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Embark on a journey through the rich history and stunning landscapes of Eastern Anatolia with this 3-day tour from Istanbul. You will explore some of Turkey’s most captivating cities, including Erzurum, Kars, and Van, each offering a unique blend of historical, cultural, and architectural wonders. From ancient ruins and majestic palaces to breathtaking natural scenery, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for history lovers and adventure seekers alike.
The program kicks off with a flight to Erzurum, where you will visit iconic landmarks such as the Yakutiye Madrasa and Erzurum Castle, before heading to Kars to explore its Baltic architecture. On the second day, you'll visit the legendary Ani Ruins and the stunning Ishak Pasha Palace in Doğubeyazıt. The final day takes you to Van, where you'll enjoy a boat trip to Akdamar Island and discover the region's cultural treasures.
We begin our tour with a flight from Istanbul to Erzurum, one of the highest cities in Turkey. The city’s volcanic stone architecture adds to its mystical atmosphere. Our city tour includes visits to the Yakutiye Madrasa, Double Minaret Madrasa, Three Tombs, and Taşhan. We take a short break at Erzurum Castle before heading to the Çobandede Bridge, an 800-year-old Mongolian structure, for a photo stop. Continuing through Pasinler, we make our way to Kars, known for its striking Baltic architecture. In Kars, we explore Kars Castle and the Church of the Twelve Apostles, followed by some free time to stroll through the lively streets of this historical city. We spend the night at our hotel in Kars city center.
After breakfast, we set off to the Ani Ruins, located on the Armenian border. Once a thriving city and known as the City of 1001 Churches, Ani’s ancient walls and monumental structures immediately showcase its grandeur. We visit the Church of the Redeemer, the Church of St. Gregory, and the Menucehr Mosque, one of the first mosques built in Anatolia. We then head to the Silk Road Bridge, offering stunning views of the Arpaçay River, which forms the natural border between Turkey and Armenia. After soaking in the historical atmosphere, we drive to Doğubeyazıt with a backdrop of the majestic Mount Ararat. Our visit continues with the iconic Ishak Pasha Palace, where we explore the mystical architecture of this Ottoman masterpiece. We also stop by the Noah’s Ark site before heading to Van for an overnight stay at a hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we start our day with a visit to the Van Urartu Museum, which showcases some of the most valuable artifacts from the Urartian civilization. Next, we head to Van Castle, where we’ll learn about its rich history and enjoy panoramic views of the city. A highlight of the day is the boat ride on Lake Van to Akdamar Island, where we’ll explore the legendary Akdamar Church. After immersing ourselves in the island’s mystical atmosphere, we visit the stunning Hoşap Castle and end the day with a stop at a Carpet and Rug Cooperative, where we learn about traditional weaving techniques. Our tour concludes with a transfer to Van Airport.
Tour Start and End: The tour begins at Erzurum Airport and ends at Van Airport, or, if preferred, at a hotel in Van city center. Your guide will assist with this arrangement.
Pre-Tour Contact: Our local agency will contact you before the tour and may request your flight details. You'll also need to complete the Participant Information Form sent with your reservation confirmation.
Program Flexibility: Your guide may adjust the itinerary based on weather or sunset times. Breaks are flexible, and stops can be skipped upon request to ensure your comfort and enjoyment.
Meal Breaks: You are free to choose the time and place for meals, with your guide offering suggestions if needed.
Flight Tickets: Flight tickets can be added by selecting extra services during reservation. Cancellation policies of the airline will apply.
What to Bring: ID or Passport, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.