2025 - Land of Ararat Tour
2025 - Land of Ararat Tour
$1595
Tour Overview
Embark on the 2025 Land of Ararat Tour, a captivating journey through Turkey's rich cultural tapestry. Begin in Van, exploring the ancient Urartian Fortress Citadel and witnessing breathtaking sunsets. Sail to Akdamar Island to marvel at the 10th-century Akdamar Church, and delve into history at the world's largest Urartu Archeology and Ethnography Museum. Experience the architectural splendor of Ishak Pasha Palace in Dogubayazit and the natural wonder of Mt. Ararat. Discover the ruins of Ani, the former Armenian capital, and visit Kars' historic sites, including the Church of the Twelve Apostles and Kars Castle. Travel in comfort with a professional English-speaking guide, enjoy boutique accommodations, and conclude your adventure in the vibrant city of Istanbul. This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Turkey's historical and cultural landmarks. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Van
Location: Van, Van Citadel
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: Akdamar Island, 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: Van, Dogubayazit, Ishak Pasha Palace, Mt. Ararat, 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: Ani, Kars, 12 Apostles Church, Kars, Kars Castle, 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: Kars, 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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Meals
5 breakfasts, 0lunches, 0dinners -
Professional English-speaking tour guide
A professional English-speaking tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Transportation
Transportation will be provided in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.
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Domestic flight 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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Ferry rides
Ferry rides to Akdamar Island are included in the tour.
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 for 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 with a professional English-speaking guide. Additionally, there is a domestic flight between Kars and Istanbul and ferry rides to Akdamar Island.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in boutique accommodations such as the Van Life Hotel and Kars Beylerbeyi Palace, which offer a unique blend of comfort and local charm. In Istanbul, you will enjoy the modern amenities of the Nidya Hotel Galataport, a 4-star hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are not included in the tour package.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to various sites are included in the tour.
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Will there be a guide accompanying us throughout the tour?
Yes, a professional English-speaking tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Akdamar Island?
The highlight of the visit to Akdamar Island is the spectacular 10th-century church built by an Armenian king. If time permits, you may also have the opportunity to swim in Lake Van.
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What can I expect to see at the Urartu Museum in Van?
At the Urartu Museum in Van, you can expect to see artifacts from various historical periods including the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Urartian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Seljuk, Turkish-Islamic, and Ottoman periods, all exhibited in chronological order.
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What is unique about the Ishak Pasha Palace in Dogubayazit?
The Ishak Pasha Palace in Dogubayazit is unique due to its architectural fusion of Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, and Armenian-Persian styles.
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What historical significance does the site of Ani hold?
Ani was the former capital of the Armenian kingdom and in the mid-10th century, it was unrivaled in Europe in terms of size and magnificence. The site includes several churches, the shell of the Cathedral of Ani, the citadel, a mosque, and remains of frescoes in the Church of St Gregory.
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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.
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Fez Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 43 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of fez travel charges.
Up to 43 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
2025 - Land of Ararat Tour
6 Days Starting in Van, Turkey and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Van, Van Citadel, Akdamar Island, Dogubayazit, Ishak Pasha Palace, Mt. Ararat, Kars, Ani, 12 Apostles Church, Kars, Kars Castle, Kars, Istanbul ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LAAR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
8-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology