This 7-night and 8-day tour explores the history, archaeology and culture of the fascinating region of north-east Turkey. From gorgeous Lake Van we journey through magnificent mountain scenery to the Eastern Anatolian plain passing by Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest peak, to finish at the Black Sea coast at Trabzon. On the way we admire atmospheric Byzantine monasteries, Ottoman mosques, madrassas and palaces, the remote Georgian churches of Tao-Klarjeti, the remarkable lost Armenian city of Ani, and Urartian citadels set within the vibrant modern culture of the modern Turkish nation.

This is a region of incredible diversity with traces of intriguing cultures, both past and present, including Urartians, Byzantines, Ottomans, Zazas, Kurds, Armenians and Georgians. Set within the breathtaking scenery of Turkey’s most spectacular region it is a tour of contrast and discovery

The history of northeast Turkey is marked by a host of differing kingdoms which move on and off the stage like actors. The first organised historically attestable kingdom in the region is the Hayasa-Azzi who came into conflict with the Hittite Empire to the west in the 14th century BC. Within a century the kingdom had been absorbed by the Hittites. In the southern part of the region the Kingdom of Urartu flourished between the 9th century BC and 585 BC with its capital at Tushpa (Van). The kingdom is known for its formidable fortresses and cuneiform writing. Urartu gradually succumbed to the growing power of Assyria and then the Iranian Medes who eventually extended their hegemony over most of the area. By the 6th century BC a new regional superpower, the Achaemenid Empire, had extended its control over the whole of Anatolia. Between 334 and 331 BC the Empire was decisively conquered by Alexander the Great ushering in the westward expansion of the Kingdom of Armenia which ruled the area up to the Euphrates by the 1st century AD. In 387 AD the western part of the Kingdom became part of the Roman Empire which ruled – in the guise of its Byzantine successor – until its conquest by the Seljuk Turks in the 13th century. The dominant religion of north-east Turkey has been Islam ever since. A rump Byzantine court ruled from Trabzon until 1461 when the Ottomans conquered the area. Ottoman rule continued until the modern Republic of Turkey was created in 1923 ending warfare between Russian, Armenian and Turkish armies over the region.

Day 1: fly London to Van via Istanbul or meet at the hotel. Hotel in Van – 1 night. (D).

Day 2: leaving Van we drive to Doğubeyazıt set in stunning scenery below Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest mountain, and supposed resting place for the Biblical Ark. We visit the 18th century Ishak Pasha Palace, an exquisite example of Ottoman architecture using a fascinating confection of Seljuk, Iranian, Armenian and Georgian styles. Continue through spectacular mountain scenery to Kars. Hotel in Kars – 2 nights. (B, L, D).

Day 3: a full day spent at the deserted city of Ani, capital of Armenia from 961 to 1045, and known as ‘City of 1,001 Churches’. Although there are less than this number what survives is a trove of churches and cathedrals displaying the rich quality and variety of Armenian architecture. Return to Kars. (B, L, D).

Day 4: leave Kars and drive to Erzerum via the lush Aladağlar mountains. On the way we pause to view the beautiful arched Çobandede bridge over the River Aras. After checking in to our hotel we visit Erzerum’s Uli Cami (Grand Mosque) built in characteristic pre-Ottoman rectangular style with an interesting wooden dome. We then move on to the Çifte Minare Medrese with its twin fluted minarets and entrance adorned with intricate stalactite porches. Hotel in Erzerum – 2 nights. (B, L, D).

Day 5: we journey into the rugged mountain area once home to the medieval Georgian principality of Tao-Klarjeti where we visit the monasteries of Haho (Hahuli) and Ösk Vank founded by the Georgian noble David the Great Kuropalates in the 10th century. Haho was a major literary centre for the Georgian Orthodox Church and has a fine cross-dome triple-apsed church, with beautiful relief carvings and frescoes. The architecture at Ösk Vank is arguably more impressive. Return to Erzerum where there will be some free time to explore the city. (B, L, D).

Day 6: we leave Erzerum and drive towards the coast through the Pontic Alps to the breathtaking Sümela Monastery, clinging to a rocky cliff above the Altindere river. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with its origins in the 4th century AD it was built around the cave where a famous icon believed to have been painted by Saint Luke was discovered. It is now home to many stunning frescoes dating to the 18th century. Continue to Trabzon. Hotel in Trabzon – 2 nights. (B, L, D).

Day 7: on our last day we explore the historic city of Trabzon, an important Black Sea port and long a gateway to eastern Anatolia and Persia. We visit the Atatürk Mansion and museum, bequeathed to the Turkish leader in 1924. Our explorations continue at the Panagia Theoskepastos (Kızlar) Monastery built by Alexios III of Trebizond (r. 1349-90) and containing important frescoes. We also visit the Byzantine church of Aya Sophia, with its 13th-century frescoes depicting scenes from the New Testament. (B, L, D).

Day 8: fly from Trabzon to London via Istanbul. Or you may want to extend your stay in Turkey. (B).