Central and East Anatolia with Istanbul

DAY 1: ARRIVAL ANKARA
On arrival in Ankara our transfer team will pick you up the airport and transfer you to the hotel, giving information about the tours. Overnight in Ankara.

DAY 2: ANKARA
After a visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (also called the Hittite Museum) with its priceless collection of Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Roman artifacts. We’ll proceed for the Roman Baths, which is right in the centre of the city. The temple of Augustus and Rome await our exploration as well. We then continue to the site of Gordion (known for the famous knot of Alexander the Great). Overnight in Ankara.

DAY 3: ANKARA - AMASYA
After breakfast departure for Hattusha, the former capital of the Hitite empire. The Hitites became a status of a great power in the 2. millennium B.C and and competed the Egyptian civilization. Here we will see the big temple, the city gates and the underground walkway (postern). After visiting the open air temple of Yazilikaya, we’ll drive to Alacahoyuk, to see the Early Bronze Age settlement. Overnight in Amasya.

DAY 4: AMASYA - GIRESUN
After breakfast we will explore the city of Amasya, hometown of the famous geographer Strabo. The city is well known for the Hellenistic rock tombs, early ottoman architecture and picturesque Turkish wooden houses along the Yesiirmak river. We will visit the museum, the 15.th century Bayezid Mosque and walk through the lovely streets of this elegant town. Afterwards we will drive via Samsun to Giresun, enjoying the beautiful green scenery of the blak sea region along the drive. Overnight in Giresun.

DAY 5: GIRESUN - TRABZON
Today we will get to Trabzon. We will visit the delightful frescoed medieval church of Hagia Sophia and then drive out to the lushly green Altindere National Park, where we will climb up to Sumela Monastery, a newly-restored Byzantine building which clings to the rock face high above the pine trees of the national park. Afterwards there will be free time to explore Trabzon, shop in its lively bazaar and drink tea alongside the locals in bustling Ataturk Square. Overnight in Trabzon

DAY 6: TRABZON - HOPA
Today our destination is east. In the Firtina valley we will visit the 15.th century castle of Zilkale. At this part of the Pontus Mountains one can see big alpine houses along the steep slopes and old bridges over the river. A short stroll through the villages will give you an insight about the locals idyllic life. We continue driving to Hopa. Overnight in Hopa.

DAY 7: HOPA - ERZURUM
When we arrive at Yusufeli, we will climb up the Kackar mountains to discover the Georgian church in Yusufeli. Overnight in Erzurum.

DAY 8: ERZURUM - SARIKAMIS
In the morning we will visit Seljuk and Mongolian monuments; Cifte Minareli Medrese, a theological school named for its towering twin minarets, Yakutiye Medrese, built by Mongolian Prince Olcayto in 1308, is topped with a richly tiled minaret, Ulu Mosque and Erzurum Castle. Then we will drive to Sarikamis. Dinner and Overnight.

DAY 9: ANI
In the morning, we will visit the medieval city of Ani, a fascinating medieval town situated on the Yusufeli ancient Silk Road. Ani is an Armenian city from the 11th century on the Turkish Armenian border and it used to be called as "The City of 1001 Churches" by its contemporary chroniclers. Ani was a flourishing artistic and religious center ruled by Christian kings. Back to Sarikamis.

DAY 10: SARIKAMIS
We will visit the canyon near Sarikamis. Sarikamis Forests and Allahuekber Mountains, an important natural region. Afterwards we will drive to Dogubayazit. On your way, you can enjoy Turkey's most scenic natural monument mountain Ararat. Being an inactive volcano capped year round with ice and snow, the mountain rises to a height of 5137 meters. The Old Testament records that it was on this mountain that Noah's Ark came to rest after the great flood. We will visit the magnificent palace of Ishak Pasa. Ishak Pasha, Ottoman governor of the province, constructed the palace in the 17th century in a mixture of architectural styles. Overnight in Dogubeyazit

DAY 11: DOGUBEYAZIT - VAN
On our way to Van we will visit the Muradiye Waterfalls, an enjoy an afternoon cruise on Lake Van towards the island of Akdamar with its 10th century church of the Holy Cross. The church was recently restored and converted to a museum. The outer stone walls of the church are richly ornamented with Old Testament scenes and figures. Overnight in Van.

DAY 12: VAN
Today we get a chance to see the production process of Turkish kilims. As one of Anatolia’s oldest known handicrafts, kilims still keep their important role as a home decoration. Then we will make a visit to the 17th century Hosap Castle and Cavustepe dating back to the 9th century BC, an important Urartian citadel. Overnight in Van.

DAY 13: VAN - ISTANBUL
After transfer to the airport and domestic flight to Istanbul, we will visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful blue tiles decorating the interior walls. Built in the 17th century both Hagia Sophia and the mosque are considered masterpieces of their period. Later, we will discover the highlights of the ancient hippodrome with the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and others.

DAY 14: ISTANBUL
Begin your day with a tour of Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans for about 400 years, with its fabulous collections of jewels and other artifacts. Next visit the Kariye Museum (former Saint Savior in Chora church) and admire its golden mosaics. Drive to the Covered Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets filled with all sorts of tempting items to purchase: harem bracelets, colorful carpets, hand-painted ceramics, and more (it's said that there are 3,000 shops!)

DAY 15: DEPARTURE
All too soon it is time to bid this magical land “gule gule” (goodbye) as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

The price includes
* International flights
* Domestic flights
* Taxes and service charges for the flights
* Transfers mentioned in the itinerary
* All Transportation by airconditioned vehicle
* Professional English speaking guide
* Welcomecocktail
* All Entrance fees
* 14 nights accommodation with breakfast & dinner