ancient city of Arsameia, the former summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom. We also stop at the Karakuş Tumulus, believed to be the burial site of female royalty, and the impressive Roman Cendere Bridge, built by the Sixteenth Roman Legion.

Due to the terrain, we transfer to smaller vehicles for the ascent to the summit. After a short climb, we reach the eastern terrace, where statues of Zeus, Apollo, Heracles, Antiochus I, the Commagene goddess, an eagle, and a lion await. We then move to the western terrace, where additional sculptures and the king’s burial mound offer breathtaking views.

This visit—particularly timed to capture the dramatic sunset—is often a highlight of the entire journey, leaving a lasting impression with its scale, beauty, and historical significance.

Afterward, we descend and continue to our accommodation near Mount Nemrut.
Dinner and overnight stay near Mount Nemrut (B, D)

After breakfast, we depart for Diyarbakır, crossing the Nissip Bridge near the Atatürk Dam. Diyarbakır, located in Northern Mesopotamia, has been a vital cultural and historical hub where numerous religions, languages, and civilizations have intertwined over millennia.

Our first stop is the Harem-i Sharif (5th) of Islam and the impressive Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, one of the earliest mosques in Anatolia. Next, we visit the Diyarbakır City Walls, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for their massive stone fortifications.

We will enjoy a coffee and shopping break at the historic Sülüklü Inn, a charming spot to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.

Later, we explore the Sheikh Muhattar Mosque, famous for its remarkable Four-Legged Minaret, an architectural marvel supported by four pillars. We will also visit the graves of companions of the Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Suleiman Mosque.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Mardin for a city tour that will allow us to experience local culture and heritage. Highlights include the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate for over a millennium, and the 4,000-year-old Sun Temple, which served as a hospital, church, and baptistery.

Today is perfect for relaxing and immersing yourself in the unique charm of Mardin. Our guided tour begins in Old Mardin, where we visit the Kasımiye Madrasah, a stunning example of the city’s rich cultural mosaic, blending Muslim, Syriac, Turkish, and Arab influences.

Other sites include the Ulu Mosque and Minaret, Mosque Kebir, Şehidiye Madrasah, and the historic PTT House.

During your free time, explore local markets and shops to pick up souvenirs such as natural soaps from Sabuncu Mehmet, nuts, almonds, traditional candies, dried fruits, rosaries, and handmade crafts. The afternoon is yours to discover Mardin at your own pace.

Dinner and overnight stay in Mardin (B)

After breakfast, we travel from Mardin to Midyat and visit a Yazidi village and cemetery, learning about this ancient Mesopotamian religious community.

Continuing to Tatvan, located on the shores of Lake Van, we will enjoy the regional specialty Buryan Kebab for dinner.

Overnight inTatvan. (B,L, D)

Today’s tour begins with a boat trip to Akdamar Island in Lake Van’s Edremit district to visit the beautifully restored Akdamar Church, famed for its exquisite stone carvings and unique Armenian architecture.

We’ll take in breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains before returning to Van city center. Here, we visit the Van Cat House, where you can see the rare and elegant Van cats up close.

Next, we explore Van Castle (Tuspa Castle), built around 2,800 years ago by Urartian King Sarduri. The castle, near Lake Van, was once the capital of the Urartu Kingdom and contains rock tombs of Urartian kings.

Our final visit today is to the Van Archaeology and Ethnography Museum to deepen our understanding of the region’s rich history.

Dinner and overnight stay in a local homestay in Van, offering an authentic glimpse into local life. (B,L, D)

Mount Ararat Foothills & Ishak Pasha Palace

Leaving Van, we travel along the foothills of snow-capped Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı), Türkiye’s highest peak and a site of profound religious significance as the legendary resting place of Noah’s Ark. Our first stop is Doğubayazıt, a town nestled at the mountain’s base and home to the spectacular Ishak Pasha Sarayı, an 18th-century fortress-palace that offers sweeping views of the surrounding plains.

Built and expanded by the local Ottoman governor Ishak Pasha, this unique palace complex includes a mosque, living quarters, public spaces, and a mausoleum. The area’s strategic importance is evident in the layers of history here — from the ancient Urartian tombs carved into the rocky hillsides, to the Mongol citadel possibly built atop a former Genoese fort, later used by the Ottomans to monitor the frontier and the Silk Road route linking Ottoman and Safavid empires.

In the afternoon, we journey north along pasturelands near the Armenian border, ascending to scenic plateaus with breathtaking mountain views. Our destination is Kars, a city marked by centuries of Ottoman-Russian conflict and now situated near the Turkish-Georgian border.

Overnight in Kars (B, L, D)

Exploring the Ruined Armenian City of Ani & Kars City Tour

Today’s highlight is the ancient city of Ani, once a thriving medieval Armenian capital located on a triangular rocky promontory bordered by deep river gorges near the modern Turkish-Armenian border. Originally a fortress, Ani developed into a fortified city by the 8th century and became the Armenian capital in the 10th century. Its walls enclosed a thriving metropolis that, at its peak, may have housed up to 1,000 churches, chapels, and grand palaces.

Ani fell to the Seljuks in the 11th century, who added mosques to the cityscape, then reverted to Armenian control in the 12th century. The city declined after the 16th century due to earthquakes and regional conflicts, eventually being abandoned. Today, its walls, towers, and minarets remain, showcasing remarkable Armenian architecture and inscriptions.

