Treasures of Eastern Turkey

Turkey

Led by Diana Darke

12 days £3,795 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Join esteemed author and Turkey and Middle East cultural historian, Diana Darke, on this special trip through the deepest hinterlands of Anatolia in remote eastern Turkey. Starting on the banks of a remote and almost mystical lake, which also happens to be Turkey’s largest by volume, the tour threads a golden trail from Van and its Utartian surroundings to Kurdish Diyarbakir and beyond. From thriving urban centres to lonesome ruins of a bygone era where the Kings of Assyria, Persia and Byzantium built lasting reminders of the region’s strategic importance, we travel back - much further back - in time to witness up close preclassical sites of extraordinary importance, such a Göbekli Tepe, Mardin, and Karahan Tepe - considered to be the world's first places of worship dating back 12,000 years. Experience the unforgettable on the top of Mount Nemrut, the eagle’s nest Byzantine fort of Rumkale, as well as modern Gaziantep, with its mouth watering cuisine and world-beating mosaic museum.

Read more about Diana here.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • A short cruise on Lake Van
  • The tiny isle of Akdamar on lake Van, with its Armenian Orthodox church.
  • The walled city of Diyarbakir
  • Visit the beautiful honeycombed town of Mardin
  • Göbekli Tepe: the world's first temple
  • Ancient mud beehive homes of Harran
  • Karahan Tepe: Göbekli Tepe's mind-blowing 'sister site'.
  • Iconic head statues on Mount Nemrut
  • Take a boat to stunning Rumkale
  • Famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep

Places Visited

Lake Van - ​Akdamar Island - Diyarbakir - Mardin - Midyat - Göbekli Tepe - Urfa - Harran - Karahan Tepe - Mount Nemrut - Halfeti - Rumkale - Gaziantep

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers (as per trip dates)
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Day 1 : Istanbul - Van

Arrive in Van. Your Travel the Unknown representative will meet and  greet you at Van airport, before transferring you to your hotel.

If unable to arrive to connect to Van on the same day, consider arriving the day before.
 

Meal plan: n/a

Van today is a young vibrant university town but the history of the region goes back more than 7 millennia, and the town itself was the Urartian capital as early as the 9th Century BC. 

Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake, is flanked by the snowy peaks of the volcanoes of Mount Suphan and Mount Nemrut. The beautiful azure waters of the lake are highly alkaline and drilling at the bottom of the lake by German palaeontologists has revealed climate data covering almost 15,000 years despite only penetrating the first few metres of sediment. It is believed the sediment may hold climate data from the last 800,000 years!

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Day 2 : Van

Enjoy the first of two days in and around the lake city of Van, taking in its sights and sounds. Nestled beside Turkey’s largest inland body of water, Van has been continuously settled for at least three thousand years.

Take a boat ride to Akdamar. Ringed by snow-capped views for much of the year, the second biggest of the lake’s four islands boasts a 12th century Armenian monastery.

The day’s highlights also include the Utartu museum, an elegant showpiece of many of the cultures that have, at various times in the distant past, intersected this ancient city. Overnight Van.
 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Akdamar Island is a small island 3km from the Shore of Lake Van, most famous for the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross (a.k.a. Akdamar Kilisesi). The unique importance of the building comes from the extensive array of bas-relief carvings, of biblical scenes predominantly, that adorn its external walls. Due to the contentious history between Turkey and Armenia the site has been subject to vandalism in the past and its restoration was never short on controversy, but the outcome is spectacular. Besides the marvellous views of the church, the island, the lake and the mountains beyond, there are ruins of an Armenian monastery which once served the church.

Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake, is flanked by the snowy peaks of the volcanoes of Mount Suphan and Mount Nemrut. The beautiful azure waters of the lake are highly alkaline and drilling at the bottom of the lake by German palaeontologists has revealed climate data covering almost 15,000 years despite only penetrating the first few metres of sediment. It is believed the sediment may hold climate data from the last 800,000 years!

Read more
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Day 3 : Van - Hosap Castle - Cavustepe - Van

Venture out closer to the frontier of Iran to discover a fortification as layered as a baklava. First Utartian, then Armenian, and eventually Kurdish, Hoşap Castle is one for the ages. Rebuilt in 1643, it stands as a sentinel to Eastern Turkey’s remarkable past. From there, move onto another, more understated, but equally impacting, Utartian ruin at Çavuştepe. Its 2,700 year-old history is laid bare in its impressive Cyclopean walls, built without mortar and with long-lost techniques.

