Home / Europe, Turkey Tours / Culture & Historical
5 day(s)
Private
1-40 people
easy
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Embark on a breathtaking journey across Eastern Turkey,
where the legendary Silk
Road, ancient kingdoms, sacred monasteries, and lost cities
come together in an unforgettable cultural experience. This tour reveals the
rich heritage of Mesopotamia,
the Armenian Highlands, and the Urartian Kingdom, blending
spiritual landmarks, dramatic landscapes, and archaeological wonders.
Discover the stone-built elegance of Mardin, explore 10,000
years of history in Hasankeyf,
cruise across Lake Van
to the magnificent Church
of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island, and walk through the
monumental ruins of Ani,
the medieval “City of 1001 Churches.” Along the way, visit stunning waterfalls,
ancient monasteries, Silk Road caravan routes, epic fortresses, and palaces
that reflect centuries of Eastern civilizations.
Perfect for culture lovers, history enthusiasts,
archaeology fans, photographers, and travelers seeking a deep, authentic
experience, this journey unveils the timeless spirit of Eastern Turkey—where
every stone, every village, and every horizon tells a story thousands of years
old.
Duration
5 day(s)
Max Group Size
1-40 people
Tour Code
5DSRACTET
Departure Type
scheduled
Tour Category
Culture & Historical
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
11 - 99
Mardin
Kars
(Breakfast Included)
Meet your
tour manager at Mardin International Airport and transfer directly into
the heart of this ancient city. Arriving around midday, we begin exploring the
stunning architectural beauty of Old Mardin, famous for its traditional
stone houses carved in the old Arabic style. As we stroll through its bustling bazaars, you’ll witness Mardin’s vibrant
trading culture and enjoy panoramic views stretching across the vast Mesopotamian
Plain.
Visits of the Day:
Forty Martyrs Church (Kırklar Kilisesi) – dating back to the 4th century, later renamed to
honor Cappadocian martyrs
Zinciriye Madrasah (1385) – an exceptional example of Artuqid theology
schools with elegant courtyards and domes
Deyr-az-Zaferan Monastery (Deyrulzafaran) – founded in 762 AD, once the
seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate for nearly 800 years
Explore Old Mardin’s streets & bazaars
Dara Ancient City – known as the “Ephesus of Mesopotamia” with impressive
rock-cut structures and ancient walls
Overnight: Mardin
(Breakfast Included)
After
breakfast, we depart toward Midyat, a charming town known for its stone
mansions and ancient monasteries. Continue to Hasankeyf, one of the
oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world with history spanning
over 10,000 years.
Highlights of the Day:
Explore Midyat’s
old houses and unique Syriac architecture
Visit a local monastery en routeDiscover Hasankeyf, home to nine
civilizations and priceless archaeological treasures
See historical mosques, tombs, cave churches, and remnants threatened by
the Ilisu Dam Project
After lunch by the Tigris River, we continue to Tatvan, a
peaceful town on the shores of Lake Van, and enjoy a spectacular sunset
over the water.
Overnight: Tatvan
(Breakfast Included)
After
breakfast, depart Tatvan for a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Van,
Turkey’s largest and saltiest lake. Arrive in Van and board a ferry to the
legendary Akdamar Island.
Visits of the Day:
Ferry ride
to Akdamar Island
Church of the Holy Cross – the finest Armenian architectural masterpiece of
the 10th century
Van Castle (Urartu Fortress) – explore the monumental citadel dating back
to the 9th century BC
View ancient Urartian inscriptions and enjoy panoramic lake views
Overnight: Van
(Breakfast Included)
After
breakfast, follow the ancient Silk Road toward Doğubeyazıt.
Highlights of the Day:
Muradiye Waterfalls – a beautiful natural cascade, striking in all
seasons
Scenic stops to view Mount Ararat, often associated with the legend
of Noah’s Ark
Ishak Pasha Palace – a spectacular 18th-century
complex combining Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian architectural
styles
View the ruins of Eski Beyazit and the ancient Urartian city
below
Continue to Kars for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Kars
(Breakfast Included)
After an
early breakfast, drive to the border city of Ani, a magnificent medieval
Armenian capital now in ruins, yet still awe-inspiring.
Visits of the Day:
Ruins of Ani – once
home to over 1 million people and known as the “City of 1001 Churches”
Walk through monumental fortified walls, cathedrals, mosques, bridges, and
palaces
Enjoy dramatic views overlooking Armenia
Visit Kars Castle – a historic stronghold with sweeping views over
the city
Holy Apostles Church (12 Havariler Kilisesi) – built in the 10th century;
transformed several times through history
After the tour, transfer to Kars or Van Airport (please confirm
airport choice) for your flight to Istanbul.
Your journey through Eastern Turkey ends with unforgettable memories of ancient
civilizations, biblical history, and breathtaking landscapes.
End of Tour – Thank you for choosing TravelShop Booking!
1 nights hotel accommodation in Mardin Zerzevan Hotel or similar
1 nights hotel accommodation in Tatwan ( 3&4 star hotel )
1 nights hotel accommodation in Van Elite World Van or similar
1 nights hotel accommodation in
Kars Büyük Kale Kars Hotel or similar
Professional, licensed English-speaking tour guide
4 Daily breakfast
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
Private, A/C,
non-smoking vehicle throughout the tour
Professional,
experienced driver
Ferry ride to Akdamar
Island
All sightseeing tours mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees to all museums and archaeological sites as per the program
Guided Old Mardin, Dara Ancient City, Midyat, Hasankeyf
Guided Akdamar Island & Holy Cross Church
Guided Van Castle, Muradiye Waterfalls, Mount Ararat viewpoints
Guided Ishak Pasha Palace, Kars Castle, Ani Ruins
All parking, tolls, highway fees
Local taxes & VAT
International or Domestic Flights
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal Expenses & Optional Items
International or domestic flights
Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, minibar, laundry, etc.)
Lunches and dinners not listed as included
Optional tours or activities not specified in the itinerary
Visa fees (if applicable)
Tips for guide and driver
Tips for hotel staff and porters