Notes:
-Sightseeing and/or accommodation in Istanbul before or after the tour can be included.
-Travel to other areas of Turkey can also be included before or after the tour.


DAY 01 - Arrival to Trabzon
Arrival to Trabzon Airport and meet for transfer on to the hotel for check-in. Dinner at hotel and briefing of the following days touring. Overnight in Trabzon. (Meal: D)


DAY 02 - Tour of Trabzon City
Depart for St. Sophia (Ayasofya), a 13th century church and study its extraordinary collection ofByzantine frescoes. Then we depart to Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, Castle & Ataturk's Mansion (apicturesque hillside retreat). Visit Ortahisar Mosque (a Comneni Cathedral in old town). Lunch at a seaside restaurant in Akcaabat. Afternoon walking tour to Ladies Bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Kunduracilar Street before we drive to Boztepe where we will drink tea and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Trabzon. (Meals: B+D)


DAY 03 - Sumela Monastery Tour and Erzurum
Today depart for Sumela Monastery to visit the 4th century Monastery which clings to a sheercliff face in a deep forest. Relax beside a fast flowing stream at Altindere Valley National Park before lunch after which we then travel along the Silk Route through the Zigana Mountains which will take us to Karaca Cave that is considered to be the most beautiful in Turkey for its colors & formations. Drive to Erzurum via Bayburt where we check-in for overnight stay. (Meals: B+D)


DAY 04 - Artvin, Georgian Churches, Ishan and Tortum Waterfalls
Drive to Artvin to visit Georgian Churches, Osk-Vank and Tortum Waterfalls. The River Coruh Valley will take us to Yursufeli and another Georgian Church. At the end of the day we drive back to Erzurum for another overnight stay. (Meals: B+D) **Because of the low water level the Tortum Waterfall is better to see between the start of April till the end of June.


DAY 05 - Tour Seljuk Monuments enroute to Kars
In the morning we make visits to the Seljuk Monuments; Ulu Mosque, Cifte Minareli Medrese, Yakutiye. Then to Kars and visit Havariler Church and Kars Castle. Overnight Kars (Meals: B+D)


DAY 06 - Ani Churches, Mt Ararat and Dogubeyazit
Morning tour the Medieval Armenian capital of Ani with its impressive fortified walls which still encircle the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravanserais. We will stop for lunch en route during the drive to Dogubeyazit, passing by the eternally snow-covered Biblical Mt. Ararat. On arrival we visit the 2nd largest meteor falls of the World and "Noah's Ark". Check-in to hotel with the evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Dogubeyazit (Meals: B+D)


DAY 07 - Ishak Pasha Palace and Ahtamar Island in Van
Make a morning visit to Ishak Pasha Palace before departure for Van via the Muradiye Fall. Visit the citadel of Van; the site of Tushba, capital of the Urartians. Enjoying scenery on Lake Van as we take an excursion to the island of Ahtamar to visit the Holy Cross Church, famous for old testament reliefs on the outer wall. Dinner and overnight in Van (Meals: B+D)


DAY 08 - Cavustepe and Van before departure
Departure for Cavustepe and visit Hosap Castle then afterwards visit the City Fortress and Van Museum. At end of days touring, transfer on to Van Airport for your departure flight. (Meal: B)



INCLUDED:
..07 nights hotel accommodation (mix of 3*/4*) with breakfasts & dinners
..Professional guiding in English and required air-conditioned tour transport
..Admission fees to sights and museums

NOT INCLUDED:
..Lunches and/or beverages or alcohol
..Travel insurance or visa for entry to Turkey if required
..International or Domestic Airfare to/from Trabzon/Van (optional extra)
..Travel in other areas of Turkey before/afternoted tour (optional extra)
..Items of a personal nature, any items not mentioned in "included" section