Eastern Turkey From Kars to Sanliurfa

Arrive in the eastern city of Kars, a gateway to Turkey's remote and culturally rich frontier.

After settling in, head to the nearby village of Bogatepe, nestled on a high plateau surrounded by sweeping steppe landscapes. Here, visit the charming Bogatepe Cheese Museum, where local artisans preserve the region's centuries-old dairy traditions. Learn about the unique methods used to produce Kars' famed aged cheeses, many of which trace their roots to Caucasian and Russian influences. The museum also highlights the village's eco-friendly practices and community-based agriculture. It's a perfect introduction to the slow rhythms and deep-rooted heritage of eastern Anatolia.

Located on the border between Europe and Asia, the ruins of Ani were a beautiful Armenian city in the Middle Age as well as an important hub on the ancient Silk Road with many religious architectures, palaces, and fortifications in the city. At its height, it was as famous as Constantinople and Cairo, but today only the broken churches and worn murals tell its past glory.

This morning, we will drive out of the city to have a walk around the ruins and enjoy the stunning views of the Armenian border. Afterward, get back to the city to see the impressive Kars Castle and the Cathedral of Kars. Also being called the Holy Apostles Church, the cathedral was once converted into a mosque, later a Russian Orthodox, later a cathedral again, and then a mosque again.

Begin your day with a scenic trek along the shores of Lake Cildir, a vast high-altitude lake near the Georgian border. Surrounded by rolling hills and open sky, this peaceful landscape offers a striking contrast to urban Turkey. Depending on the season, you may see wildflowers in bloom or even locals ice-fishing in winter. Enjoy the crisp air and panoramic views as you walk along quiet trails that reveal the raw beauty of eastern Anatolia.

Let the steam, marble surroundings, and centuries-old rituals wash away fatigue - offering not just relaxation, but a deep cultural experience rooted in Ottoman life.

Depart from Kars after breakfast and drive about 2.5 hours on the ancient Silk Road to Dogubeyazit and then another 2.5 hours to Van. On the way, we will have the opportunity to see Mt. Ararat from all sides. It is believed by some to be the resting-place of Noah's Ark. If weather permits, you may also like to do a short hike around the mount.

Later on, stop to see the Ishak Pasha Palace, a combination of a mosque, a fortress, and a palace that originally had a room for every day of the year. After it, we will also see the remains of Eski Bayezid Cami and Urartian City that was flourished in 1000 BC.

Today we will first visit the time-honored Van Castle built by the ancient Kingdom of Urartu between 9 BC and 7 BC, admire the exquisite reliefs and murals in it as well as the beautiful view on the Lake Van. Rom here, a ferry boat will take us across the lake to the Akdamar Island that houses the medieval Armenian architectural wonder - the Church of the Holy Cross.

After the tour, take the private transfer to Van airport and fly to Istanbul. On arrival, be picked up and transferred to your hotel.

Depart Dogubayazit this morning and begin a long yet rewarding drive (about 7.5 hours) through the heart of eastern Turkey toward Sanliurfa, one of the region's most ancient and spiritually significant cities. As you journey south, watch the dramatic landscapes shift - from the shadow of snow-capped Mount Ararat to vast plains dotted with Kurdish villages and caravan routes that once linked Persia to the Levant. This overland route offers a rare glimpse into the cultural and geographic diversity of Anatolia. Arrive in Sanliurfa by evening, where you'll settle into the city known as the legendary birthplace of Abraham and a cradle of early civilization.

Set out today to explore two of the most groundbreaking archaeological sites in human history. Begin at Gobekli Tepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's oldest known temple complex - predating Stonehenge by millennia. Walk among the T-shaped stone pillars carved with animals and symbols, gaining insight into the spiritual life of hunter-gatherers over 11,000 years ago. Continue to the more recently excavated Karahan Tepe, a sister site that pushes our understanding of early Neolithic ritual even further, with subterranean structures and mysterious human-like sculptures. In the afternoon, return to Sanliurfa, where you can explore its sacred old quarter, visit the Pool of Abraham, or simply relax in a local courtyard café while reflecting on the deep past you've uncovered.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Sanliurfa back to Istanbul, marking a return from the cradle of civilization to Turkey's cultural heart. Upon arrival in Istanbul, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to revisit favorite neighborhoods, unwind with a Bosphorus-side stroll, or savor one last Turkish meal. Whether you're reflecting on Neolithic temples or Ottoman grandeur, today offers a quiet bridge between Turkey's deep past and its vibrant present.

Time for the departure. At the appointed time, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.