THE TALES OF EAST : ISHAKPASA-VAN-TATVAN-AHLAT

Van

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Duration

4 days 3 nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

Any Languages

Overview

A route to explore the culture, history and natural beauties of the Lake Van basin; a trip that we will follow in the footsteps of this history in the region, which has been influenced by many different civilizations for centuries. The splendor of the Ishakpasa Palace, Tuşpa, the capital of the Urartians and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, the unique gravestones in Ahlat, the haughty loneliness of the Holy Cross Cathedral on Akdamar Island, typical Van breakfast will charm you.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ishakpasa (or Ishak Pasha) Palace, built ona hill at the side of Mount Ağrı (Ararat) 5 km east of Dogubeyazıt District is one of the last large monumental structure of the Ottoman Empire in the "Lale Devri" Period,
Nemrut Crater Lake which is a natural wonder with its magnificent view, bird species and flora.
Van as one of the most beautiful cities of Eastern Anatolia with its delicious breakfast, pearl mullet, colorful eyed cat and its thousands years of history.
Akdamar (or Aghtamar) Island which is home to the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, a beautifully preserved example of the architecture of 10th century Armenian architecture.
Ahlat where you can track the thraces of thousands years of history and civilizations.

Itinerary

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Day 1: İSTANBUL - AĞRI - DOĞUBAYAZIT - AHLAT - TATVAN

Meeting at Ağrı Airport and drive to Doğubeyazıt. We will visit IshakPaşa Palace overlooking the plains of Mount Ağrı (Ararat) was not only a palace but an administrative center of the region. Ishakpaşa Palace is a fusion of various styles absorbed from the region: Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian and Armenian. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will drive to Ahlat and visit 13th century Seljuk Cemetery & Gravestones Open Air Museum. Transfer to hotel for dinner. Overnight in Tatvan.

After breakfast, drive to Nemrut Volcano. We will visit Nemrut Crater Lake, the world's second-largest crater lake, it was previously recognized by the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) project, while remaining the hidden paradise of the Eastern Anatolia. Then we drive to Tatvan for lunch and visit Ahlat Museum exhibits findings from graves (ceramics) dating back to B.C. 2000, discovered in the Yuvadamı necropolis area belonging to Early Iron Age. We will visit 2800 year old Van Fortress, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. The fortress sits atop a 100 meters high bluff and offers spectacular panoramic views over Lake Van. Dinner and overnight in Van.

Day 3: VAN – HOŞAB – ÇAVUŞTEPE – AKDAMAR ISLAND

Visit to the modern castle Hosap which sits high above its surrounding landscape and was used to control the road to Persia. Then we drive to Cavustepe to visit the ruined citadel. After the lunch at local restaurant, we will take boat trip to the most famous location of the Lake Van District, Akdamar Island which is home to the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, a beautifully preserved example of the architecture of 10th century Armenian architecture. End of the island tour, we will be back to Gevas by boat. Dinner and overnight in Van.

This morning, we will take traditional Van Breakfast in Van. After visit to the Van Cat House at Yüzüncü Yıl University, we will drive to the village of Bakraçlı to visit Seven Churches. Lunch at the local restaurant and transfer to Van Airport.

Included/Excluded

1 night bed and breakfast accommodation in Tatvan,
1 night bed and breakfast, 1 night half board accommodation in Van,
4 lunches at local restaurants,
2 dinners at local restaurants,
1 dinner at hotel,
Local breakfast in Van,
Transportation throughout the tour,
All museum and historical site entrance fees,
FEST Travel expert guidance service.

Personal expenses,
Beverages,
Flights,
Tips for guide and driver,
Visa Fee,
Travel insurance.

Tour's Location

Van

FAQs

General tour level is easy walking tour.

Especially at Spring and Autumn. Between April-June and September-December.

Yes, the region is safe.

April through October – casual clothing made of lightweight fabrics and good walking shoes are essential. Sunglasses and a sun hat are also recommended.