Silk Road Turkey: Across The Anatolian Plateau to Istanbul
Silk Road Turkey: Across The Anatolian Plateau to Istanbul
14 Days Starting in Trabzon, Turkey and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Kars, Ani, Trabzon, Kemaliye, Sivas, Cappadocia, Ankara, Istanbul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BLK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey's rich history and breathtaking landscapes with the "Silk Road Turkey: Across The Anatolian Plateau to Istanbul" tour. This cultural adventure begins in the eastern city of Kars, exploring the ancient ruins of Ani and the architectural marvel of the Sumela Monastery. Traverse the volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia, discovering hidden wonders on foot, and experience the vibrant culture of Istanbul, from the bustling Grand Bazaar to the iconic Aya Sophia. Along the way, enjoy the hospitality of traditional locals, savor local cuisine, and travel comfortably by minibuses and trains. With a maximum group size of 12, this tour offers an intimate exploration of Turkey's diverse heritage, guided by expert leaders and local guides. Join us for a journey that promises both adventure and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Kars
Location: Kars
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Katerina Sarayi or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Our tour starts in Kars, one of Turkey’s easternmost cities which sits high on the Anatolian plateau, near the Armenian border. Rooms are available from 3pm, so we will check in if possible, and after our welcome meeting, we will spend the afternoon exploring this frontier city walking past some of the unusual Russian style mansions, to visit the Church of the 12 Apostles, which has been used by various religious congregations over its 1000 year history. We then stroll up to the basalt Kars Castle to view the town from above. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Ani – Erzurum
Location: Ani
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rafo Butik Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we drive across the steppe to Ani, the Armenian 10th century capital, now a lonely but beautiful site located at the edge of the still closed Turkish/Armenian border. This powerful Armenian trading centre, one of the most unforgettable sites in Turkey, lying on an off-shoot of the Silk Road, was well fortified, was known as the City of 1001 Churches, and at its height during the 10th and 11th centuries was one of the world's largest cities. We will take in the remains of this tragic but beautiful city, including the 'forbidden zone' fortress right on the Armenian border. We then continue west to Erzurum, en route to which we visit Sarıkamış, site of a military tragedy during WW1, picnicking in the now tranquil pine-covered hills, before we continue to the impressive 13th Century Cobandere bridge, an important link on the Silk Road. This evening we will head out to dinner to sample the rich cuisine of the high steppe, no doubt with an opportunity to try the Çag Kebab, a horizontal döner kebab served sliced onto little skewers.
Day 3: Erzurum – Trabzon
Location: Trabzon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Usta Park Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Erzurum is Turkey’s highest city at 1900m and was an important stopping point on the Silk Road and has always been a strategically important border town between empires, be it the Romans and Persians, Byzantines and Seljuk Turks, the Ottoman and Russian empires, or most recently between NATO and the Soviet Union. The city is decorated with Seljuk monuments and we will visit the finest of them - the Twin Minaret and the Yakutiye Madrasa. We then spend the afternoon crossing the beautiful Pontic Alps en route to the Black Sea coastal city of Trazbon.
Approx. 4-5 hrs drive
Day 4: Trabzon – Sumela – Trabzon
Location: Trabzon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Usta Park Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we'll pay a visit to Trabzon's renowned Haghia Sophia, considered by many to be one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture anywhere. Heading inland we'll then discover the iconic Sumela Monastery. Perched like an eyrie, high up on the sheer cliffs, this Greek Orthodox retreat can trace its antecedents back to the 4th century and the surrounding views and exquisite frescoes make this one of the finest settings in Turkey.
Day 5: Trabzon - Kemaliye
Location: Kemaliye
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Yeşil Eğım hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will head up and over the mountains to the town of Kemaliye, which is known for its historic architecture, including many Ottoman-era houses.
Day 6: Kemaliye - Divrigi - Sivas
Location: Sivas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Buruciye Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Kemaliye this morning we first head south to the town of Arapgir, where we’ll visit a 700-year-old 'Cemevi' - a place of worship for Turkey's Alevi community. Our visit will give us an insight into the religious diversity in Turkey and the influence of the large, but almost invisible, Alevi faithful whose beliefs, way of life and forms of worship are very different to the orthodox Sunni majority. We'll continue to Divrigi to visit the UNESCO site of the Great Mosque and hospital before finally we head north-west to the old Seljuk capital of Sivas to spend the night.
Day 7: Sivas - Cappadocia (Avanos)
Location: Sivas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sofa Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sivas once lay along the road to Baghdad, ensuring its development as an important centre for trade and culture. Under the rule of the Seljuks it grew into a mecca for learning and scholarship, and periodically served as the capital of the Seljuk Empire, along with Konya. Many of the city’s more interesting architecture stems from this period and its historic heart is liberally sprinkled with 13th century madrassahs and minarets that are covered in beautiful turquoise and blue tiles. We’ll have the whole morning to enjoy this historical city before driving on to Avanos this afternoon - our base for the next three nights, in the heart of Cappadocia.
