Eastern Turkey and Black Sea Coast Tour

Step into the city where continents converge. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your elegant hotel located near the heart of the old city. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin discovering Istanbul’s timeless charm at your own pace.
Overnight: 5-Star Holiday Inn Istanbul City
https://www.hiistanbulcity.com.tr

Start your day with a short flight to Gaziantep, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a paradise for food lovers. Discover the mesmerizing Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to the iconic “Gypsy Girl” and a breathtaking collection of Roman mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma. Walk the ramparts of Gaziantep Castle and soak in sweeping city views before immersing yourself in the vibrant alleys of the traditional bazaars, where centuries-old crafts, spices, and sweets tempt every sense. Top off your day with a bite of world-famous baklava, honored by UNESCO as an intangible cultural treasure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Ramada by Wyndham Gaziantep
https://ramada-gaziantep.com

Departing Gaziantep, and driving to Mount Nemrut. Embark on a journey into the ancient world as you travel to Mount Nemrut, where colossal stone heads and the royal tomb of King Antiochus command the summit. Stand on the Roman Cendere Bridge, a marvel of ancient engineering, and explore the mysterious site of Arsemia, once a royal retreat of the Commagene kings. In the afternoon, descend toward the fertile plains of Şanlıurfa—believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham and a city steeped in spiritual and historical resonance.
Travel Distance: 290 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Elruha Hotel Urfa
https://www.hotelelruha.com/en/mainpage

Today begins with an extraordinary visit to Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex dating back over 11,000 years. This groundbreaking archaeological site has rewritten human history and continues to captivate researchers and travelers alike. Nearby, explore Karahan Tepe, its sister site, which adds further depth to our understanding of the Neolithic world.
Journey south to the legendary city of Harran, known for its beehive-shaped houses and its deep Abrahamic heritage. Return to Şanlıurfa to explore the outstanding Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum and the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, both housing rare Mesopotamian and Roman treasures. Conclude the day at the sacred Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish), a serene site woven into the story of Abraham.
Travel Distance: 180 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Elruha Hotel Urfa
https://www.hotelelruha.com/en/mainpage

Departing Urfa for Mardin. Travel through the sun-kissed Mesopotamian plains to the timeless hilltop town of Mardin, a living museum of stone architecture and multi-faith culture. Explore the serene Deyrulzafaran (Saffron Monastery), a center of Syriac Orthodox Christianity for centuries. Admire the architectural beauty of Kasimiye Madrasa with its symbolic water design, and stroll through Mardin’s old bazaar, still buzzing with traditional artisans.
Marvel at the 12th-century Great Mosque, one of the best examples of Artuqid-era design, and finish the day at the beautifully restored stone Post Office, now a cultural gem.
Travel Distance: 190 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Mardin
https://ramadaplazamardin.com

Your eastern adventure continues with a scenic drive toward Van, stopping at Zerzevan Castle — a former Roman frontier garrison perched dramatically over the plains. Explore the underground Temple of Mithras, the ancient sanctuary hidden beneath the fortress, alongside other Roman-era remnants like watchtowers and an early church.
Continue to Van, nestled along the shore of its namesake lake and rich with Urartian heritage.
Travel Distance: 420 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Ramada by Wyndham Van
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/van-turkiye/ramada-van/overview

Take a morning ferry ride across Lake Van’s shimmering waters to Akdamar Island, home to the splendid 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross. This Armenian architectural gem is adorned with intricate stone reliefs portraying biblical tales and folklore.
In the afternoon, visit Çavuştepe Fortress, a magnificent Urartian stronghold built by King Sarduri II. Walk among the remains of temples, royal granaries, and high stone ramparts, gaining insight into the ancient kingdom’s engineering brilliance.
Travel Distance: 90 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Ramada by Wyndham Van
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/van-turkiye/ramada-van/overview

Begin with a climb to the iconic Van Castle, an imposing Urartian fortress offering sweeping views of the lake and cityscape. Visit the Van Museum to discover a rich collection of Urartian and Mesopotamian relics, including cuneiform tablets and ceremonial objects.
Later, head to Ayanis Castle, another marvel of Urartian legacy, featuring a unique temple dedicated to the god Haldi. Your day ends with a visit to a traditional kilim workshop where you’ll witness the artistry and symbolism of Van’s renowned handwoven carpets.
Travel Distance: 80 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Ramada by Wyndham Van
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/van-turkiye/ramada-van/overview

