Tour date 23 August – 2 September 2025
Explore eastern Anatolia with its fertile plateaux, stunning lakes and mountains, and the architectural legacy of the Urartian, Armenian, Selçuk and Ottoman empires which all laid claim to this strategically important region on the Silk Road throughout the centuries. Most mysterious is the Iron Age Kingdom of Urartu, lost to history until excavations in the 19th century unearthed remains of fortifications, jewelry and cuneiform inscriptions. With territories spanning the borders of modern day Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Armenia, its capital was Van, known then as Tushpa, and the kingdom was notable for its advanced architecture, metalwork, and military might. Vanishing around the 6th century and with its settelements systematically destroyed, the kingdom which had once been considered a great threat by the Assyrians, was not known to later settlers other than in legends passed down through the generations.
Our tour explores the history of the region in the context of its invaders and settlers, from the Bronze Age to the Ottomans. Beginning in Trabzon, a beautifully situated Byzantine port on the Black Sea and vital trade gateway to Persia, learn about the erstwhile Empire of Trebizond, and the many layered history of this frontier city, its location of strategic and financial importance to Justinian, the Seljuk Turks, Ottomans and Russians, who all occupied the city. Visit the lovely 13th century church of Hagia Sophia, built by one of Trebizond’s Emperors with beautiful frescoes which were once covered with whitewash by the Ottomans. Leaving Trabzon, delight in the 4th century Sumela Monastery, a Greek Orthodox monastery clinging to a sheer cliff-face and abandoned during the exchange of populations. Next, explore Selcuk and Ottoman remains at Erzurum, Turkey’s highest city, then continue to Kars, set amongst stunning scenery on a plateau 5,740 feet above sea level, near the border with Armenia. Visit the evocative ruins of Ani nearby, abandoned after a series of raids and a devastating earthquake, but once the flourishing capital of the Armenian Bagratid Kingdom. Today the site is scattered with the remains of fine churches and monasteries showcasing superb Armenian stonework. Continue along the ancient Silk Road to the poudly Kurdish town of Doğubeyazıt, situated at an elevation of 6000 feet and straddled on one side by the biblical Mount Ararat and on the other by the Palace of İshak Paşa, a beautiful fortress and mosque complex set high on a rocky knoll. Travel south towards Lake Van, the largest sodium carbonate lake in the world, with breath-taking scenery. Here, we discover the Urartian, Armenian and Selcuk settlement of Ahlat, and continue round the lake to end the tour with a stay in the convervative but buzzing lakeside city of Van, the erstwhile capital of the Kingdom of Urartu. Here we shall see the most significant of the Kingdom’s scant remains – the 8th century BC fortress at Çavuştepe, scattered atop a hill with sweeping views of the plains below, and cuneiform inscriptions to be found amongst its grass-covered blocks, the carvings so precise they look as though they could have been carved yesterday.
As the majority of the locations visited during this tour are located at an altitude of over 5,000 feet, the weather even in August should feel mild and spring-like during our tour, in contrast to the extreme heat one usually experiences on the coast or interior of Turkey over the summer months. In some areas such as Erzurum, the snow only melts for a few months of the year. The only area which will likely be hot is Trabzon, which has a sub-tropical climate and is at sea-level. However even here, the average high even in August is 27 centigrade. Once we start to climb, the temperatures will drop considerably.
Tour highlights
- Visit the 13th century St Sophia with extraordinary Byzantine frescoes, in cosmopolitan Trabzon on the Black Sea coast
- Marvel at the the ruins of the 4th century orthodox Monastery of Sumela, clinging to a sheer cliff-face amidst forrested slopes
- Explore the 12th-16th century Selcuk tombs at Tatvan, the largest muslim cemetry in Turkey, engraved with intricate patterns
- Visit picturesque Akdamar Island in Lake Van, with its exquisite 10th century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross
- Discover the lost medieval city of Ani near Kars, once the capital of an Armenian Kingdom and vital waypoint on the Silk Road
- Enjoy unparalelled views from the romantic semi-ruined Ishak Pasa Palace, overlooking Mount Ararat.
