Eastern Turkey 12-DAY Sightseeing Tour From Trabzon

Embarking on an extraordinary journey through the enchanting landscapes of Eastern Turkey, the 12-Day Sightseeing Tour from Trabzon promises an immersive exploration of the region’s rich history and captivating cultural heritage. Traversing ancient sites, majestic mountains, and vibrant cities, this comprehensive tour offers a seamless blend of domestic flights, guided excursions, and delectable local cuisine. From the iconic Hagia Sophia Museum to the colossal statues of Mount Nemrut, each destination on this itinerary unveils a new layer of Turkey’s captivating story, inviting travelers to uncover the remarkable tapestry that defines this remarkable corner of the world.

Good To Know

• This 12-day sightseeing tour from Trabzon covers three climate zones and ancient civilizations, including Mount Ararat and megalithic structures.
• The tour visits renowned sites like Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum, Sumela Monastery, Ani Antik Kenti, Ishak Pasha Palace, and Göbekli Tepe.
• Travelers will experience diverse architectural styles, from Byzantine and Seljuk to Ottoman and Armenian, throughout the tour.
• The tour includes domestic flights, meals, transportation, and museum entries, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive travel experience.
• With a 95% recommendation rate based on 23 reviews, this tour offers an immersive exploration of Turkey’s ancient heritage and natural wonders.

Tour Overview

The 12-day sightseeing tour from Trabzon takes travelers on an immersive exploration of Eastern Turkey.

Over the course of 12 days, the tour covers three distinct climate zones, uncovering ancient civilizations, biblical sites, and significant historical locations dating back to 10,000 BC.

Key highlights include the iconic Mount Ararat and the oldest monumental megalithic structures.

The tour includes two domestic flights, breakfast, dinner, transportation, museum entries, and the expertise of local guides.

With 23 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, this comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the rich cultural and natural wonders of Eastern Turkey.

Trabzon and Surroundings

Typically, the tour begins in Trabzon, a coastal city situated along the Black Sea. On the first day, visitors explore the Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum, a historic Byzantine-era structure, and the Sumela Monastery, an impressive cliff-side monastery.

They then venture into the Altindere Vadisi National Park, marveling at the natural beauty of the region.

The second day takes the group to the Georgian Valley, where they visit the Ishan Church, a well-preserved medieval structure. Next, they witness the cascading Tortum Waterfall and explore the Yakutiye Medresesi, an Islamic seminary, in Erzurum.

The third day is dedicated to discovering Erzurum’s highlights, including the Ani Antik Kenti, an ancient city with impressive Armenian architecture.

Mount Ararat Region

After exploring the scenic Trabzon region, the tour proceeds to the Mount Ararat area.

The journey includes a visit to the impressive Ishak Pasha Palace, a 17th-century architectural marvel overlooking the Aras River valley.

Nearby, travelers will witness the cascading Muradiye Waterfall, a natural wonder amidst the dramatic mountain landscapes.

The tour then ventures around the iconic Mount Ararat, the biblical site believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, including visits to the ancient Urartian site of Cavustepe and the picturesque Akdamar Island on Lake Van.

Lake Van and Surroundings

What next awaits travelers on this Eastern Turkey sightseeing tour? Days 6 and 7 immerse them in the stunning landscapes around Lake Van.

They’ll visit Mount Nemrut, gazing upon its colossal ancient statues. A picnic lunch at the Crater Lakes provides a serene respite.

In Ahlat, they’ll be awed by the historic tombstones dotting the landscape. Then it’s on to Hasankeyf, a city with a 12,000-year-old history, and the Mardin Province, known for its Deyrulzafaran Monastery.

Throughout, travelers experience Turkey’s diverse architecture, from Seljuk to Ottoman influences, all while surrounded by the region’s natural wonders.

Diyarbakir and Historical Sites

Moving on from the serene landscapes around Lake Van, the tour now takes travelers to the historic city of Diyarbakir. Famed for its well-preserved city walls, the group will explore the impressive Grand Mosque, the ancient Meryem Ana Church, and the 16th-century Ottoman Han.

