Depart Van and drive to Doğubayazit, where you will visit Ishak Pasa Palace. Later, continue on to Erzurum, stopping en route to see Erzurum Castle. Overnight in Erzurum.
Overnight in Dedeman Hotel , Erzurum
Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner
Erzurum Castle, locally known as Eruzum Kalesi, lies in the centre of the city. The historic structure dates back to 415 AD, although the first fortification on this site is believed to have been built in Urartian times (1263–1234 BC). Built under the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II, this castle served as a military fort for much of its history. The structure is connected to the former town walls, its function was primarily to protect the north east corner of the town's defenses. Today, the castle provides scenic views over the city of Erzurum.
The construction of Ishak Pasa Palace, a splendid 18th Century Ottoman complex, was started in 1685 by Colak Abdi Pasa, the bey of Beyazit province. A hundred years later, in 1784, his grandson Ishak Paşa completed the gargantuan task of its construction. The results are spectacular. It is one of the most distinguished and magnificent examples of 18th century Ottoman architecture and is very valuable in terms of art history. The beautiful stone complex contains a mosque, a library, a bath house, dining quarters and a harem, where the women used to live. Many of the stone carvings are simply exquisite, and the location, looking out over Mount Ararat (Turkey's highest peak, standing at 5,137m) and the Armenian plateau, is simply breathtaking.