Back toward the city of Van, it’s time to link up with another Utartian gem: Van Castle. With this Bronze Age relic’s power to narrate history, don’t miss the perfectly-preserved 5th Century tri-lingual (Old Persian, Babylonian, and Elamite) inscription from Xerxes the Great, the only Achaemenid royal inscription located outside of Iran.

Later, get to know Van itself, now more of a vibrant college town than the 3,000 year-old Utartian capital. Return to the hotel.
 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Hosap Castle is a large medieval castle in the village of Hoşap (meaning "Good/Sweet Water" in Kurdish) near the border with Iran. It was built by a local Kurdish lord, Mahmudi Suleyman, in 1643. Legend has it that the hands of the architect who built this formidable stronghold were cut off so that he could not build another. Be sure to find its intricate lion carvings. A short distance from Hosap is the Urartian centre Cavustepe. Built in the 8th century B.C., Cavustepe was once home of the kings of Urartu.

The historial site of Çavuştepe is situated in the Gürpınar valley, 22 km south of Van and is the third largest site in the Urartian Kingdom. Like Van castle it held Royal city status, constructed under the instructıon of King Sadur II, son of Argishti between 764 BC and 735 BC, it is the best preserved of all 32 Urartian citadels.  Therefore, it allows the visitor a good insight into the high level of skill the Urartians had in construction and engineering. The massive stone blocks used to build the citadel are clearly visible as you walk around the site, each block weighing up to 27,000kg. Substantial work was carried out before building commenced in order to flatten out the hill top and to create the losenge shape fortress favoured by the Urartians. You can see the large cisterns carved into the rock to collect rain or snow and an ancient toilet with a rather advanced drainage system which carried waste down and away from the fortress. In Armenian folklore it is thought to be the fortress built by Hayk, who was the founder of the Armenian nation.

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Day 4 : Van - Diyarbakir - Zerzevan Castle - Diyarbakir

After breakfast, cross the rugged backcountry of Southeast Anatolia toward the Kurdish capital of Diyarbakir. Aside from the town’s strong Kurdish flavour, Diyarbakir is noted for Its fortified walls, which run unbroken for almost 6 km around its urban centre.

The day includes a side trip to the castle of Zerzevan. A Byzantine outpost built in the 4th century, these scattered ruins occupy a commanding position over rolling countryside. Late Roman architectural hallmarks still cling on to the hillside, hinting at a fascinating past.

Return to Diyarbakir for a glimpse of its vibrant, historic streets. Overnight there.
 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Diyarbakir (known as “Amed” to the Kurdish majority there) is the largest city in south eastern Turkey and was often the flashpoint for anti-Turkish rebellion in days gone by.  Its city walls stretch almost 6 kilometres unbroken and inside those walls are a fascinating array of mosques, churches townhouses and an impressive architectural spectrum.

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Day 5 : Diyarbakir - Mardin

It’s not too far a drive from Diyarbakir to a sweetheart of Eastern Turkish travel: Mardin. With baked-brown alleyways, honey-coloured buildings, a mazy market and stunning ancient buildings, you will quickly see why this relic of old Mesopotamia has become a firm fixture on the Anatolian trail. 

Early evidence for the presence of a human settlement in what is now Mardin dates back to an 9th century BC inscription by Neo-Assyrian king, Ashurnasipal. Today the town’s piety can be seen in its array of beautiful mosques and churches. The town’s diverse history means Mardin is in contention to become a UNESCO Heritage site. 

Overnight in Mardin.

Overnight in Izala Hotel, Mardin

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 6 : Mardin - Midyat - Dara - Mardin

Just over an hour east of Mardin lies Midyat. Like Mardin, Midyat is a lesser-travelled town with ancient origins. It’s the blend of Kurdish, Arabic and Syriac that makes this settlement on the far frontiers of Northern Syria a must to fully appreciate the breadth of culture in this corner of modern Turkey. Its fictional qualities also make Midyat a popular location for the Turkish film industry. 

Head on to Dara, scene of a great 6th Century battle between the Sassanid Persian empire and the ailing Eastern Romans. On the tectonic fault line of two great near eastern empires, the former fortress of Dara was built into the rockface. Finally unearthed after centuries underground, this Byzantine garrison town is now a modern village replete with rock-cut tombs, catacombs and the remains of underground cisterns.

