Get ready and pack your luggage for an unforgettable 12-day private Eastern Turkey Tour. We will be exploring ancient cities, archaeological wonders, and natural landscapes.

From the historic Silk Road to the majestic Mount Nemrut, from the intriguing ruins of Diyarbakir to the mystical beauty of Mardin. Then we will keep following the cultural route for treasures of Van to the breathtaking landscapes of Sumela and Trabzon.

This meticulously crafted itinerary promises a journey through the rich tapestry of Turkey’s history and natural wonders. Book your private Eastern Turkey tour now and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of this diverse land. This trip package will be a lifelong memory for you.

Day 1 : Arrival to Turkey

Upon your arrival, we will pick you up from Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2 : Kayseri – Adiyaman: Explore the Ancient Silk Road

Pick up from your Istanbul hotel and flight to Kayseri in the morning. Upon arrival to Kayseri Airport we will pick you up and depart from Kayseri, a historic city located at the foot of Mount Erciyes. Once the capital of the Seljuk Anatolian Sultanate, Kayseri is steeped in rich history. We’ll journey through Turkey’s hinterland, tracing the ancient Silk Road. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at the impressive Karatay Han, a magnificent caravanserai. Finally, we’ll arrive in Adiyaman for an overnight stay, immersing ourselves in the local culture.

Day 3 : Nemrut – Urfa: Witness the Majesty of Mount Nemrut

Prepare to be amazed as we visit the awe-inspiring Mount Nemrut, home to a magnificent funerary monument that stands as a testament to the ambition of an ancient king. Take in the breathtaking views from the peak as you marvel at the colossal statues and ancient ruins. Continuing our journey, we’ll visit the Ataturk Dam, an impressive structure spanning the mighty Euphrates River. Our final destination for the day is Şanlıurfa, also known as Urfa, a city with a rich history and a place of great significance in ancient mythology. Overnight in Şanlıurfa.

Day 4 : Gobekli Tepe – Diyarbakir: Uncover Archaeological Wonders

Today, we’ll delve into the mysteries of Göbekli Tepe, an extraordinary archaeological site that is considered one of the most important in the world. Explore the ongoing excavations and marvel at the ancient structures dating back thousands of years. From Göbekli Tepe, we’ll continue our journey to Diyarbakir, one of the oldest cities in the world. Known for its impressive city walls, built by the Romans, Diyarbakir offers a glimpse into ancient civilizations. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Kurdish culture that thrives within the city. Overnight in Diyarbakir.

Day 5 : Mardin: Experience the Beauty of Mardin

Our next destination is Mardin, a city perched on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque plains of southern Turkey. Explore the narrow streets lined with traditional stone houses and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Visit Deir-Al-Zafaran, the Saffron Monastery, an active monastery and an important site for the Syrian Orthodox community. Admire the ancient architecture and discover the spiritual significance of this sacred place. Overnight in Mardin.

Day 6 : Mardin – Tatvan: Discover Hasankeyf and Lake Van

After breakfast, we’ll journey to Hasankeyf, an ancient city that now lies submerged under the waters of a dam on the Tigris River. Despite its partially submerged state, Hasankeyf still retains its mystical charm and offers a glimpse into its glorious past. Continuing our adventure, we’ll drive to Tatvan, situated on the western shore of Lake Van. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and unwind in this tranquil setting. Overnight in Tatvan.

Day 7 : Van: Explore Van’s Rich History

Today, we’ll make our way to Van, a city with a rich historical heritage. En route, we’ll visit Akdamar Island, where the beautifully restored Armenian Church of the Holy Cross awaits. Marvel at the intricate carvings and immerse yourself in the cultural significance of this ancient site. In Van, we’ll explore the Van Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Urartian civilization, and visit the imposing Urartian fortress. Overnight in Van.

Day 8 : Van – Hosap: Journey through Silk Road

Embark on a journey south along a branch of the Silk Road, passing through scenic landscapes and historical sites. Our destination is Hosap Castle, a remarkable structure that served as a defensive point and toll collection center on the Silk Road. Experience the atmosphere of this ancient trade route and marvel at the architectural marvels along the way. Afterward, we’ll return to Van and visit a carpet and rug collective, where you’ll witness the ancient skills of carpet weaving passed down through generations. Overnight in Van.

Day 9 : Doğubayazıt – Ararat – Kars: Discover Ishak Pasha Palace

Today, we’ll leave Van and head to Doğubayazıt, making a stop at Muradiye and the picturesque Bendimaahi Falls. Explore the grand Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural masterpiece that reflects the rich history of the region. Continuing our journey north, we’ll skirt around the western edge of Mount Ararat, a legendary mountain with cultural significance. Our day concludes in Kars, where we’ll spend the night. Overnight in Kars.

Day 10 : Ani – Erzurum: Unveil the Medieval Armenian Kingdom

Begin your day with a visit to Ani, the former capital of the medieval Armenian Kingdom. Explore the ruins of this once-great city, including ancient churches, a citadel, and a mosque. Marvel at the well-preserved defensive walls that once protected this strategic stronghold. As we continue our journey, we’ll follow the Aras River, passing through the Sarikamis battlefield site. Admire the enchanting natural scenery along the river gorge as we make our way to Erzurum. Overnight in Erzurum.

Day 11 : Erzurum – Sumela – Trabzon: Traverse the Pontic Alps

From Erzurum, our route takes us north through the majestic Pontic Alps, following in the footsteps of Xenophon’s Ten Thousand. Enjoy breathtaking views as we drive along the Karasu River, a branch of the Euphrates. Our journey continues through beautiful landscapes, including the Coruh Valley and the fortress of Bayburt. Finally, we’ll reach the iconic Sumela Monastery, perched high in the Altindere Vadisi National Park. Marvel at its cliffside location and delve into its rich history. Our day concludes in Trabzon, where we’ll spend the night. Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 12 : Depart from Turkey

We will pick you up from your hotel in Trabzon for flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you can make your way at Istanbul Airport for your international flight.

Get prepared, pack your luggage for an unforgettable 12-day private tour of Turkey, exploring ancient cities, archaeological wonders, and natural landscapes. From the historic Silk Road to the majestic Mount Nemrut, from the intriguing ruins of Diyarbakir to the mystical beauty of Mardin, and from the cultural treasures of Van to the breathtaking landscapes of Sumela and Trabzon, this meticulously crafted itinerary promises a journey through the rich tapestry of Turkey’s history and natural wonders. Book your private tour now and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of this diverse land.