Eastern Turkey 12-Day Sightseeing Tour from Trabzon offers an immersive journey through one of Turkey’s most fascinating, yet less traveled regions. For $3,850 per person, you’ll spend 12 days discovering a landscape of dramatic mountains, ancient ruins, and vibrant local life. The tour, priced to reflect the extensive itinerary, includes two domestic flights, all entry fees, breakfasts, dinners, and comfortable transportation, making it a well-rounded package for curious explorers who want to avoid logistical headaches.
We particularly appreciate the way this tour balances stunning scenery with deep historical insights. The stops at Sumela Monastery and Mount Ararat are unforgettable, and the chance to see the oldest religious structures at Gobekli Tepe adds a real sense of discovery. The guides are praised for their local knowledge and their ability to tailor the experience, creating a genuine connection with this off-the-beaten-path part of Turkey.
A consideration for some travelers might be the length of drives—this tour involves some pretty long bus rides through varied landscapes. While it’s a great way to see the region, those with limited mobility or looking for a more relaxed pace might want to prepare for the travel days. The trip is best suited for those who are comfortable with moderate physical activity and enjoy layering history, nature, and culture in one trip.
If you crave authentic experiences, appreciate expert guiding, and want to see a side of Turkey rarely covered in standard tours, this trip will likely hit the mark. It’s especially perfect for history buffs, adventure lovers, and cultural travelers eager to go beyond the typical tourist trail.
Key Points
- Diverse Landscapes: Travel through three distinct climate zones, from Black Sea lushness to high mountain aridness.
- Historical Riches: Visit sites dating back as far as 10,000 BC, including ancient monasteries, Urartian castles, and Gobekli Tepe.
- Seamless Logistics: All transportation, flights, and entry fees are included, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on the experience.
- Expert Guides: Local guides with years of knowledge personalize the tour, making history and culture come alive.
- Authentic Culture & Food: Enjoy regional specialties and see local life in bustling bazaars and quiet villages.
- Active Days & Long Drives: Expect some lengthy travel days, which are essential to covering the sprawling region but require a moderate fitness level.
In-Depth Review of the 12-Day Eastern Turkey Tour
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The Travel Experience & Logistics
This tour is designed for those who prefer a well-organized, all-inclusive approach. From the moment you land in Trabzon, your guide will be there to greet you, and the journey is comfortably paced with transportation covered entirely, including two domestic flights. The group size is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, fostering a more personal experience and plenty of chances to ask questions or tailor the day.
Long drives are part of the package—some days involve several hours on the road—but this is balanced with stops at major highlights. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort even during the warmer days. Reviews repeatedly mention the professionalism of the driver and the value of having a knowledgeable guide, like Sabahattin or Cemil, leading the way. Their insights make the experience richer—whether explaining ancient ruins or sharing local anecdotes.
Day-by-Day Breakdown & Highlights
Day 1:
Starting with the Hagia Sophia Museum in Trabzon, you’ll get a glimpse of Byzantine craftsmanship perched above the Black Sea. Just a quick 14th-century monument, it’s a testament to the region’s historical layers. Next, the spectacular Sumela Monastery hanging from a cliffside in Altindere National Park will leave your jaw hanging. As one reviewer notes, “This has been a monastic site since the 4th century AD,” and the setting is truly breathtaking.
Day 2:
Driving through the rugged Coruh Valley, you’ll visit the Ishan Church, a site with roots as an Armenian and Georgian bishopric. The ruins of the 8th-9th century cathedral and Virgin Mary church are evocative, especially for history lovers. The Tortum Waterfall, Turkey’s tallest, offers a refreshing stop with the chance to walk down to the waterfall’s base—an ideal picnic spot according to visitors.
Day 3:
The city of Erzurum provides a lively backdrop with its mosques, medreses, and local markets. You’ll also explore the Ani Ruins in nearby Kars—once a bustling medieval Armenian city, now a haunting ghost town with grand churches and walls that tell stories of past civilizations. The Ani Cathedral is especially dramatic, with inscriptions dating back to the turn of the millennium.
Day 4:
Passing around Mount Ararat’s western flank, you’ll visit the Ishak Pasha Palace in Doğubayazit. The fusion of Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Armenian, and Persian architectural influences make it a visual feast. Even in ruins, it exudes grandeur. A stop at Muradiye Waterfalls adds a peaceful pause.
