Day 1 Istanbul/Trabzon :

 

Arrival in Istanbul, self transfer to domestic terminal to catch your afternoon flight to

Trabzon. Meet with your guide at Trabzon airport and transfer to Hotel. Dinner and

overnight in Trabzon.

 

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Day 2 Trabzon :

 

Our trip starts with visiting the 4th century Sumela Monastery and Altindere National Park. Drive back to our hotel in Trabzon.

 

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Day 3 Trabzon:

 

Today we will explore the highlights of Trabzon City, the  most attractive points: 13th century Byzantine church St. Sophia Museum, Ataturk 's Mansion, Boztebe Hill, Ladies Bazaar, Sera Lake. Lunch at a seaside restaurant serving famous Akçaabat Meatball. In the afternoon we drive to Uzungöl (long lake). It's a hidden paradise in the Pontic Alps. We hike around the lake and village and check-in to our wooden hotel, dinner and overnight in Uzungol.

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Day 4 Rize, Camlihemsin, Zilkale, Ayder:

 

Today we are leaving from Uzungöl. Short break at Rize for panoramic view of the city from the Botanic Garden, then we arrive to Firtina (Storm) Valley which takes us to Ayder Plateau. Before arriving in Ayder we will see Camlihemsin, Konaklar, Senyuva Bridge, Zil Kale. Gentle trekking to Goksu Fall which is the highest and most beautiful in the region. we arrive in Ayder before sundown, check in our wooden hotel, dinner and overnight in Ayder.

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Day 5 Ayder / Erzurum :

 

After breakfast, drive from Ayder to Erzurum.visit the Cifte Minare and Yakutiye Medrese, the finest examples of Seljuk architecture. Free time in Rustem Pasha Bedesten, devoted manufacture and sale of Oltutas jewelry. Overnight in Erzurum.

 

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Day 6 Erzurum / Kars:

 

Drive through the pasture of Eastern Turkey to Kars with various stops en route. Half day tour to visit the Medieval Metropolis of Ani, which locates the Turco Armenian border. Visit Kars Castle and Archeological Museum. Overnight in Kars.

 

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Day 7 Kars / Van:

 

Drive to the small town of Dogubeyazit. Visit the 18th century palace of Ishak Pasha, which displays a unique architectural style combining various influences. We will view the spectacular sight of Mt. Ararat, where Noah's Ark is said to have landed. Stop at the Muradiye Waterfalls on the way to Van. Overnight in Van.

 

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Day 8 Van:

 

After a leisurely breakfast, today we visit the Fortress of Van and the museum. After lunch at a local restaurant, we head on to Hosap Castle and then to Cavustepe. Dinner, and overnight in Van.

 

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Day 9 Van / Akdamar / Diyarbakır:

 

Departing early, we first visit Akdamar Church before driving further west to Diyarbakir via the 12th century Malabadi Bridge. Dinner, and overnight in Diyarbakir.

 

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Day 10 Diyarbakır:

 

After breakfast pay a visit to the gorgious city walls of Diyarbakir , Keldani Church and Ulu mosque.Continue to drive to Mardin. Walking tour on old brick roads of Mardin to see Monastery of Deyr-ul Zaferan. Check into yuor hotel in Mardin. Overnight in Mardin.

 

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Day 11 Mardin / Istanbul:

 

Drive to Midyat pay a visit to Deyrul Umur and  Hasankeyf. Visit marvelous bridge of Hasankeyf, El Rizk Mosque, and the Hasankeyf Castle .Lunch on the banks of Tigris. Drive to the airport after the tour for the flight back Istanbul.

Arrive in Istanbul and check into your iarport hotel and overnight.

 

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Day 12 Istanbul:

 

Transfer from your hotel to airport for the flight back home.