Kingdoms Lakes and Mountains

We begin at the remnants of the former Imperial Palace, Blachernae Palace. Next, Yedikule Fortress, a stone guardian where Ottoman and Byzantine legacies unite. We drive beneath the Valens Aqueduct, a remarkable engineering feat. Balat's vibrant streets embrace us, their cobbled paths leading to the enigmatic Iron Church. Finally, the Church of St. George, the Ecumenical Patriarchate's spiritual heart.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Burdock Hotel

Morning flight from Istanbul to Kars. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Kars city center.

Explore the historic heart of Kars, a city reflecting Armenian, Seljuk, Ottoman, Russian and Caucasian influences. Visit Kars Castle, followed by the Church of the Twelve Apostles (Kümbet Mosque), one of the city’s most important medieval monuments.

Continue through the old quarters of Kars, discovering the distinctive Russian-era stone architecture and other historical landmarks. Free time to experience the local atmosphere and cuisine.
Overnight : Kars Category : Boutique Hotel : Beylerbeyi Sarayı Kars

After breakfast, depart for the magnificent Ani Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated near the Turkish-Armenian border.

Explore the impressive remains of this once-prosperous medieval city, including its city walls, cathedral, churches and other historic monuments.

Continue to the fascinating Tuzluca Salt Caves, an extensive underground complex within ancient rock-salt deposits.

After the visit, drive through the spectacular landscapes of Eastern Anatolia towards Doğubayazıt.
Overnight : Dogubeyazit Category : 3 star Hotel : Tehran Boutique Hotel

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, dramatically situated above the Doğubayazıt plain.

Continue towards Lake Van and follow the scenic route along the northern shores of Lake Van.

Arrive in Ahlat, an important medieval center, and visit the famous Selcuk Cemetery, renowned for its monumental carved tombstones.

Continue to the spectacular Mount Nemrut Crater explore the impressive volcanic caldera and its crater lakes.

Continue to Tatvan.
Overnight : Tatvan Category : 4 star Hotel : Kardelen Hotel

After breakfast, depart from Tatvan and travel along the southern shores of Lake Van towards Gevaş.

Take a boat trip to Akdamar Island and visit the magnificent Church of the Holy Cross, famous for its medieval Armenian architecture and remarkable stone reliefs.

Return to the mainland and continue to Van.

In the afternoon, visit Van Castle, the monumental Urartian citadel overlooking Lake Van. Explore the historical surroundings and enjoy panoramic views across the lake.
Overnight : Van Category : 4 star Hotel : Karaca Hotel Van

After breakfast, depart for Ayanis Castle, one of the most important Urartian archaeological sites in the region, built during the reign of King Rusa II.

Return towards Van and visit the Van Cat House, dedicated to the protection of the famous Van cat.

Continue to Old Tuşba, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Urartu, exploring the archaeological and historical areas around the old city and Van Castle.

Return to the hotel in Van.

Overnight : Van Category : 4 star Hotel : Karaca Hotel Van

After breakfast, depart from Van towards Çavuştepe Castle, an impressive Urartian fortress dating back to the 8th century BC.

Continue to Hoşap Castle, spectacularly positioned on a rocky hill overlooking the Hoşap River.

Proceed towards Başkale and visit the historic St. Bartholomew Church, subject to local accessibility and current conditions.

Continue to Vanadokya, the remarkable fairy-chimney landscape of Başkale, known for its unusual rock formations and dramatic scenery.

After the visit, continue through the spectacular mountain landscapes towards Yüksekova. Arrival and hotel check-in in the evening.
Overnight : Yuksekova Category : 4 star Hotel : Yuksekova Double Tree by Hilton

After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to the spectacular Sat Lakes in the high mountains of Hakkâri.

Explore the beautiful high-altitude lakes, alpine meadows and dramatic mountain scenery of the region. Enjoy time for sightseeing, walking and photography.

The exact itinerary will depend on seasonal, weather and road conditions.

Return to Yüksekova in the late afternoon.
Overnight : Yuksekova Category : 4 star Hotel : Yuksekova Double Tree by Hilton

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport according to the flight schedule.