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Southeastern Anatolia Churches & cathedrals

Our most recommended Southeastern Anatolia Churches & cathedrals

Istanbul: 8-Day Cappadocia, Ephesus, Konya, Pamukkale Tour

1. Istanbul: 8-Day Cappadocia, Ephesus, Konya, Pamukkale Tour

Discover the highlights of Turkey on a guided 8-day sightseeing tour. See the best of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Konya. Visit the famous sites of Ephesus, Pammukale, and the Devrent Valley. Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or SAW airport where the tour representative will meet you with your name sign and private transfer to the hotel for your overnight stay in Istanbul. Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Tour with Breakfast After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Istanbul. Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping and spend the night in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays so the Spice Market will be visited instead. Day 3: Istanbul – Izmir – Ephesus Tour – Kusadasi with Breakfast and Dinner Start day 3 with early morning pickup from the hotel and transfer to Istanbul IST or SAW airport for your flight to Izmir. Arrive at Izmir Airport and be met by your tour guide. Drive to Ephesus and see the Artemis Temple before continuing to Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia (an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor). After Ephesus, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. This house is located in the Aladag Mountains 5 miles from Ephesus. Then drive to Kusadasi to stay overnight. Day 4: Kusadasi – Pamukkale Tour with Breakfast and Dinner Drive to Pamukkale to visit the Travertines, white terraces, and Hierapolis ancient city. Stay overnight in a Thermal Hotel. Day 5: Pamukkale – Cappadocia Cave Hotel with Breakfast Drive to Cappadocia which will be approximately 8 hours of driving. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the worldwide famous mystic, and Sultanhani Caravanserai, a roadside inn where travelers could rest Overnight in Cappadocia in a cave hotel. Day 6: Cappadocia Tour Cave Hotel with Breakfast See the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup. Then, visit Kaymakli Underground City. Visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum Continue to Uchisar Rock Castle to have a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. Spend the night in a traditional Cappadocia cave hotel. This day includes an optional hot air ballooning experience during sunrise. Day 7: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour - Istanbul with Breakfast In the morning, admire the lunar landscape of the Devrent Valley. Stop at Avanos, the center of terra cotta works of art since 3000 BC, and enjoy a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Kayseri to Istanbul and then head to your hotel for an overnight stay. Day 8: Home with Breakfast After breakfast check out from the hotel and relax with a private transfer to the airport. Depends upon flights/hotel availabilities, reverse (Istanbul-Capp.-Pamukkale-Ephesus-Izmir-Istanbul) can be organized.

From Trabzon: Soumela Monastery and Karaca Cave Day Trip

2. From Trabzon: Soumela Monastery and Karaca Cave Day Trip

Your first visit is the breathtaking Sumela Monastery, which is thought to be founded by two monks about 1500 years ago, located within the borders of Altındere National Park in Maçka district. After that ,Aya Varvara church right next to monastery which is on the world heritage list. Climbing Zigana Mountain ;visiting the Karaca Cave in Gümüşhane Torul district will make you away from your day routine . You will the chance to taste the pestil, one of the regional delight . After having lunch in the region, the turn will come to visit the Glass Terrace to watch the Torul district from a bird's eye view and to experience some excitement. Reaching the hometown of Sütlaç, Hamsiköy, by climbing the summit of Zigana mountain again and following the beauties of the ancient Silk Road, which was used as the transit trade route of Iran in the republic period and added to the photographs with the richness of nature. Here will be served famous rice pudding ' Sütlaç ' and tea from the traditional village coffee shop. After taking a walk in the village and portray the natural beauty of the village , tour will end back at your hotel .

From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour

3. From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel where the tour will start at 10:00 am and last approximately 4 to 5-hours. The first stop is Garni, a Pagan Temple referred to as the well-known symbol of pre-Christian Armenia that was converted into a royal summer house. After exploring the grand structure, you will then stop at Ararat ARC where you'll have a fantastic view to mount Ararat, a snow capped dormant volcano situated in Turkey. From here, you will visit the UNESCO listed Geghard Monastery Complex. Some of the churches are situated in caves, whilst others are dug out of the surrounding rock surface. You will then be transferred back to Yerevan.

Antalya/Kemer: Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Lycia Day Tour

4. Antalya/Kemer: Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Lycia Day Tour

Explore ancient Lycia on a day trip and yacht cruise from Antalya. See a historic rock tomb from Lycian times, marvel at ancient Greco-Roman amphitheaters, and sail to the beautiful Kekova Island. Meet your driver outside your hotel and begin your adventure with a drive through the ancient state of Lycia. Marvel at an ancient rock tomb from the Lycian times and stop to visit the Greco - Roman amphitheater. Next, visit the church of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker in Demre city. This ancient church sits above the 4th-century burial place of St. Nicholas, the original inspiration for Santa Claus. Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to Kekova Island. Board a glass-bottomed yacht and sail through pristine waters to reach this fascinating island. Sail by the mysterious sunken city of Kekova, an ancient Lycia city, destroyed by an earthquake. Spot the ruins of the city and the Simena Castle from the side of the boat and under the water through the glass bottom. Before heading back, jump into the refreshing water for a swim. Finally, return to your hotel, having experienced Turkey's rich ancient history.

