Upon arrival at Van Ferit Melen Airport in the morning, we’ll greet our guests with our private vehicle and enjoy a traditional Van breakfast. After a short rest, we’ll begin exploring Van.

Our first stop is Van Castle, which overlooks the city with its majestic presence. Dating back to the Urartu period, this castle is one of the most impressive sites for understanding Van’s history. Here, we take plenty of photo breaks while admiring Lake Van, the ancient settlements, and the sunset.

After the castle visit, we head to the Van Cat House. Here, we have the opportunity to see the world-famous Van cats up close, learn about their unique traits, and take photos. It’s an unforgettable experience, especially for guests traveling with children.

After the castle visit, we explore the ruins of Old Van City. This area was once the heart of Van’s social and commercial life. Accompanied by our guide, we learn about the mosque, city walls, and the remains of ancient structures.

In the evening, we stop for dinner at a restaurant where you can sample the local delicacies of Van cuisine.

Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. (Karaca Hotel, Van)

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off from the shores of Lake Van—which has become a symbol of the city—toward the town of Gevaş. A pleasant journey awaits us, accompanied by the lake’s deep-blue scenery.

In Gevaş, we board a boat to cross over to Akdamar Island. The island captivates visitors with its natural beauty and historical charm. The Akdamar Church, located on the island, dates back to the 10th century and is world-renowned for its stone reliefs. We tour the church with a guide’s commentary, followed by free time on the island.

Around noon, we stop for lunch (extra) at a restaurant offering views of Lake Van and the island.

Later in the day, we provide free time in the central market of Van. You can shop for silver jewelry, herb-flavored cheeses, and local products.

In the evening, you’ll have free time before returning to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. (Karaca Hotel Van)

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart from Van and head toward Hakkari. Our first stop is Hoşap Castle, a magnificent structure perched on rugged cliffs that dazzles the eye. At this historic site, also known as the “Eagle’s Nest,” we take a photo break and listen to our guide explain the castle’s rich history.

After visiting Hoşap Castle, we continue via the Başkale route to explore Vanadokya (Yavuzlar Fairy Chimneys), a unique visual feast offered by nature. We take a walk among these natural formations, which rival those of Cappadocia, and then visit the historic Albayrak Church (St. Bartholomeus), built atop a rugged hill in the region. After photographing these historic structures that defy the passage of time, we continue on our way.

In the evening, we arrive in Yüksekova amidst stunning mountain views. We check into our hotel, the region’s most prestigious and comfortable accommodation.

Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. (DoubleTree by Hilton Yüksekova)

After breakfast at the hotel, we enter the boundaries of the Cilo-Sat Mountains National Park, home to Turkey’s highest and most unique peaks.

Our first stop is the world-famous Heaven-Hell Valley, where all four seasons coexist. We take an unforgettable hike through the heart of nature, accompanied by thousand-year-old massive glaciers on one side and vibrant tulips and alpine flowers blooming on the other. We capture plenty of photos in this unique landscape to immortalize the moment.

Following our nature exploration, we head to the city center of Hakkâri. We visit the historic Meydan Medrese, the city’s most significant surviving monumental structure, and then listen to the stories behind the handcrafted, labor-of-love products at the Kilim Workshop, where the local culture is intricately woven into every thread. After our pleasant stroll through the city center, we return to our comfortable hotel in Yüksekova.

Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. (DoubleTree by Hilton Yüksekova)

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart from Yüksekova. We travel along the Zap Valley, famous for its roaring river and deep canyons, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. After enjoying pleasant photo and tea breaks along the way, we arrive in Van.

Depending on our guests’ return plans, we transfer guests flying back to Van Ferit Melen Airport and those taking the bus to Van Bus Terminal in our comfortable vehicles, and bid them farewell until we meet again on another tour.

Being prepared is essential for nature excursions. We recommend bringing the following:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• A light jacket or fleece

• A hat and sunglasses

• Water and snacks

• A power bank

• A camera or phone

• Transportation: All city and intercity transfers using luxury and comfortable vehicles throughout the tour.

• Transfers: Arrival and departure transfers from Van Ferit Melen Airport or Van Bus Terminal.

• Accommodation: 2 nights at hotels in central Van, 2 nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Yüksekova.

• Meals: The famous, trademarked Van breakfast on the first day, 4 breakfasts, and 4 dinners covering all evenings of the tour.

• Activities: Round-trip boat fare to Akdamar Island.

• Guiding: Professional, licensed guide services accompanying the tour throughout.

• Insurance: Mandatory health insurance in accordance with Law No. 1618.

• Main Transportation: Flights or bus tickets to and from Van.

• Lunches: All lunches to be taken during the day throughout the program and any additional beverages at meals.

• Admission Fees: Museum Card or admission tickets required for entry to archaeological sites, castles, churches, and national parks.

• Personal Expenses: Hotel minibars, extra expenses during stops, and shopping in the market.