Eastern Anatolia Tour by High-Speed Train and Returning by Plane 5 Nights

TO SIVAS BY HIGH-SPEED TRAIN - BURUCİYE MADRASA - KANGAL - DİVRİĞİ GREAT MOSQUE

Our tour begins; we take our places on the Istanbul - Sivas High-Speed Train after passing through with our IDs at the boarding points: 05:30 Söğütlüçeşme, 05:58 Pendik, 06.51 İzmit, 07.13 Arifiye, and 11.10 Ankara (No guarantee is given for right, left, or forward-backward seat arrangements in the train). After approximately 9 hours of train journey, we arrive in Sivas. We move to the city center with our private vehicle waiting for us in Sivas. We start touring Sivas. The places we will see in Sivas will be; Buruciye Madrasa, Şifaiye Madrasa, Sivas Congress Building (from the outside). After our Sivas tour, we move to Kangal. We go to the Kangal Dog Breeding Farm in Kangal and get information about the Kangal dog (It will be visited depending on availability). Then we move to Divriği. We visit the magnificent Divriği Great Mosque and Complex, an 800-year-old Seljuk work, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. Leaving this work, where we will witness stone being shaped like dough, we see Divriği Castle panoramically and move to Kemaliye. (Depending on availability, our accommodation may also be in Divriği or Kemaliye.)

Breakfast: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Lunch: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Dinner: Will Be Taken as Open Buffet or Set Menu at the Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.

Accommodation: Divriği or Kemaliye Hotels, etc.

Route: Sivas - Divriği (170 km) Divriği - Kemaliye (95 km) 

Total Distance to be Covered: 265 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 19.30

KEMALİYE STONE ROAD - DARK CANYON BOAT TOUR - APCAĞA VILLAGE - ONAR VILLAGE - ÇIR ÇIR WATERFALL 

Our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, starts first by visiting the Stone Road in Kemaliye. This Stone Road, a demonstration of determination whose construction took 150 years and whose purpose was to solve Kemaliye's transportation problem and make life easier, will take us to different worlds. This road, which we will photograph with short walks, will also show us the Dark Canyon from above. Then we embark on our boat trip lasting about 1 hour (EXTRA). During our boat trip, we closely see the Dark Canyon (about 9 km long), which is one of the largest canyons in the world. From here, we visit the City Museum, which is an old church building and full of artifacts selflessly donated by the local people (It will be visited if open). After our museum tour, we visit Zincirlikaya, tied with a chain so it won't fall, and the Mani Road, where folk verses written about separation by the women of Eğin are exhibited. We reach Apcağa Village, where poet Ahmet Kutsi Tecer was born and which is the subject of the poem “There is a Village Over There”. At Kayabaşı Village Coffeehouse, we sip our tea and coffees with a 360-degree panoramic view of Kemaliye. After our visit to Apcağa Village, which was declared a "sit area" by the decision of the village elders' committee in 2005, we taste hot, thick bread in small pieces at the village bakery oven. Then, seeing the house of the retired teacher couple Bekir-Nermin Taştan built like an eagle's nest on top of the rocks (Panoramically), we take a photo break in front of the Vali Recep Yazıcıoğlu Bridge on our way. After the photo break, we move to Onar Village. We take a short break in Onar Village where you can see the cemevi dating back to the 1200s. After our break, we get the chance to see the Purple Reyhan fields unique to Arapgir depending on the season. Then, seeing the Keban Dam, we visit the Çır Çır Waterfall formed by the water seeping from the dam. After our waterfall tour, we move to our hotel via Elazığ city center.  Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Breakfast: Will Be Taken at the Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.

Lunch: Will Be Taken as Extra at a Point to be Determined by Our Guide.

Dinner: Will Be Taken at the Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.

Accommodation: Elazığ Hotels, etc.