Day 8: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sofa Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We will spend the whole day exploring some of the highlights of the region, beginning at the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will walk through the valley and explore the painted churches of this former Byzantine monastery. This afternoon we’ll visit Kaymakli underground city, originally carved out by the Hittites around 3000BC, and then Uchisar Fortress, built by the Romans, from where we’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the area. We’ll also take a walk to visit the fairy chimneys known as 'Love Valley' before returning to Avanos for the evening.
Day 9: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sofa Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A second day to enjoy this stunning area, we’ll head to the lesser known Soganli Valley today to enjoy a two-hour walk and see several of the painted churches. We’ll also visit the unspoiled villages of Cemil, Taskinpasa and Sahin Efendi before returning to Avanos town, set on the banks of the Kizilirmak - the Red River. The red clay of the river provides the raw material for pottery, which has been produced in this area for centuries. There’ll be time to visit some of the family-run potteries for which the town is famous this afternoon.
Day 10: Avanos - Konya - Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Ankara Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Avanos this morning, we’ll drive across the plain of Konya stopping to visit Sultanhani, one of the largest caravanserais on the Silk Road, dating back to the 13th century. Continuing on to Konya, we will visit the Mevlana Museum, containing the tomb of the great dervish and poet Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi. We’ll also visit the Seljuk period Karatay Madrassa before taking a late afternoon bullet train to Ankara, Turkey’s modern-day capital.
Day 11: Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: The Ankara Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We start the day with a 2.4 km walk, to absorb the sights and the sounds of this great capital city, first though Gençlik park, then up through the wide modern avenues, passing buildings that played an important part in the formation of modern Turkey, and passing a few remnants of the Roman city too, before arriving at the old town near the citadel. Today we’ll visit two of the country’s most essential sights. The first is the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, one of the world’s most critically acclaimed museums (and deservedly so) displaying artefacts found within the borders of Turkey between 100,000 BC and 200 AD. The second is the Mausoleum of Ataturk, Turkey’s revered 'father' who almost single-handedly is responsible for Turkey’s continued existence today following its defeat in World War I. This enormous monument is dedicated to Ataturk and the architecture of the mausoleum is based upon the caravanserai staging posts of the Silk Road. We will also have a chance to see Ankara Castle, with its great views over the city.
Day 12: Ankara - Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Grand Sirkeci Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The last stage of our epic journey takes us by high-speed train towards Turkey’s cultural capital, Istanbul, formerly Constantinople. The train terminates on the Asian side of the city, and we walk the vibrant streets of Kadikoy neighbourhood (1.5km), with colourful shops, trendy restaurants and bars, before we arrive at the magnificent shores of the mythical Bosphorus. As the amazing skyline of Istanbul opens out before us, we get on one of the local ferryboats enabling us to see both sides of Istanbul from the water, before taking our first footstep back on continental Europe, taking in the minarets and domes of one of the world’s greatest cities and a fitting finale to our Anatolian adventure. After settling into the hotel, you will be invited to join a guided tour of the nearby sites of the Hippodrome, the Blue mosque and the Basilica cisterns.
Day 13: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Grand Sirkeci Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll spend the morning exploring Sultanhamet, Istanbul’s historic centre. Here we’ll see the iconic Aya Sophia, which was built at the command of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. In the afternoon you’ll be free to experience the extensive Grand Bazaar, one of the largest in the Middle East and a shopper's mecca since just after the mid-15th century. Tonight we’ll meet up for our final dinner in this truly fascinating city.
Day 14: Tour Ends In Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast at our hotel today.
What's Included
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Transport
On this tour, transportation will be provided using minibuses and trains.
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Group Size
The tour will have a maximum group size of 12 participants.
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Carbon Contributions
Contributions to climate and community projects are included for all bookings.
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Expert Team
The tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Fitness Rating
The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating.
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas are nationality dependent and travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Tips
Tips are optional and not included, but guidance will be provided in the pre-departure information documents.
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International Flights
International flights are not included, but an obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK can be provided.
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Airport Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included only if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
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Beverages & Personal Costs
Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Turkey.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however please note that in order to fully benefit from all aspects of the trip you should be sufficiently active to be able to walk around the vast open areas of Cappadocia and feel comfortable getting on/off trains with your luggage.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Mode of Transport
Travel across Turkey using a combination of minibuses and trains, providing a convenient and scenic way to explore the diverse landscapes and historic sites from Trabzon to Istanbul.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at a variety of hotels such as Hotel Katerina Sarayi, Rafo Butik Hotel, Usta Park Hotel, and Grand Sirkeci Hotel, offering a blend of local charm and modern amenities throughout your journey across Turkey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses minibuses and trains for transportation.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 10 dinners.
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Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?
The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating, so participants should be comfortable walking around open areas and getting on and off trains with their luggage.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
All accommodation is provided as outlined in the itinerary, with options like Hotel Katerina Sarayi, Rafo Butik Hotel, and Usta Park Hotel or similar.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
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What is the policy on single supplements for solo travelers?
Single supplements are not compulsory, and if you prefer not to pay, you will be paired with someone of the same sex. If you opt to pay for a single supplement, it covers all nights of the tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026Book with Confidence
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Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.