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Eastern Turkey 18 Days
From $5995 USD
Trip URL: www.adventurelink.com/
$200Off
$200Off
$200 Discount on trip to Eastern Turkey
$200 price reduction from $6195 to $5995 on trip to Eastern Turkey on Apr 23, 2014.
Applies to departures between:
01/17/2013 and 04/22/2014
Promotion is valid from:
01/17/2013 to 04/22/2014
Requires at least 0 passenger(s) to qualify.
Overview
Highlights
- Duration: 18 Days
- Comfort: 66.6666666666667%
- Language: English
- Rating: 0%
- Style: Active Seniors (55+)
- Trip ID: 127624
- Start Location: Sultanahmet, Turkey
- End Location: Sultanahmet, Turkey
-
Guaranteed:
Yes
Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed!
- AdventureLink has carefully handpicked the tour operators in our portfolio to give you the best possible selection and experience
- AdventureLink does not pay the operator until your trip completes in order to ensure the highest possible standard of care
- Primary Activities: Hiking
- Other Activities: World Heritage Sites, Local Markets, Monasteries, museums
- Activity Level: Intermediate
Imagine a place with ancient walled cities, palaces, ruins, hilltop fortresses, cave dwellings, snow-capped peaks, and endless vistas. Visit early
Christian cathedrals, omnipresent mosques and Ottoman history as well as friendly, fascinating and diverse cultures. Welcome to Eastern Turkey, an
impressive destination, yet virtually unexplored by tourists.
Explore the mosques, museums, bazaars and palaces of Istanbul, before flying to Eastern Turkey. Enjoy the sunset after your hike to the top of
mysterious Mt. Nemrut which is famed for it’s colossal stone heads built over two thousand years ago by King Antioch, who placed himself amongst the
gods, with Apollo, Hercules and Zeus.
In Urfa, with its distinctly Arab presence, we visit the birthplace of Abraham, a pilgrimage site for Jews, Muslims and Christians. We continue to the
scenic hilltop city of Mardin and on to the historic walled city of Diyarbakir, where a traditional Kurdish lifestyle still exists. Explore the
impressive landscape and cave dwellings of Hasankeyf, situated high above the Tigris River. In Van, visit magnificent fortresses and cathedrals in some
of Turkey’s most dramatic landscapes.
Enjoy impressive views of Mt. Ararat, believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark. Our travels take us through the natural beauty and history of the
north to the Black Sea. Finally, we drive to Trabzon, for a short visit before flying to Istanbul for our farewell dinner and departure.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul
- Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our hotel. Our adventure begins in Istanbul, the great city that links Europe to Asia across the Bosphorus. Istanbul was once the capital of the “civilized” world in the early days of Christendom and continues to be the heart of Turkey today. Tonight we meet as a group for dinner and orientation. Overnight in Istanbul.
- Day 2: Istanbul Sightseeing
- This morning, we start with a visit to the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome and then explore this symbolic city of eastern culture on foot. We visit the Yerebatan Cistern (an underground cistern) and continue to the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. Our next sight of interest is the Hagia Sofia, one of the most magnificent museums in the world. In the afternoon we explore the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
- Day 3: Fly to Adiyaman. To Kahta (Mt. Nemrut)
- Arrive in Adiyaman and continue on to Kahta, the most convenient place to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mt. Nemrut. Dinner and overnight in Kahta.
- Day 4: Sunset at the Giant Stone Heads of Mt. Nemrut
- Mt. Nemrut standing 2,134 (7,001 ft), is believed to be the the burial site of King Antiochus I, in 62 BC. The mysterious and impressive giant stone heads are not easy to reach, but the rewards are great. These stone heads represent the gods of Zeus, Apollo, Hercules, the goddess Kommagene, and King Antioch, who placed himself in such elite company. A lion and eagle flank these heads.
