Overview
Itinerary
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.
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. (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before continuing on 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. (B/L)
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. (B)
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 Van. Enjoy a free evening to end the day. (B)
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. (B)
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. (B)
Depart at any time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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 1001 Churches”.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Karahan
- 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 Ari Complex
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (7 Nights)
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- Plane, private vehicle, boat, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
G Adventures Earth (2025)
Availability
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in USA. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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