Northeast Turkey Archaeology Tours
From Pontic Alps to the Lake Van
13 Days
Northeast Turkey is a dramatic intersection of ancient kingdoms and cross-roads civilizations, offering extraordinary opportunities on our comprehensive Northeast Turkey Archaeology Tours to retrace millennia of history, medieval capitals, and pivotal archaeological excavations across the high-altitude landscapes of the Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia.
As a dedicated Turkey DMC and Travel Specialist, Talisman Tours specializes in ground handling and logistics for expert archaeological and cultural itineraries. We work exclusively with international travel agencies, universities, museums, and historical societies to design tailored private exploration routes, led by experienced licensed local guides and expert archaeologists.
Below is our sample Northeast Anatolian itinerary covering key historical and archaeological milestones—spanning the Byzantine legacy and cliffside setting of Trabzon (including Hagia Sophia and Sumela Monastery), the historical museums and madrasas of Erzurum, the magnificent medieval ruins of Ani and archaeological collections in Kars, the architectural masterpiece of Ishak Pasha Palace in Ağrı, extending to the monumental Urartian fortresses, castles, and island sanctuaries of Van (including the Citadel, HoSap Castle, Cavustepe, and Akdamar Island). Every route can be fully customized based on your group’s specific focus—whether it is academic study, deep archaeological exploration, or cultural heritage travel.
Explore Ancient Civilizations with Licensed Local Guides Our private archaeological tours bring antiquity to life through expert historical interpretation, deep stratigraphic insights, and professional narration, ensuring an authentic and scholarly exploration across every site.
Key Archaeological Destinations Along the Route Examine world-class museums and monumental excavations—from the ghost city of Ani on the Silk Road and the Urartian rock fortifications of Van to the breathtaking cliffside architecture of Sumela and the sublime stones of Ishak Pasha Palace.
Comprehensive Itinerary Tailored for Your Group From expert academic coordination to seamless ground handling, internal logistics, and museum access, every detail is handled with professional precision to guarantee a smooth, flawless travel experience.
Trabzon : Hagia Sophia, Sumele Monastery
Erzurum : Archaeological Museum, Yakutiye Madrasah
Kars : Ani, Archeology Museum
Agri : Ishak Pasha Palace
Van : Citadel, Hosap Castle, Archaeological Museum, Cavustepe, Akdamar Island
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- All transfers
- 12 nights Accommodation at FC hotels
- Welcome cocktail
- Transportation by modern Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Baggage Handling
- 12x breakfast and 12x dinner
- English speaking Prof. Tour Guide
- All Domestic Flights
- All entrance Fees
- All applicable Taxes
- Tips at the hotels
- Beverages
- Customary tips for guide and driver
Average weather for Istanbul
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ave High Temp °c | 8 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 26 | 28 | 25 | 25 | 19 | 14 | 10 |
| Ave Low Temp °c | 4 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 6 |
| Ave Rainfall (mm) | 100 | 70 | 50 | 60 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 60 | 100 | 100 |
Average weather for Ankara
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ave High Temp °c | 3 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 5 |
| Ave Low Temp °c | -5 | -4 | -2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 3 | -1 | -3 |
| Ave Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 40 | 30 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
Average weather for Antalya
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ave High Temp °c | 15 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 26 | 31 | 34 | 33 | 31 | 26 | 20 | 16 |
| Ave Low Temp °c | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 7 |
| Ave Rainfall (mm) | 180 | 130 | 80 | 80 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 90 | 180 | 210 |
Average weather for Izmir
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ave High Temp °c | 11 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 29 | 23 | 18 | 13 |
| Ave Low Temp °c | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 6 |
| Ave Rainfall (mm) | 126 | 95 | 77 | 47 | 29 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 15 | 41 | 84 | 144 |
What Our Guests Say About Turkey
Difficult to distinguish “fondest memories” against the background of a program, of which almost every aspect was in itself outstanding. Guides throughout were efficient, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and concerned to assist with such as physical and dietary requirements.
Ron Lander
Thought Northeastern Turkey Archaeology Tour was great, would recommend to anyone to visit Turkey. Beautiful people and has left me with a great impression.
David and Antoinette Thompson
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