Turkey: Eastern Borderlands
10 Days Starting in Gaziantep, Turkey and ending in Kars, Turkey
Visiting: Gaziantep, Urfa, Mardin, Tatvan, Van, Kars
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TEB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey's Eastern Borderlands, where ancient history and vibrant culture converge. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the world's largest collection of mosaics at the Zeugma Museum, marvel at the masterful stonework of Ani's fortifications and churches, and wander the medieval streets of Urfa and Mardin. Discover the ancient temples of Nemrut Dagi and Gobeklitepe, and visit the sunken villages of the Birecik dam project. Savor the renowned cuisine of the Euphrates Basin while traveling in a small group of up to 12 people, guided by expert local guides. Enjoy superior accommodations and all-inclusive entrance fees for a seamless and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Gaziantep
Location: Gaziantep
Accommodation Name: Anadolu Evleri or similar
The tour begins this evening in Gaziantep with the suggested flights arriving in the evening.
Day 2: Gaziantep – Birecik – Halfeti – Nemrut Dag: Mosaics & Flooded Village
Location: Gaziantep
Accommodation Name: Hotel Euphrat or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will spend our first morning in Gaziantep visiting the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, an astounding collection of Hellenistic and Roman mosaics from ancient Zeugma. We then set off for Birecik where we’ll take a boat ride on the reservoir to see some of the flooded villages such as Halfeti, with its submerged houses and with the minarets of its mosques still showing above the water. The scene is a rather evocative one, and the reservoir has had both negative and positive effects on the lives of those in the region which our boatmen will be able to tell us about. We then head for Mount Nemrut (known as Nemrut Dag in Turkish), the site of the famous UNESCO monumental sculptures, staying in the nearby village of Karadut.
Day 3: Nemrut Dag – Göbeklitepe - Urfa: Ancient Temples
Location: Urfa
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Ruha or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A morning visit to the mountain top sanctuary of Nemrut Dag gives us the chance to see the colossal temple and tomb complex built by Antiochus I, complete with 60m high tumulus and groups of giant statues representing the heads of the gods he believed he was related to. Moving on to another ancient site, Göbeklitepe, home to what are considered to be the world’s earliest temples, we will find carved monoliths and stone benches dating back to 10,000BC. Our final destination for the day is the old Crusader town of Edessa, now Urfa.
Day 4: Urfa & Harran: Glorious Urfa
Location: Urfa
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Ruha or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We will explore Urfa today, believed to be the birthplace of Abraham. The historic centre has stone built houses, a caravanserai and a labyrinthine bazaar, inviting for its fascinating wares. Old madrassahs lie next to ornamental lakes and tea gardens, giving the appearance of a harmonious union between nature and architecture. We also take a trip to Harran, some 20kms away from the Syrian border, with its crumbling village dating back 5000 years and which is home to many distinctive and photogenic beehive-like houses, mainly now used for animals and storage.
Day 5: Urfa – Mardin: Historic Citadel
Location: Mardin
Accommodation Name: Maradin Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A drive this morning brings us to Mardin, a city set on a rocky hillside topped by a historic citadel overlooking the plains of northern Syria. The old city is UNESCO protected for its 12th and 13th Century architecture and has a number of mosques, madrassahs, and, due to the Syrian Christian population a number of churches and monasteries. As we stroll the old city streets we will take in these ornate buildings as well as admiring the abarra, arched passageways between houses which provide both shade and cool breezes. We will also head to the old market and the city museum with its finds from local sites as well as trying out the local cuisine, famous in the region.
Day 6: Mardin – Hasankeyf – Malabadi Bridge – Tatvan: From Reservoir To Lake
Location: Tatvan
Accommodation Name: Kardelen Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heading to Hasankeyf this morning we will learn more about the effects that the dam projects have had in the region. This ancient town which had been continuously inhabited for 12,000 years was flooded when the Ilisu dam was completed in 2020 and much of the town and its historic architecture is now underwater. A boat trip will show us the sunken village along with the new town built on the lakeside representative of the two sides of Turkey, the historic and ultra-modern. After the visit we stop off at the Malabadi Bridge, a 12th Century pointed arch stone bridge spanning the Batman River before arriving in Tatvan at the western end of Lake Van.
