TURKEY by Irfan Biyik Discovery Tours
Specializing in Turkey and World's Top Destinations
EASTERN TURKEY
USD 4,999 ( lowest rate guaranteed )
Welcome to Eastern Turkey!
Join me to explore this remarkable region for an unforgettable experience.. From the ancient ruins of Göbeklitepe, the oldest temple in the world, to the mesmerizing sculptures of Mound Nemrut, you will be immersed in history and culture.
Not to mention, the majestic Ani Ruins, the ancient capital of Armenia, the breathtaking views of Lake Van and the city of Trabzon...
As always, you'll have a great time and leave with great memories to cherish... I promise !
See you...
Day 1 Arrive in Istanbul and check into Hotel
GRAND HYATT ISTANBUL
Tel : +90 212 368 1234
Day 2 ISTANBUL to TRABZON
Fly to Trabzon at 11:00 and drive to Altindere National Park to see the amazing 4th century Sumela Monastery standing 1200 meters above sea level at the foot of a steep cliff and then head to visit the 700 year-old Greek Orthodox church Hagia Sophia.
RAMADA BY WYNDHAM TRABZON
Tel : +90 462 335 3030
Day 3 TRABZON to SAVSAT, ARTVIN
Today depart for Artvin. Following Coruh, one of the fastest flowing rivers in the world, we'll be driving by the spectacular Turkish and Georgian Valleys.
LASET MOTEL SAVSAT, ARTVIN
Tel : +904665712136
Day 4 SAVSAT to KARS
Depart for Kars. Along the way we'll see the impressive Lake Cildir, second largest lake in Eastern Anatolia. Enjoy the panoramic ride along the Armenian Mountains. Upon arrival take a walk around the ancient castle and see the beautiful structure built as the church of 12 apostles in the 10th century and converted into a mosque when the city was conquered by the Turks.
KATERINA SARAYI
Tel : +90 474 223 06 36
Day 5 KARS to DOGUBEYAZIT, AGRI
Before we leave Kars for Dogubeyazit, Agri this morning, we'll see the ruined Armenian city of Ani on the Arpacay River. The city located right opposite Armenia is totally ruined but continues to amaze its visitors.
TEHRAN BOUTIQUE
Tel :+90 472 312 01 95
Day 6 DOGUBEYAZIT to VAN
This morning we'll be visiting the Ottoman Period Ishak Pasa Palace standing opposite the biblical Agri Mountain which is the highest in Turkey. Following lunch in town, we'll be heading for the historic city of Van, driving near the borders with both Armenia and Iran and check into our hotel located right across from the largest lake in Turkey.
HOTEL DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON VAN
Tel :+90432) 227 02 27
Day 7 VAN
Today we depart hotel to discover VAN. First, we'll visit the impressive castle dominating the view of the city. The castle stands next to a large flat land with numerous ruined structures which was the site of Tushpa, Urartian Kingdom city which flourished about 3000 years ago. Following lunch, we'll take our boat to the Akdamar Island to visit the iconic Armenian church, once beautifully decorated with reliefs on the outside and frescoes inside.
HOTEL DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON VAN
Tel :+90432) 227 02 27
Day 8 VAN to MIDYAT, MARDIN
This morning we are off to one of the most impressive towns located right along the Tigris River; Hasankeyf. Here we'll see a 12th century bridge and a castle. After our visit, we'll be driving to Midyat, a lovely town with different architecture of local yellow stone. The towers of the churches and mosques dominate the skylines of the city. Following lunch, free time in the afternoon when you can take a walk in the narrow streets of Midyat.
KASR-I NEHROZ MIDYAT, MARDIN
Tel : +904824642525
Day 9 MIDYAT, MARDIN TO DIYARBAKIR Today we are heading to the oldest functioning monastery in the world; 4th century Mor Gabriel. Following the visit, we'll drive to the city of Mardin, stroll through its streets and see an ancient theological school, Medrese. In the afternoon, we'll depart for Diyarbakir.
RAMADA BY WYNDHAM, DIYARBAKIR
Tel +90-412-5032100
Day 10 DIYARBAKIR to ADIYAMAN
This morning, we are leaving our hotel to walk around the city of DIYARBAKIR to see parts of the second longest city walls in the world and the ULU CAMII ( Grand Mosque ) from outside as it is currently under restoration. After lunch, we are heading to the peak of the 2134 m high Nemrut Mountain where a 1st century royal tomb flanked by some large statues of eagles and mythological Gods is located.
ADIYAMAN PARK DEDEMAN
Tel : +90 416 219 10 00
Day 11 URFA
Today, we are heading to Urfa where we'll visit Harran, world famous for its beehive houses and then drive to the city to visit the cave in which Prophet Abraham was born. If time permits, we'll also visit the recently found 12000 years old Gobeklitepe, believed to be the first temple in the world.
URFA HILTON DOUBLE TREE
Tel : +90 414 290 66 66
Day 12 Fly back to Istanbul. Following lunch in Istanbul, free time in the afternoon till Dinner.
GRAND HYATT ISTANBUL
Tel : +90 212 368 1234
Day 13 Departure