VAN,
is located on Lake Van, Turkish largest lake, six times the size of Lake Geneva. It is a vast inland sea trapped by surrounding mountains. These ranges extend all te way to the Iranian and Iraqi borders culminating in the peak of 5.137 metre Ağrı dağı, legendary Mt Ararat. The city of Van was the ancient Urartian capital Tuşpa and the surrounded area is full of Urartian and Armenian remains. Using the city of Van as a base we explore parts of this corner of southeast Turkey on this 5 days tour.
Highlights
The cathedral of de Holy Cross at Akdamar
Bitlis and Nemrut crater lake
The Seljuk cemetery at Ahlat
Van Castle
Ishak Paşa Palace
Mt Ararat (5.137 Mt)
Temple of the Royal cult at Çavuştepe (Sardurihinili)
Hoşap Castle
İtinerary
Day 1
After arrival in Van (yellow house), departure to Gevaş (2) for visit to Seljuk and Halime Hatun tombs and mosques.Then cross Lake Van to Akdamar (3) island to see the spectacular 10 th century Armenian church of the Holy Cross. Refreshment and swim break on the island. After lunch on the lakeside ( excl ) visit to Van Castle and old Van houses. Watch sunset from the castle and continue to 4 stars hotel in Van for dinner and night.
Overnight : Van **** hotel (HB)
Day 2
After visit to the museum in Van, continue to Bitlis (6), a charming old town dominated by a Byzantine castle. We then drive to Tatvan (4) to buy some refreshments and continue to Mount Nemrut (5). Here we find one of the largest complete calderas in the world. After Lakeside lunch in Ahlat (excl) visit to the tombs of Seljuk Kings.
Overnight: Tatvan **** (HB)
Day 3.
Early departure for visit to Ishak Paşa Sarayı in Doğubeyazit. Teabreak at the Muradiye waterfalls. We then head to Doğubeyazit (7) for a breathtaking view of MT Ararat. After visit to the Palace and covered market dinner and night in Doğubeyazit
Overnight: Doğubeyazit *** (HB)
Day 4.
After breakfast we set off for Çavuştepe (1) to see the remains of the first capital of the Urartian Kingdom. We then head to Hosap Castle,built in the 16 th century by Mahmudi clan leader Süleyman Bey. The castle is located on the Silk route and it’s a very photogenic landmark. After lunch (excl) visit to the university research institute where the green-blue eyed Van cat is hold. Free time for shopping .
Overnight: Van. **** hotel (HB)
Day 5.
After breakfast transfer to Ferit Melen airport for flight.
Onward travel.
Included in the price:
Accommodation:
3 nights in a 4**** hotel, 1 night *** hotel.
Breakfast and dinner.
Transport.
Licensed Turkish guide
Ferry to Akdamar
All mentioned excursions
Türsab travel insurance
•
Excluded in the price
Flights to and from Van ( or other transport)
Admissions fees for museums, sites and national parks.•
Lunches
Personal expenses
Minimum for this tour is 6 – maximum 14 people.
Possible to book this tour with 2 people.
Send a request.