Day 5:
On Akdamar Island, you’ll see the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, beautifully restored and decorated with reliefs and reliefs that are unique in style. Later, the Hosap Castle offers panoramic views and a sense of the region’s strategic importance along the Silk Road. Van Castle and Cavustepe deepen your understanding of Urartian civilization, with their commanding presence and ancient carvings.
Day 6:
A highlight for many is the drive to Nemrut Golu, a caldera filled with lakes and thermal springs. The volcanic craters and lakes create a surreal landscape, perfect for photography and contemplation. The hot and cold lakes within the crater are particularly striking, and reviews describe the experience as “a geological masterpiece.”
Day 7:
The ancient city of Hasankeyf on the Tigris River offers caves, ruins, and a sense of a living history. Then, Mardin with its honey-colored limestone architecture appears as an open-air museum, filled with winding streets and religious sites like the Deyrulzafaran Monastery.
Day 8:
Diyarbakir’s city walls, the Great Mosque, and the bustling bazaar give a taste of a metropolis that has seen empires rise and fall. The walls, the second-longest after China’s Great Wall, are an impressive feat of ancient defense.
Day 9:
The climb to Mount Nemrut is a must for history buffs. The massive statues of gods and the tomb of Antiochus provide a mysterious, awe-inspiring encounter. Sunset views from the summit are often described as magical, with some reviewers calling it a “trip of a lifetime.”
Day 10:
Exploring Gobekli Tepe, the oldest known religious site, is a jaw-dropping experience. Dating back over 11,000 years, it rewrites our understanding of civilization’s origins. The ongoing excavations add an element of discovery to your visit, making it one of the most exciting archaeological sites in the world.
Day 11:
In Sanliurfa, the Holy Pools of Abraham and the nearby caves offer a spiritual connection. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep completes the trip with stunning mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma, now submerged under the Ataturk Dam. The old town and its lively atmosphere are a fitting farewell.
Authenticity and Local Flavor
Throughout the tour, reviews highlight the genuine connections with local culture and cuisine. You’ll taste regional specialties, often spicy and influenced by neighboring Syria and Armenia. Eating in local markets or small restaurants, guided by your knowledgeable leader, adds authenticity. Many travelers mention the delicious food as a memorable part of the experience, especially in Gaziantep.
The Value of the Tour
While the total cost might seem high, the inclusive nature of the tour—covering all site entries, flights, hotels, and meals—delivers good value. It’s a hassle-free way to see a vast region with complex logistics managed for you. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the expertise of guides like Sabahattin or Cemil helps turn historical sites into stories you feel part of.
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The Downsides
Some travelers note the long drives, which can be tiring but are unavoidable given the vastness of the region. Also, the tour’s pace suits those who enjoy active days; if you prefer a very relaxed schedule, this might be a bit intense. Plus, the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness—think walking on uneven terrain or climbing some ruins.
Who Should Book This Tour?
Perfect for travelers eager to explore less touristy Turkey, history and culture enthusiasts, and those comfortable with travel days. It’s especially well-suited for those who value guided insights and want a rundown of Eastern Turkey’s archaeological and natural wonders without all the hassle of planning every detail.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s best for travelers with a moderate level of physical fitness, as it involves some walking and uneven terrain. The group size is small, which helps keep things manageable.
Are flights included?
Yes, two domestic flights are part of the package, making it easier to cover large distances efficiently.
What meals are included?
Breakfasts and dinners are covered throughout the tour, giving you a good taste of regional cuisine. Lunches are not included, allowing flexibility for personal preferences or exploring local eateries.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
What is the maximum group size?
Up to 8 travelers, which encourages a personalized experience and more interaction with your guide.
Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned vehicles, crucial for comfort during long drives through varied landscapes.
Are site entry fees included?
All museum and archaeological site entry fees are included in the price—no extra surprises there.
What makes this tour different from others?
It combines the most iconic sites with lesser-known gems like Gobekli Tepe, all guided by experts passionate about the region. Plus, the small group size fosters a more intimate connection with the land and its stories.
To sum it up, this 12-day Eastern Turkey tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to discover an extraordinary corner of Turkey. From stunning mountain vistas to ancient ruins, it’s perfect for those who want to understand the depth and diversity of Eastern Turkey without the hassle of logistics. Expect long days filled with history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, guided by knowledgeable locals who make the experience truly memorable. If you’re seeking a trip that balances adventure, learning, and authentic local encounters, this tour is a compelling choice.