Land of Ararat Tour

Land of Ararat Tour

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6 Days From

$1571

Land of Ararat Tour

6 Days Starting in Van, Turkey and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Van, Kars, Istanbul

Tour operator:

Fez Travel

Tour code:

LAAR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

7-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1571

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Van - Explore the ancient Urartian Fortress Citadel and enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

  • Akdamar Island - Visit the spectacular 10th-century Akdamar Church.

  • Van - Discover the world's largest Urartu Archeology and Ethnography Museum.

  • Dogubayazit - Experience the architectural fusion at the Ishak Pasha Palace.

  • Mt. Ararat - Witness one of the great natural spectacles of the world.

  • Ani - Explore the ruins of the former Armenian capital, including the Cathedral of Ani.

  • Kars - Visit the Church of the Twelve Apostles and Kars Castle.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

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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

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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

  • Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour

    A professional English-speaking tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour.

  • Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle

    Transportation will be provided in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.

  • Domestic flight between Kars and Istanbul and transfers

    The tour includes a domestic flight between Kars and Istanbul along with necessary transfers.

  • Tips except Driver and Guide

    Tips are included except for the driver and guide.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to various sites are included in the tour.

  • Meals

    The tour includes 5 breakfasts.

What's Not Included

  • Suggested optional activities

    Optional activities suggested during the tour are not included.

  • Tips - Driver and Guide

    Tips for the driver and guide are not included.

  • 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

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour package?

    Yes, entrance fees are included in the tour package.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Fez Travel has been in operation since 1997.

  • 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

Ania Afz (Google Reviewer)  

Fez Magic Carpet Travel with...

08-Aug-2024

Fez Magic Carpet Travel with Mr. Goku Pamir was an amazing experience. He was professional, knowledgeable and understanding. Our group was able to add some places, thanks to him arranging it for us and adding a boat and House of Mother Mary for us. We even saw mulana Rumi's place and learned about Sufi dance , which is the best. He surprised our group with 4D theatre at the library of Celsius and showed us original Carpet, Silk, and Leather makers. Overall, it was a wonderful experience because he stopped at the best food places for breaks frequently and even gave us a small keychain as a reminder gift or souvenir besides the gifts Fez gives us. Fez travels offers wifi and charging ports in their bus which is a life saver. Hotels and places visited were all beautiful and I recommend visiting Turkeye with Mr. Goksu Pamir. Thanks.

shahid siddiqui (Google Reviewer)  

I gathered wonderful memories of...

15-Jul-2023

I gathered wonderful memories of Turkey. Fez Travel Turkey with an intelligent, knowledgeable guide Göksu Parmir made this possible. Excellent transport, Excellent places of stay, excellent selection of Restaurants starting from Istanbul to Cappidocia with a perfect humble driver Mr Saifi. Guide plays a very important role. Guide Göksu had a wonderful Knowledge of place and it's history.

Jan Runnalls (Google Reviewer)  

Did a 13 day tour...

19-Oct-2024

Did a 13 day tour of Turkey with 3 days onboard a Gulet in October 2024. What an amazing experience ! Our guide Fa was amazing ! I don’t think I’ve ever met a guide to beat him !! He was so knowledgeable, so friendly, and so helpful ! He organised so many little extras. He found a laundry for us, helped buy stamps and post postcards, organised a trip to a pharmacy and then read the medicine boxes for us. He organised a WhatsApp group so we could share photos and information. Our driver Han supported all these extra trips and activities including the pharmacies !! Brilliant !! Highly recommend Fez Travel and I hope you are lucky enough to have Fa and Han for your tour !!

Theresa Martinovich (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the Magic Carpet...

09-Sep-2023

Just completed the Magic Carpet Tour of 11 days with Fez. The accomodation, food and driver were excellent. Our guide Tamer was like a walking encyclopedia of knowkedge and was extremely kind and caring to all members of the group, responding to our every whim and wish. The accomodation far, far exceeded our expectations. We loved every minute.

Al Reid (Google Reviewer)  

Our guide Can was brilliant....

14-Sep-2024

Our guide Can was brilliant. Very well organised. He was Turkish so knew so much information and tips. We were always in the right place at the right time and avoided crowds all the time. Our driver Cengiz was also fantastic, very safe and careful.

