3-Day Lake Van & Eastern Turkey Tour from Istanbul
Discover the wild beauty and rich cultural heritage of Eastern Turkey on this unforgettable journey from Istanbul to the breathtaking landscapes of Van and the historic region of Eastern Anatolia Region. This tour combines stunning natural scenery, ancient civilizations, and unique cultural experiences around the magnificent Lake Van — the largest lake in Turkey. Travelers will explore medieval Armenian churches, historic castles, and spectacular mountain views in one of the country’s most fascinating and less-visited regions.
Day 1
Istanbul to Van / Arrival in Eastern Anatolia
Your adventure begins with a morning pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Istanbul to Van, the cultural gateway to Eastern Anatolia.
Upon arrival, meet your guide and start exploring the city.
Highlights of the day:
- Visit the historic Van Castle, an ancient fortress dating back to the kingdom of Urartu
- Enjoy panoramic views over the vast waters of Lake Van
- Explore Van city center and local markets
- Taste the famous regional breakfast known as Van Kahvaltisi
Overnight in a hotel in Van.
Day 2
Akdamar Island & Lake Van Exploration
After breakfast, begin a scenic journey across Lake Van.
Highlights of the day:
- Boat trip to the beautiful Akdamar Island
- Visit the historic Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Akdamar Church), a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains
- Opportunity for photography and relaxing walks along the lake shore
Return to Van in the afternoon for overnight stay.
Day 3
Eastern Anatolia Nature & Culture
After breakfast, continue exploring the natural and cultural treasures around Lake Van.
Highlights of the day:
- Visit to the historic town of Gevaş
- Scenic drive along the shores of Lake Van
- Free time to enjoy local cuisine and traditional handicrafts
- Optional nature excursions in the surrounding mountains
In the evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
Drop off to your hotel with fully air conditioned coach.
Ideal for adventure travelers, photographers, history lovers, and visitors seeking to explore Turkey beyond the traditional tourist routes.
Optional cultural experience: learn about the famous Van cats, a unique breed native to the region.
What's Included
- Pick up and drop off with an air-conditioned coach from your hotel to the airport and vice versa
- Round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul and Van
- 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Van
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation during the tour
- Entrance fees to historical sites
- Daily breakfast
Not Included
- Lunch, dinner and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- When visiting religious sites dress modestly — ensure that shoulders and knees are covered and women should carry a headscarf.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Comfortable clothing for the boat trip
- Sunglasses & sunscreen for sun protection
- A camera or a smartphone for amazing photos
- Personal items you may need during the tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Van region and Lake Van area are welcoming destinations with a long tradition of hospitality. Our tours are fully organized with experienced local guides, licensed transportation, and carefully planned itineraries to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Eastern Anatolia is one of Turkey’s most authentic and undiscovered regions. Visitors can experience spectacular landscapes, ancient civilizations, medieval churches, historic castles, and unique local culture — far from crowded tourist areas.
Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest soda lakes in the world. The lake is famous for its turquoise waters, dramatic mountain scenery, and historic Akdamar Island with its medieval Armenian church.
Akdamar Island is known for the 10th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross, one of the most remarkable Armenian monuments in the region. The church is famous for its detailed stone carvings depicting biblical stories and its stunning setting in the middle of Lake Van.
The tour includes a domestic flight from Istanbul to Van Airport, which takes approximately 2 hours. Airport transfers and transportation during the tour are included.
Most packages include: Domestic flight tickets, Airport transfers in Istanbul and Van, Professional English-speaking guide,
Boat trip to Akdamar Island, Hotel accommodation in Van, Transportation with air-conditioned vehicle, Guided sightseeing tours.
Always check the tour details for exact inclusions.
Absolutely. This tour is designed specifically for international visitors who want to explore off-the-beaten-path Turkey with comfort and expert guidance.
Van is famous for its legendary Van Kahvaltısı (Van Breakfast) — a rich spread of local cheeses, honey, herbs, olives, eggs, fresh bread, and traditional specialties. Many travelers say it is the best breakfast in Turkey.
The best months are: April – June (spring landscapes and mild weather), July – September (warm weather and clear lake views) and September – October (beautiful autumn scenery).
We recommend bringing: comfortable walking shoes, light jacket or windbreaker, sunglasses and sunscreen, camera for photography, small backpack for day trips, weather around Lake Van can change quickly, so layered clothing is helpful.
The tour is easy to moderate. Most sightseeing involves short walks around historical sites and scenic viewpoints.
Yes. Private tours can be arranged for couples, families, or small groups who prefer a more personalized travel experience.
Carefully designed itinerary, expert local guides, comfortable transportation, authentic cultural experiences, unique destinations rarely visited by mass tourism. This journey offers a rare opportunity to discover one of Turkey’s most fascinating and hidden regions.
Our partners