Itinerary at a glance (click on the itinerary tab for full details)
Day 1: Tour starts in Trabzon | Check into hotel from 15:00 | Welcome dinner
Day 2: Visit 13th century church of St Sophia | See Ataturk’s Mansion | Ortahisar Mosque
Day 3: Drive to see the extraordinary ruins of 4th century Sumela Monastery | Travel the Silk Road to Erzurum, Turkey’s highest city
Day 4: Visit the Cifte Minaret Medrese and archaeolgical museum | Drive to Kars, once the capital of the Armenian Bagratid dynasty
Day 5: Excursion to the romantic ruins of Ani with dozens of abandoned buildings inluding churches, mosques and carevanserai
Day 6: Continue along a scenic stretch of the Silk Road to Doğubeyazıt with views of Mt Ararat | Stop to see the ruined Işak Paşa Palace
Day 7: Arrive on the shores of Lake Van to visit medieval Ahlat and the Seljuk cemetary | Continue to Tatvan and see the fortress.
Day 8: Travel by small boat to the island of Akdamar on Lake Van | Visit the exquisite Church of the Holy Cross | Continue to Van
Day 9: Visit the 8th centiry BC Urartian fortress of Sardurihinilli at Cavustepe | Explore the medieval Kurdish castle of Hoşap
Day 10: See the Urartian cuneiform inscriptions at the ‘Rock of Van’ and ‘old city’ | Afternoon seeing Urartian artifacts at Van museum
Day 11: Tour ends after breakfast | Group transfer to the airport at a set departure time for onward travel.
Day 1: 23 August 2025 Tour starts in Tabzon, Turkey
Day 2: 24 August 2025 Trabzon
Day 3: 25 August 2025 Sümela Monastery - Zigana - Karaca Cave - Erzurum
Day 4: 26 August 2025 Erzurum to Kars
Day 5: 27 August 2025 Kars - Ani - Kars
Day 6: 28 August 2025 Kars to Doğubeyazıt
Day 7: 29 August 2025 Doğubeyazıt - Ahlat - Tatvan
Day 8: 30 August 2025 Tatvan to Van
Day 9: 31 August 2025 Çavustepe
Day 10: 01 September 2025 Van
Day 11: 2 September 2025 Tour ends in Van
Dates and Prices
Prices are in UK£, per person, based on double occupancy
| Room Type | Price | Single Supplement | Turkish Airlines via Istanbul | Availability |
| Standard | £3,395 | £390 | Approx £500 return | Good availability |
Inclusions
Twin or double bedded hotel room with ensuite bathroom (3-4* boutique), daily breakfast, lunches daily except arrival and departure days, dinners every evening except Day 5 and Day 9, all excursions with local guides including entrance fees, vehicles, expert leader. Also included are return group airport transfers if arriving/departing on Temple World’s recommended flights.
Single occupancy supplement for solo travellers in twin/double room £390
Exclusions
Transport to and from Turkey (see optional flights below), Turkish visa or evisa if required, dinner on day 5 and 9, meals on the arrival day except dinner, or on the departure day except breakfast, drinks, private airport transfers if required, travel insurance, tips to local guides/porters, items of a personal nature (ie souvenirs, snacks)
Optional flights
Temple World can arrange flights to co-ordinate with this tour. As a guide the cost for return flights with Turkish Airlines is from £490return from London, but airfares are subject to availability and pricing at the time of booking. Our preferred flights are:
23 Aug 25 TK1988 Heathrow to Istanbul dep 06:35 arr 12:35
23 Aug 25 TK2832 Istanbul to Trabzon dep 16:15 arr 18:10
2 Sep 25 TK2747 Van to Istanbul dep 12:05 arr 14:35
2 Sep 25 TK1983 Istanbul to Heathrow dep 18:45 arr 20:50
We will arrange a group transfer for all travellers arriving/departing on these flights. We can quote for private transfers at extra cost for arrivals/departures on any other flights.
