Armenian Heritage

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul, the largest city in modern Turkey. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: Today we enjoy an extensive tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents and the former capital of three great empires. Our first visit will be Hagia Sophia, the legendary landmark built about 1,500 years ago. We will then visit the famous Blue Mosque. After lunch, we visit Topkapi Palace, where Ottoman sultans lived and ruled the empire for centuries. You will then have free time at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, where you can also find shops with a long Armenian heritage. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: After breakfast, we visit an Armenian church, with the possibility of attending Mass depending on the schedule. We then walk along the famous Taksim Square and Istiklal Street and visit another historic Armenian church. After lunch at an Armenian restaurant, you will have free time to explore the historic Spice Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4: Early flight to Kayseri Airport. After arrival, we drive to the historic Armenian Church of Surp Astvadzadzin. After lunch, we continue to Cappadocia, the magical land of fairy chimneys, valleys, and cave dwellings. We will enjoy a half-day tour before checking into your cave hotel in Urgup. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5: Before breakfast, you will have the opportunity to take a fascinating hot-air balloon ride and enjoy unforgettable views of Cappadocia from the air. After breakfast, we begin exploring the Goreme Open-Air Museum, with its ancient monasteries and churches decorated with beautiful mural frescoes. We will discover the rich early Christian heritage of Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6: Today we continue exploring Cappadocia. We will visit Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos, and Zelve, discovering the unique landscapes, fairy chimneys, and traditional villages of the region. We will also visit a famous underground city where early Christians lived and sought refuge. After dinner, you will have the option to watch a Whirling Dervishes performance, representing the spiritual tradition of Sufism that developed in the 13th century. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 7: Leaving Cappadocia, we drive toward the Mediterranean region of Turkey. On the way, we stop at Gumusler Monastery, famous for its remarkable frescoes, including a unique smiling Virgin Mary. We then continue to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, where we will visit St. Paul’s Well. Overnight in Adana.

Day 8: After breakfast, we drive to Antakya and visit St. Pierre Church, one of the earliest Christian places of worship and traditionally associated with the first Christian community of Antioch. Later, we continue to Vakifli, the only officially recognized Armenian village in Turkey, located on the slopes of beautiful Musa Dagi. We will enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to Antakya. Overnight in Antakya.

Day 9: We leave early for Sanliurfa, one of the most historic cities in southeastern Turkey. We will visit Harran and then explore Gobekli Tepe, one of the world’s oldest known monumental archaeological sites. In Sanliurfa, we will visit the historic Ulu Mosque, which was formerly a Christian church before being converted into a mosque. Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Day 10: Today we drive to Diyarbakir, one of the oldest cities in southeastern Turkey. We will visit the recently restored Surp Giragos Church, one of the largest historic Armenian churches in the Middle East and an important part of the Armenian heritage of the region. Overnight in Diyarbakir.

Day 11: We continue our journey east to Van. After arrival, we will enjoy a city tour and discover the history and culture of this fascinating region. Overnight in Van.

Day 12: Today we take a boat trip on Lake Van and visit the famous Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island. After lunch, we continue to Cavustepe, an impressive archaeological site and an ancient settlement of the Urartu civilization. Overnight in Van.

Day 13: Leaving Van, we travel to Dogubayazit, a historic town near the Iranian border. We will visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, dramatically located on the mountainside. We then continue to our hotel near Mount Ararat, where you will spend the night beneath the legendary mountain. Overnight near Mount Ararat.

Day 14: Today we continue north along the border with Armenia. Along the way, you will see the dramatic landscapes of eastern Turkey and, in some areas, views toward the Armenian side of the border. We arrive in Kars and visit the spectacular ancient city of Ani, once the capital of the medieval Armenian Kingdom. The site contains the remains of numerous Armenian churches and other historic buildings, creating one of the most impressive archaeological landscapes in eastern Turkey. Overnight in Kars.

Day 15: After breakfast, we drive to Erzurum, one of the most important historic cities in eastern Turkey. After a city tour, we visit the impressive Cifte Minareli Medrese and Yakutiye Medrese, two outstanding examples of Seljuk architecture. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together. Overnight in Erzurum.

Day 16: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Note: If there is no early flight from Erzurum to Istanbul during the season, the itinerary will be adjusted. In that case, you will fly to Istanbul after completing the tour and spend the night there.