Day 1 - Gaziantep
Arrive in Gaziantep and transfer to your hotel. In the evening we have a welcome dinner. Overnight Sirehan Hotel or similar. (D)
Day 3 - Kahta (Mount Nemrut)
In the morning we drive to Kahta. We explore the remains of an ancient Commagene civilisation including Karakus Tumulus, once a burial place for royal women. Other sites include a 2000-year-old Roman bridge, the summer palace and Antiochus Tumulus, located at the top of Mt Nemrut and where the Commagene used to perform their sacred rituals. The site is known for its giant Commagene stone heads which sit guarding the burial mound of Antiochus. We spend time learning about the rituals once performed here and stay to watch the sunset, then return to the hotel. Overnight in Kahta. (BL)
Day 4 - Mount Nemrut – Gobekli Tepe - Urfa
Day 5 - Harran – Urfa
Day 6 - Mardin
Drive to Mardin and begin exploring the city on arrival. Overnight Kaya Ninova Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 7 - Mardin
Visit the ancient Deyrulzafaran Monastery, where services are still conducted in Aramaic, the language of the Bible. The Byzantine church here dates back to the 5th century, and the monastery is a tangible link with early Christianity. We also see Mardin’s beautifully carved stone houses. Overnight Kaya Ninova Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 8 - Zerzevan - Diyarbakir
This morning we head to the Roman castle of Zerzevan, home to a temple dedicated to the ancient religion of Mithraism – accompanied by a local archaeologist we learn about this mystical cult. We then continue to Diyarbakir, the capital of Turkey’s Kurdish population. We walk along the impressive city walls, which originally date back to the 3rd century and are dotted with watchtowers, as well as visiting one of the traditional caravanserais and exploring the historic old city. Overnight Amida Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 9 - Lake Van - Van
Drive to Turkey’s largest lake and from here take a boat to the island of Akdamar. Here we visit the beautiful Armenian church, with its frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. After returning to the lake shore, we continue to Van for the night. Overnight Elite World Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 10 - Van Castle – Ishak Pasa – Kars
We first visit the ancient Urartian citadel, which dates back almost three thousand years and is home to the tombs of the kings of Urartu. Continue to the picturesque palace of Ishak Pasa, a well preserved and far flung outpost of the Ottoman empire close to the border with Iran, with views of the mighty Mount Ararat. From here drive to Kars. Much of the city was constructed by the Russians in the 19th century and we explore its elegant streets with their typical architecture. Kars produces some excellent cheese, and we visit one of the local cheese markets to sample some of the produce. Overnight Cheltikov Hotel or similar. (BL)
Please note that entry to Ishak Pasa is subject to local permission on the day.
Day 11 - Ani - Erzurum
This morning we visit the abandoned Armenian capital of Ani, a vast walled city with numerous palaces, churches and other buildings to explore. This is one of eastern Turkey’s most atmospheric sites, and is a testament to the erstwhile power of the Armenian empire. From here we continue to Erzurum for the night. Overnight Hotel Zade or similar. (BL)
Day 12 - Erzurum - Kackar Mountains
This morning we explore Erzurum – the city has some great examples of Seljuk architecture, including the 12th century Grand Mosque and the Yakutiye Madrassah. From here we head into the stunning Kackar Mountains, and the village of Barhal. We stay tonight in a village guesthouse and can explore the village to meet the locals and learn something about rural life in the region. Tonight we’ll be treated to some typical dishes made for us by the villagers. Overnight village guesthouse. (BLD)
Day 13 - Kackar Mountains
Day 14 - Sumela Monastery - Trabzon
Drive out of the mountains towards the Black Sea. On the way we stop at Sumela Monastery, built against a sheer rock face and decorated with Biblical frescoes. Continue to Trabzon, on the coast, where we’ll sample some of its local seafood, and visit the Hagia Sophia Cathedral. Overnight Axis Suites Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 15 - Trabzon
Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
Please note that the 19 April 2025 departure will run in reverse, starting Trabzon and ending in Gaziantep.
What's included?
What's not included?
Visas
Health and vaccinations
We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. However, there are no compulsory vaccinations needed to enter either country. For more advice on vaccinations you can also visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
If you have any physical limitations that might impact your ability to participate in the planned tour activities, it’s essential that you make us aware as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.
Insurance
It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.
Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.
Money
Turkey’s currency is the lira, and it’s likely you will be able to obtain this from your local exchange bureau. Major currencies like UK pounds, US dollars and Euros are easy to exchange in Turkey.
Changing money is fairly simple – many hotels will offer this service and there are also banks and exchange bureaus in larger towns. Your guide will be able to advise of the best option. In most towns there are also ATMs which accept foreign cards, although don’t count on these always working. Eastern Turkey is a little less developed than its western cities, and credit cards are not used as widely here as they are in other European countries, so you should only think of this as a back up rather than the main source of obtaining money
Local conditions
When travelling in countries such as Turkey, which are comparatively underdeveloped in places (particularly the east of the country), it’s important to understand that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.
Travel advice
We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the UK government does not advise against travel to any parts of Turkey that we visit on this tour.
This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.
Updated July 2023
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