From the historic walls of Diyarbakır to the unique views of Lake Van, from the historical heritage of Nakhchivan to the Ruins of Ani, and an unforgettable exploration stretching from Kars to Erzurum… On this special route, where we will experience the history, culture, and unique geography of the East all together, we crown our journey with the Eastern Express experience.
Diyarbakır – Hasan Pasha Inn – Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House – Grand Mosque – Goat Bastion – Hevsel Gardens – Ten-Eyed Bridge – Malabadi Bridge – Bitlis – Ahlat Seljuk Square Cemetery – Tatvan - Mount Nemrut Crater Lake – Mount Süphan – Lake Van – Akdamar Island and Church – Van Castle – Savat Silver Workshop – Van Cat House – Van - Muradiye Waterfall – Tendürek Pass – Mount Ararat – Doğubayazıt – Ishak Pasha Palace – Iğdır – Dilucu Border Gate – Nakhchivan – Momine Khatun Mausoleum – Khan’s Palace – Clock Square – 4 Nights Accommodation Round Trip| BusPicking up our guests from the designated departure points in Mersin and Tarsus, we set off toward Diyarbakır.
Throughout the night, we continue our journey on our tour bus, making our way toward Eastern Anatolia with breaks along the way. We will reach Diyarbakır early in the morning and begin the first day of our program accompanied by our guide.
From the Diyarbakır Walls to Seljuk Ahlat
We arrive in Diyarbakır early in the morning and begin exploring Diyarbakır, one of Southeastern Anatolia’s history-filled cities. Our first stop is Hasan Paşa Inn, one of the important witnesses to Diyarbakır’s historical commercial life. We take a short break in the stone courtyard of the inn, which has survived from the 16th century to the present day. Guests who wish may have a breakfast consisting of Diyarbakır’s local delicacies here for an additional fee.
After breakfast, we continue our tour inside the city walls. We visit the house where Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı was born, one of the unforgettable names of Turkish literature. Reflecting the architecture of traditional Diyarbakır houses, the building also bears traces of the poet’s childhood years. Following our short break here, we see the Great Mosque, one of Diyarbakır’s symbolic structures.
Following the walls, one of the most important elements forming Diyarbakır’s historical identity, we reach Keçi Bastion. After enjoying the panoramic view of the city and the Tigris Valley, we take a photo break accompanied by views of the Hevsel Gardens and the Ten-Eyed Bridge. This area, one of the places where the historical bond between the Tigris River and the city can best be seen, allows us to experience Diyarbakır’s natural and cultural heritage together.
Following our tour of Diyarbakır, we set off toward Tatvan. Along our route, we stop at Malabadi Bridge. This magnificent stone bridge, dating from the Artuqid period, is one of the most remarkable examples of 12th-century Anatolian architecture. With its approximately 41-meter pointed main arch and stone decorations, it is not merely a crossing point but also an important historical structure demonstrating the engineering understanding of its era.
Continuing our journey, we arrive at Bitlis city center. Built in a narrow valley among the mountains, Bitlis is an ancient city that has stood along important transit routes throughout history and bears the traces of different civilizations. Accompanied by our guide, we view the city center panoramically and listen to information about Bitlis’s history, the city’s development, and its cultural identity. During this narration, we also touch upon the story of the “Five Minarets”, which comes to mind when Bitlis is mentioned. Bitlis’s historical mosques and minarets are among the important components of the city’s architectural memory.
After our short tea break in Bitlis city center, we turn toward Ahlat. Located on the western shore of Lake Van, Ahlat is one of Anatolia’s most important historical centers, particularly known for its monumental tombs and stonework dating from the Seljuk period.
Our most impressive stop here is Ahlat Seljuk Square Cemetery. One of Anatolia’s largest historical cemeteries, the site contains numerous gravestones and monumental tombs from different periods. In particular, the tall and elegantly shaped headstones, with their geometric decorations, inscriptions, and symbols, reveal the stonework of the period. The cemetery is also a unique open-air historical site in terms of understanding Ahlat’s importance during the Seljuk period.
After our tour of Ahlat, we depart for Tatvan. When we arrive in Tatvan on the shore of Lake Van, we check in to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay are at our hotel in Tatvan.
Dining and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: It will be available at Diyarbakır’s Hasan Paşa Inn for an additional fee. (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: It will be taken during free time along the route. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: It will be served at the hotel as a buffet or set menu. (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Tatvan / Hotel Kardelen Tatvan, Tatvan Park Hotel, The Crater Hotel, and similar hotels.
