From Bitlis
Join our private daily excursion from Bitlis and uncover one of Eastern Anatolia's most underrated corners. This fully guided Bitlis day trip blends dramatic medieval architecture, volcanic landscapes and the remarkable Seljuk legacy of Ahlat, all in a single relaxed day tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bitlis.
Your day tour begins in Bitlis itself, a city layered with history. Bitlis Castle has watched over the valley for more than two millennia, while the Ihlasiye Madrasa and the Grand Mosque reveal how the city flourished under Seljuk and later rule. Together they offer a compact, fascinating introduction to the region's past.
In the afternoon, this daily tour continues to Nemrut Lake, where volcanic forces created a breathtaking crater landscape. The journey then leads to Ahlat on the shores of Lake Van, a town of immense historical importance. Its museum displays finds from many eras, and the vast Seljukian graveyard, dotted with ornately carved tombstones, is unlike anything else in Turkey.
Practical notes: this is a private, fully guided tour in English with a relaxed physical level, suitable for all ages from 0 to 99. Transport is by air-conditioned, non-smoking coach, and all entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary are included. Lunch and personal expenses are not included, so you are free to choose where to eat during the midday break.
| Tour type | Private · day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full Day |
| Price | From €199 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 4 |
| 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.
Daily Bitlis City Tour
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Bitlis and set off on a full day of discovery. The morning is devoted to the city's historic core, beginning with Bitlis Castle, a fortress dating back to the 4th century BC and traditionally linked to Alexander the Great. Standing on a steep slope, it commands sweeping views over Bitlis. Next comes the Ihlasiye Madrasa, an Islamic theological school erected by the Seljuks in the early 13th century, whose stonework displays the defining traits of Seljuklu architecture. You will then visit the Bitlis Grand Mosque, built in the 12th century and renovated in 1985, an excellent surviving example of the region's early mosque design. After some free time for lunch, the tour drives towards Nemrut Lake, a beautiful crater lake created by volcanic activity in ages past. There will be time to photograph the spectacular scenery and enjoy the surrounding nature. The journey continues to Ahlat, regarded as the first major Turkish city in Anatolia. At Ahlat Museum you will see artifacts not only from the Seljuk era but from many different historical periods. The final stop is the Ahlat Seljukian Graveyard, spread over a vast area and known as the biggest Turkish-Islamic graveyard, with a burial style typical of Central Asian Turkish culture. At the end of the tour you will be transferred back to your hotel in Bitlis.
Bitlis → Bitlis Castle → Nemrut Lake → Ahlat
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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More day tours and excursions in Bitlis — swipe to explore.
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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!
