Eastern Explorer Tour

Eastern Explorer Tour

29 Views
14 Days From

$3603

Eastern Explorer Tour

14 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Trabzon, Erzurum, Kars, Van, Tatvan, Mardin, Diyarbakir, Mount Nemrut, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep

Tour operator:

Fez Travel

Tour code:

EAEX

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $3603

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the Eastern Explorer Tour, a captivating journey through Turkey's rich cultural tapestry. This tour takes you from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the serene landscapes of Trabzon, where you'll explore the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Sumela Monastery. Discover the ancient ruins of Ani and the majestic Mt. Ararat, and marvel at the architectural beauty of Ishak Pasha Palace. Experience the historical significance of Akdamar Church and the UNESCO Heritage sites of Mt. Nemrut and Gobekli Tepe. Travel in comfort with air-conditioned vehicles and domestic flights, staying in a range of 3 to 5-star hotels. With professional English-speaking guides, entrance fees, and meals included, this tour offers an enriching exploration of Turkey's historical and spiritual landmarks.

Highlights

  • Trabzon - Hagia Sophia Museum

  • Trabzon - Sumela Monastery

  • Ani - Citadel

  • Mt. Ararat

  • Dogubayazit - Ishak Pasha Palace

  • Van - Akdamar Church

  • Mt. Nemrut - UNESCO Heritage site

  • Gobekli Tepe - UNESCO Heritage site

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Istanbul

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Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Nidya Hotel Galataport (4 star)

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: Villa Da Butik and Otel (4 star)

Accommodation Name: Villa Da Butik and Otel (4 star)

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: Zade Hotel (4 star)

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: Kale Park Hotel (4 star)

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: Life Hotel (3 star)

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: Life Hotel (3 star)

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: Kardelen Hotel (4 star)

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: Gazi Konagi Hotel (4 star)

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: Diyarbakir

Accommodation: Dies Hotel (4 star)

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: Hotel Euphrat Nemrut (3 star)

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: El Ruha Hotel (5 star)

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: Sirehan Hotel (4 star)

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

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Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Nidya Hotel Galataport (4 star)

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

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maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: ()

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

  • Professional English-speaking local tour guides at each site

    The tour includes professional English-speaking local tour guides at each site.

  • Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle

    Transportation is provided in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.

  • Domestic flight between Istanbul and Trabzon and transfers

    The tour includes a domestic flight between Istanbul and Trabzon and transfers.

  • Domestic flight between Gaziantep and Istanbul and transfers

    The tour includes a domestic flight between Gaziantep and Istanbul and transfers.

  • Tips except Driver and Guide

    Tips are included except for the driver and guide.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are included in the tour.

  • 13 nights - accommodation

    The tour includes 13 nights of accommodation.

  • 13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 8 Dinners

    The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 8 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Suggested optional activities

    Suggested optional activities are not included in the tour.

  • Tips - Driver and Guide

    Tips for the driver and guide are not included.

  • Compulsory Travel Insurance

    Compulsory travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 8 dinners

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles, and enjoy domestic flights between Istanbul and Trabzon, as well as Gaziantep and Istanbul, ensuring a seamless and convenient journey across Turkey.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays at a variety of 3 to 5-star hotels, including Nidya Hotel Galataport, Villa Da Butik and Otel, Zade Hotel, and El Ruha Hotel, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your journey in Turkey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the Eastern Explorer Tour?

    The tour provides transportation in fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles. Additionally, domestic flights between Istanbul and Trabzon, as well as Gaziantep and Istanbul, are included to ensure a seamless journey across Turkey.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Eastern Explorer Tour?

    You will stay in a variety of 3 to 5-star hotels, such as Nidya Hotel Galataport, Villa Da Butik and Otel, Zade Hotel, and El Ruha Hotel. These accommodations offer a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your journey in Turkey.

  • Are meals included in the Eastern Explorer Tour?

    Yes, the tour includes 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 8 dinners.

  • 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, Sumela Monastery, Ani Citadel, Ishak Pasha Palace, Akdamar Church, and the UNESCO Heritage sites of Mt. Nemrut and Gobekli Tepe.

  • Is there a guide provided during the Eastern Explorer Tour?

    Yes, professional English-speaking local tour guides are provided at each site visited during the tour.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the Eastern Explorer Tour?

    Yes, entrance fees to the attractions visited during the tour are included.

  • What is the significance of Göbekli Tepe on the tour?

    Göbekli Tepe is a pivotal archaeological site of global significance, representing a major shift in understanding early human history. It features the remains of the earliest known religious structures crafted by humankind, dating back approximately 11,000 to 13,000 years.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Fez Travel has been in operation since 1997.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Ania Afz (Google Reviewer)  

Fez Magic Carpet Travel with...

08-Aug-2024

Fez Magic Carpet Travel with Mr. Goku Pamir was an amazing experience. He was professional, knowledgeable and understanding. Our group was able to add some places, thanks to him arranging it for us and adding a boat and House of Mother Mary for us. We even saw mulana Rumi's place and learned about Sufi dance , which is the best. He surprised our group with 4D theatre at the library of Celsius and showed us original Carpet, Silk, and Leather makers. Overall, it was a wonderful experience because he stopped at the best food places for breaks frequently and even gave us a small keychain as a reminder gift or souvenir besides the gifts Fez gives us. Fez travels offers wifi and charging ports in their bus which is a life saver. Hotels and places visited were all beautiful and I recommend visiting Turkeye with Mr. Goksu Pamir. Thanks.

shahid siddiqui (Google Reviewer)  

I gathered wonderful memories of...