Route: Kemaliye - Arapgir (50 km) Arapgir - Elazığ (90 km) 

Total Distance to be Covered: 140 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 18.30

HARPUT - PERTEK FERRY - TUNCELİ - BİNGÖL SOLHAN FLOATING ISLANDS - TATVAN - NEMRUT CRATER LAKE - AHLAT 

Our tour, after breakfast at the hotel in the morning, starts by reaching Harput, the oldest known settlement of Elazığ in history, via Elazığ city center. Here we visit Harput Castle (Panoramic), Kurşunlu Mosque, Arap Baba Tomb, and the Great Mosque built in the 12th century by Artukid Ruler Fahrettin Karaaslan. After our Harput tour, we board the ferry operating on Lake Keban Dam and cross to Tunceli. During our ferry tour, we also see Pertek Castle (Panoramic), which has historical importance. We move to Tunceli city center. After visiting the newly opened Tunceli Museum, we take a break in the city center. Then we move to Tatvan via Bingöl - Muş. We take a short break at the Solhan Floating Islands located on our way. Moving from here, seeing Muş panoramically, we move to Mount Nemrut (Extra), which is a world wonder and houses Turkey's largest crater lake. When we arrive at the summit of Mount Nemrut, on one hand the endless magnificent view of Lake Van, and on the other hand the fascinating image of Mount Nemrut Crater Lake will deeply affect you. Seeing the Large Crater Lake, Small Crater Lake, Warm Lake, volcanic stones, and lava remains inside the Mount Nemrut Crater, we descend from Mount Nemrut, enchanted. Then we move to Ahlat, a very important center of Turkish art and culture. The places we will see in Ahlat are; Seljuk Cemetery and Gravestones, Ulu Kümbet, and Emir Bayındır Mosque and Kümbet. After doing a panoramic tour in Tatvan city center, we move to our hotel.

Breakfast: Will Be Taken at Our Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.

Lunch: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Dinner: Will Be Taken at Our Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.

Accommodation: Tatvan Hotels, etc.

Route: Elazığ - Tunceli (60 km) Tunceli - Tatvan (300 km) Tatvan - Ahlat - Tatvan (90 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 450 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 19.00

BİTLİS - AKDAMAR ISLAND - VAN CAT HOUSE 

Our tour, after breakfast at the hotel, we move to Bitlis city center. After seeing the İhlasiye Madrasa, Castle, and Historical Houses in Bitlis city center, we turn our direction to Gevaş, which resembles a coastal town. With the boat we will board from Gevaş, we move to Akdamar Island (Extra) located within Lake Van. Akdamar Church, famous for its stone workmanship located on Akdamar Island, and its surroundings will be our tour routes at this point. After pleasant times we will spend by the lake, we move to Van center. We go to the Carpet Atelier and get information about the Van Carpet. After the shopping break we will give for those who wish, we go right up to the skirts of Van Castle and get information about the castle from our guide. Then we go to the Cat House, where we can see the Van cats, one of the most important and cutest living creatures of the region. After the nice photos we will take with these cute friends, we reach our atelier where region-specific silver and filigree works are located. After getting information about Van Savat silver workmanship, which gives the most beautiful decoration to silver, we move to our hotel. 

Breakfast: Will Be Taken at Our Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.

Lunch: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Dinner:  Will Be Taken As Extra.

Accommodation: Van Hotels, etc.

Route: Tatvan - Bitlis (25 km) Bitlis - Gevaş (125 km) Gevaş - Van (40 km) 

Total Distance to be Covered: 190 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 19.00

MURADİYE WATERFALL - DOĞUBAYAZIT İSHAK PAŞA PALACE - MOUNT ARARAT - ANI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE 

Our tour, after breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we go to Muradiye district of Van and see the Muradiye Waterfall, pouring from a height of about 20 meters. After our waterfall tour, which always flows enthusiastically, we head towards Doğubayazıt. Crossing the Tendürek Pass, whose altitude is approximately 2600 meters, we reach Doğubayazıt. First, we visit the magnificent İshak Paşa Palace, whose construction took 99 years. While visiting the Topkapi Palace of the East, you will see that it is not just a palace, but a living history and a legend full of secrets everywhere. Then, seeing Doğubayazıt city center, we proceed towards Iğdır. As we head towards Iğdır, we enter the sphere of influence of the sacred Mount Ararat (5165 m), we see it wherever we go and arrive in Iğdır. Through Iğdır, via Tuzluca, the land of salt, and Digor, we reach Kars. First, we go to the Ani Archaeological Site, which is added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Located in Ocaklı village, established right next to the Arpaçay River, which forms the modern-day Armenia border, the monumental structures to be seen in the archaeological site will be Tigran Honents Church, Ani Cathedral, Convent of the Virgins, and Menuçehr Mosque. After our archaeological site tour, we return to Kars city center. With the guests who wish, we go to the Caucasian Folk Dances show (Extra). (Night tours are extra and are carried out depending on participation and the number of people.)

