Private Tours

The Marmara region is the home of the famous city of Istanbul, with all its magnificence and signs from its far-reaching past. It has such a location that it constitutes not only a city of history, but also one of natural beauty beyond example. Extending on the two sides of the Bosphorus bordered by green groves, it also possesses beautiful shores along the internal Marmara Sea. Facing the city there exists small, pretty islands, adorning this big sea, lying in the middle of the region. The sea features the land in that the climatic characteristics of the Black Sea influencing the north of it, is separated from the typical Mediterranean climate prevailing in its south. Rainfall is high enough to facilitate growing a variety of fruits, while snowfall enlivens the winter holidays.

Uludag, one of the main peaks of Turkey, is the most prominent mountain in this region, and one of the most popular ski-resorts with every kind of convenience provided. At the foot of Mount Uludag, “Green” Bursa is located, with its dense forests covering the mountains and wide meadows, which give it its title. It is another center of historical importance, its rich past being kept alive in its mosques and tombs of wonderful architectural design. Ancient Iznik (Nicea) is the same, as is the charming city of Edirne which is on Thrace, the European side of Turkey.

Main airports: Istanbul Airport (European side of Istanbul) – Sabiha Gökçen Airport (Asian side of Istanbul)

Just a pick of highlights: 

Istanbul:

When the Marmara Region is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly Istanbul. It is among the important metropolitan cities of the world with its historical values ​​and modern facilities. Millions of local and foreign tourists flock to the city every year. The city, which has a history of about 3,000 years, has hosted countless civilizations. Due to its location, it is located at a very important point that connects the continents of Asia and Europe.

Some of the most important works of the Historic City are as follows; Topkapı and Dolmabahçe Palaces, dating from the Byzantine period; The Basilica Cistern, Galata and Maiden’s Tower, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Anadolu and Rumeli Fortress, Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are among the important touristic places. In addition to its historical places, it also stands out with its unique natural beauties. At the same time, many international events, exhibitions and seminars are held in the city. It is among the must-see places with its nature, culture, historical structures and magnificent views.

Çanakkale:

Çanakkale is one of the cities where epics are written in every inch of it. Çanakkale’s history dates back to ancient times. There are many historical buildings and important symbols that reflect the past of the city. Many cultural tours are organized to the city of Çanakkale.

Çanakkale Martyrdom and Martyrs’ Monument are among the most important places to see on these tours. Spreading over an area of ​​33 thousand hectares, Gallipoli Peninsula National Park is on the World Heritage List with its 3500-year-old story. At the same time in the region; There is the Ancient City of Troy, the historical Kilit Bahir, the city walls, the castle and the Temple of Athena, which has hosted many civilizations. It is one of the important cities with its magnificent sea and beaches.

The islands:

There are 10 islands in the Sea of ​​Marmara. These islands are among the places that come to the fore as settlements, entertainment and recreation centers. It is named as Big Island, Heybeli Island, Kınalı Island, Burgaz Island, Sedef Island, Kaşık Island, Rabbit Island, Pide Island. The most important of these islands are Büyükada and Heybeli island. The islands are called “Prince Island” because they were used as the exile place of the princes in the Roman period. It is one of the most important tourism areas with its historical structures, natural beauties and beaches.

Sapanca lake:

Located in the east of the Marmara Region, the lake is a freshwater lake that connects the Adapazarı Plain and the Gulf of Izmit. The lake is based on Sakarya in the east and Kocaeli in the west. The lake, which takes its name from the Sapanca district, has a natural wonder surrounded by forests. The lake, which was formed as a result of tectonic movements, has a length of about 16 kilometers.

In the town center of Sapanca, you can take a walk on the shore of the lake and enjoy the magnificent view. It is also possible to organize excursions by renting a boat on it. There are national and international surfing, sailing and rowing competitions on the lake. The lake welcomes many visitors for tourism and sports purposes.

