Land of Ararat Tour
Land of Ararat Tour
Land of Ararat Tour
6 Days Starting in Van, Turkey and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Van, Kars, Istanbul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LAAR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
7-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the captivating "2025 - Land of Ararat Tour" and explore the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Turkey. Begin your journey in Van, where you'll witness the stunning Urartian Fortress Citadel and the breathtaking sunset views. Sail to Akdamar Island to marvel at the 10th-century church and visit the world's largest Urartu Museum. Discover the unique Van cats before heading to Dogubayazit to explore the architectural marvel of Ishak Pasha Palace. Experience the majestic Mt. Ararat and the ancient ruins of Ani, once the capital of the Armenian kingdom. Conclude your adventure in Kars, visiting the Church of the Twelve Apostles, before flying to the vibrant city of Istanbul. With professional guides, comfortable transportation, and enriching experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Turkey's historical wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Van
Location: Van
Accommodation: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)
On arrival to Van Airport, you will meet with your tour guide. Before we go to our hotel, we will explore the Citadel with its three thousand Urartian fortress of Van and witness the extraordinary sunset.
Day 2 : Van, Akdamar Island
Location: Van
Accommodation: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will travel by ferry stopping at Akdamar Island to see a spectacular 10th century church built by an Armenian king, if there is time swim in Lake Van.
Then, we will drive back to city centre to visit the largest Urartu Museum in the World. Artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Urartian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Seljuk, Turkish-Islamic, and Ottoman Periods are exhibited in chronological order taking our visitors on a unique historical journey.
After the museum visit Van Cat House. Van cats are relatively large, have a chalky white coat, sometimes with ruddy coloration on the head and hindquarters, and have blue, amber eyes or one eye of each colour. This variety has been referred to as "the swimming cat", and has been observed to swim in Lake Van.
Day 3 : Van, Dogubayazit, Ararat, Kars
Location: Kars
Accommodation: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we leave for Dogubayazit via Muradiye and the Bendimaahi Falls. In Dogubayazit, we visit the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace, 1685 - 1784, which has a unique fusion of architecture from Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, and Armenian - Persian styles.
We continue our journey north, skirting around the western edge of Mt Ararat. Mt. Ararat is one of the great natural spectacles of the world,. The name Ararat derives from the Bible (Jeremiah 51:27) and is a transliteration of 'Urartu' the name foreigners gave to this region and its inhabitants in Biblical times.
Day 4 : Kars, Ani
Location: Kars
Accommodation: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we journey to the site of Ani, the former capital of the Armenian kingdom. In the mid 10th century, nothing in Europe could rival this capital of the Armenian kingdom in terms of either size or magnificence. The remains of the ruined city include several churches as well as the shell of the Cathedral of Ani, the citadel and a mosque. There are also some exciting remains of frescoes in the Church of St Gregory (Tigran Honentz) despite having been exposed to the elements for centuries.
Afternoon, we will visit 12 Aposotles Church and Kars Castle.
Day 5 : Kars, Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Nidya Hotel Galataport (4 star)
Accommodation Name: Nidya Hotel Galataport (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Kars Airport for your onward flight back to Istanbul. On arrival to Istanbul Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 6 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: ()
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
A professional English-speaking tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
Transportation will be provided in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.
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Domestic flight between Kars and Istanbul and transfers
The tour includes a domestic flight between Kars and Istanbul along with necessary transfers.
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Tips except Driver and Guide
Tips are included except for the driver and guide.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to various sites are included in the tour.
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Meals
The tour includes 5 breakfasts.
What's Not Included
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Suggested optional activities
Optional activities suggested during the tour are not included.
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Tips - Driver and Guide
Tips for the driver and guide are not included.
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Lunches and Dinners
Lunches and dinners are not included in the tour package.
Meals
5 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners
Mode of Transport
Travel in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide. Enjoy a domestic flight between Kars and Istanbul, and ferry rides to Akdamar Island, ensuring a comfortable and seamless travel experience throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Stay in boutique accommodations including the Van Life Hotel and Kars Beylerbeyi Palace, offering a unique blend of comfort and local charm. In Istanbul, enjoy the modern amenities of the Nidya Hotel Galataport, a 4-star hotel providing a relaxing end to your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees are included in the tour package.
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Is there a domestic flight included in the tour?
Yes, there is a domestic flight between Kars and Istanbul included in the tour, along with transfers.
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Will there be a professional guide during the tour?
Yes, a professional English-speaking tour guide will be with you for the duration of the tour.
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What is unique about the Van cats that we will see on the tour?
Van cats are known for their chalky white coat, sometimes with ruddy coloration, and their distinctive eyes, which can be blue, amber, or one of each color. They are also referred to as 'the swimming cat' and have been observed swimming in Lake Van.
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What historical periods are covered in the Urartu Museum visit?
The Urartu Museum exhibits artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Urartian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Seljuk, Turkish-Islamic, and Ottoman periods in chronological order.
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What architectural styles are featured in the Ishak Pasha Palace?
The Ishak Pasha Palace features a unique fusion of Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, and Armenian-Persian architectural styles.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies, however, we adhere to recommended health & safety guidelines on all our tours.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Fez Travel has been in operation since 1997.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please contact us as soon as possible and we will be able to let you know what is possible and any associated price changes.
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CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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