Journey to the East: From Van to Trabzon

Arrival in Istanbul.Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Hotel check-in. Free time. Dinner.

Flight to Van – Akdamar Island – Çavuştepe Fortress

After breakfast, we take a flight to Van, a city in eastern Turkey renowned for its ancient history and vibrant cultural heritage. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes and centuries-old monuments, Van offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

Upon arrival, we embark on a memorable boat ride across Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. As we glide over its serene waters, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and shoreline. Our destination is Akdamar Island, one of the region’s most enchanting sites. Here stands the iconic Church of the Holy Cross, a stunning example of Armenian architecture, famous for its intricate stone carvings and well-preserved frescoes.

We’ll end the day with a visit to Çavuştepe Fortress, an ancient Urartian citadel built by King Sarduri II in the 8th century BCE. Set atop a hill, the fortress offers sweeping views and a powerful sense of the Urartian civilization’s might and sophistication.

Hotel check-in and dinner.

Van Fortress – Museum – Hoşap Fortress – Van Cats

 After breakfast, we continue our discovery of Van, beginning with the Van Fortress (Tushpa)—once the capital of the mighty Urartian Kingdom. Perched high on a hill, this ancient stronghold offers sweeping views over Lake Van and preserves the echoes of a once-great civilization. 

Our next stop is the Van Museum, where a remarkable collection of artifacts—ceramics, stone carvings, inscriptions, and everyday objects—brings the rich legacy of Urartu to life, offering insight into its culture, beliefs, and daily life. After lunch, we journey through scenic landscapes to the Hoşap Fortress, a 16th-century castle nestled among striking mountains and valleys. Its rugged architecture and panoramic vistas make it one of the region’s architectural gems. 

We close the day with a visit to the Van Cat House, home to the city’s most charming residents—white cats with mismatched eyes, known for their gentle temperament and playful spirit. These iconic cats are a symbol of Van, and you’ll have the chance to observe them up close and learn about their unique place in local culture. 

Return to the hotel. Rest and dinner.

Muradiye Waterfall – Ishak Pasha Palace – Salt Cave – Arrival in Kars

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the Muradiye Waterfall, nestled along the Bendimahi River. This natural gem, tumbling gracefully from the mountains, offers a refreshing escape into nature with peaceful walking paths and crisp alpine air.

We then continue to Doğubayazıt to explore the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace—a true architectural jewel of the Ottoman era. Built in the 17th century, the palace is a stunning fusion of Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian styles, dramatically framed by rugged mountain landscapes.

Not far from the palace lies a fascinating salt cave, a site that has provided salt for millennia. Known for its healing air and geological history, the cave invites you to breathe deeply and take in its unique, tranquil atmosphere.

After a day filled with natural beauty and historical wonders, we make our way to Kars, a city where Russian and Turkish influences intertwine, creating a captivating cultural mosaic.

Hotel check-in. Rest and dinner.

Kars Fortress – Fethiye Mosque – Ruins of Ani – Arrival in Erzurum

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to Kars Fortress, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Perched atop a strategic hill, the fortress offers panoramic views of Kars and the surrounding valleys, along with stories of its storied military past. 

Our next stop is the Fethiye Mosque, originally built as the Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevsky. This remarkable structure is a testament to the region’s layered history—a captivating example of architectural transformation from church to mosque during the Ottoman era.

We then journey to the ancient city of Ani, once the flourishing capital of the Armenian Kingdom and a major center of culture and trade. Today, Ani stands as a hauntingly beautiful open-air museum of ruins—churches, monasteries, fortresses, and palaces—evoking the majesty of the medieval world. 

After exploring this unforgettable site, we continue on to Erzurum, a significant cultural and historical center in Eastern Turkey, famously visited by the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. 

Hotel check-in. Dinner.

Erzurum – Fortresses, Medreses, and Oltu Stone

After breakfast, we begin with a visit to the Erzurum Fortress, a commanding structure that has watched over the city for centuries. This historic stronghold offers sweeping views of Erzurum and provides insight into its strategic importance throughout regional conflicts.

Next, we explore the Three Tombs, a striking Seljuk-era mausoleum complex known for its unique design and intricate ornamentation—offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of the Seljuks. 

Our journey continues at the Çifte Minareli Medrese, a 13th-century theological school and one of Erzurum’s most recognizable landmarks. Its twin minarets and elaborate stone carvings are masterpieces of medieval Islamic architecture. We then visit the Yakutiye Medrese, built in the 14th century during the Mongol era. This impressive structure reflects the Mongols’ architectural influence and their investment in education and scholarship. Our next stop is the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), among the oldest and most revered places of worship in the city, dating back to the 9th century. Its austere elegance and historical significance make it a spiritual cornerstone of Erzurum.

To end the day, we stop at the Rustem Pasha Caravanserai, once a vital rest stop for Silk Road traders. Today, it’s a vibrant place to browse handcrafted jewelry made from Oltu stone—a rare local gemstone celebrated for its beauty and craftsmanship.
In the evening, we arrive in Trabzon, a picturesque coastal city on the Black Sea, where you’ll settle in for the night. 

Hotel check-in. Dinner.

Trabzon – Monasteries, Churches & Palaces

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the legendary Sumela Monastery, dramatically built into the side of a steep cliff amid lush forested mountains. This ancient spiritual retreat captivates with its unique cliffside architecture and awe-inspiring views of the valley below.

We then head to the Church of St. Anne, a small yet elegant example of Byzantine religious architecture, now functioning as a mosque. Its modest size belies its historical significance and serene charm.

Next, we explore the House Museum of Suleiman the Magnificent, dedicated to the life and legacy of one of the most powerful sultans of the Ottoman Empire—who was born right here in Trabzon. The museum offers fascinating insights into his early life and the shaping of a ruler who would leave a lasting mark on history.

We continue to the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a beautifully preserved 13th-century Byzantine church adorned with remarkable frescoes and architectural details that speak to the city’s rich cultural past.

Our final stop in Trabzon is the Atatürk Mansion, built in the early 20th century. Once a retreat for Turkish leaders, it now stands as a graceful museum, offering elegant interiors and panoramic views over the city and the Black Sea.

Later, we board our flight to Istanbul, bringing our unforgettable journey through Eastern Turkey to a close.

Hotel check-in. Dinner.

Enjoy some free time to relax or explore at your own pace.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Optional: you may extend your stay in Istanbul to continue discovering this vibrant city.