Turkish Airlines flies from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Stansted and Edinburgh to Istanbul IST airport but not all regional flights will necessarily connect with the service to Trabzon/back from Van. Where flights do not connect well we recommend a stopover in Istanbul, for which we can quote for a range of hotel accommodation, guiding and transfers should you wish us to book this for you. We can also arrange airport hotels or exytra nights pre or post the main tour in Trabzon/Van should you need them.
If combining this tour with a private extension to Istanbul, we can arrange flights with a stopover of any duration in Istanbul in one or both directions. We are able to assist with hotel rates, transfers and as much or as little in the way of privately guided excursions as you like. Please note that we are unable to arrange guiding on its own – as a minimum, hotel accommodation in Istanbul needs to be included in our services. Should you wish to extend your stay in Turkey with a relaxing beach stay we would be delighted to recommend and quote our favorite tried and tested hotels.
For beach extensions ending in Bodrum there are often direct flights from Bodrum to London so we would investigate those for you.
As a price guide the return cost for the main group flights shown from London Heathrow is about £500-£600 return per person, with early booking most likely to result in fares at the lower end of this range.
Please contact us for assistance or advice regarding flights.
Booking your own travel
Clients who would like to travel using airmiles as payment for the ticket/upgrades, or who wish to fly on a low-cost carrier are advised to book their own flights as we are not able to book these types of tickets on behalf of clients. If arriving/departing at a different time to the main group you will not be able to take part in the group transfer to/from the airports however we will be happy to arrange and quote for private transfers to meet any flight time if required.
VERY IMPORTANT! Those making their own arrangements should check with us before making any binding or non-refundable flight arrangements, firstly because the tour departure is not guaranteed until we reach minimum numbers, and secondly to obtain advice that the proposed flights will work with start/finish times of the tour.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour will be at mix of very good 3 star and boutique or mid-sized 4* hotels. In a few places the accommodation options are limited, so we have gone for the best available.
Immunisations
No vaccinations are usually recommended for most straightforward touristic visits to Turkey, as long as travellers are up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. See your GP or travel health professional at least 4-6 weeks before travel for advice tailored to your personal requirements, as some people may be recommended to have certain precautionary vaccinations depending on their personal health.
Entry Regulations
Most nationalities including USA and Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Turkey. UK passport holders are currently exempt and do not need a visa. The previous system of visa on arrival has now closed, so if you need a visa it is essential to get an e-Visa online before travel through the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa website. The cost of an e-Visa varies depending on the passport you hold. You can pay by credit or debit card. If you use this option, you should apply at least 48 hours before travel and can do so up to 3 months in advance.
Foreign Office Advice
Fitness Guideline
We have graded the fitness level required for participation in this tour as Moderate.
This is a a busy itinerary with a lot to see, most of which is on foot. There are no hikes but whilst sightseeing we might be ‘on the go’ for several hours at a time, without long breaks to sit down and rest. There will be some longer coach journeys at points during the tour. It is important that everyone is able to keep up with the group during walking tours, as Istanbul’s streets and sights are busy with locals and tourists, so we do need to stick together and keep to a certain pace to see everything as planned. Archaeological sites visited often don’t have well-made paths and it can be uneven underfoot with loose gravel and various trip hazards from fallen blockwork. Most are not accessible for weelchair users, and some are on hillsides. As a general rule we would say that if you rely on a stick, frame or walker to get around your home or neighbourhood, this tour probably is not suitable unless you request a separate private guide for excursions. We can arrange this on request, at extra cost. Please contact us for advice if you are at all unsure if this tour is for you.