After a relaxing morning and lunch, we depart for Nemrut. Enroute, we make stops at a Roman bridge, 4 ancient pillars and the stone relief of Arsemia, located in the spectacular countryside surrounding Mt. Nemrut. We also see a fortress perched on a vertical mount just before we start our driving assent.
We will have plenty of time to take in the scenery, the mystery and the aura of Mt. Nemrut. As the sun sets, we bid farewell to the ancient gods who have crowned Mt. Nemrut for over two thousand years. We return to Kahta for dinner at a local Restaurant by the Ataturk Dam, and overnight. - Day 5: To Urfa , Birth place of Abraham
- After breakfast, we depart for Urfa, the birth place of Abraham which is an important pilgrimage site for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We will visit the cave where Abraham was born as well as visit a local bazaar. Dinner & overnight in Urfa.
Please Note: anyone doing the Best of Turkey - Combination of Classic & Eastern Turkey, will join Eastern Turkey today with a Flight from Istanbul to Urfa. - Day 6: To Mardin
- After Breakfast, we depart for Mardin, an ancient town perched on a hilltop crowned with the ruins of an old castle, looking down to the Mesopotamian plains, south towards Syria. Mardin has been occupied by Syrian Christians, Arabs, Seljuk, Turks, Kurd’s, Mongols and Persians. Mardin is one of the most charming cities of Turkey both from architectural and ethnical point of views. The population of the city consists of Orthodox Christian Assyrians, Muslim & Christian Arabs, Yezidis the Devil Worshippers and Turks.
Narrow streets and alleys along with the old-style houses make Mardin a great place to explore on foot. We explore Sultan Isa Medresesi, a beautiful Turkish monument dating from 1385. We will visit the Ulu Cami, an 11th century Seljuk structure; the impressive post office and of course Mardin’s interesting bazaar. Dinner & overnight in Mardin. - Day 7: To Diyarbakir via Midyat and Hasankeyf
- Visit Midyat, a well-preserved historical town with an impressive Assyrian Christian Monastery. We continue onto Hasankeyf where we explore the impressive landscape and thousands of cave dwellings towering over the Tigris River. Hasankeyf origins date back 10,000 years. Romans, Mongols, Arabs and Ottomans have all left their mark on this fascinating ancient site, with its thousands of caves and man-made dwellings.
We continue to the ancient walled city of Diyarbakir, a fascinating city with a strong Kurdish tradition. The friendly atmosphere of Diyarbakir is a great place for meeting locals. Dinner & overnight in Diyarbakir. - Day 8: Diyarbakir
- Today we visit several impressive sites all located within the city fortifications dating back to the 16th. century. The fortress overlooking the Tigris river, the Mosque, Roman Sundial, a 3rd century Assyrian Cathedral and the meandering alleyways give this city superb ambience. As with almost any city or town in Turkey, the bazaar is always a great place to explore or even practice your bargaining skills on the eclectic offerings one can find. The main square is a wonderful place to sip Turkish tea while engaging in interesting conversation or simply people watch. Visit The Grand Mosque and Dinner & overnight in Diyarbakir.
- Day 9: To Van via Bitlis and Ahlat
- We depart Diyarbakir and head to Van, located on the historic and fabled banks of scenic Lake Van. We travel via Bitlis and Ahlat where we will visit the Conic Tombs of Seljuk-Turkish period. After Ahlat, enjoy a scenic drive along the Southern shores of Lake Van, which is the biggest lake in Turkey. The city of Van was the capital city of Urartu in 15th century B.C. and local Armenian Kingdoms in the 11th century A.D. Dinner and overnight in Van.
- Day 10: Van-Fortresses, Castles and Akhtamar Island
- This morning we visit the superb remains of the Urartian fortress at Cavustepe . The fortress walls at Cavustepe are the best preserved Urartian remains anywhere. They create a great atmosphere as we explore both the upper and lower fortress. After our visit, we are off to the Tusba Castle and Akhtamar Island on which an 11th century Armenian Monastery is situated. Afternoon at leisure in Van to explore the local market. Dinner and overnight in Van.
