Trabzon to Van: 4-Day Private Eastern Anatolia Tour
About this activity
Check availability to see starting times
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund
English, Turkish
A TCW-verified local partner in Trabzon
Use WELCOME promo code in checkout
Highlights
Discover the historical and natural wonders of Trabzon and Eastern Anatolia in a 4-day adventure! From the 13th-century Hagia Sophia and Sumela Monastery to Ani Ruins and Akdamar Island, immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. Book now for an unforgettable experience!
- Travel Trabzon to Van on a private route linking the Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia.
- Licensed guiding, private transportation and three hotel nights make the four-day journey comfortable and organized.
- Sümela, Ani and Ishak Pasha Palace reveal centuries of religious, architectural and cultural heritage.
- Mount Ararat, high plateaus and Lake Van showcase Eastern Anatolia’s dramatic and changing landscapes.
- Akdamar Island, Van Castle and Hoşap Castle complete the journey with Urartian and medieval heritage.
Itinerary
IntroIntroduction
Starting in Trabzon and continuing from the Black Sea coast into the historic cities of Eastern Anatolia, this 4-day private tour brings together the region’s cultural heritage, landscapes, and major historical sites in one well-planned route.
The private Eastern Anatolia tour from Trabzon begins with Sümela Monastery and Trabzon Hagia Sophia before continuing through Gümüşhane to Erzurum. The Seljuk heritage of Erzurum, the distinctive architecture of Kars, and the historical character of the region connect different periods of Anatolian history throughout the journey.
The tour continues to the UNESCO-listed Ani Archaeological Site, followed by views of Mount Ararat and a visit to Ishak Pasha Palace in Doğubayazıt. From there, the route reaches Van and follows the traces of the many civilizations that shaped Eastern Anatolia over the centuries.
In the final part of the journey, a boat trip on Lake Van leads to Akdamar Island and Akdamar Church. Van Castle, the Urartian heritage of the region, and Hoşap Castle are among the other key stops. The tour is operated as a private tour exclusively for your booking, with a dedicated vehicle and licensed guide for a more flexible and comfortable travel experience.
Day 1Trabzon, Sümela and Journey to Erzurum
Your private journey begins with pick-up at Trabzon Airport and a visit to Trabzon Hagia Sophia, one of the city’s most important Byzantine monuments, known for its frescoes, stonework, and views over the Black Sea. The route then continues through Maçka to Sümela Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffs of the Altındere Valley. After exploring the monastery complex and its remarkable mountain setting, travel south through the Pontic Mountains toward Gümüşhane. Stop at Karaca Cave to discover its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, travertines, and natural rock formations formed over thousands of years. Continue across the changing landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, passing mountain roads, valleys, and high plateaus on the way to Erzurum. On arrival in the evening, check in to your centrally located hotel and enjoy time to rest comfortably before the next day’s historical city tour and onward journey to Kars.
Included activities
- Trabzon Hagia Sophia visit
- Sümela Monastery visit
- Karaca Cave visit
Special info
For a comfortable start and to complete all planned visits on Day 1, please choose a flight arriving in Trabzon no later than 09:00. Airport pick-up is included.
Day 2Erzurum Heritage and Journey to Kars
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Erzurum, one of Eastern Anatolia’s most important historical cities. Visit the Yakutiye Madrasa, followed by the Twin Minaret Madrasa, Three Tombs, Great Mosque, and Erzurum Castle, where centuries of Seljuk and Ottoman heritage can be seen across the historic center. Continue to Taşhan, known for traditional Oltu stone craftsmanship, with time for a short shopping break. Leaving Erzurum, travel east through Pasinler and stop at the historic Çobandede Bridge, built over the Aras River along an important old trade route. Continue through Horasan and Sarıkamış before arriving in Kars, a city known for its distinctive Baltic-style architecture. Explore the historic streets, visit Kars Castle and the Church of the Twelve Apostles, and discover the city’s multicultural architectural character. After the tour, check in to your centrally located hotel in Kars.
Accommodation
- 4-star
Meals
- Breakfast at your hotel
Included activities
- Yakutiye Madrasa visit
- Twin Minaret Madrasa and Three Tombs
- Great Mosque and Erzurum Castle
- Taşhan visit
- Çobandede Bridge photo stop
- Kars Castle and historic city walk
- Church of the Twelve Apostles
Special info
The program includes a short shopping break at Taşhan. The order of visits may be adjusted according to traffic, weather, and seasonal daylight conditions.