Trip Scholar
Professor Peter Sarris, F.R.Hist.S., Professor of Late Antique, Medieval, and Byzantine Studies, University of Cambridge
Peter Sarris read Modern History at Balliol College, Oxford (1990-93), after which he was elected to a Prize Fellowship (by examination) at All Souls College, Oxford (where he was a Fellow from 1993 to 2006). He moved to Cambridge as a University Lecturer and Fellow of Trinity College in 2000, and has held Visiting Fellowships at Rice University, Texas, and the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library, Washington D.C. (Harvard University). Professor Sarris is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a member of the Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies and Director of the Virtual Centre for Late Antiquity. He has published extensively on the social, economic and legal history of Late Antiquity, the Early Middle Ages and Byzantium, with a particular focus on the political economy of the East Roman Empire from the fourth to sixth centuries, the transmission of Roman economic and legal culture, and the background to the rise of Islam. His current research focuses on the development of Eurasian trading networks between Constantinople, Persia, Central Asia and China, and also on the emergent contours of the ‘confessional state’ in the age of Justinian. Professor Sarris is an engaging lecturer who has proved a popular trip scholar on previous Alumni tours.
Lectures during our tours
All our tours are accompanied by an academic ‘trip scholar’ as well as local guides. The local guide or guides provide the day-to-day guiding on our tours, whilst the trip lecturer will give regular lectures on his/her specialist subject throughout to provide an academic overview. Lectures/talks usually last 30-40 minutes including questions and answers (if applicable). These are generally held in the evenings before dinner and attendance is optional. We don’t usually specify before travel which days the lectures will be given (for operational reasons) but guests can expect them roughly every other day as a minimum, with some lecturers giving some kind of talk or presentation more frequently, especially on shorter tours.
Private extensions in Turkey
We have been arranging group tours and private journeys in Turkey for over two decades and there are no corners we don’t know! Our tailor-made team would be delighted to quote a bespoke pre or post-tour extension of any length, whether it’s for a privately guided stop-over in Istanbul or simply a lovely beach hotel before or after the tour. The sea temperatures in September along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is usually wonderfully warm for swimming, and with air temperatures in the high 20s and early 30s with blue skies, this means whether you’d like to explore or just relax by the sea this is the ideal time to go.
Istanbul Pre-Tour stopover
We highly recommend adding a 3 night private extension to Istanbul, for 1000 years the glittering Byzantine capital, Constantinople. All flights to/from Eastern Turkey route via Istanbul, so it’s very easy to add this on after the tour and in fact will allow us to hold flights off without the need for a deposit; currently we’re experiencing difficulty booking contracted fare through-tickets from London to Trabzon via Istanbul, but can book them without any deposit required as long as an Istanbul stopover (of any length) is included.
See Justinian’s Hagia Sofia, built to be the most resplendent church in Christendom. Contrast this with the city’s superb 16C Sulyemaniye Mosque and 17C Blue Mosque, built after the city was captured by the Ottomans in 1453 and became capital of their empire. Also explore the evocative Topkapı Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans and their harems, and browse the kiosks of the Egyptian Spice Market, piled high with goods which have changed little since the bazaar was built in 1664.
Suggested itinerary (we can arrange guiding for as much or as little time as you’d like during the stay- this is just an idea)
20 August 2025
Arrive on a direct flight to Istanbul. You will be met on arrival by your private transfer driver and taken to your hotel. Afternoon/evening at leisure.
Overnight: Haci Bayram (3*)/ Yasmak Sultan (4*) / Four Seasons Sultanahmet (5*) | Meals: –
21 August 2025
This morning, meet your private guide in the lobby of the hotel and set off for a full day of exploration in the Sultanhmet area of the city. Start at the Byzantine Hippodrome, an arena used for chariot racing throughout the Byzantine period. First built during the reign of Roman emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century CE, the structure was made more grandiose by Emperor
Constantine I in the 4th century CE. Also found here is the Obelisk of Theodosius, an ancient Egyptian Obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III which was re-erected in the Hippodrome. Keep an eye out for the bronze Serpentine Column too, a piece of an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod, originally erected in Delphi and relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324, missing its serpent heads since the end of the 17th century. Next, head underground and visit the Byzantine Basilica Cistern, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the cistern is made of 336 columns, many of which are ornate capitals salvaged from ruined classical temples.
Back above ground once again, visit the magnificent 17th century Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and the 25,000 pieces of Blue Iznik tiles which decorate the interior.
