Eastern Turkey Adventure

Eastern Turkey Adventure
Eastern Turkey Adventure
Eastern Turkey Adventure
Eastern Turkey Adventure
Eastern Turkey Adventure
Eastern Turkey Adventure

From:

CAD $1996 Was CAD $2349

8 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Step back in time on this eight-day journey through the ancient wonders of Eastern Turkey. Wander the ruins of Karakus Tumulus, a grand funerary monument, and soak in the breathtaking views from Ataturk Dam before indulging in a farm-fresh lunch at a Karahantepe farmhouse.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 06 Nov 2026

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Experience Overview

Step back in time on this eight-day journey through the ancient wonders of Eastern Turkey. Wander the ruins of Karakus Tumulus, a grand funerary monument, and soak in the breathtaking views from Ataturk Dam before indulging in a farm-fresh lunch at a Karahantepe farmhouse. Discover the world’s oldest known temple at Göbekli Tepe, explore the open-air museum of Mardin, and gaze out over the vast, shimmering expanse of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake. Stand before the imposing Van Castle and lose yourself in the haunting beauty of Ani, the “City of 1000 Churches”. With every step, this journey unveils layers of history, culture, and stunning landscapes — an adventure so rich, you’ll be longing for more.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the ancient site of Gobekli Tepi
  • Wander the UNESCO-listed open-air museum town of Mardin
  • Gaze across the mountains towards Mount Ararat
  • Discover the historic ruins of Ani—the legendary “City of 1
  • 001 Churches”

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 32639

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Budget

TransportTransport: Plane, private vehicle, boat, walking

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Classic, Budget

Tour OperatorTour Operator: G Adventures

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: ETIK

StartStarts: Istanbul, Turkey

FinishFinishes: Kars, Turkey

DurationDuration: 8 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Light

Includes

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Dinner With a Local Family, Van
  • Istanbul orientation walk
  • Visit the Karakus Tumulous Monument
  • Sunset from the summit of Mt Nemrut
  • Gobekli Tepi archaeological site visit
  • Walking tour of Mardin
  • Boat ride on Lake Van
  • Walking exploration of Akdamar Island
  • Visit Van Castle
  • Ishak Pasha Palace Tour in Doğubeyazıt
  • Tour the Ani archaeological complex
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotels (7 nts).
  • 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

  • Plane, private vehicle, boat, walking

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1996 ($250 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Istanbul

Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Afterwards, head out for a short orientation walk around the hotel area on the way to an optional group dinner.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Centrum Istanbul

2

Day 2: Istanbul/Adıyaman

Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. Visit the funerary monument, Karakus, the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Continue on to Adiyaman where you can settle in for the night and enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - See the Karakus Tumulous, a 35m high artificial mound built atop a hill, for Queen Isias and Princess Antiochis. Built between 30-20 BC, this site boasts limestone columns and acts as a funerary monument for royal women from the Kommagene family.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Revel in the stunning vistas and colourful sunset at Mt. Nemrut's summit.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - White Star Hotel Adıyaman

3

Day 3: Adıyaman/Sanliurfa

After an early breakfast, drive to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Doğubayazıt and İshak Paşa Sarayı in Doğu Beyazıt. Continue to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Afterwards, transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore the world’s oldest temple on a visit to Gobekli Tepe. Built approximately 11,600 years ago, the site is composed of large limestone pillars erected in a series of rings. Stroll around the site, check out the animal bas-reliefs that adorn the pillars, and contemplate the feat of constructing these impressive structures millennia ago.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Dedeman Şanlıurfa

4

Day 4: Sanliurfa/Mardin

Travel to Mardin after breakfast this morning. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be an open-air museum. Explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or time to relax before joining the CEO for an optional dinner in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The city of Mardin was strategically built at the top of a steep hill around the 11th century BC, overlooking the Tigris River. Mardin was the site of many religions and cultures over the previous centuries and was annexed by the Ottoman turks in the 16th century. Full of historically significant landmarks, UNESCO has protected the site, which now acts as an open-air museum. Explore Kasimiya Madrassa and the Deyrulzafaran Monastery.Activity - Explore on foot pausing to enjoy the Great Mosque, the Virgin Mary Church, and the local architecture outside the old town.Free_time - There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.Accommodation - Kaya Ninova Hotel Mardin

5

Day 5: Mardin/Van

Settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in a private vehicle. Tonight you'll be welcomed into a local home for dinner in Van.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Come aboard for a memorable boat trip to Akdamar Island on beautiful Lake Van. Tour the island's historic sites, and see the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, built between AD 915-921.Activity - Explore Akdamar on foot with the help of your CEO. Witness the 10th century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral, then wander around with free time.Transport - Travel by boat and private vehicle to your hotel in Van.Free_time - There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.Activity - Be welcomed into a traditional home in Van for dinner with a local family. Enjoy a cultural immersive experience with typical regional food.Accommodation - Bianca Hotel Van

6

Day 6: Van/Kars

Visit the Van Citadel this morning, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. From there transfer to the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat, Dogubeyazit. Explore Ishak Pasha Palace then take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Continue on to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main landmarks, and ATMs.Activity - Explore the Citidel, a massive stone fortification, housing a "royal stable" carved from rock, where oxen and sheep were held prior to acting as sacrifice to the Gods.Activity - This stunning 18th century palace located on the silk road is situated an imposing platform, boasting a mix of Anatolian, Iranian, and North Mesopotamian architectural styles. Explore this historical Turkish palace and take in breathtaking views of Mt. Ararat.Accommodation - Sim-er Hotel - Kars

7

Day 7: Kars

Drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches,. Explore the Ani complex with your CEO, seeing the many religious buildings, palaces and forts before heading back to Kars for a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Be transported to centuries past visiting historical Ani. Once the capital of the Armenian Empire, Ani was located at the crossroads of many important trade routes. When the medieval city was flourishing, the buildings were some of the most complex and beautiful around. Walk among hundreds of churches that rest in ruin today – the abandoned city creates a dramatic setting against the surrounding landscape.Free_time - There's plenty to see and do; now is the time to explore.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Sim-er Hotel - Kars

8

Day 8: Kars

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990