Anatolia & Cappadocia Cultural Tour | Black Sea to Mesopotamia (14 Days)
Highlights
- ✓Journey from the Black Sea to Mesopotamia Experience a unique cultural route starting in Trabzon on the Black Sea coast and ending in the heart of Mesopotamia, covering Türkiye’s most diverse regions.
- ✓Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites Explore world-famous landmarks including Göbeklitepe, Ani Ruins, Mount Nemrut, and Cappadocia, showcasing the earliest civilizations of humanity.
- ✓Discover Sümela Monastery in Altındere National Park Admire the dramatic cliffside monastery surrounded by lush forests, one of the most iconic sights of the Black Sea region.
- ✓Explore Historic Cities of Eastern Anatolia Visit Erzurum, Kars, and Van, rich in Seljuk, Ottoman, and Urartian heritage, with guided city tours and cultural insights.
- ✓Ancient City of Ani & Medieval Architecture Walk through the ruins of Ani, once a powerful medieval capital, located on the border of Türkiye and Armenia.
- ✓İshak Pasha Palace & Mount Ararat Views Marvel at the architectural masterpiece of İshak Pasha Palace while enjoying panoramic views of legendary Mount Ararat.
- ✓Akdamar Island Boat Trip on Lake Van Take a scenic boat ride to Akdamar Island and visit the historic Akdamar Church, famous for its unique stone reliefs.
- ✓Mesopotamian Heritage in Mardin, Midyat & Hasankeyf Discover stone-built towns, Syriac culture, and ancient settlements along the Tigris River.
- ✓Göbeklitepe – The World’s Oldest Temple Complex Step into the birthplace of civilization with a guided visit to Göbeklitepe, dating back over 12,000 years.
- ✓Sunrise Experience at Mount Nemrut Witness the colossal stone heads of ancient gods and kings at one of Türkiye’s most iconic archaeological sites.
Overview
Discover the heart of Türkiye on this unforgettable 14-day Anatolia & Cappadocia Cultural Tour, journeying from the lush landscapes of the Black Sea coast to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia. This carefully designed itinerary brings together history, culture, nature, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one comprehensive experience. Beginning in Trabzon, home to the dramatic Sümela Monastery, the tour continues through the historical cities of Erzurum, Kars, and Van, showcasing Seljuk, Ottoman, and Urartian heritage. Guests will explore legendary landmarks such as the Ani Ruins, İshak Pasha Palace, and the mystical Akdamar Church on Lake Van. Travel deeper into southeastern Türkiye to witness humanity’s earliest history at Göbeklitepe, stroll through the timeless streets of Mardin and Midyat, and admire the monumental statues of Mount Nemrut at sunrise. The journey concludes in the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, where fairy chimneys, underground cities, and scenic valleys create a truly iconic finale. This fully guided cultural tour is ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of Anatolia, combining authentic local experiences, breathtaking scenery, and expertly curated routes across Türkiye’s most remarkable regions.
Route
Itinerary
(Lunch Included)
Upon arrival in Trabzon via Istanbul, you will be
welcomed by your professional guide and transferred to begin the tour. The day starts
with a visit to the magnificent Sümela Monastery, located dramatically
on steep cliffs within Altındere National Park. Surrounded by dense forests and
breathtaking natural scenery, the monastery is one of the most iconic landmarks
of the Black Sea region. After the visit, we return to Trabzon. If time allows,
a short orientation drive through the city will be arranged. Overnight stay in Trabzon
(Breakfast and Lunch Inculuded)
After breakfast, the day is dedicated to discovering Trabzon
and its surroundings. The tour includes visits to the Hagia Sophia of
Trabzon, a remarkable example of Byzantine architecture, and the elegant Atatürk
Pavilion, located on a hill overlooking the city. You will also visit Boztepe,
offering panoramic views of the Black Sea and Trabzon city center. The
afternoon allows time to explore local bazaars and enjoy the atmosphere of this
historic coastal city. Overnight stay in Trabzon.
(Breakfast
and Lunch Inculuded)
Following breakfast, we depart Trabzon and travel
through scenic landscapes toward Erzurum, one of Eastern Anatolia’s most
important historical cities. Upon arrival, a guided city tour begins, including
the impressive Çifte Minareli Medrese, the Yakutiye Medrese, and
the Ulu Mosque. These monuments reflect the rich Seljuk and Ottoman
heritage of the region. Overnight stay in Erzurum.
(Breakfast
and Lunch Inculuded)
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Kars. The
highlight of the day is the visit to the ancient city of Ani, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site located on the Armenian border. Once a flourishing medieval
capital, Ani is famous for its churches, city walls, and dramatic setting
overlooking a deep gorge. After exploring the ruins, we proceed to Kars city. Overnight stay in Kars.
