
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from USA
An overnight flight to Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul - Cappadocia (D)
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, connecting flight to Cappadocia. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 3: Cappadocia (B,D)
In the morning, explore the lunar landscape of Cappadocia: rock formations beyond belief in Devrent Valley- also known as the “Valley of the Fairy Chimneys”. Visit the conical tufa formations capped with basalt that are still used as storage units today in Pasabag. After lunch in Avanos, you will visit a cave pottery atelier where you will observe some of the local pottery creations. Our last stop will be Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight you have the option of watching a Whirling Dervishes ceremony or relaxing in your room.
Day 4: Cappadocia (B,D)
You can rise early this morning (weather permitting) and get a new perspective on the intriguing tufa landscapes while gliding smoothly above them on our optional hot-air balloon excursion.
Today you will visit the vast Uchisar Kale (Fortress) that dominates the skyline for miles. Continue to the underground city of Kaymakli, once a refuge from Arab, Roman, and Mongolian aggressors. Our last stop will be Cavusin Village where we will see frescoes dating back to 11th century. After lunch break, you'll enjoy an informative discussion on the Turkish tradition of hand-looming at a carpet workshop. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Cappadocia – Kahta (B,D)
After breakfast, depart for Kahta. Drive to Karatay Caravanserai and visit the caravanserai. En route, stop at Kahramanmaras for lunch. Dinner and overnight in Kahta.
Day 6: Kahta - Mt.Nemrut – Harran - Sanliurfa (B,D)
Rise very early for the drive and the walk up to the summit of Mount Nemrut, which is the highest mountain (2150 m) in Northern Mesopotamia. View a fantastic sunrise from the East Terrace. Visit the East and West terraces, fire altar, statues of Apollo, Zeus, Hercules, Tyche and Antiochus Epiphanes I, tumulus, reliefs and the world's first horoscope. Descend down the mountain through small villages and beautiful scenery. Cross the Cendere Roman Bridge - built by Septimus Severus in the 2nd century AD and still in use. See Karakus, a tumulus of the royal Commagene women. We return to the hotel for breakfast then depart for Sanliurfa, visiting the Ataturk Dam on the way. We visit the Mevlid Halil Mosque, then the Cave of Prophet Abraham and the sacred fish pool. You will have a chance to wander in the Old Bazaar. Drive to Harran - city of the prophet Abraham. See the Islamic school and curious beehive-shaped adobe houses. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 7: Sanliurfa –Gobekli Tepe - Mardin (B,D)
Today we will visit Gobekli Tepe (Garden of Eden), which is one of the most incredible archeological discoveries ever. We then depart for Diyarbakir and will visit the old city, surrounded by triple walls made of black basalt originally dating to 394 A.D. It is a city based on a Roman plan with four gates. We visit the Caravanserai (Deliller Han) which is now a hotel, the Ulu Mosque from the Seljuk period. Continue to Mardin and overnight.
Day 8: Mardin – Midyat - Van (B,D)
The tour begins early after breakfast with the drive to Midyat and see the old town with its sandstone houses and the steeples of nine Syrian Orthodox churches. Midyat is famous for its silver filigree jewelry. We continue to the Monastery of Mor Gabriel, where services are still held in Aramaic. We return to lunch in Midyat where we may dine in the restored Midyat Geluske Hani (caravansaray). and then drive to Lake Van, which is ringed by mountains, and deep blue in color. It is the largest lake in Turkey and lies at an altitude of 1720 m. Overnight in Van.
Day 9: Van – Akdamar Island (B,D)
We depart after breakfast and take a small boat to visit the Akdamar Church, which is built on an island in the lake. This church, from the 10th century is carved with Old Testament scenes and figures. We then visit the city of Van, which was the Urartian capital. An imposing 9th c B.C. citadel overlooks the town. Visit the ancient Urartian site of Cavustepe and the famous Citadel of Van. Overnight in Van.
Day 10: Van –Dogubeyazit (B,D)
Today we will drive to Dogubayazit and have lunch at the beautiful Muradiye waterfalls. Dogubayazit is a small town situated by Mount Agri (Mount Ararat). We will Visit Ishak Pasa Palace, which was built between the 17th and 18th centuries by a local lord. It is a mixture of Ottoman, Persian and Armenian architectural styles. Overnight in Dogubeyazit.
Day 11: Dogubeyazit -Kars (B,D)
Weather permitting, we may have a nice view of Mt. Ararat this morning. We will pass small squat villages at the base of the mountain. We will arrive in Kars and visit the ancient and seemingly forgotten city of Ani with its ruined churches. View of the valley and Arpa River, which forms the border with Armenia. Overnight in Kars.