Day 3Ani, Doğubeyazıt and Journey to Van
After breakfast, depart from Kars for the Ani Archaeological Site, a remarkable medieval city located beside the Arpaçay River on the Türkiye–Armenia border. Walk through the ancient city walls and explore some of Ani’s most significant monuments, including the Church of the Holy Redeemer and Menuçehr Mosque, while discovering the city’s role along historic trade routes. Leaving Ani, continue south toward Doğubeyazıt through the wide landscapes of Eastern Anatolia. As the route approaches the district, enjoy views of Mount Ararat before visiting the impressive Ishak Pasha Palace, one of the region’s most distinctive historical landmarks. The program also includes a stop at the Noah’s Ark formation, traditionally associated with the biblical story. Afterwards, continue toward Van through mountain scenery and high plateaus. Arrive in Van in the evening and check in to your centrally located hotel for an overnight stay.
Accommodation
- 4-star
Meals
- Breakfast at your hotel
Included activities
- Ani Archaeological Site visit
- Church of the Holy Redeemer
- Menuçehr Mosque
- Mount Ararat viewpoints
- Ishak Pasha Palace visit
- Noah’s Ark formation stop
Special info
Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites are not included. The order and duration of visits may be adjusted according to weather, road conditions, and seasonal daylight.
Day 4Van, Akdamar Island and Hoşap Castle
After breakfast, begin the final day with a visit to Van Museum, where archaeological collections introduce the long history of the Lake Van basin and the legacy of the Urartian civilization. Continue to Van Castle, built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the surrounding landscape and the remains of Old Van. Afterwards, travel toward Lake Van and board a boat for Akdamar Island. Visit the historic Akdamar Church, built during the reign of King Gagik, and explore the island before returning to the mainland. Continue to Hoşap Castle, dramatically positioned on a rocky hill in Gürpınar and known for its monumental entrance and impressive stonework. The program also includes a visit to a local carpet and rug cooperative, offering an introduction to traditional weaving techniques and regional craftsmanship. At the end of the tour, transfer to Van Airport for your onward flight, concluding the four-day private journey from Trabzon to Van.
Meals
- Breakfast at your hotel
Included activities
- Van Museum visit
- Van Castle visit
- Lake Van boat trip
- Akdamar Island and Akdamar Church
- Hoşap Castle visit
- Carpet and rug cooperative visit
Special info
We recommend choosing your departure flight from Van at 19:00 or later. Museum and archaeological site entrance fees are not included.
What's included
- Three nights at centrally located hotels in Erzurum, Kars, and Van, with breakfast included
- A modern, air-conditioned, and comfortable vehicle reserved exclusively for your private group throughout the tour
- Licensed professional guiding throughout the tour program
- Meet-and-greet at Trabzon Airport and drop-off at Van Airport at the end of the tour
- All road transportation between the cities and destinations listed in the itinerary
- All private tours, city sightseeing, and excursions listed in the itinerary
- Transfers between the hotels and the scheduled tour stops
- VAT and taxes applicable to the listed services
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites, historical sites, and tourist attractions
- Flights to Trabzon and departure flights from Van
- Personal expenses and hotel extras
- Optional activities and services not listed in the itinerary
- Optional tips for the guide and driver
Important Information
Arrival and Day 1 Program: To complete the first day comfortably and as planned, please choose a flight arriving in Trabzon no later than 09:00. The day’s program may be adjusted according to your actual arrival time.
Tour Start and End Points: The tour begins with meet-and-greet service at Trabzon Airport. The four-day program concludes with a transfer to Van Airport on the final day.
Departure Flight: The final day includes an extensive program covering Van Museum, Van Castle, Akdamar Island and Hoşap Castle. We therefore recommend choosing a departure flight from Van at 19:00 or later. For earlier flights, the final-day program may need to be shortened or adjusted according to the flight and airport transfer time.
Hotel Accommodation: The tour includes three nights with breakfast at centrally located hotels in Erzurum, Kars and Van. Hotels are selected according to availability and operational requirements.
Museum and Site Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites, palaces, monasteries and other attractions are not included in the tour price. The validity of Museum Passes or similar entrance cards may vary by site.
Opening of Visit Sites: Access to museums, archaeological sites, castles, monasteries and places of worship depends on official opening hours, restoration work, security conditions and regulations of the relevant authorities. The program may be adjusted according to current visiting conditions.
Akdamar Island Boat Crossing: The visit to Akdamar Island is subject to weather and navigation conditions on Lake Van and the operation of boat services. The timing or order of the program may be adjusted when necessary.
Route and Daily Pace: This tour covers a long overland route from Trabzon to Van. Some days include extended driving periods and a full sightseeing schedule.
Pre-Tour Communication: Our operations team will contact you before departure to confirm your Trabzon arrival flight and meet-and-greet details. Requested participant information should be provided in full after booking.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotels is included. Lunches and dinners are not included in the tour price. Your guide can recommend local restaurants and regional specialties along the route.
What to Bring: We recommend carrying an ID or passport, comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for seasonal conditions. As the route includes high-altitude regions, a light jacket or raincoat can be useful even during summer.
Program Flow: While the main route and key visits are preserved, the order of the program may be adjusted according to traffic, weather and road conditions, site opening arrangements and the pace of the group.