Light Rises in the East Featuring Black Sea Region Tour in Turkey

The special orient tour featuring Black Sea region. The East ! Home of many civilizations. Land of the legendary. Simply the treasure of the culture! Explore the deep-trace of the culture in Eastern Turkey by us

DAY 1 ISTANBUL TO ANKARA Welcome to Ankara Esenboga Airport, the capital of young & modern Turkey, Ankara’s history and that of the surrounding area dates back to the Bronze Age and the Hatti civilization. Deren Koray Tourism staff will be waiting for you at the airport and will transfer you to the hotel. Welcome cocktail is for getting acquaintance with Ankara and brief information for this special orient tour. Dinner will be served at the hotel [D]

DAY 2 ANKARA – SAMSUN Today we’ll depart for Samsun one of the major ports and the center of the Turkish War of Independence on May 19, 1919, when Atatürk landed here to organize the defense of Anatolia. En route impressive Hittite city of Hattusas, known today as Bogazkale. This city, the Hittite religious center, was known as the City of Temples with its over 70 temples. The largest ruins are those of the great temple of the storm god Tesup, Yazilikaya, an open air rock pantheon dating from the 13th century BC, contains fine relieves of all the Hittite gods and goddesses and Alacahoyuk, the center of the flourishing Hattian culture during the Bronze Age. Late at night we’ll arrive Samsun. Check-in and take your time in the hotel located in the city center. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 3 SAMSUN – TRABZON Get ready to be the witness of the dance of the blue and the green. Along the scenic Black Sea coast passing by Ordu that is famous with its hazelnut and we’ll reach Trabzon. Check in at the hotel. Time to visit 13th-century Byzantine church, used for centuries as a mosque and now is Hagia Sophia Museum having splendid frescoes, some of the finest examples of Byzantine painting, cover every one of the interior church walls. We’ll take you to Boztepe Park where you can observe the breathtaking scenery of Trabzon’s coastline. Tonight we’ll invite you to taste famous Akçaabat meatballs in Trabzon. The traditional regional folk dance “Horon” will be displayed in here (if available). You’ll certainly love this. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 4 TRABZON – ERZURUM In the morning after breakfast we’ll depart for Erzurum. First we’ll stop over at Altindere National Park boasting a magnificent setting for the 14th-century Sumela Monastery, perched high on a cliff face 270 meters above a deep gorge. Surrounded by the ruins of the monks’ quarters, is a church covered inside and out with brilliant frescoes. Along this journey, we’d like you to taste the regional rosehip marmalade and syrup that is very special to this region. Via Gumushane which is one of the stops on the silk road we’ll reach Erzurum. Welcome to one of the most important strategic spot along the trade routes to Persia, India and Russia. The ruins will explain this importance of the city. We’ll be the interpreters. Check-in at the hotel and just relax. Dinner will be served at the hotel. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 5 ERZURUM – KARS Today we’ll examine Erzurum with its beautiful historical places. First we’ll climb Erzurum citadel, dated back to 400’s with its interior walls. Passing by Cumhuriyet Street we’ll reach one of the biggest ancient colleges, Çifte Minareli Medrese dating 13th century in Anatolia. Next we’ll visit another college. The governor Cemalettin Yakut built Yakutiye Medrese where you’ll admire the work of the man in 1310. Ahmediye (1324), Kursunlu (1700), Pervizoglu (1716), Seyhler (1760) are other main colleges in Erzurum. That’s why we choose the name of the tour “The Light Raises From East”. Fancy to pop in the real bazaar where you can observe the trace of the silk route? Follow us then, bright copper and silver ornaments, regional kilims and carpets, famous jet-black mineral stone called “Oltu” stone, and of course any kind of jewelry await you in Rüstem Pasha Bazaar. After lunch we’ll terminate the city tour at Erzurum Museum where you can observe the Egyptian coins, Roman pottery, and famous Seljuk tiles. Besides, regional kilims, carpets, weapons and home furnishings are all displayed in here. Time to move to Kars. Arrive at Kars. Check-in at the hotel and take your time. Dinner will be served at hotel. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 6 KARS – MT ARARAT – DOGUBEYAZIT After breakfast we’ll explore Kars. Like Erzurum we’ll start with Kars Citadel that was built by Saltuks in 1152. Now we’ll visit Kars Museum just before Ani. In this museum we’ll check the creation dating back to Old Bronze age, Roman and Greek periods, Seljuks and Ottoman period. In upstairs you’ll admire the ethnographic exhibition having regional kilims and embroidered kilims, costumes, saddlebags, jewelry and ornamental materials. After lunch we’ll depart for ruined Ani. The great walls are the first ruins that will take your attention. This medieval ghost town is located nearby the Arpaçay rivulet drawing the Turkish boundary. (In order to enter this site permission must be taken from the government in Kars). We’ll enter this city from Alparslan Gate. Alparslan is a commander who conquered Ani in 1064. Just imagine the city once 100000 people were living here and think about the crowd of the streets. Explore the great churches like Church of Holy Apostles, St. Gregory’s, the Redeemer (1034) having breathtaking frescoes inside. The caravansary, Seljuk’s mosques and the citadel are other major places for our visit in Ani. Time to depart for Dogubeyazit for overnight en route holy Mt Ararat, the home of ark-seekers. The Bible relates that when the floodwaters receded, Noah and his family descended from Mountain Agri (Ararat) toward the fertile Igdir plain. From here, their progeny settled to the south and west along the Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) rivers, establishing the second generation of mankind. At dusk we’ll arrive at Dogubeyazit. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Just take your time and rest. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 7 DOGUBEYAZIT – VAN Good morning! Today we’ll take you fabulous Ishak Pasha Palace built in 1784. The construction of this palace took 99 years. The palace is still stunning and it’s considered as one of the masterpieces of Turkey. Explore the unique architecture, the medley of Baroque and Rococo style decorated with Seljuk’s carving in here. The masjid, baths, kitchen, the larder, harem, fireplaces and other galleries are simply gorgeous. Here we’d like you to try the local dessert (Actually it is very widely popular all around Turkey) Asure (Noah’s Pudding), believed to have first been made by Noah’s wife from the last bits of food in the ark. Just nearby the palace we’ll explore bas-relief of an Urartian king, and a rock tomb from the ninth century BC Time to depart for Van famous for it’s the greatest lake of Turkey. Along the scenic lakeshore road we’ll reach this Urartian capital. Check in at the hotel and take your time till dinner. Tonight a traditional Turkish night will be waiting for us. See the regional folk dance with the local instruments. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 8 VAN AND ENVIRONS Today we’ll start our tour in the city center. Van Museum is the place where you can admire the Urartian exhibits boasting jewelry, cylindrical seals and pots from Old Bronze Age (5000 BC), the breastplates, from the 9th to 7th centuries, bronze belts, and ethnographic exhibitions including local Kurdish and Turkmen kilims in a traditional style. The Genocide section will tell a story to you in here. Time to move Rock of Van, in other words Van Castle. Saduri Tower dated back to 830 BC, passing by walkway we’ll reach funeral chambers including that of King Argisthi dated back to 764 BC, Time to visit Tuspa once was an Urartian city 3000 years ago. Although it was destroyed in World War 1, the sight is still impressive. Ulu Cami is only mosque stands with its broken minaret here. After lunch we’ll hop on a boat for Akdamar Island. Here 10th century the Church of Holy Cross will meet you. See the impeccable carvings and very best preserved walls of church reflecting the masterwork of Armenian art. For those who has some energy, time to depart for Hosap Castle built in 1643. You’ll buff the entrance of the castle having a guard. Ready to get lost amongst the hundreds of rooms in here? No we guess then time to move back to hotel. Take your time since it was tiring day for you. Enjoy your dinner at hotel [B] [L] [D]