Day 12: Kars-Erzurum (B,D)
Today we will drive to Erzurum. Erzurum is known for copper crafting and its Oltu stone, which is a unique black stone used to make jewelry and beads. We will visit fine Seljuk monuments such as the Ulu (Great) Mosque, the Cifte Minareli Medrese and Uc Kumbetler (three tombs), and see the richly decorated portal and tiled minaret of the 13th century Yakutiye Medrese.
Day 13: Erzurum – Trabzon (B,D)
Our journey will continue on to Trabzon with a visit to the magnificent Sumela Monastery located high on the cliffs in the Altindere National Park. The church is covered inside and out with brilliant frescos. We will also visit the St. Sophia museum (restored 13th c Byzantine church with its splendid frescoes). Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 14: Trabzon - Istanbul (B,D)
Transfer to Trabzon Arport and flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 15: Departure (B)
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight.
Hotels
A new hotel in an old city, Barcelo Topkapi offers 5-star accommodations in Istanbul's Fatih. It features the U Club, a spa with heated indoor pool, Turkish bath and massage facilities.The spacious and modern rooms of the Barcelo Eresin Topkapi include flat-screen satellite TV and work desks. There are specially-furnished rooms for guests with disabilities, as well as non-smoking and hypoallergenic rooms.The hotel offers a rich variety of excellent international dishes and authentic Turkish cuisine. Guests can enjoy a varied dining menu and buffet menus at Picasso Restaurant, in an atrium-style setting.There is a convenient tram stop next to the hotel. The main historic landmarks of Sultanahmet, including Aya Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, are just 10 minutes from Barcelo Eresin Hotel. Considered one of Turkey's most important conference centers, the 5-star Dedeman Hotel offers an extensive range of vacation and business facilities. Offering views of its own grounds, swimming pool and the dramatic mountainous terrain, you can relax in the midst of well equipped accommodations before unwinding the hotel's many restaurants and bars. Take advantage of both the indoor and outdoor swimming pool, before allowing yourself to be pampered at the health club and its solarium, sauna, Turkish bath, gym and massage treatments. Wi-Fi internet is available in many of the public areas, complementing the on site business center and 10 meeting rooms. Zeus Hotel, located in Kahta, near Mt. Nemrut, is a comfortable 4-star hotel, which has 72 rooms featuring T.V. (Satellite and pay T.V.), mini-bar, music, direct dial telephone, central air-conditioning, private bath and shower. There are 4 restaurants and 3 bars in Zeus Hotel. Zeus Hotel Kahta also has an outdoor swimming pool with children’s section, Turkish bath, Sauna, massage, Jacuzzi, fitness center, garden and playground for the children. Zeus hotel is located in Kahta city center and 14 km from Adiyaman airport. This 4-star, Hilton hotel features an indoor pool, sauna and free Wi-Fi. The guest rooms have flat-screen TVs and living spaces with sofas. It is 1700 ft from Sanliurfa Bus Station. Each room at Hilton Garden Inn Sanliurfa offers plush beds, a minibar and a fireplace. A dining space is also provided and room service is available. Hilton Garden Inn Sanliurfa has an on-site fitness center. There is a business center and a 24-hour front desk which can assist with car rental as well. Each morning, a rich breakfast buffet is freshly prepared and served in the restaurant. In the evening, guests can enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar. Hilton Garden Inn Mardin is surrounded by wide plateaus, offering views of the Mesopotamia Plateau and the old city of Mardin. The hotel offers a fitness centre, indoor pool and modern rooms with luxurious interiors and air conditioning. The rooms of Hilton Garden Inn are elegantly designed with wooden furniture. They all have satellite TV and comfortable Garden Sleep System beds. The mornings start with a rich breakfast including waffles with a variety of delicious toppings. For lunch and dinner, Sumac Grill Restaurant serves selected dishes from international and local cuisine. The bar offers special cocktails for guests to finish off the day. The hotel is close to Mardin City Museum, Mardin Castle, Zafaran Monastery and many historical churches. Mardin Airport is 20 km away. Situated right on the lakeside, this 4-star hotel commands fantastic views of Van Lake and breathtaking sunsets, along with modern comforts including free wireless internet access.Merit Sahmaran Hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms with scenic views of the Van Lake and Van hills. Rooms are spacious and feature a range of modern amenities to ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay.Merit Sahmaran Hotel modern leisure facilities include the sauna, fitness center and Turkish steam