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International
Travel Lovers

18399 Ventura Blvd #7 Tarzana, CA 91356

1-626-380-7948

Mystical Turkey: From the Black Sea to Mesopotamia with Airfare

  • Writer: franceschau
    franceschau
  • Sep 19
  • 3 min read

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through North and Eastern Turkey—where ancient kingdoms, sacred landscapes, and timeless cultures converge. From the cosmopolitan charm of Istanbul to the lush hills of the Black Sea, the haunting ruins of Ani, volcanic peaks of Nemrut, the mystical rock churches of Cappadocia, and the world’s oldest temple at Göbekli Tepe—this journey takes you deep into the soul of Anatolia.


Discover saffron-scented monasteries, fairy chimneys, hot air balloon skies, and sacred mountaintops. Mystical Turkey: From the Black Sea to Mesopotamia with Airfare. A once-in-a-lifetime exploration of Turkey’s hidden gems, living history, and breathtaking beauty.


Lovingly curated by one of our very own travel lovers, Inge (IZ), this route blends ancient wisdom with local charm, offering a rich and immersive experience you’ll never forget.


TOUR ROUTE: LAX - Istanbul - Trabzon - Rize - Hopa - Artvin - Ardahan - Kars - Iğdır - Doğubayazıt – Van Akdamar Island – Hasankeyf – Mardin – Saffron Monastery – Zerzevan Castle - Diyarbakır – Nemrut National Park – Adıyaman – Göbekli Tepe – Urfa – Gaziantep – Zeugma Museum - Cappadocia – Hattuşa – Alacahöyük – Yazılıkaya – Ankara - LAX


TRAVEL DATE: 10/2/2026 - 10/16/2026


PACKAGE PRICE: $5,725


ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Wander the clifftop monasteries of Trabzon & Rize

  • Explore forgotten Silk Road towns: Kars, Van, Mardin, Diyarbakır

  • Visit the world’s oldest temple: Göbekli Tepe Stone Pillars

  • Stand in awe at the sunrise atop Mount Nemrut, among the colossal stone heads of ancient kings

  • Sail to the sacred Akdamar Island and marvel at the 10th-century Armenian Church on Lake Van

  • Float above fairy chimneys on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia

  • Step into ancient underground cities and Hittite capitals

  • Indulge in rich local cuisine from Gaziantep to Ankara


ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:

  • Day 1 & 2 (Fri, 10.2 - Sat, 10.3): LAX – Istanbul

  • Day 2 (Sat, 10.3): Arrive in Istanbul (D)

Arrival in Turkey’s cultural capital; welcome and orientation.

  • Day 3 (Sun, 10.4): Istanbul → Trabzon (B, L)

Fly to the Black Sea coast; visit Sumela Monastery or city highlights.

  • Day 4 (Mon, 10.5): Trabzon – Rize – Hopa (B, L)

Scenic drive along the lush coastline; tea plantations, rivers, and mountain vistas.

  • Day 5 (Tue, 10.6): Hopa – Artvin – Ardahan – Kars (B, L)

Journey through dramatic mountain passes to the remote region of Kars.

  • Day 6 (Wed, 10.7): Kars – Iğdır – Doğubayazıt – Van (B, L)

Visit ancient Ani ruins, pass Mount Ararat, see Ishak Pasha Palace en route to Lake Van.

  • Day 7 (Thu, 10.8): Van – Akdamar Island – Hasankeyf – Mardin (B, L)

Boat ride to Akdamar Island Church; explore Hasankeyf and arrive in Mardin.

  • Day 8 (Fri, 10.9): Mardin – Saffron Monastery – Zerzevan Castle – Diyarbakır (B, L)

Explore ancient monastic life and Roman ruins; continue to the walled city of Diyarbakır.

  • Day 9 (Sat, 10.10): Diyarbakır – Nemrut National Park – Adıyaman (B, L)

Hike to the colossal statues atop Mount Nemrut at sunset.

  • Day 10 (Sun, 10.11): Adıyaman – Göbekli Tepe – Urfa – Gaziantep (B, L)

Visit the oldest temple in the world, the sacred Pool of Abraham, and arrive in Turkey’s culinary capital.

  • Day 11 (Mon, 10.12): Gaziantep – Zeugma Mosaic Museum – Cappadocia (B, L)

See stunning Roman mosaics before heading into the surreal landscape of Cappadocia.

  • Day 12 (Tue, 10.13): Cappadocia – Underground City & Hot Air Balloon Ride (B, L)

Optional sunrise balloon ride; explore fairy chimneys and ancient underground cities.

  • Day 13 (Wed, 10.14): Cappadocia – Hattuşa – Alacahöyük – Yazılıkaya – Ankara (B, L)

Dive into the ancient Hittite civilization before arriving in Turkey’s capital. Visit the Atatürk Mausoleum or Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

  • Day 14 (Thu, 10.15): Ankara – Free day (B)

  • Day 15 (Fri, 10.16): Ankara – LAX (B)


PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • International and domestic flights

  • All private transportations

  • Private English speaking guides

  • Daily breakfast, and late lunch/early dinner

  • 4* hotels

  • Entrance fee of the scenic spots as required

  • Activities & excursions as listed in the itinerary


PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel & health insurance

  • Tipping: $10/day/person for driver(s) and guide(s). To be collected prior to the trip

  • Personal expenses/meals/sightseeing that are not listed in itinerary


MAKING RESERVATION:

  • Call Catherine at Tarzana Tour and Travel at 626-380-7948

  • Email a copy of your passport to catherine@tarzanatour.com

  • By putting your deposit, you have read and agreed to the following:

  • Reservation Deadline & Cancellation Policy ($500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable)

  • Disclaimer / Release of Liability Agreement


IMPORTANT NOTE:

  • In the current global climate, we strongly recommend all guests purchase flight and travel insurance to cover all contingencies and nonrefundable deposits and expenses.

  • Airfares are constantly fluctuating now more than ever, making prices subject to change without prior notice.

  • A reservation without a deposit does not secure your spot on the trip.


ITINERARY DETAILS:

To be posted soon...

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