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5 Day Silk Road & Ancient Civilizations Tour of Eastern Turkey

Mardin, Midyat, Hasankeyf, Tatvan, Lake Van, Akdamar Island, Van, Muradiye, Dogubayazit, Kars, Ani Ruins,
Duration

5 day(s)

Tour type

Private

Group size

1-40 people

Physical Level

easy

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Tour Overview

Embark on a breathtaking journey across Eastern Turkey, where the legendary Silk Road, ancient kingdoms, sacred monasteries, and lost cities come together in an unforgettable cultural experience. This tour reveals the rich heritage of Mesopotamia, the Armenian Highlands, and the Urartian Kingdom, blending spiritual landmarks, dramatic landscapes, and archaeological wonders.

Discover the stone-built elegance of Mardin, explore 10,000 years of history in Hasankeyf, cruise across Lake Van to the magnificent Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island, and walk through the monumental ruins of Ani, the medieval “City of 1001 Churches.” Along the way, visit stunning waterfalls, ancient monasteries, Silk Road caravan routes, epic fortresses, and palaces that reflect centuries of Eastern civilizations.

Perfect for culture lovers, history enthusiasts, archaeology fans, photographers, and travelers seeking a deep, authentic experience, this journey unveils the timeless spirit of Eastern Turkey—where every stone, every village, and every horizon tells a story thousands of years old.

Activities
Explorer Discovery In-depth Cultural Solo Travel Sightseeing Photography Historical

Tour Features

Duration
5 day(s)

Max Group Size
1-40 people

Tour Code
5DSRACTET

Departure Type
scheduled

Tour Category
Culture & Historical

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In

Age Requirement
11 - 99

Mardin

Pickup Time:

----------------

Ani Ruins

Dropoff Time:

Highlights
Explore Ancient Mesopotamia & the Cradle of Civilizations Walk through Old Mardin, renowned for its stone architecture and breathtaking views over Mesopotamia

Itinerary

Day 1

(Breakfast Included)

Meet your tour manager at Mardin International Airport and transfer directly into the heart of this ancient city. Arriving around midday, we begin exploring the stunning architectural beauty of Old Mardin, famous for its traditional stone houses carved in the old Arabic style. As we stroll through its bustling bazaars, you’ll witness Mardin’s vibrant trading culture and enjoy panoramic views stretching across the vast Mesopotamian Plain.

Visits of the Day:

Forty Martyrs Church (Kırklar Kilisesi) – dating back to the 4th century, later renamed to honor Cappadocian martyrs

Zinciriye Madrasah (1385) – an exceptional example of Artuqid theology schools with elegant courtyards and domes

Deyr-az-Zaferan Monastery (Deyrulzafaran) – founded in 762 AD, once the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate for nearly 800 years

Explore Old Mardin’s streets & bazaars

Dara Ancient City – known as the “Ephesus of Mesopotamia” with impressive rock-cut structures and ancient walls

Overnight: Mardin

Day 2

(Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, we depart toward Midyat, a charming town known for its stone mansions and ancient monasteries. Continue to Hasankeyf, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world with history spanning over 10,000 years.

Highlights of the Day:

Explore Midyat’s old houses and unique Syriac architecture

Visit a local monastery en routeDiscover Hasankeyf, home to nine civilizations and priceless archaeological treasures

See historical mosques, tombs, cave churches, and remnants threatened by the Ilisu Dam Project

After lunch by the Tigris River, we continue to Tatvan, a peaceful town on the shores of Lake Van, and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the water.

Overnight: Tatvan

Day 3

(Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, depart Tatvan for a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest and saltiest lake. Arrive in Van and board a ferry to the legendary Akdamar Island.

Visits of the Day:

Ferry ride to Akdamar Island

Church of the Holy Cross – the finest Armenian architectural masterpiece of the 10th century

Van Castle (Urartu Fortress) – explore the monumental citadel dating back to the 9th century BC

View ancient Urartian inscriptions and enjoy panoramic lake views

Overnight: Van

Day 4

(Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, follow the ancient Silk Road toward Doğubeyazıt.

Highlights of the Day:

Muradiye Waterfalls – a beautiful natural cascade, striking in all seasons

Scenic stops to view Mount Ararat, often associated with the legend of Noah’s Ark

Ishak Pasha Palace – a spectacular 18th-century complex combining Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian architectural

styles

View the ruins of Eski Beyazit and the ancient Urartian city below

Continue to Kars for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Kars

Day 5

(Breakfast Included)

After an early breakfast, drive to the border city of Ani, a magnificent medieval Armenian capital now in ruins, yet still awe-inspiring.

Visits of the Day:

Ruins of Ani – once home to over 1 million people and known as the “City of 1001 Churches”

Walk through monumental fortified walls, cathedrals, mosques, bridges, and palaces

Enjoy dramatic views overlooking Armenia

Visit Kars Castle – a historic stronghold with sweeping views over the city

Holy Apostles Church (12 Havariler Kilisesi) – built in the 10th century; transformed several times through history

After the tour, transfer to Kars or Van Airport (please confirm airport choice) for your flight to Istanbul.

Your journey through Eastern Turkey ends with unforgettable memories of ancient civilizations, biblical history, and breathtaking landscapes.

End of Tour – Thank you for choosing TravelShop Booking!

Included

1 nights hotel accommodation in Mardin Zerzevan Hotel or similar

1 nights hotel accommodation in Tatwan ( 3&4 star hotel )

1 nights hotel accommodation in Van Elite World Van or similar

1 nights hotel accommodation in Kars Büyük Kale Kars Hotel or similar

Professional, licensed English-speaking tour guide

4 Daily breakfast

Airport transfers upon arrival and departure

Private, A/C, non-smoking vehicle throughout the tour

Professional, experienced driver

Ferry ride to Akdamar Island

All sightseeing tours mentioned in the itinerary

Entrance fees to all museums and archaeological sites as per the program

Guided Old Mardin, Dara Ancient City, Midyat, Hasankeyf

Guided Akdamar Island & Holy Cross Church

Guided Van Castle, Muradiye Waterfalls, Mount Ararat viewpoints

Guided Ishak Pasha Palace, Kars Castle, Ani Ruins

All parking, tolls, highway fees

Local taxes & VAT

Excluded

International or Domestic Flights

Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Personal Expenses & Optional Items

International or domestic flights

Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, minibar, laundry, etc.)

Lunches and dinners not listed as included

Optional tours or activities not specified in the itinerary

Visa fees (if applicable)

Tips for guide and driver

Tips for hotel staff and porters

Tour Booking

Travelers
Departure Month
Private Tour Prices
Start End
Sep 8, 2026 Sep 12, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 9, 2026 Sep 13, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 10, 2026 Sep 14, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 15, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 16, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 13, 2026 Sep 17, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 18, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 15, 2026 Sep 19, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 16, 2026 Sep 20, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 17, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 18, 2026 Sep 22, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 19, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 20, 2026 Sep 24, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 21, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 22, 2026 Sep 26, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 23, 2026 Sep 27, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 24, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 25, 2026 Sep 29, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 26, 2026 Sep 30, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 27, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 29, 2026 Oct 3, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
Sep 30, 2026 Oct 4, 2026 €1475 (%10 Off) €1328
Double room
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