In the Shadow of Volcanoes, Following the Traces of Urartu
After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we will take the extra Mount Nemrut Crater Lake tour if weather conditions are suitable. We transfer to our minibuses in Tatvan and see Mount Süphan, one of the most striking silhouettes of the region. When we reach Mount Nemrut, shaped by volcanic formations, different landscapes await us. On one side is Lake Van, and on the other are the lakes formed in Nemrut’s crater basin...
In the crater area, we see the surroundings of the Great Crater Lake, Small Lake and Ilıkgöl, observing volcanic rock formations and traces of lava. After a short photo break in this geography shaped by nature over thousands of years, we leave the mountain, return to Tatvan and transfer to our tour vehicle. (Our extra Nemrut Crater Lake tour will take place if weather and road conditions are suitable.)
After our journey with Lake Van on our left, we arrive in Gevaş. We will take our extra Akdamar Island Tour with guests who wish to join. From here, we set out onto Lake Van by boat and enjoy an approximately half-hour boat ride toward Akdamar Island. The island rising in the middle of the lake and the surrounding mountain views create one of the most beautiful moments of the journey. Upon reaching the island, we visit Akdamar Church, one of the region’s most important cultural heritages. Built in the 10th century, the church is particularly notable for its stone reliefs decorating the exterior. Alongside scenes from the Bible and the Torah, animal figures and floral motifs demonstrate how advanced the stonework of the period was. After listening to our guide explain the history of the church and the island, we complete our visit accompanied by views of Lake Van and return to Gevaş by boat.
We have our lunch, offered as an extra, on the shores of Lake Van in Gevaş. Guests who wish may taste the region’s famous pearl mullet. After our meal, we depart for Van. Upon reaching Van city center, we first see Van Castle panoramically, one of the strongest witnesses to the city’s historical past. Built during the Kingdom of Urartu, the castle has preserved the region’s historical identity for centuries with its dominant position overlooking the Van Plain. Our guide explains Van’s importance during the Urartian period and the castle’s place in the region.
If time permits, we visit the Van Archaeology Museum. The museum, where archaeological artifacts from different periods of the region are exhibited, allows us to see that Van was shaped not only by the Urartians but also by a multilayered civilization spanning thousands of years.
We then go to the Savat Silver Workshop to become familiar with Savat silver craftsmanship, one of Van’s traditional handicrafts. We listen to the masters explain the intricacies of the black-colored savat workmanship applied to silver and take a close look at the handcrafted pieces. Shopping time is provided for guests who wish to shop.
We make a short visit to see the Van Cats, one of Van’s world-famous symbols. After learning about these special cats, known for their different eye colors and distinctive characteristics, we take a short shopping break in Van city center during the final part of our tour for Van cheese and other local products, among the region’s most important specialties. After shopping, we depart for our hotel in Van. We settle into our rooms and rest.
Important Note: The Nemrut Crater Lake Extra Tour is organized depending on weather and seasonal conditions. The tour takes place if the mountain road is suitable for the season and weather conditions. If road conditions are not suitable, the tour may not take place as the safety of our guests is our priority.
Food, Beverage and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Served at the hotel as an open buffet or set menu. (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be served at a restaurant in Gevaş (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served at the hotel as an open buffet or set menu (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Van / Edens Hotel, The Nava Hotel, Grand Hotel Van, Van Life Hotel, Karaca Hotel, Roccia Downtown Hotel Van and similar hotels.
From the Shadow of Mount Ararat to Nakhchivan’s Historical Heritage
After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from Van and begin our journey through the impressive geography of Eastern Anatolia. Our first stop is the Muradiye Waterfall, which cascades from a height of approximately 50 meters over the Bend-i Mahi Stream. We take a photo break accompanied by this impressive landscape formed by nature.
We then head toward Doğubayazıt via Çaldıran and Tendürek Pass. Along the way, we continue while observing the geography of Eastern Anatolia shaped by high mountains and vast plateaus. One of the most magnificent silhouettes along our route is Mount Ararat. We view Mount Ararat panoramically from our route, the highest point in Turkey with its elevation of 5,137 meters. Upon reaching Doğubayazıt, we ascend to Ishak Pasha Palace, the most important historical stop of the day. One of the most impressive structures in Eastern Anatolia, the palace is an important example of the distinctive architectural understanding that emerged in the region toward the end of the Ottoman period. With its stonework, decorations, and location on the mountainside, it resembles an open-air museum. During our palace visit, we see the Selamlık, Harem, Courtroom, dungeons, and inner courtyards. Our guide explains the construction process of the palace and its historical importance in the region. We also have the opportunity to view the Doğubayazıt Plain and the surrounding mountains from the palace’s location. After our visit, we take a break for lunch in Doğubayazıt. Following our meal, we depart toward Iğdır.