Diyarbakir’s significance extends beyond its architectural marvels:

1. It stands as a testament to the region’s diverse cultural heritage, with influences from Seljuk, Ottoman, and Armenian traditions.

2. The city walls, spanning over 5 kilometers, showcase the remarkable engineering feats of ancient civilizations.

3. Diyarbakir’s strategic location has made it a crucial center of trade and commerce throughout history.

Gobekli Tepe and Sanliurfa

From Diyarbakir’s historical grandeur, the tour now journeys to the renowned archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe and the vibrant city of Şanlıurfa. Day 10 of the itinerary takes travelers to uncover the mysteries of Göbekli Tepe, one of the world’s oldest known religious structures dating back over 11,000 years. This Neolithic site is a testament to early human civilization, showcasing intricate carved stone pillars and the sophistication of its ancient builders. After exploring this remarkable archaeological wonder, the tour continues to the city of Şanlıurfa, known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and connection to biblical history.

Göbekli Tepe	Şanlıurfa
– Oldest known religious site (11,000+ years)	– Vibrant city
– Carved stone pillars	– Rich cultural heritage
– Early human civilization	– Bustling markets

Transportation and Logistics

The tour offers convenient transportation and logistical support throughout the 12-day journey.

Travelers are picked up from Trabzon Airport to begin the tour, and air-conditioned vehicles are provided for all ground transportation. Meals are included, with breakfast and dinner served daily, leaving lunch options available at the various stops along the way.

The tour’s comprehensive nature ensures a seamless experience, allowing participants to focus on seeing the rich cultural and historical destinations without having to worry about the logistics.

Key transportation and logistical aspects of the tour include:

1. Airport pickup from Trabzon.
2. Air-conditioned vehicles for ground transportation.
3. Included breakfast and dinner, with lunch options available.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The tour’s cultural and historical significance lies in its comprehensive exploration of Turkey’s ancient sites and architectural diversity. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the architectural grandeur of Ani, a former capital city, and marvel at the significance of Gobekli Tepe, a pivotal archaeological site that has reshaped our understanding of early human civilization. Plus, the tour showcases the blend of Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, and Armenian architectural styles, particularly evident in the majestic Ishak Pasha Palace and the historical buildings of Mardin. Complementing the cultural richness, the tour also immerses travelers in Turkey’s diverse natural landscapes, from the Black Sea coastline to the towering heights of Mount Ararat.

Ancient Sites	Architectural Diversity	Natural Wonders
Ani	Ishak Pasha Palace	Black Sea Coastline
Gobekli Tepe	Mardin Historical Buildings	Mount Ararat
Cavustepe	Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Armenian Styles	Mount Nemrut
Hasankeyf		Crater Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. It appears to be an open-enrollment tour with no specified limit on the number of participants.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour or Customize the Itinerary?

The tour operator allows travelers to extend the tour or customize the itinerary based on their interests and preferences. Additional days and activities can be added to the standard 12-day sightseeing program upon request.

How Much Free Time Is Allocated for Personal Exploration?

The tour offers some free time for personal exploration, though the schedule is fairly comprehensive. Travelers have opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine throughout the tour, with occasional picnics and other optional activities.

Are Any Wellness Activities or Spa Treatments Included in the Package?

The tour doesn’t include any specific wellness activities or spa treatments. However, travelers may have some free time to explore local markets, restaurants, and cultural experiences on their own during the tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t currently offer any discounts or special offers. However, the company may have promotions or deals available from time to time, so it’s best to check their website or contact them directly for the latest information.

The Sum Up

The Eastern Turkey 12-Day Sightseeing Tour from Trabzon offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich history and natural wonders. Travelers embark on a journey that encompasses ancient sites, majestic landscapes, and culture, creating an unforgettable experience. With seamless logistics and a focus on the area’s historical significance, this tour promises an exceptional adventure for those seeking to discover the vibrant heritage of Eastern Turkey.