Eastern Turkey

Upon arrival in Trabzon, located on the shores of the Black Sea, transfer to the hotel. Gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner this evening.

Today’s tour begins at the Church of Hagia Sophia, an imperial edifice overlooking the Black Sea where Hadrian once built a temple to Apollo. From the Citadel, we take in panoramic views of Trabzon, once the seat of a Byzantine Emperor and capital of the Pontic Kingdom. We then visit the elegant Atatürk Mansion before exploring the Gül Bahar Hatun Mosque, built in 1514 for Sultan Selim I's mother. Our day concludes in the old market quarter, where we wander the aisles and covered domes of the bedestens that once stored precious merchandise in this historic trading hub.

This morning, depart by road for the awe-inspiring Sumela Monastery, clinging dramatically to a sheer cliff face in the Pontic Mountains. The intricate frescoes adorning its rock-hewn chambers portray biblical scenes of Christ and the Virgin Mary. Continue our journey, driving through the Zigana Pass, where mist-shrouded peaks give way to the vast Anatolian plateau. Upon arrival in Erzurum, pay a visit to the ancient citadel, which sits overlooking the town and surrounding mountains. We also stop at the Rustem Pasha Caravanserai, which served as an overnight stop for camel caravans in the 16th century and has since been beautifully restored and converted to a hotel.

Erzurum served as an important commercial and military center during antiquity, and later passed under Byzantine, Arab, Armenian, and Turkish rule. Visit the Twin Minaret Medrasa, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture; the Yakutiye Medrasa with its intricate stone carvings and elegant courtyard; and the three tomb towers of Üç Kümbetler. After lunch, depart for Kars, situated near the borders of Georgia and Armenia.

Today, venture to the medieval metropolis of Ani, known as the City of 1,001 Churches. Spend the morning at this impressive ancient site, which spans across high plateau meadows on the border between Turkey and Armenia, returning to Kars for lunch. This afternoon, visit the 10th-century Holy Apostles Church. Recently restored, it is now an active mosque but still exhibits many features of an Armenian Orthodox Church, including a beautiful iconostasis. Later, walk along the ramparts of the Castle of Kars, taking in the sweeping views from its 12th-century walls.

This morning, we set out for Doğubayazıt, where we explore the Ishak Pasha Palace in detail, wandering through its courtyards and ornate rooms that once hosted weary Silk Road travelers. Continue our journey to Van, stopping to see Muradiye Waterfall and passing by legendary Mount Ararat, its snow-capped peak shrouded in myth and mystery. Take in the beautiful landscape, where nomadic shepherds still tend their flocks as they have for millennia. Later today, we arrive in Van and settle into our hotel on the shores of Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey.

Board a boat on Lake Van and venture to Akdamar Island, home to the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. Marvel at the church’s interior, adorned with frescoes depicting the Story of Creation and scenes from the life of Christ. After lunch by the lakeshore, drive to nearby Cavustepe, site of an impressive Urartian citadel. Here, we explore the remains of temples, palaces, and an ingenious water system that illustrates the advanced engineering of this ancient civilization. Our day concludes at Van Castle, where we enjoy panoramic views over the city and lake.

After breakfast, head to the airport for our flight to Ankara, Turkey's capital. Upon arrival, we immerse ourselves in the sweep of Anatolian history at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where artifacts span from Paleolithic times through the great empires of the Hittites, Phrygians, and Urartians. In the afternoon, we pay our respects at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic. As we walk through the Peace Park towards the monumental tomb, learn about the pivotal role Atatürk played in shaping modern Turkey.

After breakfast, set out for Cappadocia, stopping en route at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hattusas. This sprawling ancient city, once the capital of the mighty Hittite Empire, reveals its former glory through massive fortifications and grand temples. At nearby Yazilikaya, marvel at rock-cut sanctuaries adorned with vivid reliefs of Hittite deities. Continue on to Cappadocia, set in an otherworldly landscape, sculpted over millennia by volcanic activity and erosion.

The Göreme Open Air Museum provides the perfect introduction to Cappadocia. The rock-cut churches here are decorated with vibrant frescoes that tell the story of early Christian communities. After lunch, travel to iconic Pasabag Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley, where towering fairy chimneys dot the landscape. See the Byzantine-era monastery and other caverns that make up the Zelve Open-Air Museum. End the day with visits to local artisans, observing the centuries-old traditions of carpet weaving and pottery making that continue to thrive today.

Our day begins with a photo stop above Pigeon Valley, where countless man-made dovecotes punctuate the rock face. We then descend into the underground city of Kaymakli, a vast network of tunnels and chambers carved up to 300 feet deep into the soft volcanic rock. As we navigate the narrow passageways, learn about the ancient inhabitants who sought refuge here during times of danger. Next, venture to nearby Avanos, famous for its pottery workshops that date back to Hittite times. Tonight, we witness the mesmerizing Whirling Dervish ceremony, a spiritual practice that has endured for centuries.

Bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia as we transfer to Kayseri airport for our flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in this iconic city straddling two continents, make our way to the Spice Bazaar to wander among stalls selling colorful spices, nuts, dried fruit, Turkish delight, teas, and herbal remedies. After lunch, embark on a private cruise to take in the sights and sounds along the Bosphorus. Later this evening, gather to toast our journey at a festive farewell dinner.

Depart for the airport to catch flights returning home.