Cunda island:

Cunda Island, also known as Ali Bey Island; It is connected to the Ayvalık district of Balikesir. It is one of the 22 islands of various sizes, known as Ayvalık Islands, located in Ayvalık Bay. It is the only island open to settlement among these 22 islands. It is the 4th largest island in the Aegean Sea. The island has a fascinating beauty with its Greek architecture streets, Cretan cuisine and sunsets. The island is very popular with its beaches, bazaars, churches and monasteries. Especially the view of the island and Ayvalık from the Lovers’ Hill is among the places worth seeing.

Dotted with idyllic fishing harbors, popular holiday villages and the remains of ancient civilizations attesting to the inheritance of more than 5,000 years of history, culture and mythology, this region offers a holiday with something for everyone – nature lovers, sun worshippers, photographers, sports enthusiasts, sailors and archaeologists. Along the whole length of the coast, accommodations to suit every taste and price range can be found.

The Aegean coastal plain enjoys an exceptionally mild climate, with soft, verdant springs, hot summers, sunny autumns and warm winters marked by occasional showers. Aegean region has perpendicular mountains to its shores and many valleys between them, thus permitting the sea climate reach inner parts of the region, although some of the provinces inland show also characteristics of Continental climate. For sunbathing and water sports, the summer months are ideal; for exploring the ancient ruins and picturesque countryside, spring and autumn are the most inviting months. The Aegean provides the perfect escape from the rigors of a northern winter: even in January and February, the days are sunny and pleasant.

Main airports: Izmir airport and Dalaman airport

Just a pick of highlights:

Ephesus Ancient City Ruins:

No article about the Aegean coast of Turkey would be complete without mentioning Ephesus ancient city ruins. Had this former Greco Roman city continued its expansion, it could have well taken over Rome.

Unfortunately, the ebbing seabed diminished its primary source of riches as a sea trading port. Landmark buildings to explore include the grand theatre, Roman terrace houses with spectacular mosaics, the public latrines and the Celsius library that held the third largest collection of scrolls in the ancient world.

Selçuk and Şirince:

Most people stay around Ephesus for the day, then move on. However, it is worth extending your visit overnight to explore the surrounding attractions of Selcuk. The museum holds artefacts uncovered from Ephesus or head into the hills to see the house of the Virgin Mary. Said to be the place of her assumption, Mary spent time in Ephesus, and both Christians and Muslims make annual pilgrimages to this house.

Sirince wine village, also in the hills is known all over Turkey for their homemade fruit wines, but two sites in Selcuk town centre that should be at the top of your list are Saint John’s Basilica, supposedly where his tomb is and the nearby ancient Isa Bey mosque with impressive Seljuk architecture.

Miletus, Priene and Apollo Temple:

Known as the famous trio, this ancient collection of two cities and a pagan worshipping temple can all be explored in one day, because of the close distance to each other. Miletus, famed for its ancient theatre of which the vomitorium are miraculously intact,  is the best landmark to see.

Ignore all claims that the passageways were where citizens used to throw because historians say this is incorrect but instead head to magnificent Priene that once had the honour of a visit by Alexander great himself. The temple Athena is the most prominent landmark here but do take time to see the smaller theatre with its majestic seating for VIPs. Lastly, a good place to end the day while watching the sunset is the Apollo temple in the resort of Altinkum. It takes just 30 minutes, although Christians may be interested in the nearby historic chapel that has also recently opened to the public.

The Cotton Castle of Pamukkale:

Heading inland to the rural area of Denizli, Pamukkale, one of Mother Nature’s greatest work is a must-see in anyone’s lifetime. Pools of water holding deposits of calcium have over hundreds of years formed on the hillside to offer a sight resembling a cotton castle, hence the translation of its name.

Nearby, the ancient city ruins of Hierapolis throw up delightful landmark structures to explore including a theatre. The museum also holds artefact uncovered from Hierapolis as well as other ancient cities in Aegean Turkey.

