Eastern Turkey & Black Sea Highlights: 7-Day Trabzon, Ayder, Kars, Dogubeyazıt & Van Tour

Culture & Historical Tours From Istanbul to Istanbul

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Duration
7 days

Tour languages

Guiding type
Fully guided

Group size
1 - 30

Hygiene protocol
Included

Budget Class
comfort

Physical Rating
easy

Suitable ages
11 - 99

Tour overview

Embark on a 7-day journey from Istanbul into the heart of Eastern Turkey and the Black Sea region. After a short domestic flight to Trabzon, delve into the lush Pontic Mountains to visit the cliff-hanging Sumela Monastery and explore Karaca Cave. Travel through the wild beauty of Fırtına Valley and historic tea plantations en route to the serene wellness retreat of Ayder. Cross the highlands to Kars for a sunset visit to the medieval ruins of Ani, then venture onward to Doğubeyazıt on the Iranian border to admire the sprawling Ishak Paşa Palace and nearby Muradiye Falls with its views of Mount Ararat. Finally, immerse yourself in Van’s lakeside charms—tour the 17th-century Hosap Castle, cruise to Akdamar Island’s 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross, and return to Istanbul with memories of Turkey’s most dramatic landscapes and heritage sites

Highlights

Sumela Monastery: 4th-century cliff-side monastery adorned with frescoes and manuscripts
Karaca Cave: Dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations near Gümüşhane
Fırtına Valley & Çamlıhemşin: Scenic drives through tea and kiwi plantations, stopping at Göksu Falls
Ayder Plateau: Traditional wooden lodge stay in a mountain spa village
Ani Ruins: “City of 1001 Churches,” an open-air medieval Armenian site on the Turkish–Armenian border
Ishak Paşa Palace: Lavish Lale Devri complex blending Ottoman, Persian and Armenian architecture
Muradiye Falls: Cascading waterfall with panoramic Mt. Ararat backdrop
Hosap Castle: 17th-century fortress perched above historic Silk Road routes
Akdamar Island & Church of the Holy Cross: Iconic lakeside cathedral built 915–921 AD on Van’s shimmering waters

Itinerary

Day {item.day}: {item.title}

VISITED PLACES

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Routes

Included

Accommodation

1
night hotel in Trabzon - City Port Hotel

1 night hotel in Ayder - Ayder Palazzo Resort Hotel

1 night hotel in Kars - Grand Ani Hotel

1 night hotel in Dogubeyazit - Tehran Boutique Hotel

2 night hotel in Van - Elite World Van
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange smilar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost

Meals

Meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary

Transport

All Tour Transportation

Transportation in a fully air-conditioned,
non-smoking coach

Other included

Guided
Trabzon Tour
Guided
Ayder Kars
Guided
Kars Kars
Guided
Dogubeyazit Kars
Guided Van Kars
Entrance
fees to ancient sites
All service charges and local taxes
All entrance fees mentioned in the
itinerary
Hotel
Room Taxes

Hygiene protocol

Flights & Transfers: Istanbul–Trabzon and Van–Istanbul flights are ~1½–2 hrs; all airport transfers and inter-city drives are included.
Accommodation: 3- to 4-star hotels—historic wooden chalet in Ayder, central locations in Trabzon, Kars, Doğubeyazıt and Van.
Fitness Level: Moderate—some walking on uneven terrain (monastery steps, ruin sites, valley paths).
Climate & Packing: May–October: warm days (20–30 °C) but cooler evenings in highlands; bring layers, sturdy walking shoes, rain jacket.
Local Customs: Conservative dress recommended at religious sites; shoes off inside monasteries and churches.
Border Region Note: Doğubeyazıt lies near the Iranian frontier—carry your passport and adhere to local regulations.
Optional Extras: Traditional Turkish bath in Ayder; evening folk music in Trabzon; boat trip around Akdamar Island (small supplement).
Time Zone: All times local Turkey Time (UTC + 03:00).

Excluded

Flights

International flight tickets
Domestic
flight tickets from Istanbul to Trabzon
Domestic flight tickets
from Van to Istanbul

Insurance

Travel insurance

Other not included

Drinks with meals
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)

Optional entrance tickets

Tips for guide and driver

Availability

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