(Breakfast
and Lunch Inculuded)
In the morning, we depart Kars and head toward
Doğubayazıt, enjoying views of Mount Ararat along the way. Upon arrival, we
visit the magnificent İshak Pasha Palace, an architectural masterpiece
combining Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian influences. After the visit, we
continue our drive to the city of Van, located on the shores of Lake Van. Overnight stay in Van.
(Breakfast
and Lunch Inculuded)
After breakfast, the day is devoted to exploring Van
and its surroundings. Visits include Van Castle, offering panoramic
views over Lake Van, and the Van Museum, where you can learn about the
region’s ancient Urartian civilization. The afternoon provides free time to
relax by the lake or explore the city center at your own pace. Overnight stay in Van.
(Breakfast
and Lunch Inculuded)
Following breakfast, we travel to the pier for a boat
trip to Akdamar Island, where we visit the historic Akdamar Church,
famous for its unique stone carvings. After returning to the mainland, we
continue our journey south to Hasankeyf, an ancient settlement with
thousands of years of history along the Tigris River. Later in the day, we
arrive in Midyat, known for its stone houses and Syriac heritage, and
enjoy a short orientation tour. Overnight stay in Midyat.
(Breakfast
and Lunch Inculuded)
After breakfast, we explore Midyat before departing
for Mardin. In Mardin, you will experience the city’s unique atmosphere, narrow
streets, and impressive stone architecture overlooking the Mesopotamian plains.
After the city tour, we continue to Şanlıurfa. Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa.
(Breakfast
and Lunch Inculuded)
Today is dedicated to exploring Şanlıurfa and its
surroundings. The tour includes visits to Harran, famous for its beehive
houses, and Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex. These
extraordinary sites offer deep insight into early human civilization.
Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa.
(Breakfast
and Lunch Inculuded)
Early in the morning, we depart Şanlıurfa and head
toward Mount Nemrut, one of Turkey’s most iconic archaeological sites.
Here, you will see the colossal stone heads of ancient gods and kings, offering
a truly unforgettable experience. After the visit, we continue to Kahta.
Overnight stay in Kahta.
(Breakfast
and Lunch and Dinner Inculuded)
After breakfast, we begin the long but scenic journey
from Kahta to Cappadocia. Upon arrival in the Ürgüp area, check-in at the hotel
and free time to relax after the drive. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
We start our tour to explore Cappadocia by visiting different valleys. The first stop is Goreme Valley, you can find what the process of the rock formations in Cappadocia. Later we drive to Uchisar to visit the cave dwellings which are surrounded by conical rock formations. We have a tea & coffee break before we go and visit Goreme Open-Air Museum. In the museum, you can find the most preserved frescoed of rock cut churches and monasteries.
Then TravelShop Booking will provide a buffet lunch for you and we visit the fairy chimneys of Urgup afterwards. Moreover, we visit wishing hill which is riddled with caves, its a sightseeing spot worth to go to. Furthermore, we have a short walk in Devrent Valley where you can see so many different figures of rock formations.
Then we drive to Monks Valley (Rahipler Vadisi), you can find some special housing and living area here which are only can be found in this area. Avanos is a pottery town of Cappadocia, we have a short walk in Rose Valley Cavetown, and we see the sunset at the end. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Start with a morning pickup from your accommodation in Uçhisar, Göreme, Avanos, Ortahisar, Mustafapaşa or Ürgüp. Travel by comfortable bus to Güvercinlik Valley, where you can see hundreds of pigeon nests carved into the volcanic tuff rock. Learn how pigeons were once used by the local people before heading to Derinkuyu Underground City. Descend into the largest excavated underground city in Turkey. See the missionary school on the 2nd floor of the city, which has all the features of a barn, cellar, dining hall, church and winery. Then, head to the scenic Ihlara Valley (1 km walk outside the valley), located in a canyon with about 50 Christian churches and buildings carved out of the rocks. Stop for a delicious lunch in Belisırma village, located in Ihlara Valley. After lunch, visit Nar Lake, a crater lake with thermal properties, rich in calcium, sodium and bicarbonate. After enjoying the natural and historical wonders of Cappadocia, return to your accommodation.
(Breakfast
Inculuded)
After breakfast, transfer to Kayseri Airport
for the flight to Istanbul and onward connection to Belgrade. This marks the
end of a memorable journey through Anatolia and Cappadocia.
What's included
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Guide
- ✓Meals
- ✓Transport
- ✓Other included
Not included
- ✕Flights
- ✕Insurance
- ✕Other not included
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