West and Mid-Taurus mountains run parallel to the coastline. Because of high and steep mountains, the valleys between the sea and mountain range are very narrow, the width varies between 120-180 kilometres (75-112 miles). There are some important rivers rising especially during the Spring when the snow is melting, and many lakes on the highlands with great nature. The population is concentrated especially at the locations suitable for agriculture, tourism, industry and commerce.

The plains of this region are rich in agricultural resources. Fertile soils and a warm Mediterranean climate make the area ideal for growing citrus fruits and grapes, cereals and, in irrigated areas, rice and cotton. Summers are hot, and droughts are not uncommon. Other industrial and agricultural products of the area are wheat, barley, tobacco, greenhouses and carpet weaving, aluminum and steel. 80% of total of Turkey’s oranges and mandarins are grown here, meanwhile bananas are specific only to this region.

The plains around Adana have largely reclaimed flood lands. In the western part of the region, rivers have not cut valleys to the sea; movement inland, therefore, is restricted. The backland is mainly karst and rises sharply from the coast to elevations of up to 2,800 meters (9,200 feet). There are few major cities along this coast, but the triangular plain of Antalya is extensive enough to support the rapidly growing city and port of the same name, which is an important trading center.

Main airports: Antalya airport – Adana airport

Just a pick of highlights:

Antalya Kaleiçi:

Step into Antalya’s Old Town, Kaleiçi, and wander the labyrinth of lanes lined with wonderfully maintained Ottoman-period homes, succumbing to the whispers of a bygone past.

Antalya’s Old City, Kaleiçi, is located in the central part of Antalya. It can be easily reached by various means of transportation, including buses, taxis, or by walking from nearby areas. 

Kaleiçi, Antalya’s Old Town, is a wonderful spot for exploring. Ottoman-era homes surrounding the small lanes, many of which have been turned into stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Manavgat & Side:

Manavgat and Side are two of Antalya’s most famous tourist spots. You can engage in a range of activities such as shopping, sightseeing, swimming, and resting.

Manavgat is a riverside settlement on the Manavgat River. It’s famous for its vibrant marketplaces, waterfalls, and lakes. You can browse the town’s various marketplaces for souvenirs and local items. You can also go on a boat excursion along the Manavgat River to witness the stunning waterfalls. In addition, Manavgat has various lakes that are ideal for swimming and boating.

Side is a town on the coast of the Mediterranean. It is well-known for its historical sites, ancient ruins, and scenic port. Side’s ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, the Side Amphitheater, and the Side Nymphaeum, can be explored while you are there. You can also go to Side’s historical sites, such as the Side Clock Tower and the Side City Walls.  The city also boasts a lovely port, which is ideal for taking a boat trip or simply resting and admiring the scenery.

Dim River & Cave:

Dim River and Cave is a lovely natural place in Alanya, Turkey. It is a famous tourist attraction because of its beautiful surroundings. It has an interesting cave and great riverfront eateries.

The Dim River is a famous swimming, rafting, and fishing location. It’s also a nice location for relaxing and take in the view. Dim Cave is an intriguing cave with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. It is an excellent location for exploring and learning about the natural world with your family, kids and friends.

A great supper may be had at one of the numerous concept riverfront eateries. The restaurants provide Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. You can have your lunch while listening to the river and admiring the magnificent environment.

Ancient Towns and Historical Sites:

Perge – This ancient city was once a major Pamphylian civilisation center. Perge has several remarkable remains, including a Roman theater, a gymnasium, and a temple.

Xanthos – The remnants of an ancient Lycian city may be seen at this UNESCO World Heritage site. The well-preserved temples, tombs, and other buildings of Xanthos are well-known.

Aspendos – This ancient city has a beautifully restored Roman theater. Today, the Aspendos theater is utilized for concerts and other shows.

The northern Anatolian region along the Black Sea occupies 18% of the total area of Turkey with its 141.000 square kilometers (54.440 square miles) of land. This northern coastal region has a steep and rocky coast, and rivers cascade through gorges of the coastal ranges.

