Day 01 – Istanbul / Van (B,L,D)

Arrival to Istanbul and meet Orion Tour representative. We will catch our domestic flight to Van

Arrival to Van and transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight

Day 02 – Van (B,L,D)

Visit to Akdamar island with lunch by the lake. Akdamar is a magnificent masonry of Armenian architecture with stone reliefs about Old and New Testament images and more. Cavustepe on a low hill is an vital settlement of Urartians. Finish the day with a visit to Van castle for sunset. Overnight in Van.

Day 03 –  Van / Dogubayazit (B,L,D)

Visit to the weaving center after breakfast where we can see Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian and Persian carpets. Continue to Dogubayazıt. Ishak Pasha Palace overlooking the Silk Road is on our program. We will enjoy view of legendary Mt. Ararat. Overnight in Dogubayazıt.

Day 04 – Dogubayazit / Kars (B,L,D)

Drive to Kars viewing Armenian border along the way. We visit the capital city of Ani of Armenian Kingdom in 10th and 11th centuries.     A visit to the Church/Mosque of 12 Apostles and a walking tour of Kars upon returning to the city center will also be on our list before check in. Overnight in Kars.

Day 05 – Kars / Hopa (B,L,D)

Drive to Hopa on the Black Sea visiting Ishan Armenian/Georgian monastery. Penetrating through the Black Sea Kackar mountains will register in our hearts offering excellent views and scenery. Overnight in Hopa.

Day 06 – Hopa / Trabzon (B,L,D)

Now we are by the Coast of Black Sea we drive to Rize and visit a tea factory (in season). Continue to Trabzon. Visit H. Sophia of Greek Ortodox medieval church and Boztepe for an unforgetful panorama of the Black sea. Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 07 – Trabzon  (B,L,D)

Visit to Sumela Monastery, a fantastic Greek Orthodox monastery tucked high up in the mountains whether we can climb on foot or take a minibus shuttle. Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 08 – Trabzon / Istanbul (B)

After breakfast transfer to airport to catch our domestic flight to Istanbul. End of our services