East Anatolia Tour (Small Group)

We welcome you at Van Airport and transfer to the hotel. If you arrive earlier we can have a short walk in Van streets, stopping by local cafes and local markets.

Van breakfast is very popular in Turkey. Have a nice Van breakfast at hotel and leave for Akdamar Island tour. Driving 30 km to Gevaş we will reach to ferry terminal. Take a boat trip on Van Lake through Akdamar Island. Van Lake is the biggest one in the country. Discovering the beauty of Van Lake, we will reach to Akdamar Island after an enjoyable boat trip. Visit historical Armenian Church of the Holy Cross which is originated through 915 -921 AD. Discover the rest of the island. Stop by cafe to have coffee. Then, let’s move to Van. Have a city tour in Van. Visit historical van Castle whcich was built between 9th to 7th Century BC by Urartians. Then, let’s drive to Duğubayazit. On our way to Doğubayazit, stop by Muradiye Waterfall. See amazing nature of the waterfall. Overnight in Doğubayazit.

Today, lets first visit amazing Ottoman palace Ishak Pasha Palace which is 7 km away from Doğubayazit. It was built by Armenian architect in 17th century. Then, let’s stop by a small mosque from Ottoman era and visit historical Urartian castle which are located by the palace. Then, let’s move to the Tomb of Ahmedi Hani who was the first Kurdish philosopher, Sufi, and poet. Afterwards, we will move to Noah’s Ark National Park, driving breathtaking hills, and crossing small Kurdish villages. Visit museum of Noah’s Ark. See a canoe-shaped area on the hill near to the museum. Some people believe that it is Noah's Ark’s foot trip. Then, let’s visit the second largest meteor crater in the world which is located on the border of Iran. After all, let’s drive back to Doğubayazit. If you wish you can goto a traditional Turkish hamam or go to Diyadin hot springs facilitiy to relax. Overnight in Dogubayazit.

Today, our tour will continue through north to Kars. Let’s drive to Kars (3 hour drive). Visit Kars Castle which was built by Selcuks as a fortress in 12th century. Then, visit Kumbet Mosque which was originally built as a Church of Apostles in the 10th century. Then, let’s will walk to old stone bridge which was built in 1725. Then, let’s move to Ani Ruins which was originally ancient Capital City of Armenian Kingdom. This ancient site was also a very significant point of Silk Road for the trade. You will be amazed with churches, walls, mosques, and lodges. Then, we will drive to Kars. Overnight in Kars.

Have a nice breakfast at hotel. We will transfer you to the airport based on your flights schedule. If you still have time before moving to airport, we can stop by at local market for shopping. Then, move to airport.