Black sea, a few of the large rivers cutting back through the Pontus Mountains (Dogu Karadeniz Daglari) have tributaries that flow in broad, elevated basins. Access inland from the coast is limited to a few narrow valleys and as a result, the coast has always been isolated from the interior. The population and cities are concentrated along the coastline.

The black sea region is well known for its greenery and is visited by many domestic and for the last few years by international tourism. 

The region produces Turkey tea and hazelnuts which is Turkey’s biggest export around the world.

Main airports: Trabzon airport – Samsun airport

Just a pick of highlights:

Sümela Monastery:

There is no monastery like Soumela in other places that can be seen seen from afar, and it seems at first glance to float in the sky, as it is located at an altitude of 1200 meters on the slopes of Maka in Trabzon, and it is puzzling how people were able to build the monastery at this high altitude in an era lacking technology.

The monastery is now open to the public as a museum, and it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Trabzon and one of the most beatiful side of tourism in the black sea in Turkey, and it features wonderful murals.

Firtina Valley:

One of the ideal tourist destinations for nature lovers, the Firtina Valley enjoys the wonderful greenery and scenic landscapes that are usually a source of attraction for tourists.

Local and foreign tourists of black sea in Turkey head to the Firtina Valley to practice various water sports, especially in the spring when everything here is alive. The amazing beauty of Fertina Valley has contributed to putting it on the list of global wildlife protected sites.

Artvin and surroundings

There are no official records on the history of Artvin and is one of the most beautiful places on the Black Sea coast in Turkey, but the artifacts that have been discovered confirm that the region has early civilizations, including the Bronze Age, and a visit to Artvin will give you a wonderful opportunity to learn about the magnificence of the towering mountains The valleys protecting the Kuro River, stunning lakes, forests, and more.

Hiking and trekking are popular activities for tourists, as the Kakar Mountains are one of the favorite spots there, as well as the Makahel Valley and Jinsian Hills, and Artvin owns its share of architectural wonders including mosques, and traditional Ottoman houses.

Amasya:

Amasya is located in the northern part of Türkiye and neighbors to Samsun, Sinop, Çorum, Yozgat and Tokat. The city has a long history of great civilizations ranging from the antiquity to the Ottoman Empire. In modern Türkiye, Amasya had gradually become a significant tourism destination for both local and foreign tourists in recent years. Amasya is also a green city with spectacular natural and historical attractions.

Other small towns interesting to visit in this area are: Safranbolu, Amasra, Sinop, Kastamonu and Tokat.

Seven Lake district:

Seven Lakes in northern Turkey are the focal point of Yedigoller National Park. These small, beautiful lakes were formed from one small mountain stream when successive landslides dammed portions of the flow in years past. The Seven Lakes are named Buyukgol, Kucukgol, Deringol, Nazligol, Seringol, Sazligol and Incegol.

Other lakes interesting to visit in this area are: Abant lake and Göynük lake

Central Anatolia although termed a plateau, this region is actually quite diverse. Stretching inland from the Aegean, it occupies the area between the two zones of folded mountains, extending east to the point where the two mountain ranges converge.

The plateau-like, arid highlands of Anatolia are considered the heartland of the country. Akin to the steppes of Russia, the region varies in altitude from 600 to 1,200 meters (2,000 – 4,000 feet) west to east, averaging 500 meters (1,640 feet) in elevation. The two largest basins on the plateau are the Konya Ovasi and the basin occupied by Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake). Both are characterized by inland drainage. Wooded areas are confined to the northwest and northeast, and cultivation is restricted to the areas surrounding the neighbouring rivers where the valleys are sufficiently wide. Irrigation is practiced wherever water is available; the deeply entrenched river courses make it difficult to raise water to the surrounding agricultural land, however. For the most part, the region is bare and monotonous and is used for grazing.

All areas in Central Anatolia

Rainfall is limited and in Ankara amounts to less than 25 centimetres (10 inches) annually. Wheat and barley are the most important crops, but the yields are irregular, and crops fail in years of drought. 1/3 of the total wheat of Turkey comes from this region. Other important crops in the region are potatoes, beans, chickpeas and lentils.

