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Explore the rugged plateaus, ruins and towns dotting the northeast of Turkey.
Explore the lesser-known sights of Turkey on this Peregrine adventure through the NE Anatolia region. Soak up the history of Istanbul before flying to Kars, near the Armenian border, and exploring the ruins of Ani, then travel back along the Black Sea through the historic towns of Amaysa and Safranbolu. From sampling regional specialties like saffron-flavoured Turkish delight to relaxing on the Black Sea’s coast, history buffs, food lovers and sun seekers will all enjoy this Turkish trip.
- Start
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Finish
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Destination
- Turkey
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PETN
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Kars, a transit point between Anatolia and the Caucasus, a city and a region still undiscovered by main stream tourism with quirky little villages and unique architecture coupled with stunning scenery
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Ani, recognised at a UNESCO site in 2016 and once the stately Armenian Capital, an abandoned city on a wind swept plateau, the eerie silence, the crumbling proud buildings - unforgettable
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Cag Kebab originating in the eastern Anatolian province of Erzurum, the kebab looks like a horizontal döner, but tastes otherworldly.
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The Dogu Express, sit back and watch the magnificent geography of North Eastern Turkey glide effortlessly past
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Amasya one of Turkey's most beautiful small cities that sits in the mountains over the Black Sea region, stroll river side in the evening feasting your eyes on the beautifully preserved Ottoman houses - they sure knew how to build a home.
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Taste the unique flavor of Safron Turkish delight and enjoy a feature stay in a Konak in the Heritage listed Safranbolu the entire village is a museum.
Is this trip right for you?
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This region can be cold, but that is the best time to visit, when the mountains are snow capped and the lakes frozen. You will need cold weather clothing for this trip
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There is a reasonable amount of walking on this trip, some of the sites visited are remote. You will require good footwear for this tour. It is possible to sit out some walks
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There are some long travel days on this trip but there is a lot to see in a little time. Please refer to our trip notes for the duration of daily travels.
Gallery







Itinerary
Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY60
- Istanbul - Chora Church - TRY45
- Istanbul - Urban Adventures - Istanbul Conquered - EUR95
- Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY25
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - TRY60
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY60
- Istanbul - Basilica Cistern - TRY20
- Istanbul - Grand Bazaar - Free
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you are going to be late, please inform your booking agent. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.Optional Activities listed are all entry only. Please note there is an Istanbul Museum Pass available for purchase at most Istanbul Museums. This card is valid for 5 days use and costs 185 TL. This card is not available for entry at Dolmabahce Palace, Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower.
Accommodation
- Kars-ı Şirin Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kars - Kars Castle and Walking Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Kars-ı Şirin Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kars - Cheese Museum and Tasting
- Kars - Ani Ruins UNESCO Site
- Kars - Cilder Lake Visit with Lunch
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel Zade or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Apple Palace Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Akce Konak Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Amasya - Pontic King Tombs
- Safranbolu - Walking tour
- Safranbolu - Candy tasting (Peregrine Moment)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Akce Konak Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Safranbolu - Kaymakamlar House Museum
- Amasra - Amasra Daily Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinnerTransport
Boat, Plane, Private aircon busAccommodation
Comfortable hotel (7 nights) Boutique Hotel (Akce Konak Safranbolu 2 nights - Feature Stay)Included Activities
- Kars - Kars Castle and Walking Tour
- Kars - Cheese Museum and Tasting
- Kars - Ani Ruins UNESCO Site
- Kars - Cilder Lake Visit with Lunch
- Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
- Amasya - Pontic King Tombs
- Safranbolu - Walking tour
- Safranbolu - Candy tasting (Peregrine Moment)
- Safranbolu - Kaymakamlar House Museum
- Amasra - Amasra Daily Tour
Dates & availability
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Northern Turkey Explorer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
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Important notes
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available on this trip. Please contact your booking agent
ITINERARY
Temperatures in the far north east of Turkey can get very cold with temperatures in Kars in March and April raging from 4 -12 during the day and 3 below in the evening. It is important that you pack warm clothing. Hotels will be heated but walking during the day you will require a hat, scarf and coat.
This trip has an internal flight. Luggage on this trip is restricted to 15kg per person plus hand luggage. It is possible to safely store any excess luggage in the starting point hotel.
TRANSFERS
A complementary arrival transfer may be available on this departure. For 2019 departures this transfer will be available from both Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST). Please check with your booking agent for further details.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport will be re-locating at the end of 2018. The airport code will remain the same but the name of the airport will change, trip information will be updated when further information is available.
TURKEY
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/travel-alerts

Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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