Proceeding from the foothills of Mount Ararat, we arrive in Iğdır. Before entering the city center, we view the Iğdır Genocide Memorial panoramically and take a photo break. We then head toward the Dilucu Border Gate, one of Turkey’s easternmost border points. Upon arriving at the border gate, we first pass through Turkish customs control with our identity cards. We then board shuttle vehicles for the transfer between the two customs points. The shuttle transfer fee is extra and is 150 TL per person. When we reach the Nakhchivan customs area, we also pass through identity control here and board our vehicle waiting for us on the other side. After completing our customs procedures, we begin our approximately 1-hour journey toward Nakhchivan city center.
We begin our Nakhchivan tour with the Heydar Aliyev Museum. We then visit the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, one of the important symbols of the city’s historical texture. Built in the 12th century, this monumental tomb is one of the most important examples of Seljuk architecture in Nakhchivan. Its brickwork and geometric decorations reflect the architectural understanding of the period in all its elegance. Continuing our tour, we view the Khan’s Palace panoramically and take a photo break. We then proceed to Clock Square, one of Nakhchivan’s spacious and orderly squares. After a brief tour of the city center, we view the Heydar Mosque panoramically. We then view the War Museum panoramically, which sheds light on Nakhchivan’s recent history. Next, we ascend to the Flag Hill area, located on a hill overlooking the city and notable for its enormous Azerbaijani flag. Here, we take a photo break while viewing the Nakhchivan scenery. In the final part of the day, we have shopping and free time at the Nakhchivan Bazaar. After this break, during which we can closely observe the city’s local products and daily life, we have dinner at a restaurant in Nakhchivan. After our meal, we proceed to our hotel to rest.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE NAKHCHIVAN BORDER CROSSING: Under the agreement between Turkey and Azerbaijan, citizens of the Republic of Turkey may enter Nakhchivan with a new-type Turkish Republic Identity Card bearing a photograph and Turkish Republic identification number, or with a passport. Old identity cards, driver’s licenses, and institutional ID cards are not accepted at the border crossing.
All guests, including babies and children, are required to have a photograph on their identity cards. Guests under the age of 18 must carry a notarized parental consent form if they are not traveling together with both of their parents.
The international departure fee is the responsibility of our guests. The shuttle transfer between the two customs points is also subject to an additional fee.
Important: Since border crossing rules, shuttle fees, and duty amounts may change by the travel date, current procedures must be checked again before the tour.
Dining and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Open buffet or set-menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Doğubayazıt (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be taken at a restaurant in Nakhchivan (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Nakhchivan / Hotel Tabriz and similar hotels.
From Nakhchivan to Ani’s Silent Stones, the Traces of Kars
After having breakfast at our hotel in Nakhchivan in the morning, we board our vehicles and set off toward the Dilucu Border Gate. After completing our border procedures and entering Türkiye, we transfer to our own bus.
Along the way, we travel across the Iğdır Plain, with Iran on one side and the Armenian border stretching along the other. Our first stop is the Tuzluca Salt Cave. The natural formation created by the salt deposits in the region offers a different atmosphere underground. After receiving information from our guide about the formation of salt and the region’s mining history, we tour the cave. (The entrance fee to Tuzluca Salt Cave is extra and is not included in the tour price.)
After our visit, we continue toward Kars via Digor. As we pass through the high plateaus of Eastern Anatolia, we gain a better sense of why the region has been an important passageway throughout history. Before reaching Kars, we visit one of the day’s most important stops, the Ani Archaeological Site. Rising on the banks of the Arpaçay Valley, Ani developed as an important center of trade and culture in the Middle Ages. The ancient city, which bears the traces of different civilizations in the same geography, is today a powerful witness to the past with its stone structures and walls. During our visit to Ani, we see the important structures of the region, especially the Ani Cathedral, the Menüçehr Mosque and the Church with Frescoes. Ani Cathedral is a magnificent structure completed in the early 11th century and regarded as one of the most important works of Armenian architecture of its period. With its high dome and stonework, it is one of the most prominent structures in Ani’s silhouette. We then see the Menüçehr Mosque. Built in the late 11th century, the structure is one of the important examples of early Turkish-Islamic architecture in Anatolia. Its two-colored stonework and commanding position overlooking the Arpaçay Valley are particularly noteworthy. After our visit to Ani, we set off for the center of Kars.