Stock raising also is important, but overgrazing has caused soil erosion in the plateau, and during the frequent summer dust storms a fine yellow powder blows across the plains. In bad years, stock losses are severe, and locusts occasionally ravage the eastern area in April and May. An area of extreme heat and virtually no rainfall in summer, the Anatolian plateau Continental climate is cold in winter and receives heavy, lasting snows. Villages may be isolated by severe snowstorms.

Carpet weaving is another important income for small villagers, especially in Cappadocia and Konya.

Main airports: Ankara – Kayseri – Konya

Just a pick of highlights:

Ankara:

The capital city of Turkey has a lot to offer from history to modern Turkey has great museums and good shopping possibilities. To mention a few: the old citadel, the Roman August temple, the museum of Anatolian civilisations but the real highlight is the last restplace of the founder of the Republique of Turkey “Atatürk”

The monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938), the founder of modern Turkey, sits high above the city with its abundance of marble and air of veneration. The tomb itself actually makes up only a small part of this complex, which consists of museums and a ceremonial courtyard. For many Turks a visit is virtually a pilgrimage, and it’s not unusual to see people visibly moved.

Cappadocia:

Mysterious open-air sculptures carved by Mother Nature’s chisel. The natural land formations and huge expanses of silence are just a part of the mystery of the region.

In an extraordinary meeting of nature’s artistic splendour and humankind’s resourcefulness, Cappadocia is one of those rare places that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. With soaring rock formations, uniquely-rippled landscapes, splendid walking trails, mysterious underground cities and rock-cut churches, Cappadocia is the must-see destination in Turkey.

The common descriptions of Cappadocia really just tap-dance around the subject. There are few places on earth where you can get a good night’s sleep in a cave, and Cappadocia is one of them. Besides ridiculously romantic primitive surroundings, you can expect traditionally Greek/Anatolian single-vaulted rooms with utilitarian niches cut into the rock. Because of the multilevel character of the rock, most hotels are terraced around open patios with fantastic views of the valley or of local village life.

Nobody knows for certain whom the original inhabitants of the region were, or who first hollowed out shelters in the soft rock of these sheltered ravines and odd chimneys. But as a largely barren area, central Cappadocia was bypassed by most armies, making it a perfect refuge for the early Christians following in the footsteps of St. Paul, who established the first Christian colonies here. 

As an incubator for Christian philosophy, the monasteries, cave dwellings, and feats of underground engineering are a testament to human ingenuity. Cliff walls of the valleys are riddled with cavities that on closer inspection turn out to be centuries-old dwellings or chapels decorated with colourful frescoes and biblical images.

Cappadocian soil is extremely fertile, and a general tour of the region will reveal numerous vineyards. Famous for its local wines, Cappadocia is a major producer; many of the Şarap Evi (wine house) have wine tasting in the evenings.

Hattuşa:

The archaeological site of Hattusha, former capital of the Hittite Empire, is notable for its urban organization, the types of construction that have been preserved (temples, royal residences, fortifications), the rich ornamentation of the Lions’ Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya. The city enjoyed considerable influence in Anatolia and northern Syria in the 2nd millennium B.C.

Konya:

Konya is one of the oldest urban centres in the world. Excavations in Alâeddin Hill in the middle of the city indicate settlement dating from at least the 3rd millennium bce. According to a Phrygian legend of the great flood, Konya was the first city to rise after the deluge that destroyed humanity.

Konya is also worldfamous fort he Mevlana monastery: The Mevlâna Museum, located in Konya, Turkey, is the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. It was also the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, better known as the whirling dervishes.

The magical atmosphere and surroundings that resemble fairy tales, combined with local hospitality of the locals, a trip to the southeastern part of Turkey will be  more than you were expecting.

