Lost Civilizations Of Türkiye

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Tour Description

Included/Excluded

Tour Plan

Reviews

TOUR PROGRAM: 6 DAYS – 5 NIGHTS

Van — Dogubayazit — Kars — Ani — Erzurum — Trabzon — Istanbul

From Ancient Urartu to the Monasteries of Trabzon — A Journey Through Centuries, Cultures, and Landscapes.

Explore lost capitals, Armenian and Byzantine monuments, palaces, and fortresses at the foot of Mount Ararat. Discover the magic of the Sumela Monastery, bring the ancient city of Ani to life in your imagination, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Kars, Erzurum, and Trabzon.

Included/Excluded

Licensed Russian-speaking guide services for 6 days
Lunches during the 5 days of excursions (+ 1 soft drink + tea)
Hotel breakfasts included
Full transportation throughout the tour, including hotel transfers
5 nights of accommodation in 3-4* hotels
Entrance tickets to all museums and historical sites

Personal expenses
Flights
Dinners

Tour Plan

Day 1 — Lake Van and the Urartian Legacy Akdamar Island, Holy Cross Church, and Van Fortress

Welcome to Van: A city with roots stretching back to the 13th century BC.
Akdamar Island: We begin with a ferry ride across Lake Van to visit a true jewel of Armenian architecture—the Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island, famous for its intricate stone reliefs.
Van Fortress (Tushpa): Explore the massive fortifications built during the Kingdom of Urartu. We will see ancient cuneiform inscriptions and feel the spirit of the former Iron Age capital.
The “Sea” of the East: Dip your hands into the salty, soda-rich waters of Lake Van, which locals simply refer to as “the sea.”
Overnight: Van.

Day 2 — The Silk Road and Ishak Pasha Palace Muradiye Waterfalls, Mount Ararat Views, and an Eastern Masterpiece

Muradiye Waterfalls: After breakfast, we travel along the historic Silk Road toward Dogubayazit. We’ll stop at the picturesque Muradiye Waterfalls; in winter, they often freeze solid, creating a stunning ice sculpture.
Mount Ararat: Along the way, enjoy various vantage points of the legendary Mount Ararat—the biblical resting place of Noah’s Ark.
Ishak Pasha Palace: Explore this architectural marvel that served as a palace, mosque, and fortress. Legend says it had 365 rooms—one for every day of the year! Below the palace, you can see the ruins of Eski Bayezid and an ancient Urartian settlement dating back to 1000 BC.
Overnight: Kars.

Day 3 — The Ghost City of Ani and Kars Ancient Capital of Ani, Kars Fortress, and the Church of the Apostles

The Ruins of Ani: A 45-minute drive brings us to the “City of 1,001 Churches.” Once a thriving capital rivaling Baghdad, Ani is now a vast archaeological site of walls, cathedrals, and caravanserais overlooking the Armenian border.
Kars City Tour: After returning to Kars, we will ascend to the Kars Fortress for a panoramic view of the city’s unique Russian-period stone architecture.
Church of the Holy Apostles: Visit this 10th-century Armenian church (12 Havari Kilisesi), which has served as a Christian cathedral and a mosque throughout the centuries.
Overnight: Kars.

Day 4 — From Kars to Erzurum: Seljuk Heritage Madrasas, Mosques, and the Art of Black Amber

Highland Journey: Travel from Kars to Erzurum through scenic mountain villages where stone houses dot green meadows filled with local black sheep.

Erzurum City Tour:

Çifte Minareli Madrasah: A 13th-century Seljuk theological school with iconic twin minarets.
Grand Mosque: A visit and conversation with the Imam at this historic 12th-century site.
Ethnography Museum: Discover the local history and culture of the Eastern Anatolian highlands.
Oltu Stone Craft: Visit a historic caravanserai where master craftsmen process “Black Amber” (Oltu stone), inlaying it with silver and gold.

Overnight: Erzurum.

Day 5 — Sumela: The Monastery in the Clouds Journey to Trabzon and the Cliffside Retreat

Scenic Drive: A 5-hour journey toward the Black Sea along winding rivers and mountain passes. Weather permitting, we may visit the multi-colored Karaca Cave.
Sumela Monastery: The highlight of the day is the Monastery of the Virgin Mary (Sumela). It literally hangs from a sheer cliffside like a nine-story building emerging from the clouds. A short hike through the misty, lush forest leads us to this miraculous site.
Overnight: Trabzon.

Day 6 — Trabzon: Byzantium After Constantinople Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, City Walk, and Departure

The “Other” Capital: Explore Trabzon, which served as the capital of the Empire of Trebizond after the fall of Constantinople to the Crusaders in 1204.
Hagia Sophia (Trabzon): Visit this 13th-century church, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and frescoes on a more intimate scale.
City Center & Farewell: Enjoy a final stroll through the heart of Trabzon and a complimentary cup of traditional coffee from our team.
Departure: Transfer to Trabzon Airport for your flight to Istanbul or your next destination.
End of Tour.