Eastern Explorer Tour
Eastern Explorer Tour
Eastern Explorer Tour
14 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Trabzon, Erzurum, Kars, Van, Tatvan, Mardin, Mount Nemrut, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EAEX
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
8-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Eastern Explorer Tour, a captivating journey through Turkey's rich cultural and historical tapestry. This 14-day adventure begins and ends in Istanbul, taking you through the breathtaking landscapes and ancient sites of Trabzon, Erzurum, Kars, and beyond. Discover the majestic Hagia Sophia Museum, the cliff-side Sumela Monastery, and the ancient city of Ani. Marvel at the iconic Mt. Ararat and explore the architectural splendor of Ishak Pasha Palace. Experience the serene beauty of Lake Van and the historic Akdamar Church. Delve into the mysteries of Gobekli Tepe and witness the grandeur of Mt. Nemrut's colossal statues. With professional local guides, comfortable accommodations, and a blend of included meals, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Turkey's eastern treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Nidya Hotel Galataport (4 star)
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore.
Day 2 : Trabzon, Hopa
Location: Trabzon
Accommodation Name: Hotel to be Advised - Artvin (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you'll transferred to the airport for yor flight to Trabzon. Once in Trabzon, we visit the 14th-century Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia, perched majestically overlooking the Black Sea. Then, delve into the serene ambiance of Altindere National Park to explore the cliff-side monastery of the Virgin Mary at Sumela. Following this spiritual journey, our path winds along the captivating Black Sea coast, offering breathtaking views, until we reach Hopa near the Georgian border.
Day 3 : Artvin, Ishan, Erzurum
Location: Erzurum
Accommodation Name: Zade Hotel (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey continues from Hopa as we set forth towards Erzurum, traversing through the picturesque landscapes of Artvin, Ishan, and the awe-inspiring Georgian Valleys. Along this route, nature unveils its breathtaking beauty, treating us to spectacular vistas and scenic wonders that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on our adventure.
Day 4 : Kars, Ani
Location: Kars
Accommodation Name: Kale Park Hotel (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Prepare for a day filled with discovery in Erzurum before we head towards Kars. Our departure takes us through the captivating Aras River valley, passing by the poignant First World War battlefield site of Sarikamis. Upon arrival in Kars, our itinerary unfolds with an exploration of the ancient Armenian city of Ani, situated along the Arpaçay River. This remarkable city is adorned with ancient ruins and steeped in historical significance.
Day 5 : Mt Ararat, Dogubayazıt, Van
Location: Van
Accommodation Name: Life Hotel (3 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continuing our expedition, we journey towards Dogubayazit, tracing past the iconic Biblical Mount Ararat. Our visit includes the splendid Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural gem steeped in history and cultural significance. Our voyage then leads us to the enchanting city of Van, where we'll settle for the night.
Day 6 : Van, Lake Van, Akdamar Island
Location: Van
Accommodation Name: Life Hotel (3 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on a day of exploration in the Van region, commencing with a visit to the 17th-century fortress at Hosap, a strategic landmark along the ancient Silk Road that connected Persia and the Orient. Later in the afternoon, our journey takes us to Akdamar Island on Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake. Here, we'll discover the historic 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross, an architectural treasure adorned with intricate reliefs, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and religious heritage.
Day 7 : Tatvan, Nemrut Crater Lake
Location: Tatvan
Accommodation Name: Kardelen Hotel (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey progresses from Van along Lake Van's southern shore, leading us to Tatvan. From there, we'll venture to witness the impressive Volcano Crater of Nemrut, a natural marvel. Continuing our exploration, we'll visit the Seljuk monuments of Ahlat, significant remnants from the Seljuk era, offering insight into the region's historical and architectural legacy.
Day 8 : Batman, Hasankeyf, Mardin
Location: Mardin
Accommodation Name: Gazi Konağı Hotel (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey proceeds via Bitlis, traversing the picturesque Bitlis Gorge and passing through the city of Batman, leading us to Hasankeyf, poised for submersion under the lake formed by a new dam on the Tigris, offers a glimpse into its history through its caves and remnants of the medieval Byzantine city. Continuing our westward route towards Mardin, we'll pause in Midyat to explore its captivating Silver Bazaar. Upon arriving in Mardin, our itinerary includes a visit to the Kasimiye Medrese, an architectural gem steeped in history that stands as a testament to the region's cultural richness and scholarly heritage.
Day 9 : Mardin, Diyarbakir
Location: Mardin
Accommodation Name: Dies Hotel (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast, our itinerary leads us to the iconic Deir-Al-Zafaran (Saffron Monastery) which historically served as the core of the Syriac Christian Patriarchy. This ancient site holds centuries of religious significance, originally constructed over a 1000 BC temple dedicated to sun worship. Remarkably, the monastery's main buildings are situated upon the foundations of this ancient sun temple, showcasing a captivating architectural fusion highlighted by a distinctive flat arch roof. Subsequently, we'll journey northwest from Mardin to Diyarbakir, where our sightseeing includes a visit to the 10 Arches Bridge spanning the majestic Tigris River. This historical bridge stands as a testament to ancient engineering and serves as a cultural landmark.
