From Istanbul: 5-Day Private/Shared Eastern Anatolia Tour

Traveling through Turkey often means exploring its bustling cities or renowned coastal sites, but now and then, it’s worth stepping off the beaten path. This 5-day tour from Istanbul to the southeastern region of Anatolia offers a glimpse into a land filled with stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and unique cultural delights. Whether you’re after iconic sights like Mount Ararat, the mysterious Ani Ruins, or the charming Van Cats on Akdamar Island, this journey promises an experience rich in both history and natural beauty.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances scenic beauty with authentic local culture. The boat ride on Lake Van to Akdamar Island is a highlight, coupled with the chance to see the Van Cats, famous for their captivating eyes. Plus, visiting the Ani Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a sense of wandering through history itself. One potential consideration is the long travel times—this isn’t a lazy vacation but a concentrated dose of eastern Anatolia’s highlights.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and culture in a smaller group setting. If you’re comfortable with some long days of travel and looking for a deeper dive into Turkey’s lesser-known corners, this could be perfect. It’s especially appealing for those eager to see off-the-beaten-path sights while still having the comfort of guides and organized transportation.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences with visits to Akdamar Island, Ani Ruins, and Muradiye Waterfall
• Beautiful scenery including Lake Van, Mount Ararat, and the Tendürek Mountains
• Insightful guides help bring the history and culture alive
• Variety of transportation from boats to trains, adding adventure to the journey
• Long travel days mean you’ll want to pack patience and comfortable shoes
• Good value considering all entrance fees, guides, and transportation included

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Highlights of Southeastern Anatolia

Discovering Akdamar Island and Van Lake

Your first taste of eastern Turkey begins with a boat ride across Lake Van to Akdamar Island. For many, the boat trip itself is a peaceful, scenic start—think calm waters, distant mountains, and a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Upon reaching the island, you’ll visit the Church of the Holy Cross, a beautifully restored Armenian church with intricate stone carvings and a peaceful atmosphere.

The guide shares stories of King Gagik and the church’s role in Armenian history, but what makes this special is the tranquility and the setting—surrounded by the vastness of Lake Van—and the chance to see the famous Van Cats. These cats are a highlight for animal lovers—they’re known for their striking eyes, and although they are protected and can’t be taken outside their habitat, spotting them around the island is a charming perk.

The Van Cats and Silver Workshops

A visit to the Cat House in Van is a highlight for many travelers. The Van Cats have become a local icon, and their striking eyes are mesmerizing. The tour also includes a stop at a Silver Workshop, where you’ll learn about Savat and Arubani—traditional Turkish silversmithing techniques. It’s a chance to see local craftsmanship firsthand and perhaps pick up a handcrafted souvenir.

Muradiye Waterfall and Mount Ararat Views

On Day 2, you’ll witness the Muradiye Waterfall—the highest waterfall in eastern Turkey. The sight of water tumbling down amidst rugged landscape is a visual treat, and the sound of cascading water adds to the relaxing atmosphere. The guide points out Mount Ararat from here, the highest peak in Turkey at 5,137 meters, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the region.

From Muradiye, the journey continues across Tendürek Mountains, offering panoramic views that will leave you feeling like you’re on top of the world. This mountain crossing is a highlight for scenery lovers, with expansive vistas and fresh mountain air.

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Historic Cities: Duhok, Kars, and Ani

Next, the tour takes you to the city of Dohuk and then to Kars, a city with a layered history influenced by Russian occupation—evident in its stone houses and Baltic-style architecture. In Kars, you visit the Çıldır Lake, the highest in eastern Turkey, which freezes over in winter. You might enjoy a sled ride on the ice, a fun and unique experience. If the weather permits, you might sample local fish prepared from the lake’s freshly caught catch.

In Kars, you’ll also visit the Namik Kemal House—a literary site—and the Fethiye Mosque, a stunning example of architecture originally built by the Russians as a cathedral. The streets here offer a lively mix of sights, sounds, and local flavors, including Kars’ famous cheese and honey.

