13 Days of Eastern Turkey
Cultural & Historical Tours
Overview
This itinerary traces a dramatic eastward arc through Anatolia: Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul, the Roman mosaics of Zeugma, the Euphrates at Halfeti, the colossal stone heads of Mount Nemrut, the world’s earliest monumental sanctuary at Göbeklitepe, the honey-coloured old town of Mardin and the Syriac monasteries of Tur Abdin, and finally Lake Van and Akdamar Island.
Warm local hospitality and outstanding regional cuisine throughout. Departures: 16–28 Oct 2026 · 17–29 Apr 2027 · 1–13 May 2027.
Want to continue north-east to Mount Ararat, Ani, Kars and the Doğu Express, starting from Antalya? See our 11-day Eastern Turkey grand loop.
In pictures
Photos: Wikimedia Commons — Arild Vågen (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Nevit Dilmen, Durova (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Mr Hicks46 (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Kerimbesler (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Misa.stefanovic.07 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Bryce Edwards (CC BY 2.0)
Day by day
Day 1 — Arrival in Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel; rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Istanbul
Day 2 — Istanbul Old City. Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Breakfast · Overnight: Istanbul
Day 3 — Fly to Gaziantep: Zeugma mosaics and the Coppersmith Bazaar. Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Gaziantep
Day 4 — Halfeti and the Euphrates. A baklava workshop, a boat excursion on the Euphrates and the ancient city of Zeugma. Breakfast · Overnight: Gaziantep
Day 5 — Kahta and Mount Nemrut. The summit sanctuary of King Antiochus I, then onward to Şanlıurfa. Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Şanlıurfa
Day 6 — Şanlıurfa and Göbeklitepe. Gümrükhan Bazaar, the Pool of Abraham, the Archaeology Museum and the Neolithic sanctuary of Göbeklitepe; onward to Mardin. Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Mardin
Day 7 — Deyrulzafaran, Dara and the old town of Mardin. Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Mardin
Day 8 — Tur Abdin: Mor Gabriel, Midyat and the village of Anıtlı. Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Mardin
Day 9 — Hasankeyf and onward to Van. The ancient Tigris settlement and its museum, then east to Türkiye’s largest lake. Overnight: Van
Day 10 — Van and Lake Van. The Urartian fortress of Çavuştepe, local carpet traditions and a boat to the medieval church on Akdamar Island. Overnight: Van
Day 11 — Van Museum and Savat silver, then fly to Istanbul. Overnight: Istanbul
Day 12 — Istanbul: Basilica Cistern, the Spice Market and a free afternoon. Overnight: Istanbul
Day 13 — Departure. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
In every KAMPA journey
Named hotels
Every night in a hotel named on this page — 4–5★, chosen by our Istanbul office.
Flights & transfers
Airport transfers and air-conditioned travel between cities included, plus any domestic flights in the itinerary.
EN / NL / ES / FR / DE guide
A licensed guide speaking English, Dutch, Spanish, French or German with you from arrival to departure.
Included, not included & hotels
Included: 12 nights in the hotels indicated or similar · all domestic flights · meals as specified · museum and site entries including boat excursions · air-conditioned vehicle between cities · guide speaking English, Dutch, Spanish, French or German.
Not included: international flights · meals not stated · personal expenses and souvenirs · extra excursions on request · guide tip USD 3 and driver tip USD 1 per person per day.
Hotels: Istanbul — Novotel Zeytinburnu · Gaziantep — Ramada by Wyndham · Şanlıurfa — Hotel El-Ruha · Mardin — Elite World Comfy Midyat · Van — Elite World Van.
FAQ
How are the prices calculated?
The prices shown are starting prices per person, for two sharing a double room, without international flights. The final price depends on your dates, group size and hotel category; we confirm it in writing within 12–24 hours, and you pay only after that.
Can this journey run privately for my family or group?
Yes. The same route can run as a private departure on your own dates, with a dedicated guide and vehicle.
Are international flights included?
No — you arrive in Istanbul on your own flight; from there every transfer, domestic flight, hotel night and site entry is ours.
What about optional extras such as the balloon flight?
Optional activities are booked locally and paid separately; we reserve a slot for you if you ask in advance.
How do I book?
Send a request through the form or call us. We confirm availability, send a proposal, and secure your places with a deposit.