Amrita V (Google Reviewer)  

I did a Turkey Highlights...

09-Jan-2023

I did a Turkey Highlights 10 day tour in Sept 2021. It was absolutely amazing. Our tour guide— Chagmn. He was extremely knowledgeable and well-read. Fez travel organized everything extremely well and food was simply amazing. It was a great experience to learn the history and see it alive in Turkey. Highly recommend the tour to everyone. Here are a few photos of the highlights of the trip. Must do things include: Epephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Hagia Sophia

Michael Oon (Google Reviewer)  

Fez Travel has organised for...

05-May-2018

Fez Travel has organised for us one of the best tours that we had. Together with our guide – Serdar Ozkan, we travelled some 3,300km around Turkey following the itinerary. As a private group, we could alter the programme. Serdar could feel the mood of the group and altered the schedule appropriately but more importantly, took us to where the best food available. This arrangement together with the excellent driving of the long distances, the suitable accommodation and interesting sites made this trip of a life time. One aim was to see the Tulips in Istanbul. The date of 13th April was suggested. Had we arrived earlier, the tulips would not have been in bloom. When we returned to Istanbul on the 20th, the tulips had withered. This is an example of their recommendations. For us, what was promised was delivered with a smile. Thank you Fez Travel.

Laurel Siokos (Google Reviewer)  

Recently we completed a 17...

22-May-2024

Recently we completed a 17 day tour with Fez and then a separate private tour Fez organised and personalised to our needs. We found the whole experience smooth and professionally planned. We had wonderful guides beginning with Fatih Carsi, who we found to be extremely knowledgeable, with deep insight on the significance and history of each site visited. We travelled in a small group which made our experience all that more personal. As we were doing an extended tour we left our group and travelled on with Zeynup, who also was extremely knowledgeable,warm and engaging.Our driver Metin was kind and personable. Zeynup went to great lengths and was very patient assisting us with a difficult hotel management and staff in a particular location. The next leg of our journey we were shown around by another wonderful guide Fatma, a bright and enthusiastic local, who proudly showcased Cappadocia to us. We met with Birhat in Van ,another local guide who was easy to connect with on a personal level and between him and Sal, our entertaining driver we experienced a beautiful region of Turkey together. Nothing was too much trouble, from frequent photo stops to impromptu roadside snowball fights.Lots of fun was had along the way. Halil and Hakan, our driver took over for the next stage of our experience. This team were consumate professionals and a pleasure to spend time with. Halil was not only informative but was an exceptional communicator on many levels. We will remain friends with Halil and do our best to connect again in person on our next adventure. Last but definitely not least was Korkut, Mr. Go the Extra Mile. Korkut made the closing stage of our Fez Turkish tour unforgettable,going well beyond the call of duty making sure we will never forget the sights we saw our our amazing adventure in this wonderful country. Truly the world largest open air museum ,but more than that people who will forever remain Our Heart.

Dee Carty (Google Reviewer)  

We took Colours of Tyrkey...

22-Dec-2023

We took Colours of Tyrkey tour in May22. There was no problem contacting Canan Kararrsian prior to the tour but we had no feedback or response to the long email we sent outlining our difficulties and grievances. There were problems every step of the way. The letter we sent is too long to attach here but issues like being called at 4am for an internal flight arriving 4 hrs before departure. No luggage allowance booked. Coach with only 2 of us on board constantly under repair for days and eventually broke down on the way to the airport...............and so on. We would not have felt so aggrieved if we had a response to our complaint. We are seasoned travellers and are tolerant of hic- ups. We have never made a complaint before. Booking my current trip has prompted my review.

Jane S (Google Reviewer)  

I wouldn’t recommend this company....

09-Oct-2024

I wouldn’t recommend this company. The tour guide was poor at explaining sites, he also was aggressive with some of the people on the tour. Scam company - if you didn’t pay for the hidden extras then you’d have a tour of being driven around to pushy sales companies to try and get you to buy things. Food places were gross at times, often gas stations (there were other options around too) but clearly commission based. Don’t use this company

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Fez Travel requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of fez travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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