The Marvels of Ani and the Train Journey

One of the tour’s most striking sites is the Ani Ruins, often called the “City of 1001 Churches.” Walking along the ancient walls, gazing at the Lion Gate, and exploring the remnants of the Great Cathedral gives a powerful sense of history. The site’s haunting beauty is amplified by the expansive steppe views.

Day 4 features a scenic train ride on the Eastern Express from Erzurum to Divrigi. This approximately twelve-hour journey is a highlight, offering an excellent way to relax while enjoying constantly changing landscapes. The train travels past rivers, mountains, and small villages, with photo stops along the way providing opportunities to capture the rugged beauty of eastern Turkey.

Divrigi’s UNESCO Heritage and Sivas

Morning in Divrigi includes viewing the Divrigi Grand Mosque and the Hospital, both over 800 years old and UNESCO-listed. While some sites may be under restoration, the architecture alone makes it worth the outside viewing. The tour concludes with a visit to Sivas, where you can see the Buruciye Madrasah and the Fekeihye Madrasah, both excellent examples of Islamic architecture.

What Travelers Say About This Tour

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who bring history and stories to life, making the sights more meaningful. One reviewer notes, “The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge made all the difference. We loved hearing about the history and legends behind each site.”

Another mentions the stunning views: “The scenery along the train ride and at Muradiye Waterfall was breathtaking. It felt like traveling through a living postcard.” Some mention the long travel days, but generally, travelers find the effort worthwhile for the unique sights and authentic experiences.

Analyzing the Value and Practical Aspects

At $1,857 per person, this tour offers good value considering all flights, accommodations, entrance fees, and transportation are included. The guided aspect enhances the experience, allowing travelers to gain insights they might miss on their own, especially at archaeological sites like Ani and Divrigi.

The itinerary’s design ensures you see a balance of natural beauty, history, and culture, though be prepared for some long days—particularly the train journey. The inclusion of small private groups or shared options makes it flexible for different comfort levels.

Transport arrangements—by van, bus, train, ferry, and sled—add a layer of adventure, and the expert guides help navigate logistical challenges, making this suitable even if you’re not a seasoned traveler.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those eager to see places off the typical tourist trail. It’s well-suited for travelers comfortable with long travel days and seeking a comfortable group setting with knowledgeable guides. If you’re interested in exploring lesser-known corners of Turkey and appreciate immersive experiences, this tour offers a rewarding journey.

While not ideal for very young children, pregnant travelers, or those with mobility impairments, most others will find the trip engaging and rewarding. It’s particularly suited for curious travelers eager for authentic local encounters and spectacular landscapes.

FAQs

How long are the travel days?
Expect some long days, especially with the train journey on Day 4, which lasts approximately twelve hours but offers stunning scenery and ample photo opportunities.

Are the sites included in the price?
Yes, all entrance fees to sites like Akdamar Island, Muradiye Waterfall, Ani Ruins, and Divrigi Grand Mosque are included.

Is transportation comfortable?
Transportation is by van, bus, train, ferry, and sled, all arranged for comfort and practicality, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery.

Can I customize the group size?
Yes, private or small group options are available, catering to different comfort preferences.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, water, and layers—weather can vary greatly across the region.

Are meals included?
Only breakfasts are included; lunches and dinners are at your own expense, with suggestions provided for local eateries.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 or those with mobility issues, given the long travel days and some site restrictions.

Will I see Mount Ararat?
Yes, Mount Ararat is visible from Muradiye Waterfall and other vantage points, offering stunning views of Turkey’s tallest mountain.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Russian, and Turkish, ensuring clear communication throughout the trip.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning.

To sum it up, this 5-day tour of Eastern Turkey from Istanbul offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to explore a lesser-known but profoundly rewarding region. The combination of stunning landscapes, historical ruins, and local culture makes it a worthwhile adventure. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind some travel time and are looking for an authentic, guided glimpse into Turkey’s southeastern treasures. If you’re ready for a journey that mixes nature, history, and genuine local flavor, this tour could be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here: