14D South & Eastern Anatolia - The Road Less Travelled

14 Days South & Eastern Anatolia – The Road Less Travelled (Specially Prepared for Alvin Ng & Party) The Turkish landmass has been the stage upon which countless empires and kingdoms have flourished and declined, and its history lingers in famous ruins, mosques lavish with ornament, and that glittering distillation of Ottoman glory, the half-European, half-Asian Istanbul. Moreover, the Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is to die for, the coastline is a dream, vibrant bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem innumerable. Even on this short trip in Turkey, you can see a lot of its magnificent past and breath-taking landscape. On this journey, you will travel into the fabled lands of SouthEastern Anatolia and North-Eastern Anatolia and discover the legacies, conquests routes and stories of the past. This is no longer the Turkey you know. This is Anatolia – the true Turkey!

Flights At A Glance: Fly 15Apr

Singapore / Istanbul

TK 067

2350/0610+1 (11h 20m) – Daily

Fly 16Apr

Istanbul / Adiyaman

TK 2216

1000/1145 (1h 45m) – Daily

Fly 27Apr

Kars / Istanbul

TK 2715

1755/2015 (2h 20m) – Daily

Fly 28Apr

Istanbul / Singapore

TK 066

0040/1625 (10h 45m) – Daily

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 01 15th APR (WED) SINGAPORE / ISTANBUL This evening, make your way to Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Fly 15Apr

Singapore / Istanbul

TK 067

2350/0610+1 (11h 20m) – Daily

DAY 02 16th APR (THU) ISTANBUL / ADIYAMAN / MOUNT NEMRUT On arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Intl Airport, proceed to customs and immigrations for security clearance and thereafter, proceed to domestic hall for check-in for your flight to Adiyaman.

Fly 16Apr

Istanbul / Adiyaman

TK 2216

1000/1145 (1h 45m) – Daily

Arriving at Adiyaman Airport, you will be met by your English-Speaking guide. After some time for lunch, we then visit the ancient city of Perre – synonymous for its burial caves and cities built into the hills. One of the largest cities of the Commagene Kingdom dating back to 162BC, the Pirin Caves is a stunning collection of rock tombs in striking resemblance to Cappadocia. Thereafter, we continue to the medieval ruins of Yeni Kale (New Castle) situated above the village of Kocahisar and built on a narrow mountain spur high above a Seljuk bridge spanning the Kahta Cayi gorge. The complex was constructed on top of earlier foundations by Kara Sonkar (Governor of Aleppo, 1286), being altered and extended at the end of the 13th century and in the mid14th century. Finally, we continue north to one of the most fascinating archaeological sites of the Middle East; the enigmatic colossal statues of the Kingdom of Commagene, on the summit of Nemrut Dagi. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nemrut Dagi is one of the finest ancient treasures of Turkey.

Overnight: Nemrut Kervansaray Hotel, Mount Nemrut Meals: Lunch & Dinner

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 03 17th APR (FRI) MOUNT NEMRUT / HALFETI Early this morning, we visit the colossal statues of Mount Nemrut at sunrise. After breakfast, we proceed on our journey to the stunning village of Halfeti (4hrs drive) on the banks of the Euphrates River in Southeastern Anatolia. Much of Halfeti is submerged due to the building of the Birecik Dam and the new village was moved to Karaotlak. Enjoy a boat tour in “Old Halfeti” as you learn about its fate. Until the area was flooded in 1999 the people lived from fishing in the Euphrates and farming on the riverbank, especially growing peanuts and the area's famous black roses. Admire the Rum Kale from your boat (closed for restoration) - an ancient fortress first built by Assyrians, later occupied by various Byzantine and Armenian warlords during the Middle Ages. It once served as the seat of an Armenian patriarch. The Memluks of Egypt, Seljuks and finally Ottomans retained the fortress securing Anatolia under Islamic rule. Spend the rest of the day strolling through the beautiful village.

Overnight: Socrates Halfeti Hotel, Halfeti Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 04 18th APR (SAT) HALFETI / HARRAN / SANLIURFA Today we leave Halfeti behind and travel east towards the legendary village of Harran. Located on the west bank of the Balikh River, the ancient city of Harran is a major crossroad for primary trade routes from ancient Mesopotamia to the west. The most distinctive aspect of Harran is its mud beehive houses, and you can visit models of these at the Harran Cultural Centre. Harran also has a “kale” (fortress) dating from the 11th Century, an impressive city wall and ancient remains of abandoned caravanserais and mosques. Thereafter, we arrive into the historic city of Sanliurfa for check in.

Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn, Sanliurfa Meals: Breakfast #04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 05 19th APR (SUN) SANLIURFA Today, we have a full day to explore Sanliurfa where according to the Bible and Quran, is the birthplace of Abraham – the biblical patriarch of Israel whose story is told in the Book of Genesis. We visit Abraham’s Pool (Balikli Gol), the Great Mosque and Abraham’s Cave to discover the ancient city’s association of the great patriarch. We also visit the Gobekli Tepe – Predating Stonehenge by more than 6,000 years and is now celebrated as the world’s first and oldest temple. Archaeologically categorized as a site of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A period (9600 – 7300B.C.), the world’s oldest temple sits in the same time-frame when Plato’s Atlantis civilization is said to have disappeared.

Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn, Sanliurfa Meals: Breakfast SANLIURFA / MARDIN DAY 06 20th APR (MON) Today we continue our eastern endeavor to the ancient city of Mardin where it had lived under the rule of the Hittites, Surs, Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Arabs and the Seljuk Turks. Known formerly as “Marde” under the Persians and “Mardia” under the Romans, “Mardin” was coined after it was occupied by the Turks. Witness a city of honey-colored, sandstone buildings perched on the southern slope of a hill. Explore on foot, the labyrinthine alleys of the old town and soak in the atmosphere and architecture.

Overnight: Reyhani Kasri Hotel, Mardin Meals: Breakfast & Lunch DAY 07 21st APR (TUE) MARDIN Today, visit the ancient Roman ruins of Dara, where Mesopotamia’s first dam and irrigation canals were built.

Discover the ancient stairways, underground aqueducts and cisterns of one of south-eastern Anatolia’s forgotten gems, which were only recently opened to public. En-route back to Mardin, we visit the Deyrul Zafaran Monastery, once the seat of the Syrian Orthodox patriarchate, and built on the site of a temple dedicated to the sun. Church services are still held in Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy Mardin at your own leisure.

Overnight: Reyhani Kasri Hotel, Mardin Meals: Breakfast & Lunch #04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 08 22nd APR (WED) MARDIN / HASANKEYF / VAN Setting off from Mardin, we drive to Hasankeyf (estimated 2hrs drive), an ancient village that will soon be submerged underwater with the completion of the new Ilisu Dam project (estimated mid-2015 onwards). Enjoy a private boat tour (max. 2hrs) of the submerged village. We then continue on to Van (estimated 6hrs drive), and check in to your hotel.

Overnight: Elite World Van Hotel, Van Meals: Breakfast & Lunch DAY 09 23rd APR (THU) VAN Devote the day to exploring the wonderful sights around scenic Lake Van, Turkey’s largest, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The well-preserved ruins of the Monastery of St. Thomas of Gandzak, in Altinsac village, is an Armenian church perched on a mound overlooking the lake. Driving back towards Van, stop at Gevas Cemetery, full of tombstones dating from the 14th to17th centuries. The highlight of soda-rich Lake Van would have to be the spectacular 10th century Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island accessed by a 20-minute ferry (join-in basis) ride. One may recognize the relief carvings, still in very good condition, from various popular biblical stories ranging from Adam & Eve, to David & Goliath.

Overnight: Elite World Van Hotel, Van Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 10 24th APR (FRI) VAN With another day in Van, we visit the Hosap Castle, built on a rocky outcrop, by a local Kurdish chieftain. Next, visit the Urartian fortress ruins of Cavustepe. End the day at Van Fortress, with its 3,000 year-old citadel, and watch the sun go down over Lake Van.

Overnight: Elite World Van Hotel, Van Meals: Breakfast & Lunch DAY 11 25th APR (SAT) VAN / MURADIYE FALLS / DOGUBEYAZIT Leaving Van today, drive (estimated 3hrs) to Dogubeyazit, en-route stopping mid-way at the elegant cascades of Muradiye Falls, much of which comes from snow melt. Arriving in Dogubayazit, visit the beautiful Ishak Pasha Palace ruins, perched on a small hill overlooking the city. The palace, built in the 17th century, is one of the most magnificent and lavish examples of Ottoman architecture. We then continue to the Noah’s Ark mound situated on a hillside and is one of a few possible ark sites around Mount Ararat. Return to your hotel to check in.