bath. The hotel has 3 restaurants offering a range of delicious, international and local specialties. Guests can also enjoy barbecue at Artos Restaurant, with its terrace featuring stunning views over Van Lake.Many of the city’s top cultural attractions such as Akdamar Island, Van Castle and Muradiye Waterfalls are within easy reach of Sahmaran Hotel. Van City is just 7.5 miles away and the airport is only 4.3 miles away. Located on the main road connecting Turkey with Iran. Close to the historical sites of Ishak Pasha Palace and Noahs Ark, also close to Mount Ararat. This unpretentious city hotel has a total of 52 clean and well equipped rooms. All rooms have air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, WC with shower or tub. Other facilities include an indoor and an outdoor restaurant, bar, swimming pool and a meeting room with all facilities. The hotel boasts wonderful views of the Ishak Pasha Palace and the Mount Ararat. Kars Sim-Er Hotel is a four star hotel located in the center of the town of Kars. Kars Sim Er Hotel has 146 rooms including 4 suites and one handicapped room. Rooms feature direct dial telephone, music, central heating, mini-bar, satellite T.V. private bathroom with bathtub and hairdryer. There are mountain-view rooms available. Sim-Er Kars hotel also has a garden, internet connection, hair dresser, laundry and ironing services, market and gift shop, doctor or nurse, free parking, sauna and health cabin. There are 3 bars and 4 restaurants in the hotel and a large meeting room. Kars Sim-Er is located 58 km from Sarikamis ski center, 40 km from the ruins of Ani and 5 km from the Kars airport. Palan Hotel in Erzurum is located 3 Km from the famous Palandoken ski center. Palan Hotel is a nice four-star hotel of high standards and is used in our mystery of eastern Turkey tour. Palan Hotel offers 224 rooms with 4 suites, 40 connected rooms, 2 handicapped rooms and 20 non-smoking rooms, with mountain and city views available. The rooms feature A/C, direct dial telephone, mini-bar, safe deposit box, Internet connection, T.V., pay and cable T.V., private shower or bathtub and W.C. with bidet, hair dryer, music and telephone. Erzurum Palan Hotel also has a game room, business center, hairdresser, laundry service, market, gift shop and practically all amenities. Palan Hotel also has a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, massage, table tennis, billiards, a disco and children’s playground. There are two bars and 2 restaurants, 3 meeting rooms with business equipment. The hotel is located 3 Km from Erzurum city center and 15 Km from Erzurum airport. In the center of Trabzon, this hotel is 1000 ft from the harbor and the Black Sea. It has a modern gym and offers air conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. Rooms at Usta Park Hotel have simple furnishings and a private bathroom. They come equipped with satellite TV. Some rooms have a sitting area and a private balcony with panoramic views. In the morning, the hotel serves a buffet breakfast. The Sunset Restaurant overlooks the sea and offers regional cuisine. The hotel has a bar and a cafe with a spacious sun terrace. Usta guests can enjoy a massage, or relax in the Turkish hammam. The Hagia Sophia Museum is only a 10-minute drive from the Usta Park Hotel. Public transportation services are only 300 ft away. The hotel offers 24-hour front desk service and free on-site private parking.
Istanbul: Barcelo Eresin Topkapi Hotel (5*)
Cappadocia: Dedeman Hotel (5*)
Kahta: Zeus Hotel (4*)
Urfa: Hilton Garden Inn Hotel (4*)
Mardin: Hilton Garden Inn Hotel (4*)
Van: Merit Sahmaran Hotel (4*)
Dogubeyazit: Ararat Hotel (3*)
Kars: Sim-er Hotel (4*)
Erzurum: Palan Hotel (4*)
Trabzon: Usta Park Hotel (4*)
Inclusions
- First-class or best available hotel accommodations
- Buffet breakfasts daily
- All domestic flights within Turkey
- Airport transfers provided when you arrive and depart on scheduled tour flights
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-Lunch, D-dinner)
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- All entrance fees
- Services of a licensed and experienced FLO USA tour guide
- Deluxe air-conditioned tour vehicles
- Baggage handling, hotel taxes, hotel service charges
- ASTA Traveler Funds Protection Plan
- FLO USA Travel documents kit
Exclusions
- Visa fee
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Extra drinks with meal
- Tips for your tour guide and driver
Dates & Rates
Tour type: Small Group Escorted Tour
Group size: 8-18 passengers
| 2013 Departures | Land only |
| April 12 | $4,495 (sold out) |
| May 10 | $3,195 (promo) |
| October 4 | $4,495 |
- Book and pay in full by February 6th to get the promotional fare for May 10th departure.
- Prices are per person based on double occupancy in USD.
- Single travelers please add $1,395.
- Airfare is available from most US cities. Please call 1-888-435-6872 for a quote.
- Trip insurance is available.