Southeastern Turkey feels like an entirely different country than the cosmopolitan drags of Istanbul or the sunny old town and open cafes of Antalya. Southeastern Turkey is ancient: It quite literally contains some of the oldest cities in the entire world. Both the Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow through southeastern Turkey, marking out the fertile crescent, Mesopotamia, the honest-to-god cradle of Western civilization. This region is replete in the bones of civilizations, both ancient, medieval and modern and contains the sculpted remnants of forgotten cultures, un-locatable in any other part of the world.

And best of all, the people fall over themselves to be hospitable to travelers. During your trip to southeastern Turkey, you’ll feel yourselves in a completely different world and as traveller you’ll be treated with respect. 

Main airports: Gaziantep and Diyarbakır

Just a pick of highlights:

Nemrut mountain:

The mausoleum of Antiochus I (69–34 B.C.), who reigned over Commagene, a kingdom founded north of Syria and the Euphrates after the breakup of Alexander’s empire, is one of the most ambitious constructions of the Hellenistic period. The syncretism of its pantheon, and the lineage of its kings, which can be traced back through two sets of legends, Greek and Persian, is evidence of the dual origin of this kingdom’s culture.

Göbeklitepe:

Located in the Germuş mountains of south-eastern Anatolia, this property presents monumental round-oval and rectangular megalithic structures erected by hunter-gatherers in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic age between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE. These monuments were probably used in connection with rituals, most likely of a funerary nature. Distinctive T-shaped pillars are carved with images of wild animals, providing insight into the way of life and beliefs of people living in Upper Mesopotamia about 11,500 years ago.

Urfa: 

After being captured by the Sasanid Persians on more than one occasion, Edessa was taken by the Arabs about 638. Thereafter it saw many changes of rule, including occupation by Crusaders in 1098, until it was annexed to the Ottoman Empire at some point between 1516 and 1637. It then remained Turkish, except for a short occupation by forces of the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Muḥammad ʿAlī Pasha, in the late 1830s.

The city’s monuments include the ruins of an ancient citadel situated on one of the hills overlooking the town, part of the old city walls, flood-prevention works built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, and the 13th-century Halil ür-Rahman (Khalīl al-Raḥmān, also called Döşeme) mosque complex.

Urfa is also known from the bible as the city Ur and is called the city of prophets.

Mardin:

A city locked in time, Mardin is located between the rivers of Dicle and Fırat. With its unique texture and amazing architecture, Mardin has been inviting everyone to be fascinated by its beauty. With a population of 796.237, Mardin is an ancient city. Marked by the history itself, the city’s roots go back to Paleolithic Age. Home to many civilizations, the city is touched by various cultures and nations. 

One of the oldest cities of Northern Mesopotamia, Mardin contains many historic sites to be amazed at. It was not only a stage to great battles and historical events, the city was also a center of civilization in the history. With its 11 counties, Mardin is the pearl of Southeast Anatolia.

Diyarbakır:

Full of heart, soul and character, Diyar is proud of remaining the symbol of Kurdish identity and tenacity. Behind the grim basalt walls, the old city’s twisting alleyways are crammed full of historical buildings and Arab-style mosques.

Eastern Anatolia, where the Pontus and Taurus Mountains converge, is a rugged country with higher elevations, a more severe climate, and greater precipitation than on the Anatolian plateau. The average elevation of the peaks is greater than 2,000 meters (6,560 feet).

Mount Ararat is located in this area. Many of the peaks are extinct volcanoes that have been active in the recent past, as evidenced by widespread lava flows. Eastern Anatolian is the largest region of Turkey occupying 21% of the total area of the country with 163.000 square kilometers (62.935 square miles) of land.

From the highlands in the north, sometimes called Turkey’s Siberia, to the mountain ranges in the south that descend toward the Mesopotamian plain in Iraq, vast stretches of this eastern region consist only of wild or barren wasteland. Fertile basins, such as the Mus Valley west of Lake Van and various river corridors, lie at the foot of the lofty ranges. The winters are very harsh with lots of snow, blocking roads to small villages for several months. Because of the harsh climate and high mountains, the population and habitat are not dense.

