This Eastern Turkey Cultural Tour is a deep journey into the historical and cultural heart of Eastern Anatolia, a region shaped by some of the world’s earliest civilizations. Traveling far beyond mainstream routes, this itinerary reveals a land where ancient kingdoms, early religions, medieval empires, and living traditions coexist across dramatic landscapes. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites and biblical landmarks to remote villages and archaeological discoveries, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Turkey’s lesser-known east.

Designed as a private, tailor-made cultural experience, the tour emphasizes off-the-beaten-track routes, in-depth historical storytelling, and meaningful encounters with local communities. Guests explore iconic sites such as Ani, Mount Ararat, Göbekli Tepe, and Mount Nemrut, while also discovering hidden heritage locations rarely visited by mass tourism. Throughout the journey, interaction with local people, regional cuisines, and traditional lifestyles provides an authentic understanding of Eastern Turkey as a living cultural mosaic rather than a static museum.

Ideal for culturally curious travelers, history enthusiasts, and archaeology lovers, this 10-day itinerary combines ancient cities, sacred landscapes, and natural wonders into a rich and immersive experience. More than a sightseeing tour, it is a carefully curated cultural journey that connects past and present, offering a profound and unforgettable way to discover Eastern Turkey.

Day 1 – Arrival in Kars & UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ani

Upon arrival at Kars Airport, your Eastern Turkey cultural journey begins with a drive through the dramatic landscapes of northeastern Anatolia. Traveling along the scenic Aras River Valley, the route reveals remote countryside and powerful historical layers, including the Sarıkamış World War I battlefields, a poignant reminder of the region's modern history.

The highlight of the day is the visit to Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once known as the “City of 1,001 Churches.” Located dramatically on the banks of the Arpaçay River, Ani showcases the remains of medieval Armenian architecture, cathedrals, city walls, and palaces that reflect its former role as a major Silk Road metropolis.

Walking through the vast ruins, surrounded by open steppe landscapes, offers an immersive introduction to the deep cultural layers of Eastern Anatolia.

Overnight in Kars.

Day 2 – Mount Ararat, Doğubayazıt & Journey to Van (4.5hrs)

Leaving Kars behind, today's route follows one of Eastern Turkey's most iconic landscapes, dominated by views of Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest peak and a mountain of biblical significance. The journey itself is a cultural experience, revealing remote villages and timeless Anatolian scenery.

In Doğubayazıt, visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, an extraordinary example of Ottoman, Persian, and Seljuk architectural fusion. Perched above the plains, the palace offers insight into imperial life on the eastern frontier of the Ottoman Empire.

The day concludes with a scenic drive to Van, the historic capital of the Urartian civilization and gateway to Lake Van.

Overnight in Van.

Day 3 – Van Region, Lake Van & Akdamar Island (1.5hrs)

Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural and historical richness of the Van region. The morning begins with a visit to Hoşap Castle, a 17th-century fortress strategically positioned along ancient Silk Road routes connecting Anatolia to Persia.

In the afternoon, a boat trip across Lake Van leads to Akdamar Island. Here, the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross stands as a masterpiece of Armenian architecture, adorned with biblical stone reliefs depicting scenes from the Old Testament.

This day combines archaeology, religious history, and serene natural beauty, offering one of the most memorable cultural experiences of Eastern Turkey.

Overnight in Van.

Day 4 – Tatvan, Nemrut Crater Lake & Seljuk Heritage of Ahlat (2hrs)

Departing Van, the journey follows the southern shores of Lake Van toward Tatvan, opening into a landscape shaped by volcanic forces. From here, you ascend to the spectacular Nemrut Crater Lake, one of Turkey's largest volcanic craters, surrounded by dramatic scenery and alpine lakes.

Later, the tour continues to Ahlat, renowned for its vast Seljuk cemetery and monumental tombstones. These intricately carved gravestones offer a rare insight into medieval Islamic art and the Seljuk presence in Anatolia.

The day blends natural wonders with medieval history, highlighting Eastern Turkey's unique cultural landscape.

Overnight in Tatvan.

Day 5 – Hasankeyf, Yezidi Villages & Arrival in Mardin (4hrs)

Traveling through Bitlis Gorge and the city of Batman, today's route reaches the ancient settlement of Hasankeyf, dramatically set along the Tigris River. With a history spanning over 12,000 years, Hasankeyf reveals cave dwellings and remnants of medieval civilizations now partially submerged by modern dams.

The journey continues with visits to Yezidi Villages and Anıtlı Village, home to the historic Virgin Mary Church, offering rare insight into the region's multi-faith heritage.

Arrival in Mardin reveals a city cascading down the hillside, overlooking Mesopotamian plains.

Overnight in Mardin.

Day 6 – Mardin Heritage & UNESCO Diyarbakır (1.5hrs)

The day begins with visits around Mardin, including the impressive Kasimiye Medrese, a theological complex reflecting Islamic scholarship and symbolism. Later, explore Deyrulzafaran Monastery, once the center of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate and built atop ancient sun-worship temples.

In the afternoon, travel to Diyarbakır, a UNESCO-listed city famed for its massive basalt city walls. Visit the historic Ten Arches Bridge spanning the Tigris River.

Overnight in Diyarbakır.

Day 7 – Mount Nemrut & Commagene Kingdom (2.5hrs)

After morning sightseeing in Diyarbakır, including the historic Ulu Cami Diyarbakir, the journey heads toward Mount Nemrut via a ferry crossing on the Euphrates River.

Climbing Mount Nemrut reveals the monumental tomb-sanctuary of the Commagene Kingdom, with colossal stone heads of gods and kings surrounding the tumulus of King Antiochos. Watching sunset from the summit is one of Turkey's most iconic cultural experiences.

Overnight near Mount Nemrut.

Day 8 – Şanlıurfa, Göbekli Tepe & Karahan Tepe (2.5hrs)

Travel south to Şanlıurfa, stopping first at Göbekli Tepe, the world's oldest known temple complex. Dating back over 11,000 years, this site revolutionized our understanding of early human civilization.

The exploration continues at Karahan Tepe, another groundbreaking Neolithic excavation shedding light on ritual life before settled agriculture. In Şanlıurfa, visit Balıklıgöl, sacred to Abrahamic traditions.

Overnight in Şanlıurfa.

Day 9 – Gaziantep & Zeugma Mosaic Museum (2hrs )

After exploring Şanlıurfa's Ottoman bazaar and archaeology museum, travel west to Gaziantep, a city famed for both cuisine and history.

The highlight is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to some of the finest Roman mosaics ever discovered. These masterpieces reflect the artistic sophistication of ancient Zeugma and Roman Anatolia.

Overnight in Gaziantep.

Day 10 – Departure & End of Tour

After breakfast, the Eastern Turkey Cultural Tour concludes. Transfers are provided to the airport for onward flights.

This private itinerary can be extended or customized, with optional additions such as Cappadocia, Antalya, or Istanbul, allowing you to further enrich your cultural journey across Turkey.