Van, on the eastern shore of the great lake that shares its name, is one of the most rewarding cultural stops in eastern Turkey. Its story runs from the Urartian kings of the first millennium BC through medieval Armenian monasteries to Ottoman mosques, and the city is just as famous today for its white Van cats with eyes of two different colours. This short programme is built around one full guided day that links the most important of these layers, with an arrival day and a departure day on either side.
The sightseeing day starts at Meher Gate, also called the Stone Gate, a rock-cut niche from the reign of the Urartian king Ispuini. Its long inscription lists the gods of Urartu, the offerings made to each of them and the sacred mountains, rivers and towns of the kingdom, and a rectangular altar is carved into the rock in front of it. The name Meher means "illuminating", from the belief that the divine would emerge from the niche in a beam of light. Next comes Varagavank, a monastic complex once made up of seven churches and related buildings. Back in the city you walk along Cumhuriyet Street with your guide and stop for a lunch break, then visit the Cat House, where you can feed and photograph the famous Van cats.
In the afternoon the tour turns to Van Castle Mound, where excavations exposed Bronze Age, Urartian and post-Urartian levels and a long-used medieval cemetery. Beside it stands the Kaya Celebi Mosque, an Ottoman building begun in 1660, and from the same spot your guide explains the history of Van Castle on its rock while you take photographs. The day ends at Van Museum, whose collections trace about 5,000 years of settlement in the Van region. Two nights of hotel accommodation in Van, two breakfasts, airport transfers, transport in an air-conditioned coach, a professional English-speaking guide and all entrance fees in the itinerary are part of the package. In winter some roads and sites can close because of snow, so availability is confirmed at the time of booking.
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Days 2 Nights |
| Price | From €581 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 9 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
You are met at Van Airport and driven to your hotel. After check-in the rest of the day is free to discover Van on your own. Overnight in Van.
After breakfast your guide collects you from the hotel. The first stop is Meher Gate, the Urartian rock niche from the time of King Ispuini, whose inscription names the gods of the kingdom and the sacrifices offered to them. Continue to Varagavank, the complex known as the Seven Churches. Back in the centre you stroll along Cumhuriyet Street and have a lunch break, then visit the Cat House to meet the Van cats, many of which have eyes of different colours. The afternoon covers Van Castle Mound with its Bronze Age and Urartian layers, the Ottoman Kaya Celebi Mosque begun in 1660, a photo stop with views of Van Castle, and finally Van Museum. Transfer back to your hotel and overnight in Van.
After breakfast the time is yours until your transfer to Van Airport for your flight home.
Van
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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Extra day tours you can add along your route — Van.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!