Stockbreeding is the major income for the local economy. Agriculture is very limited to wheat, barley, cotton and tobacco. The region has the highest unemployment rate in Turkey.

Main airports: Van and Erzurum

Just a pick of highlights:

Van:

More urban, more casual and less rigorous, Van is very different in spirit from the rest of southeastern Anatolia. Young couples walk hand in hand on the main drag, live bands knock out Kurdish tunes in pubs, and a resilient population coping with the impact of recent earthquakes inspire a satisfying urban buzz. An excellent base To discover the interesting remains of Urartian, Kurdish and Armenean history.

Famous in this area are the Urartian castle, the old capital city of the Urartians “Tuşpa”, The Armenian church Akdamar on an island in the biggest lake of Turkey, the Kurdish fortress “Hoşpa”, Çavuşıntepe remains of the Urartian palace and Vanadokya, the Cappadocia of the east and the Van cat research center fort he beautiful Van cats with two different coloured eyes.

Ararat mountain:

Mount Ararat is located at Agri province in eastern Turkey near the Armenian and Iranian borders. As the crow flies, it is about 250 kilometers east of Erzurum, 130 kilometers southeast of Kars, and 160 kilometers north of Van. The main road between Turkey and Iran goes from Erzurum through Dogubayazit (just south of Ararat) to Tabriz. The summit of Mt. Ararat is 5,165 meters (16,945 feet) above sea level. It is higher than any mountain in the continental United States except for Alaska or in Europe outside the Caucasus.

Ararat is a dormant volcano; the last eruption was on 2nd of June 1840. At present the upper third of the mountain is covered with snow all the time; the last hundred meters of snow at the top have turned to ice. For climbers on the mountain, fresh running water is available after the sun has been up a while to melt the snow, but it is cut off in the late afternoon when cold air has overcome the heat of the sun. Below the snow the slopes are covered with great blocks of black basalt rock, some as large as village houses.

Also Ararat is known from the bible as the place where the arch of Noah has landed after the flood.

İshak Paşa palace:

fine example of Ottoman architecture in Anatolia, the palace also bears the traces of decorative arts of the Great Seljuk Empire and 19 years ago it was included in UNESCO’s World Temporary Heritage List. The palace draws visitors from all over the world, mainly from Europe and Asia.

The 116-room palace, located on a hill with an altitude of 900 meters, 7 kilometers to the southeast of the district, resembles an eagle’s nest and stands out with its central heating and toilet system. The palace and its surroundings bear also valuable works dating back to 3,000 years ago, offering visitors many options.

The only palace in Anatolia and has eclectic features as it contains traces of not just the Ottoman architecture but also Seljuk architecture and Caucasian arts.

Ani “The city of 1001 churches”:

The ruins of Ani, nowadays a UNESCO worldheritage site, are the remains of a medieval Armenian kingdom. They are a collection of stunning churches and beautiful mosques spread over a large area on the border with Armenia. They are, one of the most underrated historical sites in Turkey.

Kars:

The Eastern Express has already made Kars very famous among tourists visiting Turkey, however, the province has so much more to offer than just a train ride.

Surrounded by historical and natural marvels, Kars has a lot to offer to its visitors within the city, too. The first thing you will notice is the Kars Castle, which was destroyed and rebuilt many times and now is one of the most popular touristic sights in the city. Also known as Iç Kale, the castle was first built during the rule of the Armenian Bagratid dynasty. The castle was badly damaged during the Russian occupation following the Ottoman-Russian War of 1877-1878.

Erzurum:

An historical city situated on the oxygen-rich skirts of Palandoken Mountain, Erzurum boasts a unique cultural legacy.

Having a growing population, Erzurum is one of the largest cities of the Eastern Anatolian Region. It has a humid continental climate, receiving heavy rain and snow during winter and lots of sunlight in summer.

Due to its geographical location at the crossroads of the ancient trade routes, the cultural heritage of Erzurum has been nurtured by many societies since the Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Ages, including a rich culinary legacy.