TREASURES OF EASTERN TURKEY
March 26 to April 09, 2022
Led by local guide/STS Tour Manager
Eastern Turkey is the true cradle of civilization, encompassing the earliest farmers, the great Hittite and Urartian empires of antiquity, the conquering Romans, early Christian churches, and medieval fortresses. Bordering Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, this seldom-visited region offers travelers simply incredible sights. See the earliest “temple” at Göbekli Tepe with its 12,000-year-old carvings. Visit Hittite sites with carved reliefs, and cuneiform inscriptions on the Urartian capital at Tushpa. Explore the Biblical connections of Urfa and Harran (where Abraham once lived), and Mount Ararat, claimed to be the final resting place of Noah’s Ark. Eastern Turkey is a fantastic repository of ancient Roman, biblical, Seljuk, Armenian and Crusader relics. See the magnificent carvings in the Armenian Church on Akdamar Island in Lake Van, and an entire ghostly ruined Armenian city at Ani. And you will not forget the stunningly situated sculptured heads of Nemrut Dag, or Ishak Pasha Palace, the Taj Mahal of Turkey.
Can be combined with our Iraq tour (March 12 -27, 2022)
Trip cost (Land only):
4-5 travelers: $5,750.00
per person sharing in double occupancy
6-7 travelers: $5,450.00
per person sharing in double occupancy
8-12 travelers: $4,950.00
per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement: $700.00
Price based on a group size minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 12 participants
Tour Includes
Domestic flights Istanbul-Trabzon and Gaziantep-Istanbul.
Accommodation at Superior (4*) hotels.
Local English-speaking licensed guide during the entire tour.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites as per the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner).
Transportation throughout the trip in an air-conditioned minivan/bus.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tips to the local guide and the driver.
Tour Does Not Include
International air USA-Istanbul – Istanbul-USA.
Turkey Visa (can be obtained online - Currently $50.00)
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Expenses of personal nature: alcoholic beverages, camera fees, telephone, email, laundry bills, etc.
Dayroom or extra hotel nights necessitated by airline flight schedule changes.
Porterage at the hotels.Travel Insurance (hIGHLY RECOMMENDED).
Trip Grade:
II Active - Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides and extensive drives.
LODGING Level:
*** Superior - Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (3 or 4 stars)
Special Trip Remarks:
Moderately Vigorous Touring - You will be covering a lot during this journey. The roads are good and the bus very comfortable. Some driving days are long. There will be several restroom stops along the way. It is important to recognize the exhausting nature of some of the long sightseeing days as well as some of the site visits where you may have to climb on uneven terrain, steps, rocks and sand as well as up inclines and stairs. Some of the sites involve more strenuous walking (uphill on uneven ground) in order to view the sights. Not easily done if you are not in good physical condition. Be prepared with comfortable shoes. You do have the option of staying with the vehicle if some sites seem difficult for you
