Bitlis is one of eastern Turkey's least visited cities, set in a narrow valley between high mountains close to Lake Van. This private tour is based at one hotel in Bitlis for 5 nights and mixes historic sights with hands-on local culture: a guided sightseeing day, a boat trip to Akdamar Island on Lake Van, a cooking class with regional dishes and a traditional Turkish bath, with arrival and departure via Van Airport.
The city tour starts at Bitlis Castle, perched on a steep rock above the town and traditionally linked to the era of Alexander the Great, then visits the İhlasiye Madrasa, an early 13th-century theological school in Seljuk style, and the 12th-century Grand Mosque, one of the oldest in the region. In the afternoon you drive up to Nemrut Crater Lake, filling the caldera of an extinct volcano, and continue to Ahlat on the shore of Lake Van for the museum and the vast Seljuk cemetery, known for its tall carved tombstones in the Central Asian Turkic tradition.
A full day is dedicated to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. From Gevaş a short boat ride crosses to Akdamar Island and the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, famous for the biblical reliefs carved on its outer walls, with time to walk around the island and enjoy the views of the lake and mountains.
Food is a highlight of the trip. At a local restaurant you learn to prepare Bitlis specialities such as Bitlis köfte (stuffed meatballs), büryan kebab, slow-cooked in a pit, and stuffed cabbage, then enjoy them for lunch. Another morning is set aside for a hamam session with the afternoon left open for the shops and cafés downtown. Breakfasts, guided tours, entrance fees and transfers are included; flights are not.
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days 5 Nights |
| Price | From €1,220 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 6 |
| 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.
On landing at Van Airport our driver welcomes you and drives you to Bitlis, about two hours away. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Bitlis.
Visit Bitlis Castle on its steep rock above the city, the early 13th-century İhlasiye Madrasa built in Seljuk style and the 12th-century Grand Mosque, restored in 1985. After free time for lunch, drive to Nemrut Crater Lake, formed in the caldera of an extinct volcano, for photos and a walk. Continue to Ahlat for its museum, with finds from the Seljuk and earlier periods, and the Seljuk cemetery, the largest Turkish-Islamic burial ground with tombstones in the Central Asian tradition. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Bitlis.
Drive about two hours to Gevaş and take a 30-minute boat ride across Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake, to Akdamar Island. Visit the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross, restored and reopened in 2007, admire its carved reliefs and walk around the island. Sail back to Gevaş for free time, then return to Bitlis. Overnight in Bitlis.
After breakfast, head to a local restaurant for a cooking lesson with regional recipes such as Bitlis köfte, büryan kebab and stuffed cabbage, and enjoy what you have cooked for lunch. Later you have time to browse the shops downtown before heading back to your hotel. Overnight in Bitlis.
Visit a local hamam at a time that suits you and enjoy this long-standing Turkish bathing tradition. Afterwards stroll and shop in town; the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Bitlis.
The morning is free until your transfer back to Van Airport for your flight home.
Bitlis – Arrival via Van → Bitlis – City Tour, Nemrut Lake & Ahlat → Lake Van – Akdamar Island → Bitlis – Cooking Class → Bitlis – Turkish Bath & Free Time → Bitlis – Departure via Van
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
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Extra day tours you can add along your route — Bitlis – Arrival via Van, Bitlis – City Tour, Nemrut Lake & Ahlat, Lake Van – Akdamar Island, Bitlis – Cooking Class, Bitlis – Turkish Bath & Free Time, Bitlis – Departure via 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!
