Travels in Eastern Turkey
From Istanbul to Anatolia’s Far East | 14 days
Many civilisations settled in Eastern Turkey, including Romans, Persians and Armenians, each leaving their mark. Explore their legacy on this tour which starts in the East at Lake Van and takes you through the breathtaking landscape of the little-known eastern Anatolian heartlands. You’ll visit some of this area’s greatest historic sites, including the magnificent Ottoman palace of Ishak Pasha, the medieval ruined city of Ani, Seljuk and Mongolian monuments at Erzurum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations in Ankara.
Day 1: Fly London to Istanbul
Day 2: Fly Istanbul to Van, visit the city of Tusba and Lake Van
Day 3: Drive to Cavustepe. Boat ride on Lake Van to Akdamar Island
Day 4: Drive to Muradiye to Doğubeyazıt and see Ishak Pasha Palace
Day 5: Drive to medieval Armenian capital of Ani, overnight in Kars
Day 6: Visit Kars Castle, drive to Erzurum
Day 7: Visit 4th centureyy Sumela Monastery and drive to Trabzon on Black Sea coast
Day 8: Drive inland to Amasya to see beautiful rock tombs
Day 9: Drive via Yazilikaya, Hattusas and Alacahoyuk to Ankara
Day 10: Tour Ankara and drive to Cappadocia
Day 11: Explore the extraordinary caves of Cappadocia
Day 12: Fly to Istanbul, visit Rustem Pasha and Blue Mosque, Spice Market, Grand Bazaar
Day 13: Istanbul – visit Underground Cistern and Topkapi Palace
Day 14: Fly Istanbul to London
Guide price: please ask for a quotation
Trip Reports relating to Turkey
Map
Travel Tips
Comments
Fiona’s travel tips
TOP TIP: The dark and extraordinary Basilica Cistern is a marvellously cooling and calming experience, particularly at the hottest time of the day. Beware the slippery floor and steps – I suggest sensible footwear!
DID YOU KNOW: Begun in 532 AD, it took 10,000 people nearly six years to build Hagia Sophia cathedral. It has also been a mosque and is now a museum.
BEST TIME TO GO: Mid March to mid November.
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Clients’ comments
“Our guide demonstrated a fund of knowledge about the history and customs of the areas we visited. One member of our party remarked that he thought him the best guide he had ever come across, I would not disagree.”
Sir Harold and Lady Walker, Eastern Turkey