Join our daily excursion from Bitlis to the shimmering shores of Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey and one of the biggest endorheic (closed-basin) lakes on Earth. This relaxing, fully guided Bitlis day trip combines a scenic drive, a memorable boat crossing and a visit to one of Anatolia's most treasured medieval monuments — all in a single day.
Lake Van is a remarkable natural wonder: a saline soda lake fed by countless mountain streams, with no outlet at all. Its original drainage was sealed by an ancient volcanic eruption, which is why its waters are so alkaline and strikingly blue. It is the largest lake in Turkey and the second largest in the Middle East, and its vast surface mirrors the snow-capped peaks that ring the basin.
The highlight of this day tour is Akdamar Island, home to the Church of the Holy Cross, built in the 10th century AD as part of an Armenian royal complex. Its exterior walls are decorated with extraordinary biblical reliefs carved in stone, making it one of the finest surviving examples of medieval Armenian architecture. Following careful restoration, the church reopened to visitors in 2007 and has been on UNESCO's Tentative List since 2015.
This daily tour from Bitlis is rated at a relaxed physical level and is suitable for all ages, from 0 to 99. Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bitlis, an air-conditioned non-smoking coach, a professional English-speaking guide and all entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary are included. Lunch and personal expenses are not included, so you may wish to bring some spending money for your free time in Gevaş.
| Tour type | Private · day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full Day |
| Price | From €210 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 3 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full day programme — click to see every stop.
Bitlis – Gevaş – Akdamar Island – Lake Van – Bitlis
Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Bitlis, where you will meet your professional English-speaking guide and settle into a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach. The drive to the lakeside district of Gevaş takes approximately two hours, passing through the dramatic mountain landscapes of eastern Anatolia. On arrival in Gevaş, you will board a boat for the roughly 30-minute crossing of Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey and the second largest in the Middle East — a vast saline soda lake with no outlet, its original drainage blocked long ago by an ancient volcanic eruption. Reaching Akdamar Island, the biggest island in the lake, you will visit the celebrated Akdamar Church, built in the 10th century AD, restored and reopened to visitors in 2007, and included on UNESCO's Tentative List since 2015. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely walk around the island, soaking up the natural beauty and the magnificent panorama across the lake. You will then sail back to Gevaş, where you will have free time to relax by the shore before the return transfer to your hotel in Bitlis, bringing your memorable day to a close.
Bitlis → Akdamar → Lake Van
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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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!
