From : Ask a Price
14 days / 13 nights
From Apr. to Oct.
15 Person
5 Min
Embark on a 10-day cultural expedition through Turkey’s historic northern frontier — from the imperial charm of Istanbul to the poetic valleys of Amasya, and from the windswept ports of the Black Sea to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia. Along the way, explore World Heritage Sites, ancient Hittite capitals, Ottoman-era towns, and majestic natural formations. This journey offers a rare combination of history, culture, and scenery in some of Turkey’s most overlooked yet spectacular regions.
Explore the historical peninsula of Istanbul: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
Visit UNESCO-listed Safranbolu and the ancient Thracian city of Kastamonu
Discover Amasya, the romantic city of poets, kings, and scholars
Wander through Amasra and Sinop, ancient Black Sea ports
Marvel at the Hittite capital Hattusa and the sanctuary of Yazilikaya
Experience the surreal beauty of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and open-air churches
Upon arrival at Trabzon Airport, you will be welcomed by a Nature and Sea Travel representative who will transfer you to your hotel located in the city center. Take the evening to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. Trabzon, a historic city on the Silk Road, offers a unique blend of cultures and traditions.
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Sumela Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Altindere Valley. Founded in 386 AD, this Greek Orthodox monastery is famed for its remarkable location and rich history, including a legendary discovery of a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. After exploring Sumela, journey through Bayburt to Erzurum, a city steeped in history as Karin of ancient Armenia and a key site in the Turkish War of Independence. Overnight stay at Erzurum hotel.
Explore Erzurum’s historical sites, including the Cifteminareli Medrese and Erzurum Castle. Walk through the bustling city center, visit the Rustem Pasha Caravanserai (Tashan), and see the Twin Minaret Madrasa, an outstanding example of Seljuk architecture. Later, transfer to Kars, once a key city in ancient Armenia, with opportunities to visit Kars Castle and the distinctive Russian-style houses, unique in Turkey.
Morning visit to Ani, the 9th-century Armenian capital known as “the city of 1001 churches,” perched spectacularly on a plateau surrounded by ravines. This archaeological site reveals churches, palaces, and fortifications of great architectural significance. Afterward, drive to Dogubeyazit, near Mount Ararat, visiting the semi-nomadic Kurdish village of Topcatan. Witness traditional lifestyles as locals graze animals and produce dairy at high altitudes. Overnight in Dogubeyazit.
Visit the stunning Ishak Pasha Palace, an 18th-century Ottoman masterpiece blending multiple architectural styles. On the way to Van, stop at the picturesque Muradiye Waterfalls, surrounded by serene forest. Van itself, known as “the pearl of the east,” boasts a history dating back to 5000 B.C. with the impressive Van Castle and Urartian archaeological sites awaiting your exploration.
Start the day with Hosap Castle, a remarkable fortress dating back to the Urartian era, enhanced by 17th-century Kurdish architecture. Then visit the ruins of Cavustepe, an ancient fortress with millennia of history. Later, take a short ferry ride to Akdamar Island to explore the 10th-century Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, renowned for its intricate biblical stone reliefs. Proceed to Tatvan for the night.
Drive to the spectacular Nemrut Crater Lake, a volcanic caldera rising to 3,050 meters and steeped in ancient legend linked to King Nimrod. Continue to Ahlat, famous for its Seljuk-era mausoleums known as “kumbets.” Despite some damage, the site remains a remarkable open-air museum with thousands of tombstones, domes, and mosques. Return to Tatvan for overnight.
Travel to Mardin, visiting Hasankeyf, an ancient town on the Tigris River with multi-layered history from Roman to Arab rule. Explore its remarkable caves, cliff dwellings, churches, and mosques carved into rock faces. Arrive at Mor Gabriel Monastery, the oldest Syriac Orthodox monastery, preserving the religious and cultural heritage of the Syriac community. Reach Mardin in the evening, a city famed for its golden stone architecture and commanding views over the Mesopotamian plains.
Visit Deyrulzafaran Monastery in Tur Abdin, a spiritual center of the Syriac Orthodox Church with 365 rooms symbolizing each day of the year. Continue to Diyarbakir, an ancient city encircled by massive basalt walls, rich with history spanning 5,000 years and 26 civilizations. Explore landmarks including Ulu Camii (Great Mosque), Virgin Mary Church, Keldani Church, and the famous copper bazaar where traditional metalwork thrives.
Drive to Karadut village near Nemrut Mountain, crossing the Euphrates via the Nissibi Bridge. Visit Nemrut National Park to admire the colossal statues and terraces built by King Antiochus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also see Armenian, Roman, and Hellenistic historical remains including Karakus Tumuli and Cendere Bridge. Return to Karadut or Kahta for the night.
Journey to Sanliurfa, a culturally rich city with Arab, Kurdish, and Turkish influences. Just outside Urfa lies Gobeklitepe, dating back 12,000 years and considered the oldest known human-made religious structure. Explore its circular stone temples and learn about its significance in early human history. Overnight stay in Urfa.
Explore Urfa’s old city, including the sacred pool of Balıklıgöl linked to Abraham’s legend. Then visit Harran, famous for its beehive houses and biblical connections, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited places. Continue to Gaziantep, a city with Hittite roots and renowned for its culinary heritage.
Discover Gaziantep’s historical center and its fortress. Visit the world’s largest mosaic museum, housing exquisite mosaics from Roman and Byzantine periods, including the famous Gypsy Girl mosaic. Explore artifacts like frescoes, fountains, and sculptures that reveal the city’s rich past.
After breakfast, transfer to Gaziantep airport for your onward journey.