In the afternoon, we tour the city of Kars, noted for its distinctive blend of Russian, Armenian, and Turkish architecture. The city center was largely rebuilt by the Russians in the 19th century in a late Tsarist style. While much of the antique and medieval city is gone, key sites remain: the imposing Kars Castle, the Church of the Holy Apostles (also known as Kümbet Mosque) built in the 10th century, which has served as an Armenian church, mosque, and Russian Orthodox church through the centuries; the Seljuk Castle, offering panoramic city views; and the Ulu Cami, the largest Ottoman mosque in Kars dating to the 17th century.

Overnight in Kars (B, L, D)

Çobandede Bridge | Seljuk Ulu Mosque | Çifte Minareli Medrese | Yakutiye Medrese | Seljuk Kümbets | Rustem Pasha Bedestan | Erzurum Museum

This morning we travel westward through the rugged Aladağlar Mountains, crossing the scenic six-arched Çobandede Bridge over the Aras River before arriving in Erzurum. Positioned on a major east-west trade route, Erzurum has long served as a cultural crossroads connecting Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and Mesopotamia. During the Byzantine era, then known as Theodosiopolis, it sat at the frontier between Byzantium, Armenia, and Persia, and was hotly contested by Byzantine and Muslim Arab forces.

The city was ultimately captured by the Seljuk Turks in the late 11th century following the pivotal Battle of Manzikert (1071), which opened Anatolia to Turkish settlement. The Seljuks left a lasting architectural legacy here, including mosques, theological colleges (medreses), and distinctive cone-shaped mausoleums known as kümbets. Erzurum continued to be strategically important during Ottoman times, especially as a frontier against Persian Safavid expansion, secured after Selim I’s 16th-century campaigns.

Our exploration of Erzurum begins with visits to its key Seljuk landmarks:

• The Ulu Mosque, built in 1179, is one of the oldest Seljuk mosques still standing.
• The Çifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minaret Madrasa), dating to 1253, exemplifies Seljuk architectural brilliance with its grand portal flanked by fluted, glazed-brick minarets. This medrese served as a theological school promoting Islamic orthodoxy, blending Turkic, Persian, and Syrian design elements including an arched colonnade around a central courtyard.
• The Yakutiye Medrese, constructed in 1308 by Mongol ruler Uljaytu, is famed for its exquisite stone-carved entrance.

We will also visit several Seljuk kümbets—the distinctive mausoleums—and the Rustem Pasha Bedestan, a covered market built under Süleyman the Magnificent’s grand vizier, Rustem Pasha. Once a luxury goods market, it now houses workshops producing local silver and jet jewelry.

Finally, the Erzurum Museum showcases remarkable artifacts spanning the Urartian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Ottoman eras, providing a rich context to the region’s layered history.

Overnight in Erzurum (B, L, D)

This morning we leave Erzurum and journey northwest toward Trabzon, traversing the wild landscapes of the northeastern Pontus Mountains. Our route follows the ancient Silk Road that once connected the Black Sea coast with Anatolia and Mesopotamia—a path traveled by Xenophon and numerous conquerors throughout history.

Crossing the 2,390-meter Kopdağı Pass, we arrive in Bayburt, a historic garrison town where Marco Polo briefly stopped during his journey to China. Here, we will view the imposing Bayburt Fortress before continuing over the Zigana Pass to the spectacular Sumela Monastery. Perched 270 meters above a rocky gorge in Altındere National Park, this remarkable monastery was founded in the 4th century by two Athenian monks, Barnabas and Sophronius, later revered as saints.

Initially a modest cluster of huts around a chapel, Sumela became a prominent pilgrimage site by the 5th century. After the establishment of the Empire of Trebizond, it was rebuilt on a grander scale and richly decorated with frescoes. The monastery retained imperial support through the Ottoman era and served as a pilgrimage destination for both Christians and Muslims. Although rebuilt in the 19th century, the monastery’s monastic community departed following the Russian invasion in World War I and the formation of the Turkish Republic.

After ascending to explore the monastery and its stunning 14th- and 18th-century frescoes, we continue north to Trabzon for overnight. (B, L, D)

Modern Trabzon stands on the site of ancient Trebizond, founded in the 7th century BC by Ionian settlers from the Aegean. Initially known as Trapezus, it was part of a network of Ionian colonies facilitating trade between the Near East and the West. Over centuries, it became the capital of the Greek-speaking Kingdom of Pontus, which resisted Roman domination before becoming a Roman, then Byzantine province.

Following the Muslim conquest of Greater Syria, Trebizond and neighboring Armenia stood on the Christian-Muslim frontier. In the 11th century, Seljuk raids challenged the city, but it later rose to prominence as the capital of the Byzantine Empire of Trebizond, established in 1204 by Alexios Komnenos, a grandson of the last Komnenos emperor.

This empire, controlling the southern Black Sea coast, rivaled Constantinople’s Byzantine Empire until its fall in 1453. Trebizond enjoyed a renaissance, with restored walls, a grand palace, and new churches, including the famed 13th-century Hagia Sophia Church.

Trebizond itself survived until 1461 when it fell to Mehmed the Conqueror. During its heyday, especially in the 13th century under Mongol patronage, it was a wealthy trading hub and the western terminus of the Silk Road, competing with Seljuk and Ottoman Turks and Genoese merchants vying for Black Sea trade dominance.

Our visit includes the exquisite Hagia Sophia Church, renowned for its cross-in-square Byzantine architecture, a central dome, and vibrant 13th-century frescoes illustrating New Testament scenes—uncovered during restoration by Edinburgh University. Its exterior stone reliefs show influences from Georgian and Armenian traditions.

Time permitting, you may enjoy some leisure browsing in the bedesten, Trabzon’s historic covered market, before transfer to Trabzon Airport for your onward journey.