Konya: City Tour with Lunch

5. Konya: City Tour with Lunch

Learn about the life and times of the great Sufi mystic Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi on this guided tour of the sacred city of Konya. Immerse yourself in Rumi's teachings and learn more about many of his most trusted advisors and companions as you wander through the streets of his home town. After getting picked up from your hotel, pay a visit to one of Turkey's most hauntingly beautiful dervish lodges and prepare to be amazed at the Mosque of Aladdin, which contains one of the oldest Minbars/pulpits in the entire country. Later, wander through the charming streets of the village of Sille where Turks and Greeks lived side by side for over 800 years. Finally, travel back in time at the Byzantine Church of Agia Eleni before getting dropped off back at your hotel.

Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch

6. Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch

Begin your day with a visit to the mesmerizing Altindere National Park. Soak up the tranquility of the park as you listen to the sound of the waterfalls and snap photos. Follow your guide on a 15-minute walk to the Sumela Monastery observation point and marvel at the impressive architecture of the monastery, carved into the cliff face. After admiring the views, continue to Cosandere Valley and spend some free time exploring. Stop among the pine trees to enjoy a delcious lunch at Zigana Pass. After lunch, visit the ancient Tortul Castle and put your bravery to the test with a walk along a 240-meter-high glass observation platform. Later, enter the magnificent Karaca Caves. This natural wonder is filled with easy-to-navigate walkways and plenty of lighting to showcase its beauty. The final stop is in Hamsikoy, a peaceful region of 5 farming villages, where you’ll taste a local pudding known as sutlac before beginning the return journey to Trabzon.

From Istanbul: Ephesus and Pamukkale 2-Day Trip

7. From Istanbul: Ephesus and Pamukkale 2-Day Trip

Discover the wonders of Ephesus and Pamukkale on a 2-day trip from Istanbul. Take guided tours and learn interesting facts about Turkey's ancient sites. Stay over night in Kusadasi or Selcuk. Day 1: Flight to Izmir and Ephesus Tour Your trip begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Istanbul to catch the flight to Izmır. When you land at Izmir Airport, your driver will take you to Selcuk. Meet your guide and to start exploring Ephesus at the House of Virgin Mary. Tour the shrine and learn about its religious significance before heading to lunch. After lunch visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of antiquity. Have the chance to take pictures of the Church of St. John and TheIsa Bey Mosque. Then head to Sirince, situated on the hills of Selcuk, and have free time to explore its traditional homes and check out local wine production. Take the opportunity to taste the fruit flavored wines. The first day of your trip concludes in the late afternoon when you will be taken to Selcuk or Kusadasi near the seaside. Day 2: Pamukkale and Flight to Istanbul The second day of your trip starts with breakfast at your hotel. Your driver will then pick you up to take you to Pamukkale. Arrive in Pamukkale and see why it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as both a Natural Site and an Ancient City. Famous for hot springs believed to have healing powers and its travertines, tour Pamukkale and learn what created this impressive sight. From Pamukkale head into the ancient city of Hierapolis, a settlement of different cults and cultures throughout history. Learn about the city's long and interesting history where its name comes from. After your tour, you will be taken to Denizli Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. From the airpot you will be taken back to your hotel.

Private Day Trip to Khor-Virap, Noravank & Tatev Monasteries

8. Private Day Trip to Khor-Virap, Noravank & Tatev Monasteries

Join this private tour to immerse yourself in Armenia's heavenly sites. In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Yerevan, in order to uncover three magical structures and panoramas of the country. Enjoy your first exploration on the list: Khor-Virap Monastery. One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Armenia which held a saint in a hole for 13 long years. Also here, you will be gifted a unique opportunity to have a closer look at splendid Mount Ararat, together with an ancient Monastery in the foreground.   Later, continue your exploratory mission to the Monastery of Noravank, located in the magnificent Amaghu gorge, which attracts visitors with a fascinating view over the canyon and exceptional architectural solutions.  Afterward, you will depart to the province of Syunik to take the longest cable car in the world and reach Tatev Monastery – the masterpiece of Armenia. This is an absolutely mind-blowing beauty, with an ancient religious complex and divine natural surroundings.