Overnight: Butik Ertur Hotel, Dogubeyazit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 12 26th APR (SUN) DOGUBEYAZIT / ANI RUINS / KARS Today, we will drive through the eastern frontier of Turkey bordering Armenia past the town of Igdir where you may still have lasting views of Mount Ararat. We then arrive at the eerily-stunning medieval ruins of Ani, the “City of 1,001 Churches”, a must-visit in this part of the country, surrounded by remote landscapes near the border with Armenia. At its peak, Ani served as the capital of the Armenian empire under the Bagratid dynasty, rivalling even the most powerful cities of the Middle East. Traipse amongst the numerous cathedrals, churches, homes, fortresses and palaces before we arrive into Kars for hotel check in.

Overnight: Hotel Cheltikov, Kars Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 13 27th APR (MON) KARS / ISTANBUL / SINGAPORE Today, we visit the Castle of Kars sitting atop a hill for a panoramic view of the city. First built in the mid-12th Century during the Bagratuni Armenian period, the castle went through several defining moments – most significant during the Russo-Turkish war in the late 19th Century when the Ottomans suffered a decisive defeat in the siege of Kars until the beginning of WWI when Kars was returned to the Ottoman Empire. It was only a matter of time when the occupation of Kars once again changed hands during the Turkish-Armenian war.

Eventually, a treaty of Kars was signed and forever established the boundaries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia with the eastern frontiers of Turkey.

In the mid-afternoon, transfer to Kars Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul before connecting onto your international flight return to Singapore.

Fly 27Apr

Kars / Istanbul

TK 2715

1755/2015 (2h 20m) – Daily

Fly 28Apr

Istanbul / Singapore

TK 066

0040/1625 (10h 45m) – Daily

Meals: Breakfast

END OF TOUR

EXTENSION PROGRAM DAY 13 27th APR (MON) KARS / ERZURUM After visiting the Castle of Kars, you will continue your journey to Erzurum (4hrs) – a historical city dating back to 4000 BC and was ruled by the Hurries, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols and the Turks and hence the many different styles of architecture and influence as well as being a strategic location for merchants and travellers along the Silk Road.

Overnight: Rafo Hotel, Erzurum Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 14 28th APR (TUE) ERZURUM / SUMELA / TRABZON Early this morning, we set off to visit the Greek Orthodox Sumela Monastery (4.5hrs) nestled in a steep and rocky cliff in the 6th Century, and abandoned in 1923. The various chapels and rooms are mere shells but with a good deal of fine fresco paintings.

We then continue into the harbour city of Trabzon situated against the Black Sea. Have time to explore and walk through the city centre and admire views of the coast. Transfer later to Trabzon Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul before connecting to your international flight return to Singapore.

Fly 28Apr

Trabzon / Istanbul

TK 2835

2030/2220 (1h 50m) – Daily

Fly 29Apr

Istanbul / Singapore

TK 066

0040/1625 (10h 45m) – Daily

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch DAY 15 29th APR (WED) END OF TOUR

ARRIVE SINGAPORE

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON: - The following prices are based on 3 persons travelling together in 1 Twin Room & 1 Single Room; - The prices stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted once we have your date of travel, the exact number of people in your groups and other specific requirements.

Hotels:

BEST Price Per Person

1N in Nemrut Kervansaray Hotel, Mount Nemrut 1N in Socrates Halfeti Hotel, Halfeti 2N in Hilton Garden Inn, Sanliurfa 2N in Reyhani Kasri Hotel, Mardin 3N in Elite World Van Hotel, Van 1N in Butik Ertur Hotel, Dogubeyazit 1N in Hotel Cheltikov, Kars

TO BE ADVISED

Turkish Airlines airport & fuel taxes (SIN-IST-SIN)

TO BE ADVISED

GRAND TOTAL (3 PERSONS)

TO BE ADVISED

Extension Program

BEST Price Per Person

1N in Rafo Hotel, Erzurum with visit to Sumela Monastery and Trabzon

TO BE ADVISED

Cost includes: - Return economy airfare on Turkish Airlines (SIN-Istanbul-SIN) - One-way domestic economy airfare on Turkish Airlines (Istanbul – Adiyaman); - One-way domestic economy airfare on Turkish Airlines (Kars – Istanbul); - All accommodations with daily breakfast as stated in itinerary; - Other meals as stated in itinerary; - Services of Professional English-Speaking Guide on Private touring basis; - Transfers, tours and visits as stated in itinerary; Cost excludes: - Visas if any; - Personal and other expenses not stated; - Travel Insurance; - Any other meals other than specified; - Gratuities to Guides and drivers; - Any expenses incurred beyond our control due to natural disaster, weather conditions, etc.

