Lake Van & Mount Ararat to Istanbul
Uncover the treasures of eastern Turkey on this 6-day journey from Van to Istanbul. Begin at the ancient Urartian Citadel of Van before sailing to Akdamar Island and exploring the region’s rich history at the Van Museum. Meet the unique swimming Van cats and continue to Dogubayazit to admire the majestic Ishak Pasha Palace. You'll pass Mount Ararat en route to Kars, where medieval Ani’s haunting ruins await. Round off your adventure with time in Kars and a return to vibrant Istanbul. This tour blends natural beauty, deep history, and cultural charm in one unforgettable trip.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
6 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
VanEnds
IstanbulMinimum Age
8 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Turkey that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
Yes - VanDeparture Transfer
Yes - IST / SAWTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideCountry
TurkeyMeals Included
Breakfast: 5Passengers
$5,941.50
$2,970.75
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 20
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 20Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Van and Visit to the Citadel
Upon arriving at Van Airport, you will meet your tour guide. Before heading to our hotel, we will explore the Citadel of Van, home to the remarkable 3,000-year-old Urartian fortress. Here, we'll witness an extraordinary sunset. We will stay overnight at a boutique hotel in Van.
Day 2 - Akdamar Island, Van Museum and Van Cats
After breakfast, we take a ferry to Akdamar Island to explore a stunning 10th-century church, built by an Armenian king. If time permits, you may enjoy a swim in the beautiful waters of Lake Van.
We then return to the city centre to visit the world's largest Urartu Museum. This museum showcases artefacts in chronological order from various periods, including the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Urartu, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Seljuk, Turkish-Islamic, and Ottoman eras, offering a unique historical perspective.
Our next stop is the Van Cat House, home to the distinctive Van cats. Known for their chalky white coats and varied eye colours—either with both blue or amber eyes, or one of each—these cats are famously known as "the swimming cats" and have been seen frolicking in Lake Van.
Overnight in Van at a boutique accommodation. Breakfast is included.
Day 3 - Muradiye, Ishak Pasha Palace and Mount Ararat
Van - Dogubayazit - Kars. Today, we depart for Dogubayazit, stopping en route at Muradiye and the Bendimaahi Falls. Once in Dogubayazit, we explore the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural marvel combining Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Armenian, and Persian influences, dating from 1685 to 1784.
We then travel northwards, passing along the western edge of Mount Ararat, a breathtaking natural landmark. The name "Ararat" originates from the Bible (Jeremiah 51:27) and is a transliteration of "Urartu," the term for this region and its ancient inhabitants.
We stay overnight in Kars at a boutique hotel. Breakfast is included.
Day 4 - Ruins of Ani and Historic Kars
Kars - Ani - Kars. This morning, we travel to Ani, the former capital of the Armenian kingdom. In the mid-10th century, Ani was unparalleled in Europe for its size and splendour. Among the ruins, we will explore several churches, the shell of Ani Cathedral, the citadel, and a mosque. The Church of St Gregory (Tigran Honentz) also houses intriguing fresco remains, survivng after centuries exposed to the weather.
In the afternoon, we will visit the 12 Apostles Church and Kars Castle.
Day 5 - Flight to Istanbul
Kars - Istanbul. Transfer to Kars Airport for your included flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, enjoy a convenient transfer to your hotel. You'll be staying overnight in a 4-star hotel, with breakfast included.
Day 6 - Istanbul
After breakfast, our tour comes to an end. We bid farewell to our newfound friends before transferring you to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Child' pricing applies to those aged 8 - 11 and travelling with at least one adult. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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