Breakfast: Will Be Taken at Our Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.

Lunch: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Dinner: Will Be Taken As Extra at the Caucasian Night.

Accommodation: Kars Hotels, Etc.

Route: Intra-Regional Tours (50 km) Van - Doğubayazıt (170 km) Doğubayazıt - Iğdır (50 km) Iğdır – Kars (180 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 450 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 19.30

KARS - NAMIK KEMAL HOUSE - SARIKAMIŞ - ERZURUM

Our tour starts after breakfast at our hotel in the morning. Our first sightseeing point will be the Church of the Apostles (Kümbet Mosque) built at the foothills of Kars Castle. After examining this structure where we can observe Armenian-Georgian architectural styles, we take a walk through the streets of Kars. During our exploration in the land of “Ashiqs”, flavors such as honey, Kashar cheese, Gruyere cheese, piti, hangel, kete, goose meat, yellow fish…. will also encourage us to become gourmets. We see the Stone Bridge, which has survived from the Roman period to the present day and is still in use, and the Historical Bath. While walking among the structures where we can see all the subtleties of Russian architecture reflected, we forget that we are in Turkey. We see the house where our famous poet Namık Kemal lived for a period and move on to our shop where we can find local products such as the famous Kars Kashar, Gruyere, and Flower Honey. Here, after making a presentation and tasting of Kars Kashar cheese, we set off for Sarıkamış. After visiting the Martyrs' Monument in Sarıkamış, we arrive in Erzurum via Horasan and Pasinler. In Erzurum, the pearl of the East, we have a relaxing trip with the coolness of Mount Palandöken behind us. During this trip, we visit structures such as the Grand Mosque, Three Tombs, Double Minaret Madrasah, and Yakutiye Madrasah (Panoramic). After the free time we will give in the Historical Taşhan (Rüstem Pasha Madrasah) where handicrafts made of Oltu stone, the region's famous gemstone, are exhibited, we go to the airport. We return to Istanbul with the 22.30 flight of Pegasus Airlines. With sadness, we say goodbye to you, hoping to meet on our next trip. Goodbye.....

Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel and is included in the tour price.

Lunch: Will be taken extra at a point to be recommended by our guide.

Accommodation: ATTENTION RETURN DAY. THERE IS NO HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TONIGHT.

Route: Kars - Erzurum (200 km) Erzurum Sightseeing Tours (20 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 220 km

TOTAL TOUR DISTANCE: 1715 KM

http://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/trenler/Y%C3%BCksek%20H%C4%B1zl%C4%B1%20Tren/1 You can follow the current train departure times from this link.

NOTE: All extra activities such as ATV safari, boat tour, diving, jeep safari, parachute, hot air balloon and similar activities not included in the package tour program are outside the scope of the Package Tour Agreement and constitute a separate service. These services are not organized by our agency and are provided by independent third-party service providers. Guests purchase these activities of their own free will and initiative, and accept that they establish a direct contractual relationship with the relevant service provider. Our agency is not responsible for any accidents, injuries and damages that may occur during extra tours; the responsibility belongs to the company providing the service. The guest accepts that they know such activities contain risks, their health status is suitable for participation, and all responsibility belongs to them. In addition, these activities are out of insurance coverage.

MIDIBUSES

ISUZU TURKUAZ: 31+1 Or 27 + 1 Seating, Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Monitor, 1 Refrigerator, Kitchen Unit with Water Heater, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcement, Cd And Dvd Player.

NOVO LUX: 31+1 Or 27 + 1 Seating, Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Monitor, 1 Refrigerator, Kitchen Unit with Water Heater, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcement, Cd And Dvd Player.

TEMSA PRESTIGE: 31+1 Or 27 + 1 Seating, Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Monitor, 1 Refrigerator, Kitchen Unit with Water Heater, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcement, Cd And Dvd Player.

MINIBUSES

MERCEDES SPRINTER: 12+1 or 16 + 1 Seating, Specially Designed Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Refrigerator, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcement, Cd And Dvd Player.

WOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER: 12+1 or 16 + 1 Seating, Specially Designed Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Refrigerator, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcement, Cd And Dvd Player.

NOTE: Depending on the number of people in our tours, any of the vehicle types specified above is used.

OUR TOUR PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSUMER LAW NO 6502.