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

HOTELS Mount Nemrut: Nemrut Kervansaray Hotel - Located on the slopes of Mount Nemrut, Nemrut Kervansaray Hotel has a stone building and an outdoor pool. The hotel offers rooms with nature views. All rooms include a wardrobe and a balcony. They also have a private bathroom with 24-hour hot water. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining area. There is also a bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Nemrut Kervansaray Hotel is the closest hotel to the top of Mount Nemrut. Adiyaman city centre is 70 km away. http://www.nemrutkervansarayhotel.com/

Halfeti: Socrates Halfeti Hotel - Situated along the Euphrates, this authentic hotel features river views, green garden and an oriental corner. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the venue and an arched cave room. Tastefully decorated, rooms at Halfeti Socrates Antik Konukevleri include a mini refrigerator, flat-screen TV and a desk. The private bathroom comes with free toiletries and a shower. Bathrobes and slippers are also provided. The hotel’s restaurant serves à la carte menu option, with local dishes. Breakfast is offered in Turkish style every morning.

You can enjoy your meals either in the garden with river views or in the cave room with cool air. Bicycle and car rental, along with laundry, room service and tour desk are available. There is a shared outdoor pool by the river which guests can benefit from. http://halfetievleri.com/en-EN/index.php

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

Sanliurfa: Hilton Garden Inn Sanliurfa - Situated in the city centre, Hilton Garden Inn Sanliurfa is only 15 minutes' walk from Balikli Gol (Fish Lake). The hotel offers an indoor pool, fitness centre and a sauna. Each room has HD TV and free Wi-Fi. Tastefully decorated, the modern rooms of Hilton Garden Inn Sanliurfa include a mini fridge, and an electric kettle with complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. A work desk with adjustable lighting and ergonomic chair is included. A telephone with voice mail, and 15-inch laptop-size safe box are standard in all rooms. Sumac Grill Restaurant and Terrace serves a freshly prepared buffet breakfast including waffles, and an Ă la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Cocktails can be enjoyed at the stylish lobby bar. http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/turkey/hilton-garden-inn-sanliurfa-SFQGIGI/index.html

Mardin: Reyhani Kasri Hotel - Situated in the Old Mardin city centre, this stone hotel offers magnificent views of the winding streets and traditional stone houses of the city. It has spacious modern guestrooms with balconies and free Wi-Fi. The bright rooms of Reyhani Kasri Hotel have Daikin air conditioning and are decorated elegantly in neutral colours. They come equipped with a coffee machine, an electric kettle, a minibar and LCD TV with satellite channels. Some rooms include a hot tub. The hotel has a restaurant that serves buffet breakfast and regional cuisine made from fresh ingredients. Guests can also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at the terrace overlooking the Mesopotamia. Historical places including Mardin Ulu Mosque, Zinciriye Madrasah and Sehidiye Mosque are within 5 minutes' walking distance. The friendly hotel staff can assist you with car hire and provide information on local attractions. http://www.reyhanikasri.com.tr/

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

Van: Elite World Van Hotel - Located in Van, Elite World Van features neoclassical architecture combined with palace-like interiors. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and an on-site spa centre with hammam, sauna and an indoor pool. The elegant rooms are equipped with air conditioning, LCD TV and a minibar. They are all soundproofed and feature a private bathroom. Turkish and international cuisine is served at the chic restaurant. Coffee Company provides delicious cakes accompanied with a cup of coffee, and alcoholic drinks are available at the hotel bar. There is a well-equipped fitness centre. After a workout, guests can choose to have a steam bath or get massages. Meeting room is also available. http://www.eliteworldvan.com.tr/default-en.html

Dogubeyazit: Butik Ertur Hotel – The Butik Ertur Hotel is well-placed in the town of Dogubeyazit with just a 10mins drive to the Ishak Pasa Palace and great views of Mount Ararat. http://eng.butikerturhotel.com/

Kars: Hotel Cheltikov – Located in a restored historical building constructed in 1874, Cheltikov Hotel has a unique architecture. The hotel offers 24-hour front desk service and authentic rooms. Featuring carpeted floors, the rooms of Cheltikov Hotel include a flat-screen TV, safe box and a minibar. Each room has a private bathroom with 24-hour hot water. The hotel serves open buffet breakfast each morning. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers an à la carte menu. The nearest market is just 20 metres away and there are restaurants 70 metres from the hotel. The Castle of Kars is within 2 km. Kars Airport is 5 km away. http://www.hotelcheltikov.com/home.html

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg