Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Eastern Turkey with this curated 4-day exploration of Van. This journey offers a unique blend of ancient history, architectural marvels, and hands-on culinary experiences. You will traverse the landscapes of the Urartu Kingdom, explore centuries-old religious complexes, and engage with the vibrant local culture that makes Van one of Turkey's most fascinating historical destinations.
Your itinerary includes visits to significant landmarks such as the Meher Gate, an essential site for understanding Urartian religion, and the historic Varagavank complex, known locally as the Seven Churches. You will also have the opportunity to visit the famous Cat House to see Van’s unique heterochromic cats, walk along the bustling Cumhuriyet Street, and marvel at the Ottoman-era Kaya Celebi Mosque. The tour provides deep insight into the region's 5,000-year history through guided visits to the Van Castle, the archaeological Van Castle Mound, and the comprehensive Van Museum.
Beyond the historical sites, this tour invites you to become a part of the local culinary tradition. You will join a cooking lesson with the chef of a local restaurant, where you will learn to prepare authentic dishes from Van’s renowned cuisine. After mastering these local recipes, you will enjoy the meal you helped create, followed by free time for shopping in the city centre. This balanced approach ensures you leave with a profound appreciation for both the heritage and the flavors of this captivating region.
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days 3 Nights |
| Price | From €607 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 8 |
| 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 your arrival at Van Airport, our team will meet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace. Overnight in Van.
After breakfast, we depart for the Meher Gate, a significant site from the Urartu King Ispuini period featuring ancient inscriptions. We continue to the Varagavank monastery complex, followed by a stroll along the vibrant Cumhuriyet Street. After a lunch break, we visit the famous Cat House to see the unique Van cats. Our afternoon includes an exploration of the Van Castle Mound, the Ottoman Kaya Celebi Mosque, begun in 1660,, and the impressive Van Castle. We conclude the day at the Van Museum, which houses artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history. Overnight in Van.
After pick-up from the hotel, we head to a local restaurant where the chef runs a cooking class while your guide explains each step. You will learn dishes of the Van kitchen, preparing a full menu including local dishes, salads, and desserts. After enjoying the lunch you helped create, you will have free time in the city center for shopping and personal exploration. Overnight in Van.
Enjoy your final breakfast in Van. The day is yours to relax until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of your memorable cultural journey.
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.
Other private and group tours that visit the same destination.
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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!
