Eastern Turkey 12-Day Sightseeing Tour from Trabzon

The Eastern Turkey 12-Day Sightseeing Tour from Trabzon offers a detailed journey through some of Turkey’s most captivating historical sites, diverse landscapes, and vibrant local cultures. Priced at $3,850 per person, this tour spans approximately 12 days and includes two domestic flights, all museum entries, breakfasts, dinners, and transportation. It’s designed for travelers who appreciate in-depth exploration and want to experience a region rich in history and natural beauty.

The tour is especially suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking through ancient ruins, exploring monasteries, and some outdoor activities. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable pace. According to reviews, the guides, particularly Sabahattin, bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, making each site come alive.

However, travelers should be prepared for long driving days and some busy days filled with site visits, which can be tiring but rewarding. The inclusive nature of logistics—flights, meals, and entry fees—provides excellent value and minimizes planning stress, making it an ideal choice for those who want a well-organized, immersive experience.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $3,850, this 12-day tour covers extensive Eastern Turkey highlights.
• All-Inclusive Package: Two domestic flights, breakfasts, dinners, and museum entries are included, easing logistical concerns.
• Expert Local Guides: Guides like Sabahattin are praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling skills.
• Diverse Highlights: The itinerary features historical sites, ancient ruins, monasteries, castles, and stunning natural landscapes.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace.
• Physical Activity: Designed for moderate physical fitness, with some walking and outdoor exploration.

Arrival in Trabzon and the Hagia Sophia Museum

The tour begins with a morning flight from Istanbul to Trabzon, where a guide meets the group at the airport. The first stop is the Hagia Sophia Museum, a 14th-century Byzantine church overlooking the Black Sea. Travelers can admire significant frescos and architecture while enjoying views of the coast. This site provides an excellent introduction to the region’s Byzantine heritage and sets the tone for the journey ahead.

Sumela Monastery: Cliffside Wonder in Altindere National Park

A short drive takes visitors up Zigana Valley to the Sumela Monastery. Perched on a 1200-foot cliff, the seven-story monastery appears as an architectural marvel. Its history dates back to early Christian monasticism in the 4th century. The location offers spectacular views of the surrounding river valley, making it a favorite photo spot. The site’s remarkable setting and historical importance are highlighted by knowledgeable guides, who explain its role as a monastic community over centuries.

Trabzon City Tour and Altindere National Park

Later, the itinerary includes a city tour of Trabzon, exploring the city’s central sights and local life. The Altindere Valley National Park offers a natural respite, with scenic landscapes and opportunities to appreciate Turkey’s diverse flora and fauna. Visitors learn about the region’s ecological significance while enjoying some outdoor walking.

Ishan Church and the Wild Coruh Valley

Traveling east via Artvin, the tour visits the Ishan Church, an 8-9th-century ruin that was once an Armenian and Georgian bishopric. The ruins of the cathedral and Virgin Mary church provide a glimpse into early Christian architecture. The drive through the Coruh Valley showcases wild, untouched landscapes, with stops at notable points like Bocka Dam. The scenery offers a contrast to the historical sites, emphasizing Turkey’s natural diversity.

Tortum Waterfall and Erzurum Highlights

The tour stops at Tortum Lake to see Turkey’s tallest waterfall, which cascades down into a scenic river valley. Visitors can walk down to the waterfall’s base, enjoying picturesque views and picnic opportunities. Afterward, the tour explores Erzurum, where highlights include the Great Mosque, Double Minaret Medrese, and bustling bazaar. These sites reveal Erzurum’s medieval Islamic heritage and vibrant local life, all within a walkable city center.

Medieval Ruins of Ani in Kars

A highlight is the visit to Ani, the medieval Armenian capital. The city’s remains include church ruins, the shell of the Cathedral of Ani, and defensive walls that showcase impressive fresco remnants. The 10th-century architecture and the excavated citadel give a sense of the city’s former grandeur, emphasizing its importance in medieval times.

Mount Ararat and Ishak Pasha Palace

Continuing south, the tour skirts Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey, offering spectacular views of its snow-capped summit. At Dogubeayzit, visitors explore the Ishak Pasha Palace, a fusion of Ottoman, Seljuk, Georgian, and Armenian styles. The palace’s ornate architecture and historical significance make it a standout stop, illustrating the region’s diverse cultural influences.

