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Product #589109
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From Istanbul: 8-Day Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia Tour｜Turkey
From Istanbul: 8-Day Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia Tour｜Turkey
From Istanbul: 8-Day Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia Tour｜Turkey
From Istanbul: 8-Day Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia Tour｜Turkey
From Istanbul: 8-Day Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia Tour｜Turkey

From Istanbul: 8-Day Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia Tour｜Turkey

Turkey-Istanbul
Free cancellation 3 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • Discover the beauty of the Van Lake and the Akdamar Island on a boat ride
  • Visit the Cat House and see the famous Van Cats, known for their unique eyes
  • Explore the Silver Workshop and learn about the art of Savat and Arubani
  • See the Muradiye Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the Eastern Anatolia region
  • Visit the Ani Ruins and see the Walls, the Lion Gate, and the Great Cathedral
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Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypeShared tour
Transportation methodHotel transfer, Get there on your own
Tour typesGuided tour
Meal arrangementBreakfast included, With dinner
Accommodation typeHotel
Sightseeing typeNatural sights, Historic site tour
TransportCharter car, Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour

Product Info

Dear Traveller, my name is Shahin, I am your local guide in Ancient Mesopotamia and whole Turkiye. Since I will be leading your tour, I am also responsible for presenting it here.

I have been conducting tours, primarily archaeology-themed tours, throughout Turkey since 2000.

I accompany curious travelers who are tired of shopping and photography, and who want to discover new places, learn about real history, local culture, and local customs and traditions.

If you would like to explore Anatolia in depth with me, I invite you to join my tour. Yes, you might pay a little more than other agencies offer, but you will experience an uncensored tour based on real UNESCO World Heritage sites and facts. And I promise, I will not waste your precious and limited time in shopping malls.


What will you see, know, and learn if you join this tour?

First of all, you will gain a thorough understanding of how this unique natural architectural masterpiece known as Anatolia was formed geologically, and what its boundaries encompass. You will realize how the myths and legends surrounding "Anatolia," "Mesopotamia," and "Asia Minor" are actually misconceptions, and you will understand the origins of the places, events, and concepts that have been the subject of historical books and legends in the region. You will get to know the civilizations that have touched, influenced, and been influenced by the region. You will understand how stone carving, an important source of income for the region, began, developed, and became synonymous with Mesopotamia. You will witness how the religious structure of the Roman Empire changed rapidly from the 1st century to the 4th century, and how the official Roman religion, previously Paganism and Mithraism, was replaced by Christianity over time.

If these topics don't interest you, and you only want to join a tour to take photos, we would never recommend our tour, because we are the most boring agency in the region and I am the most boring guide.

Important Info

Reminders

  • If your package requires a pickup address, the supplier will reconfirm the address you provided. If the address cannot be accepted, we will contact you to confirm an alternative pickup location.

  • Not Suitable For: Children under 6 years

  • Not Suitable For: Pregnant women

  • Not Suitable For: People with mobility impairments

  • Not Suitable For: Wheelchair users

  • What To Bring: Comfortable shoes

  • What To Bring: Warm clothing

  • What To Bring: Sunglasses

  • What To Bring: Hat

  • What To Bring: Camera

  • What To Bring: Water

  • What To Bring: Comfortable clothes

  • Not Allowed: Flash photography

  • Know Before You Go: ✅ Start city is Gaziantep. If you pick the all-included option, we will pick you up from your Istanbul hotel, and our driver will pick you up from Gaziantep airports. If you book the budget-friendly option, you can also ask us for a recommendation for the best transportation to reach the starting point of our tour in Gaziantep

  • Know Before You Go: ✅ September, October 2026 and April, May. June 2027 tours already with guarantee departure, but for other months booking, If the group tour options do not have enough numbers until 2 weeks before the tour date, Tripster Travel has the right to cancel the tour and your bookings. (Refund will be 100%)

  • Know Before You Go: ✅ For single person reservations, single person accommodation will be provided in (except budget-friendly option), and for double reservations, a standard double room will be provided as a twin or double bed.

FAQ

1. What unique experiences can visitors have at Van Lake and Akdamar Island?

Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride on Van Lake, discovering its beautiful turquoise waters. The tour includes a visit to Akdamar Island, famous for its 10th-century Holy Cross Church, an important example of Armenian medieval architecture, offering rich historical and spiritual insights amidst stunning natural scenery.

2. What historical sites and structures can be explored at the Ani Ruins?

At the Ani Ruins, travelers can explore significant historical structures including the ancient city Walls, the impressive Lion Gate, and the majestic Great Cathedral. These ruins offer a glimpse into the city's past as a medieval Armenian capital, showcasing its architectural grandeur and strategic importance.

3. Where can visitors see the famous Van Cats and experience local craftsmanship?

Visitors can see the famous Van Cats, known for their distinctive eye colors, at the dedicated Cat House. Additionally, the tour includes a visit to a Silver Workshop, where guests can learn about the intricate art of Savat and Arubani, observing local artisans demonstrating these traditional craftsmanship techniques.

4. How are travel arrangements managed for exploring Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia?

The 8-day exploration begins with a flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep, serving as the gateway to Eastern Anatolia. Throughout the journey, comfortable ground transportation is provided to connect between the various attractions and cities within Mesopotamia and Eastern Anatolia, ensuring a smooth travel experience with an accompanying English-speaking guide.

5. What are the unique aspects of exploring Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia over 8 days?

Exploring Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia over 8 days offers an immersive journey through a region rich in history and unique cultural landscapes. It provides an opportunity to discover ancient ruins, admire natural wonders like Van Lake and Muradiye Waterfall, and engage with local traditions, guided by an English-speaking expert for a comprehensive and enriching experience.

6. What cultural insights do visitors gain from the Silver Workshop regarding Savat and Arubani?

At the Silver Workshop, visitors gain insight into the intricate cultural craft of silverwork specific to the region. They learn about Savat, a complex niello technique used to inlay silver with a black metallic alloy, and Arubani, another traditional form of jewelry making, observing the detailed processes and appreciating their historical significance.

7. What kind of guiding support is included when exploring Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia?

An English-speaking guide accompanies the journey throughout the exploration of Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia. This guide provides valuable historical and cultural insights at each site, manages logistics, and assists with local interactions, ensuring a deeper understanding and a smoother, more informative travel experience for all participants.

8. What are the main highlights to see at Muradiye Waterfall during the tour?

At Muradiye Waterfall, visitors will experience one of the most impressive natural sights in Eastern Anatolia, as it is known for being the highest waterfall in the region. The main highlight is its powerful cascades and the surrounding lush environment, offering picturesque views and a refreshing natural spectacle during the tour.

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