South eastern Turkey to the Black sea
Treasures of Cappadocia and Eastern Turkey
- 17 Days
- From TBC
- Turkey
- Moderate
Moderate: Designed for hikers with some experience, offering longer trails and varied terrain.
Highlights
- Cappadocia’s Surreal Landscape: Wander through the surreal landforms of Goreme, shaped by volcanic eruptions and erosion, with striking rock cones, pinnacles, and ravines in vivid hues from reds to greens.
- Mount Nemrut’s Ancient Giants: Stand in awe at Mount Nemrut’s colossal stone statues of gods like Apollo, Zeus, and Hercules, an archaeological wonder in Northern Mesopotamia.
- Cultural Riches of Sanliurfa: Visit the birthplace of Abraham and explore the vibrant bazaar and historic sites along ancient trade routes.
- Stunning Black Sea Landscapes: Walk through the lush green mountains of Artvin, Savsat, and Lake Cildir, a serene and remote gem unknown to most tourists, reminiscent of Scottish lochs.
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Anatolia and Cappadocia, where nature and human civilisation harmoniously coexist. The adventure begins in Cappadocia, a region shaped by the ancient volcanic eruptions of Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan, which covered the land with soft volcanic tuff. Over millennia, wind and rain sculpted this tuff into a surreal landscape of rock cones, pinnacles, and ravines, painted in a spectrum of reds, golds, greens, and greys. Here, in Göreme, human ingenuity is evident in the rock-carved monasteries and chapels of the Byzantine era, their ochre-toned frescoes reflecting the surrounding natural beauty. We trek through these stunning valleys, exploring the troglodyte dwellings and rock-cut churches, immersing ourselves in a landscape as rich in history as it is in natural wonder.
From Cappadocia, we journey southeast into the heart of Anatolia’s ancient civilisations. Our path leads to Mount Nemrut, where the summit is crowned with colossal statues of gods such as Apollo, Zeus, and Hercules, remnants of a 2,000-year-old kingdom. Further along, we reach Sanliurfa, a city steeped in history as the birthplace of Abraham and a key trading post on ancient trade routes. Its lively bazaar offers a glimpse into Turkey’s rich cultural tapestry. Continuing through Harran, famous for its beehive-shaped houses, we arrive in Mardin, one of the oldest cities of Mesopotamia, renowned for its vibrant culinary traditions and stunning historical architecture.
The journey then takes us to Van, a city on the eastern shore of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake, surrounded by majestic mountains. From here, we visit the island of Akdamar, known for its beautiful 10th-century church, set against the tranquil backdrop of the lake. Moving further east, we reach the town of Doğubayazıt, situated on a stark plain between mountain ranges near the Iranian border. The town’s highlight is the impressive Ishak Pasha Palace, where we can admire panoramic views of the legendary Mount Ararat, the biblical resting place of Noah’s Ark.
Travelling north, we arrive in Kars, a city famous for its cheese and goose dishes. From Kars, we visit the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ani, a once-thriving city on the Armenian border, now a ghost town with ancient churches adorned with remarkable carvings and frescoes. Our journey continues towards the Black Sea Mountains, where we explore the peaceful shores of Lake Çıldır, a hidden gem untouched by mass tourism, offering serenity and stunning landscapes reminiscent of remote Scottish lochs.
As we approach the final leg of our journey, we venture into the lush plateaus of Artvin and Şavşat, surrounded by the soaring Karçkal Mountains. This region, known for its lush forests that stretch from the mountain peaks down to the Black Sea coast, is a haven for nature lovers. The tour concludes in the coastal city of Trabzon, where the rugged beauty of Anatolia meets the tranquil waters of the Black Sea, bringing an unforgettable close to this diverse and enriching journey through Eastern Turkey’s natural and historical treasures.
Hotels & Cuisine
For the next three nights, we’ll be staying in a truly unique setting – a cave hotel carved directly into the mountain cliffs of Cappadocia. Set against the backdrop of the stunning fairy chimneys, this luxurious accommodation, right in the heart of town, offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm. The hotel’s cave rooms exude warmth and character, immersing us in the rich history of the region. At the foot of Ortahisar Castle, where nature and culture have remained untouched by time, you’ll feel the spirit of Turkish tradition all around you.
Our journey continues through Eastern Turkey, where we experience “the best of both worlds.” From the rugged mountain landscapes of Mount Nemrut and the Kaçkar Mountains to the tranquil lakeside retreats on the shores of Lake Van and Lake Çıldır, we’ve selected a range of stunning hotels, each steeped in atmosphere and history. Whether nestled in the dramatic highlands or by the serene lakefronts, these handpicked stays provide a cosy, memorable escape into the beauty of Eastern Turkey.
As for the cuisine, prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic adventure! Turkish food is renowned worldwide, not only for its rich flavours but also for its deep ties to the country’s history and geography. With its diverse climate, Turkey grows an abundance of fresh produce, which forms the foundation of this culinary tradition. You’ll savour a variety of dishes, ranging from hearty meats like beef, lamb, and poultry, to mouth-watering vegetarian specialties – eggplant being a favourite.
Contrary to some perceptions, Turkish cuisine isn’t particularly spicy, though in the southern regions, where Middle Eastern influences are strong, you’ll notice a bit more heat. And while lamb used to be a staple, today it’s more of a delicacy due to its cost. Instead, the cuisine showcases a delightful balance of flavours, and vegetarians will be spoilt for choice.
Along the Black Sea coast, the cuisine is anchored by seafood, particularly the famous local anchovy, which is used in many traditional dishes. And don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of Turkey’s exceptional local wines – a perfect pairing with your meals, bringing out the full depth of Turkish culinary artistry.
Transportation
Cappadocia
Kayakapi Premium Caves
Kaaradut
Hotel Euphrat Nemrut
Sanliurfa
Manici Hotel
Mardin
Hotel Izala
Tatvan
Hotel Crater
van
Hotel Merit
kars
Kar’s Hotel
Şavşat
Hotel Laset
begins
18 May 2025
Kayseri, Turkey
ends
