We begin our tour by flying from Istanbul to Trabzon in the morning. Our first stop is the 13th-century Hagia Sophia Museum, a historical landmark in the Black Sea city of Trabzon. This Byzantine-era structure, known for its captivating frescoes and unique architecture, offers an unforgettable experience combined with the stunning views of the Black Sea. Next, we head to Maçka to visit the 4th-century Sumela Monastery, nestled on the steep slopes of Karadağ. The frescoes, historical ambiance, and mystical atmosphere of this site are sure to captivate. After our visit to Sumela, we set off for Erzurum. Along the way, we stop at Karaca Cave in Gümüşhane to explore its magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations. We end our day by arriving in Erzurum and checking into our hotel in the city center.

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our exploration of Erzurum's rich history and architecture. Our first stop is the Yakutiye Madrasa, a significant example of Seljuk architecture. We then visit the Twin Minaret Madrasa and the Three Tombs, learning about their impressive designs. Next, we explore the Great Mosque of Erzurum, delving into the city’s religious and cultural heritage. We take a short break at the Erzurum Castle, where we enjoy panoramic views of the city. Afterwards, we head to the historic Taşhan, renowned for its unique Oltu stone. Here, we take a brief shopping break before continuing our journey through Pasinler. We stop for photos at the 800-year-old Mongol-era Çobandede Bridge, located where the Aras and Kargapazarı rivers meet. Continuing through Horasan and Sarıkamış, we reach Kars, famous for its Baltic architecture. In Kars, we visit the Kars Castle and the Church of the Twelve Apostles, and stroll through the historic streets of the city. Accommodation is at our hotel in Kars city center.

After breakfast, we head towards Ani, an ancient city located on the easternmost edge of Turkey, near the Armenian border. Once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the region, Ani, known as the "City of 1001 Churches," mesmerizes visitors with its imposing walls and monumental structures. Our first stop is the Church of St. Gregory (Church of the Redeemer), famous for its frescoes. We then visit the Church of St. Pirkitch and the Menuçehr Mosque, one of the first mosques built in Anatolia. Passing through Ani's ancient gates, we overlook the Arpaçay River and gaze across to Armenia, taking in the historical Silk Road Bridge. Following this, we head to Doğubeyazıt with a backdrop of Mount Ararat. Here, we explore the stunning Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural marvel from the Ottoman period, and immerse ourselves in its mystique. After visiting the site of Noah's Ark, we make our way to Van, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

After breakfast, we start our day by visiting the Van Urartu Museum, one of Turkey’s most impressive museums, showcasing the rich history of the Van region and the Urartian civilization. Following this, we head to Van Castle to learn about its history and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. We then take a delightful boat ride on Lake Van to reach Akdamar Island. On the island, we explore the impressive Akdamar Church, built during the reign of King Gagik, and take in the island’s mystical atmosphere. After our Akdamar visit, we move on to the majestic Hoşap Castle, which captivates visitors with its magnificent stonework and strategic location. Lastly, we visit a Carpet and Rug Cooperative to learn about traditional weaving techniques and gain insight into the cultural heritage of the region. We conclude our tour with a transfer to Van Airport for our departure.