Upon arriving in Kars, our first stop is the Caucasus Front War History Museum. One of the military defensive positions used for defense during the Ottoman-Russian wars, the structure now serves as an important museum recounting Kars’s recent history. Here, we see the traces of the wars and military struggles Kars experienced, particularly in the 19th century. We then take a break for lunch, which is extra. Guests who wish may taste the local delicacies of Kars cuisine at an additional cost.
After our meal, we begin our city tour of Kars. First, we visit the Tomb of Hasan Harakani, identified with Kars’s historical identity. We then see the Kümbet Mosque, which has survived from the Bagratid period and was later used as a mosque. We continue our tour with the Stone Bridge. Built during the Ottoman period in the 16th century, the bridge is one of the structures that complements the city’s historical fabric over the Kars Stream. We then view Kars Castle panoramically. One of the most important symbols of Kars’s defensive history due to its commanding position over the city, the castle has survived to the present after undergoing various restorations in different periods. During the final part of our Kars tour, we take a shopping break for local products. We have free time at a store where we can find regional products such as Gravyer and kashar cheeses, Kars honey, kete, roasted meat, butter and Kağızman molasses. After shopping, we proceed to our hotel in Kars.
In the evening, guests who wish may join us for the Caucasian Night, one of the important elements of Kars culture. Accompanied by local dishes, Caucasian dances and minstrel contests, we have the opportunity to get to know the region’s traditional culture more closely. On this day of our tour, dinner is not included in the tour price. Our guests may have dinner as an extra at the Caucasian Night, or guests who do not wish to attend the Caucasian Night may have dinner in Kars at their own expense.
Important Note: Dinner is not included at our hotel this evening. Guests who do not wish to attend the Caucasian Night may have dinner at their own expense in the center of Kars. After the Caucasian Night, we proceed to our hotel and relax to recover from the day’s fatigue.
Note: In the evening, guests who wish may join us for the Caucasian Night, where we can get to know Kars’s cultural life more closely. At this special evening, where Kars’s multicultural structure meets music, dance and local cuisine, we experience the region’s traditional atmosphere accompanied by Caucasian performances, minstrel contests and live music. Throughout the night, we have the opportunity to sample local delicacies such as piti (bozbaş), local soup, pickled beetroot, çeçil cheese, local halva and various refreshments. Thus, we complete our day not only by seeing Kars’s history, but also by connecting with the region’s living culture and cuisine. The Caucasian Night and dinner are not included in the tour price. Guests who do not wish to attend the Caucasian Night may have dinner at their own expense.
Dining and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Open buffet or set-menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be served at a restaurant in Kars (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served at the Caucasian Night with Dinner (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: Kars / Büyük Kale Hotel, The Kars Park Hotel, Grand Ani Hotel, Cheltikov Hotel, Sapran Hotel, Işıl Park Hotel and similar hotels.
From Kars to Erzurum, Following the Rails, at the Heart of History
After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart for Kars Train Station in the early hours. Here, we board our Eastern Express train, TCDD Mainline service number 92009, which will depart from Kars at 08:00. Throughout our approximately 4-hour journey in Pullman-seated carriages, we watch the unique geography of Eastern Anatolia stretching from Kars to Erzurum through the window of our train. Our train will arrive at Erzurum Station between approximately 12:15 and 12:30. Upon exiting the station, our guide and tour vehicle will meet us, and we will begin our Erzurum city tour.
We begin our tour of Erzurum, one of Eastern Anatolia’s important crossroads throughout history. We take a lunch break for cağ kebab, one of the best-known delicacies of the city’s local cuisine. Guests who wish may taste this unique Erzurum specialty as an extra.
