DAY 1 Fly to Erzurum
After arrival and check in your hotel then begin city walking. Visits to Grand Mosque,
Cifte Minerali Medrese, Uckardesler TurbesiI.
City of Erzurum has been a frontier town and a stronghold for many powers as it was strategically located on the ancient trade routes. Shopping in the authentic bazaar. Then continue with the Citadel to enjoy sun set.
Overnight in Erzurum
DAY 2 Drive to Van
Erzurum to Van is approx 415 km
Over night in Dogubayazit
DAY 3 Continue to Van
Van city tour: museum, Tushpa (Urartu Fortress), Ritual Site, Van Old City, Rock burial Chambers, etc, etc.
Overnight in Van.
DAY 4 Visit Akhtamar Church, Cavustepe and Ahlat
At the south cornerof the Lake Van we take a boat to Akdamar Island to visit the Church of Holy Cross, or the Akdamar Church. This is accepted as the one of the masterpieces of Armenian architecture. Those who wish may use the opportunity to swim in the lake.
Cavustepe was one of the principal settlements of the mighty Urartian kingdom. It was founded by the king Sardur. Later in the day we will visit the Hosap Castle dating 17th century.
Next, If desired visit Nemrut Mountain crater lake.
DAY 5 Fly to Istanbul
If the visit extended then continune the route to Tatvan. Visit Nemrut Mountain crater lake (do not confuse with Antiochus Mount). En route visit Bitlis then continue to Diyarbakir.
Over some stretches the tour requires walking so you may need to have hard sole walking shoes. Furthermore hat, sun glasses, jumpers, several t-shirts, etc.
AN ALTERNATIVE TWO WEEKS LONG ITINERARY
DAY 1 Fly to Malatya
Drive to Kahta
Overnight in Kahta
DAY 2 Drive to Mt Nemrut
Enjoy the unforgettable sunrise at the summit.
After lunch Drive to Sanliurfa.
City walking and visits to sacred pool and profet Ibrahim's Cave
Overnight in Sanliurfa
DAY 3 Drive to Harran
After Harran drive back to Sanliurfa
Overnight in Sanliurfa
DAY 4 Depart from Sanliurfa to Van approx 560 km
En-route short break in Diyarbakir See the impressive city walls of black basalt rock.
Overnight in Van.
DAY 5 Visit highlights in Van
Boat trip to Akhtamar Monastery. Visit Citadel citadel and enjoy the sunset from the city fortress.
DAY 6 Drive to Dogubayazit
En-route visit Cavustepe ruins and Muradiye waterfall
Overnight in Dogubayazit
DAY 7 Visit Ishakpasa Palace ENJOY viewing Mt Ararat
Then drive to KARS (optional)
Overnight in Kars.
DAY 8 Visit Highlights in Kars and Ani ruins
Then drive to Erzurum.
Overnight in Erzurum
DAY 9 Visit highlights in Erzurum
Grand Mosque, Cifte Minareli Medrese, Uckardesler Turbesi
DAY 10 Fly to Istanbul
Optional: Black Sea Coast attractions
