On this private Eastern Turkey tour from Trabzon, you’ll explore some of the country’s most culturally rich and historically significant regions—stretching from the Black Sea coast to Southeastern Anatolia. The journey begins with visits to two iconic sites in Trabzon: the Sumela Monastery, set dramatically on a cliffside in Altındere National Park, and the historic Ayasofya Mosque.
You’ll then continue to Karaca Cave in Gümüşhane, known for its vivid stalactite formations. In Erzurum, discover architectural gems like the Yakutiye Madrasa and the city’s grand Ulu Mosque, reflecting centuries of Anatolian heritage.
In Diyarbakır, walk its ancient city walls and see the famous Four-Legged Minaret and Ulu Mosque. In Mardin, highlights include Kasımiye Madrasa, Deyrulzafaran Monastery, and the ancient ruins of Dara, a lost city of Mesopotamia.
The route continues through Şanlıurfa, where you’ll visit Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple in the world, and nearby Mount Nemrut, home to the famous stone heads.
Finally, in Gaziantep, explore the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the historic Gaziantep Castle, and the vibrant Copperware Bazaar, capping off a rich and immersive 7-day cultural journey through Eastern Turkey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Trabzon and City Tour
The tour begins with your arrival at Trabzon Airport, where our guide will meet and greet you. Our first stop is Sumela Monastery, located in the mountains of Maçka. This stunning structure, perched on high cliffs, offers both a unique historical perspective and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After exploring the monastery and learning about its history, we return to Trabzon for a city tour. We will visit the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a former Byzantine church that was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period. Next, we stop at Atatürk Mansion, where the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, stayed during his visits to Trabzon. Our day ends with a tour of the historic Ortahisar district, after which we check into our hotel in Trabzon for the night.
Day 2: Karaca Cave and Erzurum City Tour
After breakfast, we head to Karaca Cave in Gümüşhane, a natural wonder filled with colorful stalactites and stalagmites. This underground marvel is known for its impressive formations and stunning geological features. After our cave tour, we continue to Erzurum, one of Turkey’s highest cities. Our city tour includes the Yakutiye Madrasa, a 14th-century Seljuk masterpiece with intricate stone carvings. We then visit the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), the Double Minaret Madrasa, and Erzurum Castle. Each of these historic sites offers a glimpse into the region’s rich past. The day ends with a visit to Taşhan, a historic caravanserai that now houses shops selling traditional Oltu stone jewelry. We spend the night in Erzurum.
Day 3: Diyarbakir City Tour and Transfer to Mardin
We begin the day with a drive to Diyarbakir, one of the oldest cities in Turkey, famed for its black basalt city walls. Our first stop is the Grand Mosque of Diyarbakir, one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia. Next, we explore the UNESCO-listed Diyarbakir Fortress, which has stood as a defensive stronghold for centuries. We continue our exploration of the old city, visiting the Four-Legged Minaret, Surp Giragos Armenian Church, and the Open-Air Museum of İçkale. These sites reflect the multi-layered history of the region. Afterward, we visit the iconic Ten Arches Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü) on the Tigris River. Following Diyarbakir, we stop at Zerzevan Castle, an ancient Roman military outpost that houses a Mithraeum temple. We then travel to Mardin, where we spend the night.
Day 4: Mardin City Tour and Transfer to Şanlıurfa
The day begins with a tour of Mardin, a city known for its unique stone architecture and rich cultural heritage. Our first stop is Kasimiye Madrasa, where you’ll admire its beautiful stonework and panoramic views of the Mesopotamian plains. Next, we visit Mardin’s Grand Mosque, which showcases exquisite stone craftsmanship. We continue to Deyrulzafaran Monastery, a historic center of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Later, we explore Dara Ancient City, once a significant Roman city in Mesopotamia, where you can see fascinating rock-cut tombs and ruins. Our journey continues with a visit to Harran, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, famous for its traditional beehive houses and ancient ruins. In the evening, we arrive in Şanlıurfa for overnight accommodation.
Day 5: Göbeklitepe and Şanlıurfa City Tour
We start the day with a visit to Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back over 11,000 years. Its stone pillars with intricate carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric human civilization. After exploring this ancient site, we return to Şanlıurfa for a city tour. Our first stop is the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts that highlight the region’s long history. We then visit the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, where you can see stunning mosaics from the Roman period. The tour continues with a visit to Urfa Castle, offering panoramic views of the city, and then to the famous Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish), a site linked to the story of Abraham. We end the day with a visit to Urfa’s bazaars, where you can explore the local handicrafts and products. We spend the night in Şanlıurfa
Day 6: Mount Nemrut and Transfer to Gaziantep
Today’s journey takes us to one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks: Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We depart early to explore the monumental statues and burial mound of King Antiochus I, located at the summit of the mountain. These colossal statues, with their impressive size and detailed carvings, are a testament to the grandeur of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene. After Nemrut, we visit Arsemia, the ancient capital of the Commagene Kingdom, and the historic Cendere Bridge, a Roman-era marvel that still stands today. As we continue our journey, we head toward Gaziantep, traveling through landscapes rich in history and culture. This journey provides a chance to experience the diverse beauty of Southeastern Anatolia. Once we arrive in Gaziantep, we check into our hotel and enjoy some free time to relax.
Day 7: Gaziantep City Tour and Departure
On the final day of our tour, we explore Gaziantep, known for its rich culinary traditions and historical sites. Our first stop is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to some of the world’s most exquisite Roman mosaics, including the famous "Gypsy Girl." Next, we visit the Gaziantep Archaeology Museum, where you can see artifacts from ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region. We then explore Gaziantep Castle, a historic fortification offering panoramic views of the city. Afterward, we head to the famous Copper Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı), where you’ll have the opportunity to shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs. Following some free time for last-minute shopping or leisure, we transfer you to Gaziantep Airport, marking the end of our unforgettable 7-day journey through history and culture.