Return to Mardin for the night. 

Overnight in Izala Hotel, Mardin

Meal plan: Breakfast

Midyat is a town in Mardin Province of Turkey. The ancient city lie at the heart of a centuries-old Hurrian/Hurrian town in Southeast-Turkey, widely known by its Syriac name Tur Abdin. A cognate of the name Midyat is first encountered in an inscription of the Neo-Assyrian king Ashur-nasir-pal II (883-859 B.C.). This royal text depicts how Assyrian forces conquered the city and its surrounding villages. In its long history, the city of Midyat has remained politically subjected by various rulers - from the Assyrian Empire to the modern Turks. Today it boasts many beautiful buildings and a relaxed atmosphere.

Dara was an important East Roman fortress city in northern Mesopotamia on the border with the Sassanid Empire. Because of its great strategic importance, it featured prominently in the Roman-Persian conflicts of the 6th century, with the famous Battle of Dara taking place before its walls in 530. Today the Turkish village of Oğuz occupies its location and there are many cave dwellings and other interesting archaeological and geographical features.

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Day 7 : Mardin - Göbeklitepe - Urfa

Off the highway west from Mardin to Urfa there is a turning that until 1994 had, for as long as anyone could recall, led toward an unremarkable bump on the landscape. Then archaeological gold was struck. Göbekli Tepe is, as far as the experts can tell, the oldest place of worship found anywhere in the world. It has been referred to as a ritual complex, but its meaning and origins are too mysterious to call. A truth perhaps lost to time. 

Far too ancient to be continuous, the site that stunned the world back in the mid 1990's with its discovery under a ‘pot-bellied hill’ (which is what Göbekli Tepe means), offers a broken window onto the world as it was 12,000 years ago. Bas-relief depictions of animals - gatekeepers to the next world - are carved beautifully into limestone monoliths more than twice the age of Stonehenge. 

End the day in your Urfa hotel. 

Overnight in Hilton Garden Inn, Urfa

Meal plan: Breakfast

Göbekli Tepe, the oldest place of worship in the world, is an archaeological site without equal. Prior to its discovery in 1994 and its subsequent excavation it was widely believed by anthropologists that religion evolved as a result of living in larger communities which was itself the result of the change from foraging to agriculture. However, Göbekli Tepe has turned our theories of our own evolution on their head. The vast religious site dates from the hunter gatherer period and there is no evidence of any agriculture or even human habitation, suggesting that it may have been the emergence of religion that lead us to civilisation and thus to agriculture. The site contains a vast array of circular structures and huge pillars, some with beautiful limestone carvings of lions, foxes, snakes and birds, believed to be gatekeepers of the entrance to the next world. To date, less than ten percent of the site has been excavated. 

Urfa (a.k.a. Sanliurfa, “the prophet’s city”, or Edessa in ancient times) is the most spiritual city in Eastern Turkey. It is a major centre for pilgrimage and its traditions are very much alive and well. The “Sanli-“ part of its name (meaning “great” or “dignified”) was awarded by the Turkish legislature in 1984 in recognition of the city’s pivotal role in the Turkish war of Independence. Of particular note for visitors are Urfa Castle (the current walls were constructed by the Abbasids in 814AD), the Pool of Sacred Fish where Abraham was thrown in to the fire by Nimrod, the park of mosques, the market area and the Urfa museum.

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Day 8 : Urfa - Harran - Karahan Tepe - Urfa

Set off from Urfa to Harran and Karahan Tepe before returning back. Long suspected of being the one-time home to  the prophet Abraham, known for its bee-hive style homes, as well as being celebrated for the world's first Islamic university, Harran makes for a fascinating stop in. Its astrological clock, old citadel, and association with Egypt’s hermetic tradition, Harran is another one of Turkey's fairytale places. 

Not far from Göbekli Tepe is another Pre-Pottery Neolithic site called Karahan Tepe, Relatively unknown compared with its illustrious contemporary, Karahan’s T-shaped monoliths have been only partially excavated. Some believe it may turn out  to be even more important than Göbekli Tepe. 

Return to Urfa.

Overnight in Hilton Garden Inn, Urfa

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Great Mosque of Urfa meanwhile, was constructed in 1170 on the site of the old Christian church, which Arabs referred to as ‘the Red Church’.

