Eastern Türkiye Tour

This tour is for the adventurous individual who wants to discover the roots of Turkey. Upon arrival in Istanbul our friendly and helpful OMEGA TOURS staff will transfer to the Istanbul train station to board a comfortable sleeper train to Ankara. D

Begin by touring the ancient Hittite museum high up on a local hillside. Take note to the remarkable marble statues and scriptures dating back to 1000 B.C. Then travel through the city to the most important political monument in Turkey, Atatürk’s Mausoleum, the “father of modern Turkey”. On the way stop for lunch on your own  and then drive to Samsun for dinner and overnight. B & D

The view along the beautiful Black Sea Coast is breathtaking, decorated by lush green forests and deep blue water. On the way stop for lunch on your own and in the afternoon go on an excursion of the Sumela Monastery which is famous for its frescoes from the 11th century. After return to Trabzon for dinner and overnight. B & D

In the morning set out for Erzurum, which is the largest city in eastern Turkey. Along this route will find the tunnel Zigana; stop for a brief moment and make your adieux to the Black Sea. On the way stop for lunch on your own. In Erzurum visit the Cifte Minareli Mosque, the Mausoleum of Hatuniye, and the Yakutiye Medrese which was formerly a theological school. Dinner and overnight is in Erzurum. B & D

Continue on route to Kars through the lush green forests, and On the way stop for lunch on your own. Advance to Ani, which was the Armenian kingdom from 953 to 1045. Today, as one of the most beautiful sights in Eastern Turkey, this ruined city is fortified by its original walls that provided protection for 8 Armenian churches, a convent, and a citadel. Return back to Kars for a satisfying dinner and overnight. B & D

Today set out for Dogubeyazit and explore the 18th century Ishakpasa Palace and Mosque situated on a high valley at the foot of the Ararat Mountain, which is allegedly thought to be the location of Noah’s Ark. On the way stop for lunch on your own. Advance to Dogubeyazit for dinner. B & D

In the morning, take the route along the Murat River which passes through the rural cities of Agri, Patnos, and Ercis. Our destination is Van, the former capital of the Urartian Kingdom. On the way stop for lunch on your own and visit the town’s fortress and the Cavustepe ruins. Dinner and overnight is in Van. B & D

On the way to Diyarbakir cruise on Lake Van, which is one of the world’s highest elevated lakes at 5,500 feet. We will cruise to Akdamar Island to visit the 10th century Church of the Holy Cross, a master piece of Armenian art. On the way stop for lunch on your own. Arrive in Diyarbakir and visit the 1,800 year old fish shaped city walls. Dinner and overnight is in Diyarbakir. B & D

Depart for Harran, the place where the prophet Abraham lived. Explore the villages and its unique construction of beehive conical form houses. On the way stop for lunch on your own. Proceed to Urfa and visit the crusader fortress and the sacred fountain. Continue on to Adiyaman for dinner and overnight. B & D

There is an early departure for Mount Nemrut. Ascend to the summit to see the colossal statues of the Commagene dynasty created by Antiochus who claimed to be the descendent of Apollo. On the way stop for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, drive to Iskenderun, formerly Alexandrette, for dinner and overnight. B & D

From Iskenderun drive to Antakya, once the legendary crusaders’ town of Antioch. Arrive in Antakya and visit its famous Archaeological Museum, which obtain a beautiful collection of late Roman and Byzantine mosaics. On the way stop for lunch on your own. Then depart for Cappadocia, a land unique and rich in culture, to arrive in time for a relaxing dinner and overnight. B & D

In the morning visit the amazing Goreme Valley, which is famous worldwide for its rock churches decorated with remarkable frescoes by the first Christians. Admire this barren land of exceptional beauty. On the way stop for lunch on your own and in the afternoon visit the small picturesque villages of Uchisar known as the petrified valley of pigeon coats, Zelve a popular valley for its fairy chimneys and erosion cones, Avcilar, Avanos and Urgup. After a busy day of exploration, have dinner and relax in the hotel in Nevsehir. B & D

In the morning, enter the underground world through the Cities of Kaymakli. Each city is unique in its size and structure, and some extend as deep as 14 stories. On the way stop for lunch on your own and in the afternoon visit Ortahisar and other surrounding villages in the area. Dinner and overnight is at the hotel. B & D

To return back to Ankara make a detour through Konya, the city of the Whirling Dervishes. Visit Mevlana Tekkesi, the Museum of the Whirling Dervishes, which holds the Dervishes’ tombs, ancient relics, and precious carpets dating to the 12th century. On the way stop for lunch on your own. Continue on to the Medresse of Karatay which was formerly a Koranic school, but now holds a priceless ceramic and tile collection. Also observe the unique architecture of the Aladdin Mosque. Continue on to Ankara for dinner and overnight. B & D

In the morning you will be transferred to the airport with enough time to check in before departure. B