Day 7: Tatvan – Nemrut Crater – Aktamar Island – Van: Crater Walk & Boat Trip
Location: Van
Accommodation Name: Elite World or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will drive this morning to the crater of Mt Nemrut, known as the second largest crater in the world, using a road which takes us close to the edge of the caldera, in which there are three crater lakes. We have two walking options of a good 5km hike along the crater rim or a shorter 600m walk to the rim. We can drive down to the crater lakes and swimming is possible in the summer. Driving on brings us to the shore of Lake Van from where we take a boat to Aktamar Island upon which there is a well-documented Armenian church with ornate reliefs depicting scenes from the Old Testament. We stay tonight in Van, on the eastern shore of the lake in this city dating back millennia. If possible, we plan tonight to have dinner tonight with a local family.
Approx. 2 hours walking (ascent 400m, descent 300m. Total distance 5km)
Day 8: Van - Muradiye Waterfalls – Doğubeyazıt – Kars: Waterfalls & Lava Flows
Location: Kars
Accommodation Name: Hotel Katerina Sarayi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will make a stop at the impressive 20m high Muradiye Waterfalls this morning before passing close to the Iranian border and the lava flows from Turkey’s youngest volcano. Arriving in Doğubeyazıt we will head up the hill to the Ishak Pasha Palace from where we should be treated to some fine views of Ararat. Ishak Pasha, a combination of Ottoman fortress and palace dates mostly from the 17th Century and is one of eastern Turkey’s most memorable and iconic sights. Later we drive on to Kars.
Day 9: Kars: Ani Unesco World Heritage Site
Location: Kars
Accommodation Name: Hotel Katerina Sarayi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast trying some of the famous cheeses of the area, we will walk from the hotel 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 it's 1000 year history. We then stroll up to the basalt Kars Castle to view the town from above. We then travel 40km across the steppe to the ruined ancient city of Ani, which was the Armenian capital in the 10th century. The UNESCO ruins are right on the border with modern day Armenia, sitting above the Arpa river and controlling the crossing that was, at one time, an essential strategic point on an off-shoot of the Silk Route. The city became fabulously wealthy before, in the 11th Century, it was captured in quick succession by the Byzantine and the Turkish armies. We will explore the site and enjoy a picnic before returning to Kars later in the afternoon. This evening we have a final group meal.
Day 10: Tour Ends In Kars
Location: Kars
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends this morning after breakfast. Those on the suggested group flights will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in.
What's Included
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MEALS
9 x Breakfasts, 8 x Lunches, 7 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses, boat
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
9 nights x Superior
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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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
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International Flights
Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
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Airport Transfers
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Beverages & any costs of a personal nature
This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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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
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably in minibuses and enjoy scenic boat rides as part of the tour's transportation.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights of superior accommodation, including stays at Anadolu Evleri, Hotel Euphrat, Hotel El Ruha, Maradin Hotel, Kardelen Hotel, Elite World, and Hotel Katerina Sarayi or similar.
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.
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, there will be some walking at archaeological and ancient sites where the paths may be rough and there may be steep sections. We will also have a longer walk at the volcano crater which is optional. Whilst we endeavour to cater for all diets, vegetarians may find the choice and variety limited.
Please note that some of the days involve some necessarily long drives of approx 5-6hrs so do come prepared for this, although the epic scenery will, in many cases, more than compensate.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour will use minibuses and boats 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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What kind of meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in superior accommodations for 9 nights.
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Are entrance fees to the sights included in the tour price?
Yes, all entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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What kind of fitness level is required for this tour?
The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating.
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Will there be any local guides during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?
You can expect activities such as visiting museums, exploring ancient temples, taking boat rides to see sunken villages, walking through medieval cities, and hiking around a volcanic crater.
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Is there any responsible travel or sustainable tourism aspect to this tour?
Yes, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are core to Wild Frontiers. The tour includes contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings.
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What should I consider regarding health and physical activity for this tour?
Anyone in reasonable health with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be able to cope with this tour. There will be some walking at archaeological and ancient sites where paths may be rough and steep sections. There is also an optional longer walk at the volcano crater.
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Are there any long drives during the tour?
Yes, some days involve long drives of approximately 5-6 hours, but the epic scenery will often compensate for this.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?
Yes, insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
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What is not included in the cost of the tour?
The cost of the tour does not include visas, travel insurance, tips, international flights, airport transfers (unless arriving/departing on the suggested group flights), beverages, and any costs of a personal nature such as laundry and souvenirs.
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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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Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Friday - Sunday
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Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Friday - Sunday
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.