We’ll start our first full day with a visit to the Tunnel of Titus, a marvel of Roman engineering carved through mountains. We’ll continue to St. Simeon Stylites, a ruined monastery built around the pillar where a Christian hermit sat in the sixth century. Before returning to Antakya, we’ll stop at Vakıflı, the only surviving Armenian village in Turkey. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Antakya, Konak Avula Hotel or similar
 

In the morning, we’ll visit Antakya’s Church of St. Peter – one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries in the world – before proceeding to the Antakya Museum, which houses a spectacular array of Roman sculptures and mosaics. Then we’ll visit the Yesemek Open Air Museum before continuing to Gaziantep. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Gaziantep,  Şirehan Hotel or similar 

After visiting the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the most impressive collections of Roman mosaics anywhere, we’ll drive to the nearby archaeological site of Zeugma, where most of the museum’s treasures were unearthed. You’ll have part of the afternoon free to explore the markets and historic center of Gaziantep.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Gaziantep,  Şirehan Hotel or similar 

A short drive from Gaziantep, we’ll embark on a boat tour along the Euphrates, passing a Byzantine border fort and the half-submerged ruins of Halfeti. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Şanlıurfa – ancient Edessa – where we’ll visit the Great Mosque and a pool of sacred fish believed to date back to the time of the prophet Abraham. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Sanliurfa, Tessera Hotel  or similar 

In the morning, we’ll visit the Neolithic ruins of Karahantepe before continuing to the more famous site of Göbeklitepe, home to the world’s oldest temples. Afterward, we’ll drive to Harran, once the last pagan city in the Byzantine Empire, now known for its imposing ruins and beehive-shaped houses. We’ll return to Şanlıurfa in the evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Sanliurfa, Tessera Hotel  or similar 

After driving to Kahta, we’ll head up Mount Nemrut to experience sunset from the summit, where colossal sculptures guard the mountaintop tomb of King Antiochus I. As twilight falls, we’ll return to our hotel in Kahta. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Kahta, Euphrat Hotel  or similar 

We’ll spend the day in Diyarbakır (ancient Amida), where we’ll visit the city walls – arguably the best-preserved Roman fortifications anywhere – and the medieval Bridge of Ten Arches over the Tigris. Later, you’ll have time to explore the city’s traditional shops and markets, which sell everything from spices to handicrafts.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Diyarbakir, Hasuni Taş Hotel or similar

We’ll drive through a spectacular landscape to Lake Van, an inland sea ringed by mountains. There, we’ll take a boat to Akdamar Island, home to a medieval Armenian church famous for its elaborate carvings and breathtaking views. Afterward, we’ll continue to our hotel in the city of Van.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Van,  The Conforium Hotel  or similar

A visit to Van Castle, first fortified by the mysterious Iron Age kingdom of Urartu, will start the day. We’ll learn more about the Urartians at the Urartu Museum, then take a study break at the Van Cat House, dedicated to the preservation of a rare and beautiful breed of cats. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Van,  The Conforium Hotel  or similar

Another scenic drive will bring us to the picturesque Muradiye Waterfalls. After a short stop there, we’ll continue to the Ishak Pasha Palace. This sprawling Ottoman complex, perched on a cliff overlooked by Mount Ararat, is considered one of Turkey’s most spectacular buildings. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Dogubeyazit, Tehran Hotel or similar

In the morning, we’ll drive over the high steppes of the Anatolian Plateau to Kars. There, we’ll explore the medieval citadel, which offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding plains, before visiting the local museum, a Russian Orthodox church converted into a mosque, and the imposing Armenian cathedral of the Twelve Apostles.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Kars, Kars-ı Şirin or similar

We’ll begin with a delectable visit to the Cheese Museum of Kars. Then we’ll drive to majestic Lake Çıldır, known for its stunning landscapes and frozen beauty in winter. We’ll continue to Ani, once a hub on the Silk Road, where the ruins of countless churches and palaces are sinking into a sea of grass. 

We’ll end the day – and our trip – with a farewell dinner in Kars.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Kars, Kars-ı Şirin Hotel or similar

You’ll be transferred to the Kars airport for your return flight. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: None