Embark on an immersive six-day expedition through the heart of Eastern Anatolia, where ancient history meets vibrant living traditions. This tour invites you to explore the legacy of the Urartian Kingdom, the architectural splendor of the Ottoman era, and the stunning natural landscapes surrounding the legendary Lake Van. From the mysterious inscriptions at Meher Gate to the silent, stone-carved echoes of the Varagavank monastery complex, the city programme covers Cumhuriyet Street, Van Castle Mound, the Kaya Celebi Mosque, Van Castle and Van Museum.
Beyond the historical monuments, this journey offers a deep dive into the local culture. You will stand in awe before the majestic Ishak Pasha Palace, perched dramatically above Dogubayazit, and witness the raw power of the Muradiye Waterfall. The itinerary is carefully balanced with unique experiences, including a visit to the famous Van Cat House, where you can observe these unique creatures, and a scenic drive past the volcanic Tendurek Mountain, offering breathtaking vistas of the towering Mount Agri.
The culinary heart of the tour provides a hands-on opportunity to master the secrets of Van’s renowned kitchen. With the chef of a local restaurant, you will prepare traditional local dishes, salads, and desserts, gaining a true taste of the region. Your experience is further enriched by a traditional Turkish bath session and free time for shopping in Van and at the Dogubayazit Grand Bazaar, ensuring a comprehensive and relaxing exploration of one of Turkey's most fascinating cultural frontiers.
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days 5 Nights |
| Price | From €1,193 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 12 |
| 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, you will be met by our representative and provided with a seamless transfer to your hotel. After checking in and receiving your room key, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin your initial exploration of the city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Van.
We begin our journey at the Meher Gate, an ancient site dating back to the Urartian King Ispuini, featuring fascinating rock-carved inscriptions. We continue to the Varagavank monastery complex, known as the Seven Churches, before heading to the vibrant Cumhuriyet Street. After a lunch break, we visit the famous Van Cat House to see the city's unique heterochromic cats. The afternoon includes a visit to the Van Castle Mound, the historic Kaya Celebi Mosque, and the imposing Van Castle. We conclude the day at the Van Museum, which houses artifacts spanning 5,000 years of regional history.
Today, we travel to the impressive Devil’s Bridge and the scenic Muradiye Waterfall. Our route takes us across the Caldiran Plain toward the volcanic Tendurek Mountain, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Mount Agri, Turkey's highest peak. After lunch, we explore the exquisite Ishak Pasha Palace, a masterpiece of Turkish architecture. Our cultural discovery continues with visits to the Ahmed-i Hani Tomb, the local city museum, and a traditional Dogubayazit house. The day concludes with free time for shopping at the Dogubayazit Grand Bazaar before returning to Van.
Today is dedicated to the flavors of Eastern Anatolia. After pick-up we go to a local restaurant, where the chef leads a cooking class and your guide explains the details. You will prepare dishes of Van cuisine, including local specialties, fresh salads, and traditional desserts. After preparing and enjoying the lunch you helped create, you are taken to the city centre for free time and shopping, then back to the hotel. Overnight in Van.
Following breakfast, we will arrange a visit to a traditional Turkish Hamam, allowing you to experience this essential aspect of local culture and relaxation. The timing of the bath will be coordinated based on your preference and availability. Afterwards you have free time for shopping in the city centre before returning to the hotel, and the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Van.
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. The day is yours to enjoy at leisure until your scheduled transfer to Van Airport for your flight home. We hope this journey through the history and flavors of Van leaves you with lasting memories.
Van → Van City Center → Dogubayazit → Van City Center → 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, Van City Center, Dogubayazit.
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!
