14 Day Eastern Turkey Explorer - Tuesday Departure
Dates & Prices
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Brochure Land & Air Price | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024 | Monday, Sep 30, 2024 | Get Quote | |||
Tuesday, Oct 08, 2024 | Monday, Oct 21, 2024 | Get Quote |
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Exclusive, $500 Off Greece and Turkey Escorted Tours
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Save 5% - Cash Payment Discount
Promotion Details
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Tour Itinerary
DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Turkey
Depart for Turkey
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by dinner at your hotel. We recommend you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Thursday - Basilica Cistern, St. Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar
Today, explore the city of Istanbul. Begin at the Basilica Cistern, an extensive underground cistern commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. Continue to the Hippodrome, where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Next, view the Blue Mosque, an Ottoman-era mosque constructed in the early 17th century. Afterward, visit the 6th century Byzantine Basilica of St. Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was later converted to a mosque. After lunch, tour Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the famous Grand Bazaar
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4, Friday - Flight to Gaziantep, Zeugma Museum, Bazaars
Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Gaziantep, a city in southeast Turkey. Upon arrival, there will be time for lunch on your own in the city's center. After, visit the Zeugma Museum, known for its remarkable mosaic collection. Then, traverse the narrow streets of the historical Bey district and enjoy Turkish coffee, or tea at a populer coffee house. Take a guided walk through the historic bazaars of Gaziantep and watch craftsmen practice their traditional trade at the Coppersmith Bazaar. Later check into your room. Time to freshen up before dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Gaziantep
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday - Baklava Tasting, Halfeti Boat Excursion, Zeugma Antique City
This morning, visit one of the many baklava shops to savor the sweet Middle Eastern confection made of phyllo pastry and nuts. Afterward, travel to the town of Halfeti, situated on the east bank of the Euphrates River. Upon arrival, have lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a boat excursion along the Euphrates River. The cruise provides a close-up view of partially submerged buildings, remnants of a town affected by the construction of the dam in the 1990s. Next, head to the Zeugma Antique City, founded in the Hellenistic period and later flourishing under the Roman rule. Wander through the ancient streets and admire the well-preserved statues and structures. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Gaziantep
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday - Gobeklitepe en route to Mardin, Kasimiye Medresesi
Begin the day with a visit to Gobeklitepe, a Neolithic archaeological site and region where ancient farming communities emerged. Here, you'll find massive carved stones, dating back 11,000 years, which were crafted and arranged by prehistoric people. Following lunch head to the city of Mardin. On arrival, explore Kasimiye Medresesi, an old medrese (seminary) complex and ascend to the upper section to view Mardin's great panoramas. Later, check into your hotel with time to settle in before dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Mardin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - Deyrulzafaran Monastery, Dara Ancient City, Home Hosted Lunch, Old Mardin
Your day of exploration begins with a visit to the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, dating back to the 5th century. The monastery has served as a spiritual center for the Syriac Orthodox Church. Then, explore Dara Ancient City, an important settlement along the Silk Road. Established in the 5th century, it served as a military and administrative center. Visit the well-preserved ruins of Dara, including its city walls, gates and various structures. After a home-cooked lunch with a local family, tour the Old Town of Mardin. Wander along the narrow streets, and admire its unique architecture. Discover Kirklar Church, also known as Forty Martyrs Church, before returning to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Mardin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday - Mor Gabriel Monastery, Ezidi Village, Midyat
Explore the ancient Mor Gabriel Monastery, an important Syriac Orthodox monastery. Next, embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes to Ezidi Village, home to the indigenous Yazidis. Continue to Midyat for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Anitli Virgin Mary's Monastery and its church. Opportunity to interact with the locals, gaining a deeper understanding for the local way of life. Free time to explore the village, before returning to Mardin for dinner
Overnight: Mardin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Hasankeyf Museum, Travel to Van
Depart Mardin this morning, and travel to Hasankeyf, an ancient town located along the Tigris River in the Batman province of southeastern Turkey. Visit the Hasankeyf Museum, showcasing artifacts, and exhibits that provide a glimpse into the diverse civilizations that have left their mark in Hasankeyf. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to Van. Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner
Overnight: Van
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Cavustepe, Carpet Atelier, Akdamar Island
Embark on a captivating tour to Cavustepe, a historic site that unveils the remains of an ancient Urartian fortress perched atop a hill. The site is also known as the Fortress of Hayk. After, stop at the Urartu Hali carpet atelier. Here, admire the exquisite handmade Anatolian carpets, distinguished by their colors, patterns, and techniques. Following lunch at a local restaurant, cruise to Akdamar Island in Lake Van, home to the 10th century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral. Later, return by boat back to Van for dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Van
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Friday - Savat Atelier, Muradiye Waterfalls, Ishak Pasha Palace, Travel to Kars
Begin the day with a visit to a Savat (silversmith) atelier, where new artists train in the important handcraft of the Urartians. Later, make a stop at Muradiye Waterfalls. Take in the sight of the crystal-clear water tumbling down the rocks amidst lush greenery. Then, head to the town of Dogubeyazit for lunch. Admire panoramic views of Mount Ararat, considered the resting place of Noah's Ark. Afterward, tour Ishak Pasha Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 17th century, this architectural masterpiece is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. Following the visit, travel to Kars for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Kars
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Saturday - Ani Ruins, Kars Castle, Kumbet Mosque
This morning, drive to the ancient city of Ani, former capital of the Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia. This medieval city is located on a secluded hilltop along the Turkish and Armenian border. Visit the ruins and view the Ani Cathedral, the medieval walls, and the Citadel. Later, enjoy a tasting of Reyhan Serbeti, a special non-alcoholic drink, with a sampling of local Kars gruyere cheese. Afterward, visit Kumbet Mosque and drive by Kars Castle, whose imposing walls crown the ridge that dominates the city's northern edge. On the drive back to the hotel, view Russian style buildings, dating from the 19th century Russian occupation. Tonight, dinner is at a regional restaurant
Overnight: Kars
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Sunday - Old City Kars, Fethiye Mosque, Flight to Istanbul
Today, take a tour of the Old City of Kars and visit the iconic Fethiye Mosque, characterized by its distinctive dome and intricate details. Explore the Kars Museum, featuring exhibits from the early Bronze Age, Urartu and Roman periods. Free time to stroll through the local market. Transfer to Kars airport in the afternoon for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, check into to your hotel. Tonight, celebrate your last night in Turkey with dinner and bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14, Monday - Depart Turkey
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
Package Includes
Tour Highlights
Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include intra-flights Istanbul-Gaziantep & Kars-Istanbul.
Arrival and departure transfers are only included for flights to/from Istanbul Airport (IST).
Passengers arriving on Day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM.
During Ramadan (Mar 10 - Apr 9, 2024), historic and cultural sites may close early and operate with minimal staff. The order of sightseeing may be changed to accommodate the holiday observance. Traffic congestion is common during Ramadan. Some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcoholic beverages. Entertainment may be limited to be respectful of the holiday observance. Modest dress is suggested during Ramadan (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.
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The Artisan Istanbul MGallery
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Sirehan Hotel
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Izala Boutique Hotel
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DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Van
This first class hotel overlooks the picturesque Lake Van, giving guests a lovely lakeside break in Eastern Turkey.
Kars 1924 Hotel
This superior tourist class hotel is located in Kars and will open in January 2024.
Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel
This deluxe hotel overlooks the Marmara Sea.
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