Akdamar Island and Van Fortress

On Lake Van, the tour visits Akdamar Island to see the 10th-century Armenian Church with its reliefs and decorative exterior. The church is a superb example of Armenian architecture and religious art. Nearby, the Van Fortress and Urartian sites like Cavustepe reveal the ancient Urartu civilization‘s engineering prowess, with large stone fortifications and royal palaces.

Nemrut Golu and the Tombs of the Kingdom of Commagene

A drive along Lake Van’s southern shore leads to Nemrut Golu (Crater Lake). The volcanic caldera hosts five lakes, with the Hot Lake emitting steam. The most iconic stop is the Tombs of King Antiochus I on Mount Nemrut, home to colossal statues of gods and kings. Climbing to the Tumulus of Antiochus at 2150 meters offers a spectacular sunset view and a sense of the tomb’s ancient grandeur. Rediscovered in the 1880s, this site remains one of Turkey’s most fascinating archaeological discoveries.

Gobekli Tepe: The Earliest Religious Structures

The tour’s highlight in archaeology is the visit to Gobekli Tepe, an ongoing excavation site known for its massive T-shaped pillars. Dating back 11,000-13,000 years, this site predates pottery, writing, and even Stonehenge, reshaping understanding of early human spirituality. The site’s mysterious carvings and architectural complexity make it a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Sanliurfa and the Legend of Prophet Abraham

In Sanliurfa, the tour explores Holy Pools of Abraham and the cave where Prophet Abraham was born. The city combines religious significance with vibrant bazaar life. The Sanliurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum further showcase artifacts from Gobekli Tepe and the surrounding region, providing context for the area’s ancient past.

Zeugma Mosaics and Gaziantep Culinary Traditions

The journey ends in Gaziantep, famous for its mosaic museum housing ancient mosaics from Zeugma—an archaeological site now submerged in the Ataturk Dam. The mosaics display remarkable craftsmanship and offer insight into Roman-era art. Gaziantep’s spicy cuisine, influenced by Syrian and Ottoman traditions, provides a delicious conclusion to the tour with local kebabs, rice dishes, and desserts.

Eastern Turkey 12-Day Sightseeing Tour from Trabzon: The Final Word

This well-organized 12-day journey covers a broad spectrum of historical sites, archaeological treasures, and natural wonders across Eastern Turkey. The expert guides, especially Sabahattin, receive consistent praise for their knowledge and ability to bring the sites to life. The inclusive package makes logistics straightforward, ideal for travelers wanting a hassle-free experience.

While the long driving days may challenge some, the richness of the sites and the diversity of landscapes compensate for the pace. The tour suits history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those eager to explore a less-traveled corner of Turkey with expert guidance.

Anyone seeking a comprehensive, well-curated tour of Eastern Turkey’s ancient sites, natural beauty, and local culture will find this experience rewarding. The limit of 8 travelers ensures a personal touch, making every stop more engaging and informative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $3,850?
The tour covers two domestic flights, all museum site entries, breakfasts, dinners, transportation, and taxes.

How many days does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 12 days with a carefully planned itinerary featuring many site visits and outdoor activities.

Are meals provided during the tour?
Yes, breakfasts and dinners are included on all days, with lunches typically organized at specific stops.

What kind of guide leads the tour?
The tour features local guides with extensive knowledge, praised for their enthusiasm, storytelling, and familiarity with the region’s history.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Travelers should have moderate physical fitness, as the itinerary involves walking at several archaeological and historical sites.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, the tour features a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, but group size is limited to 8, providing a more intimate experience, which solo travelers often appreciate.

Are there any optional activities or extra costs?
Additional activities or items like alcoholic beverages are not included in the package and are paid separately.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of diverse sites, from ancient ruins to natural lakes and mountains, along with expert-guided storytelling, offers a comprehensive look at Eastern Turkey.

How is the pacing of the tour?
The itinerary is busy but balanced, with enough time at each site to explore, although some days involve long drives.

What is the main appeal for history and culture enthusiasts?
The rich archaeological sites like Ani, Gobekli Tepe, and Van Fortress, combined with local cultural experiences, deliver a deep dive into Turkey’s diverse past.

Can this tour accommodate special dietary needs?
Meals included are standard, but travelers should specify dietary requirements in advance for best arrangements.