From Demre: Myra and St. Nicholas Church Archaeological Tour

9. From Demre: Myra and St. Nicholas Church Archaeological Tour

Your chance to discover Demre’s most famous archeological site! A true step back in history as you observe some of Myra’s most significant ancient ruins dating as far back as the 5th century B.C. There is plenty of time to explore the two highlights of this stop: a Roman-style theatre (the largest in Lycia!) and eerie rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs above. Our tour continues with the Santa Claus Museum in Demre town centre. Originally built in 520 A.D., this interesting archeological building started its operation as a church, built in memory of St. Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century patron saint. Here you can explore the remains of this former church, taking yourself back in time to when the ancient city of Myra still existed.

From Istanbul: 10-Day Turkey Highlights Tour with Transfer

10. From Istanbul: 10-Day Turkey Highlights Tour with Transfer

DAY 1 : Arrival to Istanbul Welcome to Turkey. Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). Meet your driver with your name sign and private transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul. DAY 2 : Full Day Istanbul Tour ( Breakfast ) We visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping. Overnight in Istanbul. DAY 3 : Full Day Istanbul Tour ( Breakfast ) Visit Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), Boat trip on the Bosphorus. Afternoon visit to the underground cistern. Overnight in Istanbul. Day 4 : Istanbul – Izmir – Ephesus Tour – Kusadasi ( Breakfast – Dinner ) Pick up from hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight to Izmir. Arrive at Izmir Airport and be met by your tour guide and drive to Ephesus ( 45 minutes drive ) First visit the Artemis Temple, which is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to Ephesus. After Ephesus, lunch will be served in the garden of a local handicrafts center. Here you can see some of the traditional carpet weaving techniques used and enjoy viewing some splendid displays of beautiful carpets. After Lunch visit House of Virgin Mary. Drive to the hotel for overnight in Kusadasi. DAY 5 : Kusadasi – Pamukkale Tour ( 3,5 hours drive ) ( Breakfast – Dinner ) Drive to Pamukkale, on the way, visit to Laodicea. Discovery of Travertine terraces and Hierapolis. Overnight Pamukkale. DAY 6 : Pamukkale – Konya ( 4,5 hours drive ) ( Breakfast ) Drive to Konya, visit to Mevlana Sufi temple. Overnight in Konya. DAY 7 : Konya – Cappadocia Tour ( 5 hours drive ) ( Breakfast ) Drive to Cappadocia. Visit to Sultanhani Caravanseria, a roadside inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day’s journey. Overnight in Cappadocia in a cave hotel. DAY 8 : Cappadocia Tour ( Breakfast ) Optional: Hot air ballooning with sunrise, once in a lifetime experience in Cappadocia Tour to Kaymaklı Underground City, Soğanlı Valley, an Open Air Museum. Continue with Keslik Monastery near Cemil. Our tour finishes with a visit to Mustafapaşa (Sinasos). Overnight Cappadocia in a cave hotel. DAY 9 : Cappadocia Tour ( Breakfast ) Visit Devrent valley, Pasabag “fairy chimneys” where the voice of wind mixes with the “songs of fairies” near Zelve. Lunch in Avanos, centre of terra cotta work of art since 3000 BC. Afternoon, visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Rock-Castle. Overnight Cappadocia in a cave hotel. DAY 10 : Cappadocia – Istanbul ( Breakfast ) Transfer to airport for your domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to Hotel. Overnight Istanbul. DAY 11 : Home ( Breakfast ) After breakfast check out from the hotel and private transfer to Istanbul Airport or to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport for your flight back home.

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What people are saying about Southeastern Anatolia

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 42 reviews

The trip was one of the best planned trips I have ever been on, in the 12+ countries I've visited. Excellent planning, time management, hotels, professional service and food across cities. I'd especially like to say special thanks to our professional tour guides, Gurkan Nakipoglu and Layla Yasar who made the experience extremely memorable. In particular, Gurkan was with us from Izmir through Cappadocia and really provided most valuable information about the history, culture, and curated the type of places we visited. It opened our minds beyond the basic info we had about Turkiye. Similarly Layla's insights on Istanbul and the history of the country was quite enriching. A trip to a country with such great history and culture, is incomplete without gaining such insight and knowledge. Thank you again!! Cheers, Neeraja

Chose the perfect day for this tour. It was good sunny weather. The Monastery is beautiful and the drive up the mountains to reach it is pretty as well. We had lunch at a restaurant with a good view of the mountains and delicious food. The glass lookout was a fun stop and the cave was cool. I didn't like the rice pudding but loved the small homey restaurant with the warm stove. I enjoyed this tour and recommend it.

The Alp guide was great! Full of interesting information, whether on the culture, the history of the sites or the daily life. Highly recommended outing. Perfect timing. The meal is simple but very good value for money. Driver at the top.

excellent tour, our guide Alp was friendly and very funny. only downside from Belek we make long journeys by car otherwise very well the boat and the visit.

Very nice guide! The highlight was the amphitheater