After our meal, we see one of Erzurum’s iconic landmarks, the Çifte Minareli Medrese. One of the most remarkable works of the Anatolian Seljuk period, the structure is an indispensable part of Erzurum’s city skyline with its monumental portal and twin minarets rising toward the sky. We then visit the Ulu Mosque. Surviving from the Saltukid period to the present day, the mosque carries a strong historical legacy behind its simple exterior. This structure, which played an important role in the shaping of Erzurum as one of the early Turkish settlements in Anatolia, is a special stop for understanding the city’s historical fabric. We continue our tour with the Erzurum Congress Building. This structure, which holds great importance in the history of our National Struggle, hosted one of the most significant turning points in the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye through the Erzurum Congress held in 1919. If time permits, we also visit the interior of the building. We then proceed to the area of the Üç Kümbetler and Erzurum Houses, which form the city’s historical fabric. In these areas bearing traces of the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, we take a close look at the city’s traditional architecture. During the short free time we will have here, guests who wish may enjoy Erzurum’s historical atmosphere while sipping tea or coffee. In the final part of our tour, we visit Taşhan, one of the important structures of Erzurum’s traditional commercial life. Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman period, this historic inn is now especially known for its Oltu Stone products. Here, we learn about the processing of Oltu stone and offer an shopping break for guests who wish.
Following our Erzurum city tour, we board our tour bus in the evening and begin our return journey. Departing from Erzurum, we continue our journey throughout the night with breaks, dropping off our guests from Adana, Tarsus and Mersin at the points where we picked them up along our route. We complete our tour by arriving in Adana, Tarsus and Mersin toward dawn or in the early hours of the following day. We conclude our journey, which began in the south and extended northward via Diyarbakır, Bitlis, Tatvan, Van, Nakhchivan, Kars and Erzurum, bringing together history, culture, nature and diverse geographies, with beautiful memories. We say goodbye until we meet again on another one of our organizations.
Food and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Open buffet or set-menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Erzurum (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Dinner has not been organized for the return day.
Accommodation: There is no accommodation on the return day. (Overnight Journey by Tour Bus)
Child Discount and Circular Rules
Child discount is valid for the 7–12 age range.
The tour circular is valid as of the publication date of 19.01.2026. Circulars published at later dates for the same tour invalidate the previous circular.
Mandatory additional services are included in the tour fee.
Important Information About Tours with Flights
Museum – Archaeological Site – National Park Entrance Fees
All museum, archaeological site and national park entrance fees are the responsibility of our guests. At museums and archaeological sites where the Müzekart is valid, our guests may obtain a card from Müzekart sales points before or during the tour in order to benefit from its advantages.
Package Price Includes
Our package tour prices include hotel accommodation, transportation and the excursions specified in the program.
Rest Stops
Breaks are taken at rest facilities along the route. Due to density, renovations or similar force majeure reasons, rest stops may be changed provided that they are equivalent in terms of service quality and location.
Extra Tours and Program Flow
Night tours and extra excursions included in the tour program are arranged depending on the number of participants and the availability of the assigned staff. Extra tours conducted en route may take place even if not all guests participate. Guests who do not wish to join the extra tour will be directed by our guide to rest areas before the city entrances or to city centers. In this case, guests who agree to wait at the rest area will be considered to have participated in the tour.
Due to weather conditions, road conditions or similar reasons, the guide may make changes to the program sequence (the visiting points within a day or between days) if deemed necessary.
Go-Turkey cannot be held responsible for locations that cannot be visited despite being included in the program due to force majeure (weather conditions, road conditions, density at visiting points, etc.) or because guests do not comply with the timings given by the guide.
Health Notification
Our guests are required to carry with them reports and information regarding any health problems they may experience during the tour, pregnancy or medications they regularly use.
Accommodation Information
The hotel names specified in the program are the primary accommodation facilities. Hotels may be changed depending on availability. The information about the hotel where guests will stay will be shared with them, upon request, no later than 48 hours before the tour departure. If the hotel is changed due to density or force majeure reasons, provided that the standards remain the same, our guests will be informed by Go-Turkey officials.
Important Notes
Vehicles Used
Tour vehicles are planned as follows according to the number of participants:
Bus (28–46 people):
Mercedes Travego / Tourismo, Neoplan Cityliner / Tourliner, Mitsubishi Safir
(ABS, ASR, air conditioning, monitor, refrigerator, kitchen unit, reading lamps, announcement system, CD/DVD)
Midibus (17–27 people):
Isuzu Turkuaz
(ABS, ASR, air conditioning, monitor, refrigerator, announcement system)
Minibus (up to 16 people):
VW Volt, VW Volt EL, Mercedes Sprinter, Mercedes Sprinter EL
(Specially designed reclining seats, ABS, ASR, air conditioning, refrigerator, announcement system)
Recommendations
The tour program and explanations above have been originally prepared by Go-Turkey. They may not be copied, reproduced or published without permission. The program has been arranged in accordance with the Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 and should be evaluated as a whole.