Visit the ancient city of Harran, once the centre of Egypt's Hermetic tradition. See its ominous "Astrological Tower", citadel and local village and take in one of the most atmospheric sites anywhere in the world. Mentioned in the Book of Genesis, Harran is believed to have once been home to the Prophet Abraham. The site of the first Islamic university in Anatolia, Harran also boasts the remains of an 8th century mosque, a citadel and some 300 year old beehive mud homes which enjoy a constant temperature throughout the year, winter or summer. 

Not far from Göbekli Tepe is another Pre-Pottery Neolithic site called Karahan Tepe, which dates to a similar age as Göbekli Tepe. Stone rows, T-shaped stone pillars, and other standing stones cover a hill but they have not been excavated so are still largely covered with soil though they stick. Some people believe it may prove to be even more important than Göbekli Tepe. 

Urfa (a.k.a. Sanliurfa, “the prophet’s city”, or Edessa in ancient times) is the most spiritual city in Eastern Turkey. It is a major centre for pilgrimage and its traditions are very much alive and well. The “Sanli-“ part of its name (meaning “great” or “dignified”) was awarded by the Turkish legislature in 1984 in recognition of the city’s pivotal role in the Turkish war of Independence. Of particular note for visitors are Urfa Castle (the current walls were constructed by the Abbasids in 814AD), the Pool of Sacred Fish where Abraham was thrown in to the fire by Nimrod, the park of mosques, the market area and the Urfa museum.

Read more
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Day 9 : Urfa - Kahta - Mt. Nemrut - Adiyaman

In order to climb Nemrut for a sunset to remember, the village of Kahta provides the ideal trailhead to make the approach. A gentle half-hour ascent to the 2,150m summit, watch the setting sun capture Nemrut’s stunning stone heads in its brilliant afterglow. Bring layered clothing, as it will be chilly. 

One of Turkey’s most iconic sights, Mt Nemrut must rank as one of the world’s highest and remotest mausoleums, and is a potpourri of influences: from the stone eagle heads, to Zoroastrian and Greek gods.  Often considered a highlight of any offbeat tour of Eastern Turkey, and certainly a lasting reminder of kingly vanity in the classical period. 

Proceed to nearby Adiyaman, where your hotel awaits. 

Overnight in Park Dedeman, Adiyaman

Meal plan: Breakfast

A mountain of around two thousand metres, Mount Nemrut is home to the tomb of the pre-Roman king, Antiochus I Theos of Commagene. Built by the king himself in about 62 BC as a shrine to his own remains, the site consists of two large statues of Antiochus which dwarf two statue pairs of eagles and lions, and various Iranian, Greek and Armenian Gods. The statues are now damaged and mostly appear beheaded. Scholars have largely attributed this to later attacks on iconoclasm, but the statues have since been returned to their original places. Behind the display of statues are some well-preserved slabs of stone which feature figures in relief carving and are originally thought to have formed a large frieze. Archaeologists interpret the figures as Antiochus’ ancestors, which allegedly included Greeks and Persians. It is the perfect place to experience a sunset or sunrise as the views from the summit are sublime.

NOTE: it is a 30-40 minute walk up uneven steps to reach the summit.

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Day 10 : Adiyaman - Halfeti - Rumkale - Zeugma - Gaziantep

Commencing your day trip from Adiyaman, the first stop is a scenic one. Poised on opposite banks of the great Euphrates are Halfeti and Rumkale. Strategic fortresses overseen by the major powers of the day, Halfeti, a now quiet hillside town partially submerged by the introduction of a dam in 2001, was built by the Assyrians. Rumkale, dramatically perched on rock above a u-bend in the river, by the Byzantine Romans. 

From there, proceed to Zeugma. First founded in the 3rd century BC by a Seleucid descendent of Alexander the Great, this former Greco-Roman city held an important strategic position across the Euphrates and since 2012 has enjoyed UNESCO protection. 

End a fulsome day in Gaziantep. Lauded for its Seljuk citadel and baklava, this regional centre is perhaps best known for its world-beating mosaic museum. Marvel at the museum’s mosaic masterpieces, recovered from the sunken city of Zeugma, before overnighting in Gaziantep. 

Overnight in Hotel Novotel , Gaziantep

Meal plan: Breakfast

Adiyaman is a city in the southeast of Turkey, founded in the 8th century, and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The city used to be known by the Ottoman Turkish name "​Hısn-ı Mansur" (Castle of Mansur) until 1926 when it became Adiyaman.