After lunch (own expense – your guide can recommend local eateries at various price-points) , continue to Topkapi Palace, the former Imperial residence and the seat of the Empire for 600 years, now a museum. Originally built by Mehmet II in the late 1450’s after taking Constantinople in 1453, successive sultans renovated and expanded the palace. The palace has vast gardens overlooking the Golden Horn and Bosphorus and includes the Ottoman imperial harem, the imperial treasury where the Spoonmaker’s Diamond and Topkapi Dagger can be seen, as well as Ottoman clothing, weapons, armour, religious relics, and illustrated manuscripts. It also houses one of the finest Chinese and Japanese porcelain collections in the world. You’ll also visit the 16th century Suleymaniye Mosque, the mosque of Sultan Suleiman the ‘Magnificent’, built by the famous architect Sinan.
In the early evening, round off the exciting day with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine Church built by Constantine, converted into a mosque by the Ottomans and now a
museum. Visitor numbers are now restricted and queues can be very lengthy earlier in the day, hence leaving this until the crowds have died down. Please note that the upper levels containing many of the Christian mosaics may be closed for renovation.
Overnight: Haci Bayram (3*)/ Yasmak Sultan (4*) / Four Seasons Sultanahmet (5*) | Meals: B /–/ –
22 August 2025
After breakfast, meet your private guide once again, to be transferred to the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar). Here, the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, and thyme and many other herbs and spices. Follow this with a relaxing and scenic boat trip up the Bosphorus. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses and small fishing villages. Return to your hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore independently, or perhaps go hunting for a bargain at the labirynthine Grand Bazaar.
Overnight: Haci Bayram (3*)/ Yasmak Sultan (4*) / Four Seasons Sultanahmet (5*) | Meals: B /–/ –
23 August 2025
After a morning at leisure to sightsee independently, or simply relax, you’ll be collected for a private transfer to the airport to catch a direct flight to Trabzon to join the tour.
PS: If you have one extra day we would recommend arriving on 19 August and exploring the lesser-visited historic districts of Fener and Balat, filled with colourful Ottoman-era houses and the evocative remains of the Jewish, Greek Orthodox and Armenian communities who lived in Istanbul.
Price: This is a tailor-made extension so the price will depend on the accommodation you choose and how much guiding you would like to include. We will be pleased to quote the cost based on a hotel and inclusions to suit your budget. You don’t have to add guiding or transfers, we are happy just to book the hotel if you wish to self-guide./take taxis. Unfortunately we cannot offer the guiding on its own if you have booked your own accommodation.
Ephesus/Beach/relaxing extensions pre/post tour
It’s possible to fly direct between either Trabzon or Van to Izmir on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, should you wish to spend a few days before or after the tour relaxing on the shores of the Mediterranean. The closest area for good beaches to Izmir is the Ayvalik area, with stunning bays and sandy beaches. The best resort on this coastline is the D-Resort Murat Reis, set on a private sandy beach, and with high-end rooms, service and food. A 3-5 night stay in this area would be a wonderful way to relax in style at the end of the tour.
For something completely different, instead of going to the beach you could visit Ephesus, staying at a relaxing hotel set among vineyards. The Yedi Bilgeler (Seven Sages) Winery hotel offers state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and airy, country-style rooms with views of the lavender gardens, vineyards and the lush valley. You can taste wines produced at the property’s winery, learn about wine making on site, and sample home-made jam, olive oil and herbs from the estate. There’s an excellent ‘farm-to-table’ restaurant on site, a pool for relaxing and the site of Ephesus is only 5 miles away if you would like to visit it for a second time at your leisure. Best of all, the vineyard hotel is less than 20 minutes by road from the magnificent Roman site of Ephesus, and excursions to the site can be easily arranged.
Bodrum is just a two hour road transfer from Izmir, and is home to the most deluxe retreats on the whole southern coast, such as Amanruya, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, Six Senses Kaplankaya and The Bodrum EDITION, all located in seclusion in the surrounding coastline away from the town. We also have hotel picks in central Bodrum too for those who would like to explore.
It is possible to fly back to/from the UK direct from both Bodrum and Izmir.
Please contact lia@templeworld.com for advice or a quote on any private pre or post tour extensions.
