Erzurum - Kars - Van Tour by Plane

After arriving at Erzurum Airport in the morning, we welcome our guests and begin our city tour.

First, we visit the Double Minaret Madrasah, one of the iconic structures of Anatolia. This structure, dating from the Seljuk period to the present day, is a symbol of Erzurum.

Then, we get to know the cultural fabric of Erzurum closely with visits to the Yakutiye Madrasah and the Grand Mosque.

After a lunch break, we give free time in the Erzurum bazaar. It is a pleasant stop for our guests who want to shop for Oltu stone.

In the evening, check into the hotel, dinner with local Erzurum dishes (extra), and overnight stay.

Ani, which is on the World Heritage List, is known as the "City of 1001 Churches". Here we embark on a journey through time among cathedrals, mosques, and city walls.

In the evening, free time for a meal of goose meat or other local dishes typical of Kars cuisine.

Accommodation in Kars.

After breakfast, we depart from Erzurum towards Kars. We make a short stop in Sarıkamış along the way. In this significant land where the Sarıkamış Operation took place, we receive information from our guide about the historical events and commemorate our martyrs.

Following our visit to Sarıkamış, we stop at the Çobandere Bridge in Köprü Köyü. We take a short photo break at this historical stone bridge, built during the Russian occupation.

Upon arrival in Kars, we begin our city tour. Our first stop is Kars Castle, one of the city's landmarks. From the castle, we admire the view of Kars and listen to our guide explain the history of Kars, spanning the Ottoman and Russian periods.

Next, we visit the Kümbet Mosque, originally built as a church and now used as a mosque. The structure is one of the most important architectural examples of Kars' multicultural character.

Our city tour continues with the Kars Museum. During our museum visit, we get to know the region's archaeological and ethnographic artifacts up close.

Afterwards, we visit the Cheese Museum to learn the story of Kars' unique Kashar and Gruyere cheeses. Then, with our visit to the War Museum, we learn about Kars' military and border city identity.

The rest of the day includes a shopping break for Kars' unique cheeses, honey, and local products, followed by free time.

Dinner and overnight stay in Kars.

After breakfast, we depart for the Ani Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ani, known as the "City of 1001 Churches"; Ani is a unique open-air museum showcasing traces of Armenian, Georgian, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilizations. During our tour among cathedrals, mosques, city walls, and palace ruins, our guide will tell us about Ani's glorious medieval period.

Following our visit to Ani, we return to the city center and visit the Church of the Twelve Apostles (Apostles Church). With its stonework and symbolic reliefs, it is one of Kars' most important religious architectural works.

In the evening, we participate in a Caucasian Night, an indispensable part of Kars' culture. We spend an unforgettable evening with Caucasian dances, music, and a regional atmosphere.

Accommodation in Kars.

Day 4. Kars – Van – Tracing the East

After breakfast, we depart from Kars and head towards Van. Our first stop is Iğdır. Here, we visit the Salt Cave, known for its natural structure and health benefits. During our cave tour, we receive information about the region and take a short break.

Afterwards, we move on to the Ishak Pasha Palace, one of the most magnificent structures in Eastern Anatolia. While touring this unique palace, which bears traces of Ottoman, Seljuk, and Persian architecture, we receive detailed information about the history and architectural features of the palace from our guide.

Continuing our tour, we travel towards Van and take a photo break at Muradiye Waterfall, one of the most impressive natural beauties of the region.

Upon arrival in Van city center, we check into the hotel.

Dinner and free time.

Overnight stay in Van.

After breakfast, we begin our Van city tour. Our first stop is Van Castle, overlooking Lake Van with its Urartu-era ruins. Here, we listen to the thousands of years of history of Van and enjoy the panoramic view.

Then we visit the Van Cat House, where we will get to know our adorable friends, who have become a symbol of Van. During our visit, we learn about Van cats and have the opportunity to shop at a sales area featuring silver jewelry unique to Van.

Our tour continues to Akdamar Island, located on Lake Van and one of the most important historical sites in the region. After a boat trip, we visit Akdamar Church and experience unforgettable moments with the island and lake views.

Following our tour, transfer to Van Airport.

Flight in the evening and end of our tour.

• Round-trip airfare
• 4 nights hotel accommodation
• 4 breakfasts
• All transfers
• Professional guiding
• Akdamar boat crossing

• Lunch
• Museum & archaeological site entrance fees
• Personal expenses