A small farming district situated on the East bank of the river Euphrates, Halfeti has been a home to the Assyrians (first established by Assyrian King, ShalmaneserII I in 885 BC), the Greeks, Romans, the Mameluks and the Ottomans. Despite being sieged by the Mameluks, parts of the old city walls still remain.

Rumkale translates to ‘Roman Castle’ and was once a powerful fortress, overlooking the river Euphrates. In ancient times a site of great strategic importance to Romans and Assyrians alike, the fortress is accessible by boat from the neighbouring Zeugma Region. Today, much of the lower-lying town area has been flooded, but the dramatically situated Rumkale helps you imagine the magnificence of the area in ancient times.

Zeugma, once at the forefront of ancient art and culture, boasts some of the most magnificent artworks and sculptures from ancient Turkey. Founded by one of the generals of Alexander the Great, the name ‘Zeugma’ means ‘bridge passage’ and refers to the city’s location on the river Euphrates and its former strategic importance in the silk trade route. When the site was excavated it turned up a number of beautiful mosaics, including the famous Gypsy girl mosaic now on display in the mosaics museum in Gaziantep alongside many others from Zeugma.

The Zeugma Museum houses many impressive artworks and sculptures which testify to the area’s magnificence in Greek and Roman times. Its highlight however is a series of mosaics, the most famous of which is a mosaic known as the “Gypsy Girl”.

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Day 11 : Gaziantep


Only a short hop from Syria’s northern border, Gaziantep contains a trove of cultural treasures. Spend the day on escorted sightseeing tours to hand-picked locations around this modern city of two million. 

Gaziantep’s reputation as a culinary hub is merited, so enjoy its rich assemblage of food and drink. Overnight in Gaziantep. 

Overnight in Hotel Novotel , Gaziantep

Meal plan: Breakfast

The culinary capital of Eastern Turkey, Gaziantep’s famous baklava (pistachio pastries) are shipped all over the country and beyond, and its renowned restaurants serve up mouth-watering dishes. Besides cuisine, Gaziantep boasts a fine Seljuk-era citadel, numerous impressive mosques and restored old buildings. Gaziantep’s chief draw however, is its mosaic museum, believed to be the best in the world. The mosaics were recovered from the ancient Roman town of Zeugma, now underwater. The town’s bustling city markets are also well worth a visit.

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Day 12 : Departure

Take the early morning flight from Gaziantep to Istanbul to connect with your outbound flight home.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Izala Hotel

Mardin (2 nights)

Situated in the centre of Mardin, Izala Hotel is a restored historical building with stone exteriors and a courtyard. The hotel offers a terrace with castle and Mesopotamia Valley views. The rooms of Hotel Izala are equipped with an electric kettle, air conditioning and a minibar. Daily breakfast is served as an open buffet. Mazruna Restaurant and Safran Restaurant offer an à la carte menu including regional delicacies of Mardin and international dishes.

Visit hotel's site
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Hilton Garden Inn

Urfa (2 nights)

Located in an area known as the ''Fertile Crescent'' where a great deal of traditional architecture has been preserved, the Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of the city center and Urfa's main historical sites. Comfortable en suite rooms feature AC, satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar.

Visit hotel's site
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Park Dedeman

Adiyaman (1 night)

This well-furnished, city centre hotel has all the amenities, even a bar. A new build with a capacious feel, the Park Dedeman conforms to a standard that earns it its 4-star status. Enjoy fully-fitted, comfortable rooms in the modern style. Welcoming and reliable in its service. Boasts an outdoor pool. 

Visit hotel's site
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Hotel Novotel

Gaziantep (2 nights)

This 4-star hotel is centrally located and offers an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk service, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms feature air conditioning, work desks and flat-screen TV's. There are tea and coffee facilities as well as a minibar, and the bathrooms come with free toiletries and hairdryers. A variety of international dishes are served at the hotel's restaurant and a buffet style breakfast served. A la carte service is also available 24/7. 