Journey eastward to the border town of Doğubayazıt to explore the enchanting Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural masterpiece combining Seljuk, Ottoman, and Armenian elements. From this hilltop marvel, take in breathtaking views of Mount Ararat—shrouded in legend as the resting place of Noah’s Ark.
Continue across picturesque plateaus and valleys to reach Kars, a culturally rich city with a blend of Eastern European and Anatolian influences.
Travel Distance: ~360 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Katerina Palace Hotel, Kars
https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/katerina-sarayi-hotel-kars

Begin the day with an unforgettable visit to the haunting ruins of Ani, once a powerful medieval Armenian capital. Wander through its windswept ruins of churches, caravanserais, and cathedrals, all enclosed by impressive defensive walls along the Arpaçay River gorge, which now marks the Turkish–Armenian border.
Then journey onward to Erzurum, a city steeped in Seljuk and Mongol heritage. Admire the intricate twin minarets of Çifte Minareli Medrese, explore the Seljuk-era Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), and visit the ornate Yakutiye Medrese—built by the Mongol Ilkhanids in the 14th century, famous for its turquoise-tiled minaret.
Travel Distance: 200 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Ramada by Wyndham Erzurum
https://ramadaerzurum.com

Travel west along scenic mountain roads through the lush Pontic Alps to reach the emerald-green landscapes of Turkey’s Black Sea region.
Stop to visit the awe-inspiring Sumela Monastery, clinging dramatically to the cliffs of the Altındere Valley National Park. Known as the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, this Byzantine marvel enchants visitors with its mountainous setting and frescoed chapels.
Arrive in Trabzon and explore the iconic Church of St. Sophia, a graceful Byzantine structure featuring vibrant frescoes and sea views. End the day in the lively Trabzon city center.
Travel Distance: 300 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Trabzon
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/tr-tr/ramada/trabzon-turkiye/ramada-plaza-trabzon/overview

Make your way to Amasya, a charming riverside town cradled by dramatic cliffs and steeped in Ottoman elegance.
Marvel at the rock-cut tombs of the Pontic kings carved into the mountainside, visit the restored Ottoman mansions lining the Yeşilırmak River, and stop at the historic Bimarhane, one of the world’s earliest mental health institutions.
This ancient city, once a royal training ground for Ottoman princes, retains a poetic atmosphere and deep cultural soul.
Travel Distance: 260 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 4-Star Büyük Amasya Oteli
https://www.buyukamasyaoteli.com

Travel into the rugged Anatolian plateau to Boğazkale, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. Explore the expansive ruins of Hattusha, including the monumental Lion Gate, Sphinx Gate, and the Great Temple, where ancient rituals once honored the storm god and sun goddess.
Nearby, visit the sacred sanctuary of Yazılıkaya, where rock-cut reliefs of gods and kings whisper echoes of a forgotten civilization.
Continue to Ankara for the evening.
Travel Distance: 260 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Radisson Blu Hotel Ankara
https://www.radissonhotels.com/tr-tr/oteller/radisson-blu-ankara

Begin your morning with a visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations—one of Turkey’s finest museums—showcasing a stunning array of Neolithic, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian artifacts.
Then, pay your respects at Anıtkabir, the imposing mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey.
In the afternoon, travel west to Istanbul for your final days in this city of wonders.
Travel Distance: 460 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: 5-Star Holiday Inn Istanbul City
https://www.hiistanbulcity.com.tr

Relive the splendor of empires as you embark on a guided journey through the historical peninsula of Istanbul. Step inside Topkapi Palace, once the seat of Ottoman sultans, and explore its lavish courtyards and imperial collections.
Continue to the legendary Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture, then admire the graceful lines and dazzling tiles of the Blue Mosque. Stroll through the ancient Hippodrome and conclude your cultural odyssey at the Grand Bazaar—an epic maze of over 4,000 shops bursting with spices, carpets, jewelry, and local handicrafts.
Travel Distance: 5 km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: 5-Star Holiday Inn Istanbul City
https://www.hiistanbulcity.com.tr

After breakfast, bid farewell to the vibrant city of Istanbul. A private transfer will take you to Istanbul International Airport for your onward flight, carrying unforgettable memories of Turkey’s landscapes, cultures, and ancient wonders.
Meals Included: Breakfast