- Day 11: To Dogubayazit
- Enjoy a day of real adventure. Drive to Dogubayazit via the Caldiran plain and the Tendurek Mountains which are more than 3500 meters high. While driving along the mountain, a thrilling landscape will ensure spectacular views. We descend the mountain enjoying impressive views of the Sacred Mount Ararat. Today, many people believe that the remains of Noah’s Ark are on the side of this revered mountain. We arrive in Dogubayazit, a border town near Iran located at the base of famed Mount Ararat. Late afternoon, visit the Ishak Pasha Castle which was the residence of the Ottoman Governor of the East Territories. Dinner and overnight in Dogubayazit.
- Day 12: To Kars
- Drive to Kars along the Western slopes of Mount Ararat. Pass through the Igdir Plain which has a Mediterranean climate at an altitude of 2000 meters, producing sub-tropical fruits. Afternoon arrival at Kars, the North-Easternmost city of Turkey, bordering Armenia by the Aras River. Visit the Kars Castle.
Visit the ruins of Ani which was an Armenian settlement until the beginning of the 20th century, and is situated by the Aras River overlooking the territories of the Republic of Armenia.
Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Kars. - Day 13: Erzurum
- Erzurum, situated at the foot of Mount Palandoken, is a very popular skiing resort in Turkey. It is famous for Turkish-Islamic monuments as well as legendary patriots who resisted against the Russian invasion during the First World War. We visit the sights of Erzurum including the Castle, Cifte Minareli Medrese and old Ottoman Houses. Dinner and overnight in Erzurum.
- Day 14: To Hopa Along the Black Sea Coast
- The drive today will take us through some of the most spectacular mountainous scenery to be found in Turkey. Stops and sights enroute include Tortum Falls, Yusufeli, Coruh River Valley a Georgian Church and the little village of Zeytinli the hillside city of Artvin. Dinner and overnight in Hopa.
- Day 15: Ayder/Trabzon
- This morning we depart Hopa enroute to Ayder. This small village nestled in a traditional valley, surrounded by beautiful mountains is the perfect place to relax. We have some shopping and walking opportunities available during our time this afternoon as well as some afternoon tea. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Trabzon.
- Day 16: Sumela Monestary, Fly to Istanbul
- Early in the morning, we drive roughly 30 miles outside of Trabzon to the Sumela Monastery. We hike up to the Monastery which stands at the foot of a steep cliff facing the Altindere Valley. This impressive Monastery which is known by the locals as the “Virgin Mary” has gone through many changes over the years and still a wonderful place to visit. Afternoon lunch back in Trabzon, evening flight to Istanbul.
- Day 17: Istanbul/Bosphorus Cruise
- Morning at leisure in Istanbul. After lunch we board our chartered boat and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. We will spend the rest of the day exploring the spice market, before our farwell dinner.
- Day 18: Farewell Istanbul
- Transfer to Istanbul airport for departing flights homeward.
Nuts & Bolts
Trip Includes
- All accommodations throughout
- all meals, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour)
- bottled drinking water throughout the trip; all internal transportation
- airport transfers on day 1 and departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour)
- all day trips and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
- tips for hotels (porterage), bus driver, restaurants and spot guides
- services of a trip leader
Trip Excludes
- International flights
- tips to ElderTreks tour leader
- national guide
- alcoholic drinks
- visa’s and travel insurance
Trip ID#: 127624
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable
Experts
Gian Tordi
About Gian
Gian Franco grew up in Europe and has traveled extensively and can help you with all your travel planning needs. Gian Franco’s expertise is primarily in Europe, but he has travelled around the world and speaks six languages. Previous to AdventureLink, Gian worked as a personal travel consultant and tour guide and his passion is putting together customized travel itineraries. Gian Franco will guide you through the process of picking the right trip and customizing the experience to meet your exact requirements!
- Destination expertise All Countries
- Activity expertise All Activities
- Recommended trips
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