Eastern Turkey Adventure

Be transported to centuries past visiting historical Ani. Once the capital of the Armenian Empire, Ani was located at the crossroads of many important trade routes. When the medieval city was flourishing, the buildings were some of the most complex and beautiful around. Walk among hundreds of churches that rest in ruin today – the abandoned city creates a dramatic setting against the surrounding landscape.

Come aboard for a memorable boat trip to Akdamar Island on beautiful Lake Van. Tour the island's historic sites, and see the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, built between AD 915-921.

Visit this ancient town in the Batman Province of Turkey. Take some time to learn about the region – with dozens of archaeologically significant sites, there's much to take in.

Take a tour of the impressive Deyrulzafaran Monastery, a main attraction in Mardin, and well worth a visit. Soak in its remarkable history. Founded in 493 AD on the site of an older temple whose remains are still visible, this beautiful and important building was the home of the Head of the Syrian Orthodox Church until the 1920s.

Take a tour of historical sites in Kahta and the surrounding area. See the Karakus Tumulus (Women's Monument), relics of a supposed ancient burial site. While it was common that males of the royal family had their tombs in their ancient capital city, the funerary mounds found on top of Mt Nemrut are believed to be the burial monuments for the royal women.

Visit the Severan Bridge, at 34.2m (112 ft) it is the second-largest arched bridge built by the Romans, and still remains in very impressive shape for being 2,000 years old. Also, take in the ancient city of Arsameia, once the capital of the ancient Commagene kingdom, its rulers built the giant temple and tomb at the top of Mount Nemrut.

Visit one of the must-sees in Turkey – Nemrut Dagi and the many statues at its peak. Walk about 15-20 mins to reach the mountain's summit, and learn about the fascinating history behind this site -- it's basically one man's (King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene) celebration of himself. Watch the sunset amid the giant fallen heads of 2,000-year-old statues, and enjoy a simply unforgettable experience.

Begin the day with a visit to Harran, famous for its unique beehive houses. See how the houses are constructed entirely without wood or nails, and designed to be cool in summer and warm in winter. It must be a winning formula as they have been built using the same design for at least 3,000 years. Some houses were still in use as dwellings until the 1980s, but now most of Harran's population lives in a newly built village nearby.