15-Jul-2023

I gathered wonderful memories of Turkey. Fez Travel Turkey with an intelligent, knowledgeable guide Göksu Parmir made this possible. Excellent transport, Excellent places of stay, excellent selection of Restaurants starting from Istanbul to Cappidocia with a perfect humble driver Mr Saifi. Guide plays a very important role. Guide Göksu had a wonderful Knowledge of place and it's history.

Jan Runnalls (Google Reviewer)  

Did a 13 day tour...

19-Oct-2024

Did a 13 day tour of Turkey with 3 days onboard a Gulet in October 2024. What an amazing experience ! Our guide Fa was amazing ! I don’t think I’ve ever met a guide to beat him !! He was so knowledgeable, so friendly, and so helpful ! He organised so many little extras. He found a laundry for us, helped buy stamps and post postcards, organised a trip to a pharmacy and then read the medicine boxes for us. He organised a WhatsApp group so we could share photos and information. Our driver Han supported all these extra trips and activities including the pharmacies !! Brilliant !! Highly recommend Fez Travel and I hope you are lucky enough to have Fa and Han for your tour !!

Theresa Martinovich (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the Magic Carpet...

09-Sep-2023

Just completed the Magic Carpet Tour of 11 days with Fez. The accomodation, food and driver were excellent. Our guide Tamer was like a walking encyclopedia of knowkedge and was extremely kind and caring to all members of the group, responding to our every whim and wish. The accomodation far, far exceeded our expectations. We loved every minute.

Al Reid (Google Reviewer)  

Our guide Can was brilliant....

14-Sep-2024

Our guide Can was brilliant. Very well organised. He was Turkish so knew so much information and tips. We were always in the right place at the right time and avoided crowds all the time. Our driver Cengiz was also fantastic, very safe and careful.

Amrita V (Google Reviewer)  

I did a Turkey Highlights...

09-Jan-2023

I did a Turkey Highlights 10 day tour in Sept 2021. It was absolutely amazing. Our tour guide— Chagmn. He was extremely knowledgeable and well-read. Fez travel organized everything extremely well and food was simply amazing. It was a great experience to learn the history and see it alive in Turkey. Highly recommend the tour to everyone. Here are a few photos of the highlights of the trip. Must do things include: Epephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Hagia Sophia

Michael Oon (Google Reviewer)  

Fez Travel has organised for...

05-May-2018

Fez Travel has organised for us one of the best tours that we had. Together with our guide – Serdar Ozkan, we travelled some 3,300km around Turkey following the itinerary. As a private group, we could alter the programme. Serdar could feel the mood of the group and altered the schedule appropriately but more importantly, took us to where the best food available. This arrangement together with the excellent driving of the long distances, the suitable accommodation and interesting sites made this trip of a life time. One aim was to see the Tulips in Istanbul. The date of 13th April was suggested. Had we arrived earlier, the tulips would not have been in bloom. When we returned to Istanbul on the 20th, the tulips had withered. This is an example of their recommendations. For us, what was promised was delivered with a smile. Thank you Fez Travel.

Laurel Siokos (Google Reviewer)  

Recently we completed a 17...

22-May-2024

Recently we completed a 17 day tour with Fez and then a separate private tour Fez organised and personalised to our needs. We found the whole experience smooth and professionally planned. We had wonderful guides beginning with Fatih Carsi, who we found to be extremely knowledgeable, with deep insight on the significance and history of each site visited. We travelled in a small group which made our experience all that more personal. As we were doing an extended tour we left our group and travelled on with Zeynup, who also was extremely knowledgeable,warm and engaging.Our driver Metin was kind and personable. Zeynup went to great lengths and was very patient assisting us with a difficult hotel management and staff in a particular location. The next leg of our journey we were shown around by another wonderful guide Fatma, a bright and enthusiastic local, who proudly showcased Cappadocia to us. We met with Birhat in Van ,another local guide who was easy to connect with on a personal level and between him and Sal, our entertaining driver we experienced a beautiful region of Turkey together. Nothing was too much trouble, from frequent photo stops to impromptu roadside snowball fights.Lots of fun was had along the way. Halil and Hakan, our driver took over for the next stage of our experience. This team were consumate professionals and a pleasure to spend time with. Halil was not only informative but was an exceptional communicator on many levels. We will remain friends with Halil and do our best to connect again in person on our next adventure. Last but definitely not least was Korkut, Mr. Go the Extra Mile. Korkut made the closing stage of our Fez Turkish tour unforgettable,going well beyond the call of duty making sure we will never forget the sights we saw our our amazing adventure in this wonderful country. Truly the world largest open air museum ,but more than that people who will forever remain Our Heart.

Dee Carty (Google Reviewer)  

We took Colours of Tyrkey...

22-Dec-2023

We took Colours of Tyrkey tour in May22. There was no problem contacting Canan Kararrsian prior to the tour but we had no feedback or response to the long email we sent outlining our difficulties and grievances. There were problems every step of the way. The letter we sent is too long to attach here but issues like being called at 4am for an internal flight arriving 4 hrs before departure. No luggage allowance booked. Coach with only 2 of us on board constantly under repair for days and eventually broke down on the way to the airport...............and so on. We would not have felt so aggrieved if we had a response to our complaint. We are seasoned travellers and are tolerant of hic- ups. We have never made a complaint before. Booking my current trip has prompted my review.

Jane S (Google Reviewer)  

I wouldn’t recommend this company....

09-Oct-2024

I wouldn’t recommend this company. The tour guide was poor at explaining sites, he also was aggressive with some of the people on the tour. Scam company - if you didn’t pay for the hidden extras then you’d have a tour of being driven around to pushy sales companies to try and get you to buy things. Food places were gross at times, often gas stations (there were other options around too) but clearly commission based. Don’t use this company

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$3603

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May 24, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
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Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
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Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
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Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
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Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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