"BECAUSE OF MANY SINS, GOD DECIDED TO DESTROY THE HUMAN KIND. HE ORDERED NOAH TO BUILT AN ARCH AND EMBARK A COUPLE OF EVERY KIND OF
ANIMALS. THEN THE FLOOD STARTED AND LASTED WITHIN 40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS. THE DIVINE PUNISHMENT DESTROYED ALL THE CREATURES. ONLY THOSE
BEING ON THE ARCH COULD SURVIVE. ACCORDING TO THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, THE ARC LANDED ON MOUNT ARARAT"

DRT - 006

05 DAYS
ERZURUM, KARS, DOĞU BEYAZIT, VAN

DAY 1 - ERZURUM
Meeting at Erzurum airport and drive to the city center. Erzurum's history goes back to prehistoric era but the well preserved architectural remains come from the Turco - Islamic periods. Highlights are the Çifte Minareli (Twin Minaret) and Yakutiye Medresses, Gümüşlü Kümbet from the Seljuk period, Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque and Baths from the Ottoman period. All above mentioned buildings were built by granite in dark color. Back to our hotel for dinner and overnight (B, L, D).

DAY 2 - KARS
Leaving Erzurum behind us, we will stop by the Bridge of Çoban Dede which was built in 1297. Dinner and overnight at Kars (B, L, D).

DAY 3 - DOĞU BEYAZIT
Today we will drive to Ani to see the most remarkable remains on the eastern border of Turkey. Ani was the capital city at one time, but the Mongols arrived in 1 239 and the place became a ghost city. The city was built by Bagradit Ashot Msaker, between the years 806 - 827 A. D. The most flourishing time of the city during the reign of Gagik I between 900 - 1 020. The castle and churches were built by the Bagratid dynasty.
Then we drive to Doğu Beyazıt for dinner and overnight (B, L, D).

DAY 4 - VAN
This morning we will visit the Palace and Mosque of Ishak Pasha built in the 17th century by the Governor of Beyazıt. The building is one of the finest specimens of Turkish - Ottoman civil architecture although some Seljuk influences can be observed.
We will drive to Van for dinner and overnight (B, L, D).


DAY 5 - VAN
Van was the capital of the Urartian Kingdom (900 - 600 B. C). Highlights of the day are Toprakkale, Çavuştepe, Archaeological Museum in Van and the small and lovely Akdamar Island. Back to our hotel for dinner and overnight (B, L, D).

DAY 6 - ISTANBUL
Transfer to the airport (B).