18/11/2022
Journey to the Edge of History Highlights of Eastern Turkey
A guided tour through Eastern Turkey, a region where numerous ancient civilisations have left their mark. Travelling from the Armenian border to the Mediterranean coast, we explore the remnants of the oldest known manmade structures on earth, and even visit what some believe to be the original Noah's Ark.
Istanbul, Kars, Mount Ararat, Dogubeyazit, Van, Midyat, Mardin, Gaziantep, Gobeklitepe/Karahantepe, Tarsus (St.Paul), Anamurium, Side, Faralya/Fethiye
04 July – 19 July
Day 1; 04 July
Arrival, stay in Istanbul on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 2; 05 July
Visit Saint Sophie, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, the bazaar and the spice market.
Stay on Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 3; 06 July
Flight from Istanbul to Kars. Afternoon sightseeing around Kars, including the hilltop castle. Stay on bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 4; 07 July
After breakfast we drive to Ani, an abandoned Armenian city right on the border with Armenia, with stunning medieval churches, mosques and palaces in a remote open field. We proceed to Dogubeyazit, we visit Ishak Pasha Palace, Urartu Castle and drive to Van overnight on bed & breakfast basis.
Day 5; 08 July
Noah’s Ark, this huge boat-shaped structure found at an altitude of around 2,000 metres above sea level just south of Mount Ararat has attracted substantial interest from archaeologists since its discovery by a Kurdish shepherd in 1948. Whilst most now believe this to be a natural rock formation rather than the fossilised remains of Noah's Ark, it is a fascinating and scenic place. We take a boat trip on Lake Van to Akdamar island, home to the Church of the Holy Cross and some Armenian monastery ruins. Overnight on bed & breakfast basis in Van.
Day 6; 09 July
Drive from Van to Midyat. The ancient city is the center of a centuries-old Hurrian town in Upper Mesopotamia, reminiscent of a medieval city with its gradually rising stone .
Many different empires had ruled over Midyat including the Mitannians, Assyrians, Arameans, Armenians, Medes, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Abbasids, Seljuks and Ottomans. Overnight on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 7; 10 July
We drive from Midyat to Mardin via the antique city of Dara. an important East Roman fortress city in northern Mesopotamia on the border with the Sassanid Empire. Because of its great strategic importance, it featured prominently in the Roman-Persian conflicts. Overnight on Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 8; 11 July
From Mardin we proceed via Karahantepe and Göbekli Tepe to Gaziantep. Open to the public in October 2021, Karahantepe is an archaeological site in Şanlıurfa Province. Prior to its excavation, nearby Göbekli Tepe (which we also visit) was deemed the oldest known manmade construction on Earth, dating back 10,000 years and thus predating both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids by several millennia. Based on the latest research, Karahantepe is thought to be another 1,000 years older, so today you can experience two historic record-breakers! Archaeologists have uncovered T-shaped stelae and 250 obelisks featuring animal figures to date.
Overnight in Gaziantep on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 9; 12 July
We travel from Gaziantep via Tarsus, to Anamur. We visit the old sea town of Anamurium.
Overnight in Anamur on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 10; 13 July
Drive from Anamur via Side to Faralya. Side, located on the eastern part of the Pamphylian coast, was founded by Greek settlers from Cyme in Aeolis, a region of western Anatolia. This most likely occurred in the 7th century BC. Its tutelary deity was Athena, whose head adorned its coinage. After exploring Side's sights, we continue to Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotel in Faralya, where we will be based for the remainder of the trip. Stay on Half Board basis.
Day 11; 14 July
A well-deserved day for rest and relaxation…
Stay on Half board basis (breakfast & dinner) at the Mandarin & Mango.
Day 12; 15 July
A hike along the Lycian Way, swim in the Mediterranean, or be lazy by the pool…
Stay on Half board basis (breakfast & dinner) at the Mandarin & Mango.
Day 13; 16 July
Turkish bath, massage, shopping in Fethiye town for some "genuine fakes", or just relax by the pool with a drink or two…Stay on Half board basis (breakfast & dinner) at the Mandarin & Mango
Day 14; 17 July
Visit the ghost village of Kaya, old Greek village called Levissi, known as Karmylassos during Lycian time, then drive to Lycian ruins of Tlos, Xanthos, and the gorge of Saklikent .
Stay on Half board basis (breakfast & dinner) at the Mandarin & Mango.
Day 15; 18 July
Relax day, and get ready for your return trip to the USA.
Stay on Half board basis (breakfast & dinner) at the Mandarin & Mango.
Day 16; 19 July
Return flight
Cost for;
15 nights/16 days sharing double/twin $4145 per person, single supplement $1985
Included;
• 15 nights 4/5 star & boutique hotels accommodations
• Daily Breakfast
• 6 dinners of 5 course.
• Ground transportation driver & interpreter on an a/c midibus/bus
• Day trip to the Lycian, Roman and Hellenistic ruins of Kayakoy, Tlos, Saklikent, Xanthos.
• Leisure time for shopping & exploring.
• 5 O’clock tea & cakes while at the Mandarin & Mango.
Not included;
• Any tips to guide/interpreter, driver, baggage handlers, housekeepers
• Entrance fees to archaeological places.
• Lunches & dinners where not mentioned
• Drinks during lunch and dinner
• Transfer from airport on arrival and departure unless specified
Payment Terms;
A non-refundable deposit of $450 is required to secure a space. Places are limited so first come first serve basis will apply. Balance due 15 January 2023.
I strongly recommend that you obtain not only medical insurance but also travel insurance which covers you for any cancellation charges.