DAY 9 BITLIS – DIYARBAKIR Today we’ll depart for Diyarbakir. En route we’ll stop over at Ahlat Ruins. Here we’ll see the Seljuk’s and Turkish tombs and graveyards. The volcanic tuff tombstones reflect the stonemasons’ work in here. Passing by Bitlis where you will also see the trace of many civilizations we’ll reach Diyarbakir, famous with many ways. Enormously big watermelons are always on top here. Besides, the watermelons carved by a sword are worth seeing in here. Check in at the hotel and just relax till dinner. Say wow! You’ll never have the chance to taste this oriental cuisine anywhere in Turkey, even in the world. Find an original and unique in here. Get ready to have fun in another traditional Diyarbakir night. Rest of the night is yours [B] [L] [D]

DAY 10 DIYARBAKIR – MARDIN – SANLIURFA In the morning we’ll explore Diyarbakir. The 6km long walls having 4 gates surround this old Roman City. The caravanserai, we’ll pass thru Tower of Yedi Kardes and Maliksah. Diyarbakir is rich for its mosques but we’ll visit the most attractive one, the Grand Mosque built in 1091. The mosque is restored in 1155 actually Unlike others the architecture is Arabic. Next we’ll pass Hasan Pasha Caravanserai where you can observe the galleries dating back to 16th Century for the visitors coming from the trade routes. After lunch we’ll visit Virgin Mary’s Church with its old style. Time to depart Mardin, that is considered one of places of the early Christianity development. The Arabic style houses will take your attention in here. Next we’ll visit Sultan Isa College dated back to 1385 with magnificent Seljuk doorway. Here will also pop in Mardin Museum where you’ be able to explore Christian carvings and Sumerian Gods figure. Next we’ll pass the citadel originally built by Romans and Christians. Time to depart Sanliurfa, the city of prophets, check-in at hotel and just take your time. For those who would like to see this holy city we have a special arrangement to the Urfa citadel and the holy fishy pond. According to the legend, once upon a time there was a great fire where this pond is now. Prophet Abraham fell into this fire. Suddenly the fire became a huge amount of water and the woods became fish. Since then the fish in this pond is considered holy and healthy. As the fish is healthy, many people come here to be cured, they go into the holy water and the spots and injuries on their bodies are kissed in other words they are cured. This gives a kind of treatment for their body. Why not to go in to the pond? Tonight we’ll organize traditional “Urfa night”. You’ll sit cross-legged on the ground, drink turnip juice and raki, taste row-meatballs which extremely hot’n spicy (not compulsory of course), drink mirra and wear regional posu (pushy they called). Enjoy the regional folk dance with the instruments. You’ll certainly love this. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 11 HARRAN – SUNSET AT NEMRUT MOUNTAIN – ADIYAMAN Today first we’ll visit Harran famous for its beehive-style village houses also known as Altinbasak. You may take the picture from this interesting place. Just examine the architecture and living style of village people. Next we’ll walk up to Grand Mosque with its dazzling square tower built by Arab caliph in 18th century. Stroll around the central pool and the remnant of an Arab University. Well, time to move Kahta that is the base for Nemrut Mountain. We’ll have lunch one of the well-known restaurants here. After lunch we’ll see man made, main work of GAP project, great Atatürk Dam. You’ll love the scenery from here. Next we’ll have the chance to stroll at the ancient site Arsameia, the capital of ancient Commagene kingdom. The relief stele of god Mithras, the cistern, the damaged stele of Mithridates I Callinicus the founder of the kingdom, handshaking relief of Hercules and Callinicus, the tunnels are the masterpieces and the places of Arsameia. Here we go! We’ll wind up to the top of the mountain. Get ready to be the witness of the most spectacular natural event. Watch the gorgeous view of the nature during sunset from Nemrut Mountain. Just before the scenery you’ll be surprised when you see the temple of and tomb of Antiochus that is considered one of the most photographed areas in Turkey. We’ll enter the site with 50m high tumulus of small rocks thought to cover the tomb of Antiochus. Amongst the terraces we’ll pass eastern temple having the steles of Apollon, Mithra, Helios, Hermes, Tyche-Fortuna the fertile goddess of Commagene, the head god Zeus, Oromasdes, the king Antiochus, Herakles and Ares. Here you’ll also find out lion and eagle heads. The Macedonian ancestors were displayed on the southern side and the Persian ancestors were displayed on the northern side of the wall located at the lower part of the steles. The epigraph gives an information about the ceremony. When we come to the western side passing by the northern terrace, we’ll see the steles in the same order. We’ll see many relieves near the terrace which describes the King shaking hands with gods. On the lion on this relief there are 19 stars and 1 moon on its neck showing the date of coming to the throne of Antiochus. At dusk we’ll depart for Adiyaman for overnight. Dinner will be served at hotel. Rest of the night is yours. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 12 ANTAKYA (ANTIOCH) In the morning we’ll depart for the holy city Antioch, which lies on the Asi River (Orontes) on a fertile plain, surrounded by the grand mountains. Once the capital of the Seleucid kings, it was notorious for its wealth and luxury In Roman times, the city continued to thrive with commerce and culture. It featured prominently in early Christianity and St. Barnabas, St.Paul and St. Peter all visited & preached here. Apostles’s The New Testament Book of Acts that declaring Jesus’s followers were called Christians caved church where St. Peter first celebrated mass. You’ll enter Antioch thru actual gate called Iron Gate situated at southbound of the church. In 1983 the Vatican declared the church a holy site. Just feel the spirit of the Saints walked thru these streets at that time. A little has changed here. Time to visit Roman mosaics Museum that is considered one of the best in world. After a break for lunch we’ll drive to the resort town with a pristine beach. Seleucia Peria (Cevlik), north of town, was founded around 300 B.C. and by the time St. Paul and St. Barnabas made their first missionary journey (45-46 A.D.) that was a busy port. The most interesting monument to see is the Tunnel of Titus, built to divert-rain water. Even by today’s standards it is a tremendous engineering achievement. We’ll proceed Kapisuyu village for the spectacular panorama from the Zeus Temple of the ancient harbor, as well as the sandy beach and fertile plain. Dinner will be served at hotel in Antioch. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 13 TARSUS – ADANA Today we’ll depart for Adana Turkey’s fourth largest city. After 2,5hr journey we’ll reach the birthplace of St. Paul. Tarsus is a city where Cleopatra met Mark Anthony. We’ll enter this ancient city from the Cleopatra’s gate then we’ll reach St. Paul’s Well. You may entirely welcome to drink the holy water from here. We’ll proceed for old mosque, the Roman baths and mundane museum where you may examine the jewelry exhibition. OK! Time to move to Adana check-in at the hotel and we’ll set you free for your last shopping in the city center. Party time! As this is the last night of our tour in Asia, we’ll have a farewell dinner at hotel. Rest of the night is yours. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 14 DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO ISTANBUL Transfer service to the airport and domestic flight to Istanbul for your international connection. Actually our special Light Rises From the East Tour lasts in Istanbul, however you may extend your visit by choosing one of our Istanbul package tours. End of our service. Time to have your present in order to make this trip memorial. It’ll be a great pleasure to host you in Turkey again since there are so many things to see. Thanks for choosing the right agency. [B]

Tour Code: DKC003