Turkey · Archaeology

8 Days, Eastern Turkey Private Tour From Istanbul

8 Days Round trip from İstanbul Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the medieval ruins of Ani near Kars
02 Drive around Mt. Ararat and visit Ishak Pasha Palace
03 Take a boat trip on Lake Van to Akdamar Island
04 Visit the Holy Cross Church on Akdamar Island
05 Discover Mardin, Dara ruins, and Dayrulzaferan Monastery
06 See Göbekli Tepe, one of the world’s oldest known temple sites
07 Watch the sunset from the summit of Mt. Nemrut
08 Travel with private transport, domestic flights, and guided touring

Discover the rich history, landscapes, and living cultures of eastern Turkey on this 8-day private journey from Istanbul. Travel beyond the usual routes to explore remarkable sites including Ani, Lake Van, Akdamar Island, Mardin, Göbekli Tepe, and Mount Nemrut, with domestic flights, private transport, and guiding included.

Along the way, experience medieval ruins, Armenian heritage, monasteries, old towns, scenic mountain drives, and a boat trip on Lake Van. From the streets of Mardin to the monumental summit of Mt. Nemrut, this itinerary brings together archaeology, spirituality, and some of Turkey’s most memorable hidden gems.

Along the way, experience medieval ruins, Armenian heritage, monasteries, old towns, scenic mountain drives, and a boat trip on Lake Van.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Adiyaman, Dogubeyazit, Istanbul, Kars, Mardin, Van, Mount Ararat, Mount Nemrut, Ani

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival Day

Welcome to Istanbul.

Arrival day.
joining the old city located hotel.
Free afternoon to explore Istanbul's old city on your own leisure.

Day 02

Ani Ruins

Early airport transfer and flight from Istanbul to Kars, a city dotted with Russian, Ottoman, and Selcuk monuments.
After meeting with your guide at the Kars airport, drive a short distance to visit the ruins, the medieval capital of Armenia.

Day 03

Mt. Ararat & Ishak Pasha Palace

Enjoy 6 hours scenic drive around Mt. Ararat from Kars to city Van through Dogubayazıt.
On the way, visit of Ishak Pasha Palace, a rare example of a mixture of Ottoman and Middle-Eastern architectural styles in the border town of doğubayazıt.

Day 04

Akdamar Armenian Church & Mardin

Take a scenic boat trip out onto Lake Van
Visit Akdamar Island and its 10th-century Armenian Holy Cross Church before starting another 6 hours scenic drive to Mardin, around the lake.
Upon arrival, take an afternoon walk at the streets of old city, Mardin.

Day 05

Dara Ruins & Dayrulzaferan Monastery

Morning Visit of Dayrulzaferan Monastery and Dara ruins.
Vine tasting at the monastry.
Explore the old town of Mardin, known for its intricate and fascinating limestone architecture.

Day 06

Gobeklitepe

3Hrs drive to Göbekli Tepe, located in southeastern Turkey, is an archaeological site dating back to the 10th millennium BCE. Considered the world's oldest temple, it features massive carved stones and pillars arranged in circular and rectangular formations, signifying early human religious practices and social organization long before settled civilization.
Hotel Check in.
Free Afternoon to explore Abraham's cave, Local Markets & Cusine.

Day 07

Mt. Nemrut

4 hours drive to Mt. Nemrut, a high mountain in southeastern Turkey, is famed for its summit where a tomb-sanctuary complex built by King Antiochus I of Commagene in the 1st century BCE lies. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its colossal statues of gods and animals, showcasing a blend of Greco-Persian culture.
Sun set at the top of Mt. Nemrut.
Visit of Cendere bridge & Karakus tumulus on the way to mountain.

Day 08