5 Day Silk Road & Ancient Civilizations Tour of Eastern Turkey

(Breakfast Included)

Meet your tour manager at Mardin International Airport and transfer directly into the heart of this ancient city. Arriving around midday, we begin exploring the stunning architectural beauty of Old Mardin, famous for its traditional stone houses carved in the old Arabic style. As we stroll through its bustling bazaars, you’ll witness Mardin’s vibrant trading culture and enjoy panoramic views stretching across the vast Mesopotamian Plain.

Visits of the Day:

Forty Martyrs Church (Kırklar Kilisesi) – dating back to the 4th century, later renamed to honor Cappadocian martyrs

Zinciriye Madrasah (1385) – an exceptional example of Artuqid theology schools with elegant courtyards and domes

Deyr-az-Zaferan Monastery (Deyrulzafaran) – founded in 762 AD, once the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate for nearly 800 years

Explore Old Mardin’s streets & bazaars

Dara Ancient City – known as the “Ephesus of Mesopotamia” with impressive rock-cut structures and ancient walls

Overnight: Mardin

(Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, we depart toward Midyat, a charming town known for its stone mansions and ancient monasteries. Continue to Hasankeyf, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world with history spanning over 10,000 years.

Highlights of the Day:

Explore Midyat’s old houses and unique Syriac architecture

Visit a local monastery en routeDiscover Hasankeyf, home to nine civilizations and priceless archaeological treasures

See historical mosques, tombs, cave churches, and remnants threatened by the Ilisu Dam Project

After lunch by the Tigris River, we continue to Tatvan, a peaceful town on the shores of Lake Van, and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the water.

Overnight: Tatvan

(Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, depart Tatvan for a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest and saltiest lake. Arrive in Van and board a ferry to the legendary Akdamar Island.

Visits of the Day:

Ferry ride to Akdamar Island

Church of the Holy Cross – the finest Armenian architectural masterpiece of the 10th century

Van Castle (Urartu Fortress) – explore the monumental citadel dating back to the 9th century BC

View ancient Urartian inscriptions and enjoy panoramic lake views

Overnight: Van

(Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, follow the ancient Silk Road toward Doğubeyazıt.

Highlights of the Day:

Muradiye Waterfalls – a beautiful natural cascade, striking in all seasons

Scenic stops to view Mount Ararat, often associated with the legend of Noah’s Ark

Ishak Pasha Palace – a spectacular 18th-century complex combining Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian architectural

styles

View the ruins of Eski Beyazit and the ancient Urartian city below

Continue to Kars for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Kars

(Breakfast Included)

After an early breakfast, drive to the border city of Ani, a magnificent medieval Armenian capital now in ruins, yet still awe-inspiring.

Visits of the Day:

Ruins of Ani – once home to over 1 million people and known as the “City of 1001 Churches”

Walk through monumental fortified walls, cathedrals, mosques, bridges, and palaces

Enjoy dramatic views overlooking Armenia

Visit Kars Castle – a historic stronghold with sweeping views over the city

Holy Apostles Church (12 Havariler Kilisesi) – built in the 10th century; transformed several times through history

After the tour, transfer to Kars or Van Airport (please confirm airport choice) for your flight to Istanbul.

Your journey through Eastern Turkey ends with unforgettable memories of ancient civilizations, biblical history, and breathtaking landscapes.

End of Tour – Thank you for choosing TravelShop Booking!