The most beautiful trips in the east of Turkey
The best of trips in Central and Eastern Turkey
Most visitors to Turkey know only its coastal riviera in the south or west of the country, or the capital Istanbul. But the center and east of the country can offer far more exotic trips to beautiful nature and interesting monuments – such as the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia or the former capital of Armenia Ani. Let's take a look at trips that are definitely worth taking in the East and Central Turkey.
Hike in the Red valley
World of rocks from Göreme to Çavuşin
The trip starting near the town of Göreme is very beautiful and offers incredible views of the surrounding rock formations, outlooks and many mysterious caves carved into the rocks. The destination is close historic town of Çavuşin, from where you can take a bus back to Göreme. The route is relatively easy and is suitable also for families with children. continue reading
Visit of Ishak Pasha Sarayi
Fairytale palace near Ararat
At the very eastern end of Turkey, only a few kilometers from Iran, lies in the foothills of volcanic mountains very well-preserved Ottoman palace of Ishak Pasha. Except for Mount Ararat it is the greatest attraction in the wide area of Dogubayazit. In addition, you can go to the palace on foot along relatively nice route from Dogubayazit or combine it with a hike through almost forgotten Kurdish villages overlooking Ararat or with a short ascent to outlook rock above the palace. continue reading
Visit of Ani
Town with 1001 churches
The ruins of the former mighty capital of Armenian Kingdom Bagratuni lie right on the Turkish-Armenian border. At the time of its greatest glory it competed in its importance to the largest towns in the Middle East. It was protected by canyons of the rivers on three sides and on the fourth by powerful walls. The town was thus virtually impregnable and until large earthquake in 1319 came and leveled it to the ground, it thrived well. In the ruins of the local ancient churches is now unusual abandoned atmosphere. It is almost unbelievable that up to two hundred thousand people used to live here. continue reading
A tour of the volcanic field near Karapinar
Around two volcanic lakes
The 50,000-strong city of Karapinar attracts visitors only thanks to an interesting volcanic field ten kilometers east of the city. Here you will find volcanic cones and especially colorful lakes full of minerals. You can take nice but short walks here and also swim in Lake Acigöl. It is a very interesting stop on the way between Cappadocia and Kona. continue reading
Ahtamar
A trip to the Armenian Church on the island of Ahtamar
Ahtamar is a small island on Lake Van with an area of 70 hectares located 3 km from the south coast and 18 km from the town of Van. One of the most beautiful Armenian churches, the Holy Cross lies right here. The Armenian king Gagik chose it as his seat in the first half of the 10th century. In the 11th century, the island became the seat of Catholicism, the head of the Armenian Church and also a place of pilgrimage for Armenians. The genocide in 1915 forced the Armenians to leave the island and the church became the target of vandals. Finally, the church was restored in 2005 and 2006 continue reading
Visit of Göreme
The heart of Cappadocia
Göreme belong to the most often visited towns in Cappadocia located in the center of Anatolia. If you think back, you will associate symbols such as the ubiquitous surreal rock formations, a number of buildings and houses carved in the rocks and totally obvious omnipresent friendly atmosphere. continue reading
Ascent to Ercyies Dagi
Ascent to the highest mountain in Central Turkey
Ercyies Dagi volcano (3,917 m above sea level) is the highest mountain in Central Turkey. It is a real dominant, because there is no other similarly high peak in its vicinity for tens of kilometers. It thus belongs to the ultra-prominent peaks. However, due to this, bad weather attracts both the magnet and strong storms are very common here. The classic ascent to this peak begins at the ski resort at about 2,200 meters above sea level. continue reading
Tour of Sultahani Kervansarayı
The best preserved inn for caravans
Sultanhanı Kervansarayı is considered one of the best-preserved „inns“ for caravans. The light fortifications of this entire building provided security for buyers and the cost of their goods overnight. continue reading
