Bitlis, a historic town in a deep valley of eastern Turkey, welcomes you with a dramatic skyline dominated by Bitlis Castle perched on a steep slope. The castle, traditionally linked to Alexander the Great, offers panoramic views of the town below. A short walk brings you to the Ihlasiye Madrasa, an early‑13th‑century Seljuk theological school whose stone arches and intricate brickwork exemplify the era’s architecture. The Bitlis Grand Mosque, dating from the 12th century and refreshed in 1985, showcases the modest yet powerful early‑Islamic design that shaped the region’s religious landscape.
Nature and history intertwine on Day 2 as you travel to the crystal‑blue waters of Nemrut Lake, a volcanic crater lake formed by ancient eruptions. The lake’s serene shoreline provides a perfect backdrop for photography and quiet contemplation. Continuing east, the tour reaches Ahlat, a historic town famed for its Seljukian heritage. At the Ahlat Museum you will encounter Seljuk-era finds alongside objects from other periods of the region's history, while the adjoining Ahlat Seljukian Graveyard, the largest Turk‑Islamic burial ground in the region, reveals the distinctive Central Asian tomb styles that mark centuries of cultural continuity.
The culinary chapter of the journey unfolds on Day 3 with a hands‑on cooking lesson in a local restaurant. Guided by a professional chef, you will prepare iconic Bitlis specialties such as succulent Bitlis meatballs, aromatic Buryan kebap, and tender stuffed cabbage, then enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. Afterward, free time in the city centre invites you to wander the bustling bazaars, sample local sweets, and pick up handcrafted souvenirs, rounding off an immersive experience that blends history, nature, and flavor.
| Tour type | Shared small group · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days 3 Nights |
| Price | From €683 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Stops | 4 |
| 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.
Upon landing at Van Airport, you will be greeted by our English‑speaking guide and escorted to your hotel in Bitlis. After checking in and receiving your room key, the afternoon is yours to explore the town at leisure, perhaps strolling along the historic streets, sipping tea in a local café, or simply resting after your journey. Overnight in Bitlis.
After a hearty Turkish breakfast, the day begins with a visit to Bitlis Castle, where you can admire sweeping vistas of the city and surrounding mountains. The itinerary continues to the Ihlasiye Madrasa, an exemplary Seljuk‑style theological school from the early 13th century, followed by the Bitlis Grand Mosque, a 12th‑century place of worship that reflects early regional Islamic architecture. A leisurely lunch break allows you to sample local dishes on your own. In the afternoon you will travel to the volcanic Nemrut Lake for photo opportunities, then proceed to Ahlat to explore its museum and the expansive Seljukian graveyard before returning to Bitlis for the night.
Following breakfast, you will be taken to a traditional restaurant where a professional chef conducts a hands‑on cooking class. You will learn to prepare Bitlis meatballs, Buryan kebap, and stuffed cabbage, mastering techniques passed down through generations. The dishes you create are served for lunch, giving you a true taste of the region’s flavors. After the meal, the guide will escort you back to the city centre for free time to browse local markets, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After your final Turkish breakfast, you have the morning free to relax or take a short walk around town before your scheduled transfer to Van Airport. Our driver will ensure a timely arrival for your departure flight, concluding a memorable four‑day immersion in Bitlis’s history, nature, and cuisine.
Arrival & Transfer to Bitlis → Bitlis City Highlights → Cooking Lesson & Shopping → Departure from Bitlis
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
👥 54 Seats
👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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👥 37+2 Seats
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👥 16+1 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 12+1 Seats
👥 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route — Arrival & Transfer to Bitlis, Bitlis City Highlights, Cooking Lesson & Shopping, Departure from Bitlis.
Fill in your details and we confirm your private departure within 24 hours.
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!