Day 10 : Mt. Nemrut
Location: Mount Nemrut
Accommodation Name: Hotel Euphrat Nemrut (3 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Commence the day with sightseeing in Diyarbakir, beginning with a visit to the Ulu Cami (Mar Thoma), a significant religious site encompassing both a mosque and a church. Subsequently, our journey proceeds as we depart for Nemrut via a ferry crossing over the Euphrates River, reaching Narlice Village in Nemrut National Park. Upon arrival, we'll ascend Mount Nemrut to explore the awe-inspiring Tombs of the Commagene Kingdom and the monumental Colossal Statues of Gods. Climbing further to the Tumulus of Antiochos, the capital of Kommagene, we'll witness the mesmerizing sunset from the summit of Nemrut. This ancient funerary monument atop Mount Nemrut, lost and forgotten for nearly two millennia, stands as a testament to history and offers a breathtaking vista that captures the essence of time and memory.
Day 11 : Sanliurfa, Göbekli Tepe
Location: Sanliurfa
Accommodation Name: El Ruha Hotel (5 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, we continue towards Sanliurfa, with an extraordinary stop at Göbekli Tepe, a pivotal archaeological site of global significance. This groundbreaking excavation represents a paramount shift in comprehending early human history. Here, the remains of the earliest known religious structures crafted by humankind are unveiled, dating back approximately 11,000 to 13,000 years, preceding the advent of pottery, writing, Stonehenge, and even the Pyramids! In the afternoon, our journey returns to Sanliurfa, where we'll visit the revered Holy Pools of Abraham (Balıklıgöl) and the sacred cave believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham.
Day 12 : Gaziantep, Zeugma Mosaic Museum
Location: Gaziantep
Accommodation Name: Şirehan Hotel (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast, our day unfolds with a visit to Sanliurfa's vibrant Ottoman Bazaar, a bustling marketplace offering a glimpse into the region's cultural tapestry. Our exploration continues at the Archaeology Museum, delving into the rich history and artifacts that chronicle Sanliurfa's captivating past. Subsequently, our journey proceeds to Gaziantep, where we'll be captivated by the incredible Zeugma Mosaic Museum. This remarkable museum houses an exquisite collection of ancient mosaics, showcasing the artistry and cultural heritage of the Zeugma region. Prepare to be amazed by the intricate designs and historical significance preserved within these mosaic treasures.
Day 13 : Gaziantep, Istanbaul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Nidya Hotel Galataport (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred to the airport for u flight to Istanbul where the remainder of the day is free to explore.
Day 14 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Meals
13 breakfasts, 1lunches, 8dinners -
Professional English-speaking local tour guides at each site
The tour includes professional English-speaking local tour guides at each site.
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Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
Transportation is provided in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.
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Domestic flight between Istanbul and Trabzon and transfers
The tour includes a domestic flight between Istanbul and Trabzon and transfers.
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Domestic flight between Gaziantep and Istanbul and transfers
The tour includes a domestic flight between Gaziantep and Istanbul and transfers.
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Tips except Driver and Guide
Tips are included except for the driver and guide.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to various sites are included in the tour.
What's Not Included
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Suggested optional activities
Suggested optional activities are not included in the tour.
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Tips - Driver and Guide
Tips for the driver and guide are not included.
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Compulsory Travel Insurance
Compulsory travel insurance is not included in the tour.
Meals
13 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners
Mode of Transport
Travel in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with domestic flights between Istanbul and Trabzon, and Gaziantep and Istanbul, ensuring a seamless journey across Turkey's cultural and historical sites.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at various 3 to 5-star hotels including Nidya Hotel Galataport, Villa Da Butik and Otel, Zade Hotel, Kale Park Hotel, Life Hotel, Kardelen Hotel, Gazi Konagi Hotel, Dies Hotel, Hotel Euphrat Nemrut, El Ruha Hotel, and Sirehan Hotel throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the Eastern Explorer Tour?
The tour provides transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle. Additionally, there are domestic flights between Istanbul and Trabzon, and between Gaziantep and Istanbul, including transfers.
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Are meals included in the Eastern Explorer Tour?
Yes, the tour includes 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 8 dinners.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Eastern Explorer Tour?
The tour includes 13 nights of accommodation in various hotels, ranging from 3-star to 5-star ratings, such as the Nidya Hotel Galataport in Istanbul and the El Ruha Hotel in Sanliurfa.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees to the various sites visited during the tour are included in the package.
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Will there be a tour guide during the Eastern Explorer Tour?
Yes, professional English-speaking local tour guides will be present at each site visited during the tour.
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Is travel insurance included in the Eastern Explorer Tour package?
No, compulsory travel insurance is not included in the tour package and must be arranged separately.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on the Eastern Explorer Tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites, including the Hagia Sophia Museum in Trabzon, the Sumela Monastery, the ancient city of Ani, Ishak Pasha Palace, the Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island, and the UNESCO Heritage sites of Mt. Nemrut and Göbekli Tepe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies, however, we adhere to recommended health & safety guidelines on all our tours.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Fez Travel has been in operation since 1997.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please contact us as soon as possible and we will be able to let you know what is possible and any associated price changes.
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Low Deposit
Fez Travel requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of fez travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.