Extensions

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Troy and Nicaea Extension (2 days)

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Thrace Extension (3 days)

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Set sail aboard a Turkish Gulet and explore Turkey's coast

Konya Extensions (3 days)

Day trip options from Konya

Istanbul Extensions (5 days)

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Trekking in Turkey (3-14 days)

Discover Turkey's splendid and varied terrain on foot

Luxury Turkey

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Highlights of Turkey (15 days)

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Uncover historical secrets in the west

Silk Road through Turkey (14 days)

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Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey (14 days)

Discover Eastern Turkey's archaeological wonders

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Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer (14 days)

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Aegean Sea Gulet Cruise (8 days)

Explore the Gulf of Gokova on a classic Turkish sailboat

Southern Turkey Snapshot (7 days)

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Reviews

I went on this trip rather than all the other interesting possibilities in the world because I wanted to go to Gobekli Tepe. Being there was all I could have hoped for. It was a stunning experience and I was moved to tears. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Regarding the food, the olives were the best I`ve ever tasted. And the yoghurt is fabulous. Also the cheese and pistachios and apricots. Oh yes, and the watermelon : ) Thanks to David too for being so patient with my endless questions

Cynthia Bishop , Eastern Turkey Explorer, Turkey

A great way to travel to some of the more remote and interesting places in the world. It was a very interesting area and we saw a lot that we would never have managed on our own. I would recommend the holiday to others.

Marion McCallum , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey

We were fortunate to book a private trip to Turkey with Travel the Unknown. All aspects exceeded our expectations: booking the trip, the guides and personalized tours, transport, accommodation and the food! Our tour operator on the ground was the best! She went out of her way to ensure a wonderful and special experience of Turkey and the private gulet cruise.

Johanna, Shiree, & Madelein , Tailormade Turkey

Travel the Unknown is an excellent company to chose for a real travel experience. It was a fabulous holiday where we felt we saw a different side to Turkey and saw sights and had experiences that were once in a lifetime events. I would certainly recommend them to anyone wanting to have new experiences and see the true side of a country.

Neil , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

This was my third trip with Travel the Unknown and I was just as fully satisfied as on our previous trips. Rahul and his staff are extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Our original itinerary involved areas that were affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey, so the itinerary had to be modified. Rahul accomplished this in a seamless fashion and created a trip that was as interesting, and more varied, than the original one. Kudos for that.

Stephen Kamin , Eastern Turkey Explorer

As a worldwide traveller, explorer & author travelling through COVID times, my trip with Travel The Unknown was a perfect choice for my adventure in Turkey. As a solo booking , I didn’t need the usual tourist bling. I knew what I wanted to see and the company chose the best guide I could have wished for. No fuss. Dealing with my preferences. This company know exactly what they are doing with complete knowledge of their guests, countries and Travel passage. I highly recommend Travel the Unknown.

Tessa Skola , Tailormade Eastern Turkey

Travel the Unknown were very responsive to my personal wishes, and flexible enough to make this a fantastic tour- we covered a lot in a limited time. Guides were pleasant and informative, and the transport was excellent.

John Colligan , Eastern Turkey Snapshot & archaeology extension

This trip was an amazing and very exhilarating experience. We had high hopes of Gobekli Tepe, which were totally fulfilled- it is utterly amazing, but we had not anticipated some of the other gems to be so exceptional as well. We were a small group, which made the trip very personal. Altogether it was a marvellous week, helped by having a caring guide and an excellent driver.

Joy Lawley , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey

Charming people organising the trip and acting as guides. An inspirational visit taking us to out of the way places we would never have had the chance to visit. The personal touch Travel the Unknown brings sets them apart.

Caroline & Peter , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey

I had a lovely time in Turkey. Both of the tours that were part of the package were fabulous, both tour guides were very knowledgeable and made the trips very interesting providing plenty of information, and the places where we went for lunches as part of the trip were superb. David McGuinness is a credit to Travel the Unknown, he goes that `extra mile` to keep customer happy. I`d like to say a huge `thank you` for all the help you gave me organising and planning my trip. I certainly will recommend anyone to use you for planning their `unknown` destination holiday. The emails, telephone calls were all spot on, well done :-) :-)

Jane Kimberley , The Magic of Cappadocia, Turkey

This was a very exciting itinerary including fantastic historic and prehistoric site visits, as well as visits to wonderful towns, restaurants and markets. The attentiveness of the guide ensured that everything went smoothly, even in very out-of-the way places. It was possible to fall in love with the drama of the landscape, the character of the architecture, the colour, sights and sounds of the towns, the friendliness and honesty of the people - and I did!

Jane Neild , Eastern Turkey Explorer, Turkey

We greatly enjoyed visiting the ancient sites of Western Turkey with an experienced guide and seeing the remains of so many different periods and cultures. The scenery was spectacular and we felt that the tour gave us a wonderful introduction to the country.

Michael Wilson , Archaeology of Western Turkey, Turkey
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