Eastern Anatolia trip: A journey of flavor and culture

1st and 2nd Day: Where history casts the first light – Erzurum

We begin our Eastern Anatolia trip in Erzurum, known as the “Land of the Dadaş.” Your first stop upon arrival should be the “Çifte Minareli Medrese,” one of the best examples of Seljuk architecture. Right next to it, the Great Mosque and the Three Tombs invite you for a brief walk through the city’s ancient history.

Erzurum’s cuisine, crafted to endure its harsh winters, is hearty and distinctly its own. For dinner, try the city’s most famous specialty, “cağ kebabı,” kebab roasted horizontally on the spit. Pair it with a bowl of “ayran aşı” (a yogurt-based soup made with grains and herbs), and end your feast on a sweet note with “kadayıf dolması” (a decadent Erzurum dessert of walnut-filled pastry rolls, fried until golden and soaked in syrup).

On your second day, wake up early and head to Erzurum Castle for a sweeping view of the city. Afterwards, visit the Yakutiye Medrese, one of the finest examples of stonework in the region. In the afternoon, explore the city’s famous “oltu taşı” workshops, dedicated to the unique black jet stone that has become a symbol of Erzurum, and maybe pick up a handcrafted keepsake for yourself or someone special. As the day comes to an end, head to the foothills of Palandöken Mountain. In winter, the slopes are covered in snow; in autumn, they turn a vibrant green, offering cool, crisp air and a hint of wilderness. In the evening, enjoy some time at a local music house, where the songs of the dadaş reflect the spirit of Erzurum, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the warmth of its culture.

3rd and 4th days: The city of poetry – Kars

Next on the journey is Kars, the jewel of the Caucasus. Just about three hours from Erzurum, whether by car, train, or bus, the city welcomes you with its Russian-era architecture, which feels like stepping into another world. As soon as you arrive, the 19th-century stone buildings will catch your eye.

Begin your visit at Kars Castle and the Kümbet Mosque (the former Church of the Apostles) just below it. From the top of the fortress, you can view the entire city at a glance and see how well its historic fabric has been preserved. When it comes to cuisine, Kars is known for its cheeses and dishes made from goose. For lunch, try “pilaf”, cooked with goose meat, at a local restaurant. To complete the meal, order a cheese plate featuring the renowned Kars gruyère and aged “kaşar” cheese.

We dedicate the fourth day to exploring the captivating surroundings of Kars. Wake up early and head to the Ani Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “City of a Thousand and One Churches,” Ani was once the capital of the Bagratid Kingdom and continues to draw visitors with its haunting remains. As you walk among the weathered yet majestic churches and city walls, it feels as if echoes of history are resonating in your ears. In the evening, head to the shores of Lake Çıldır to watch the sunset. In winter, its frozen surface offers a breathtaking, surreal beauty, while in other seasons it becomes a favorite spot for birdwatchers.

5th and 6th days: A valley of tales – Iğdır and Ağrı

After experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of Kars, we head south toward the breathtaking view of Mount Ararat, the “roof of Türkiye.” After a four-to five-hour drive, our first stop is Iğdır. Known as the “Çukurova of the East,” Iğdır stands out among eastern provinces for its mild climate.

On the menu here is “bozbaş” soup, a hearty starter made with wheat and chickpeas. For lunch, try either pilaf with meat or lamb slow-cooked in a traditional “tandır.” And to finish, enjoy the region’s celebrated fruits: apricots, peaches, and grapes, all bursting with flavor.

After your meal, consider exploring one of Iğdır’s hidden natural marvels: the Tuzluca Salt Caves. Formed entirely by natural processes, these vast caverns offer not only a stunning visual display but also an atmosphere believed to help relieve respiratory conditions such as asthma. As you walk through galleries that extend hundreds of meters deep, you’ll once again be reminded of how truly unique this region is.

After Iğdır, head to Ağrı and dedicate your sixth day to exploring both history and nature. Start with the region’s most significant historic site, Ishak Pasha Palace in Doğubayazıt. More than just a residence, the palace is a vast complex that includes a mosque, madrasa, bathhouse, and even dungeons. Combining Ottoman, Seljuk, and Persian architectural styles, it rises dramatically at the foot of Mount Ararat, offering a view as impressive as its architecture. One of its most surprising features is that, despite being built in the 18th century, it had one of the world’s earliest central heating systems. Hot water and ventilation pipes ran beneath its walls and floors, warming rooms against the region’s harsh winters. This clever detail makes Ishak Pasha Palace not just a historic site, but a true feat of engineering. The palace is also said to resemble Casterly Rock, the stronghold of the Lannisters in Game of Thrones. If such parallels intrigue you, don’t miss our feature on “What if Game of Thrones was filmed in Türkiye?

For lunch, try Abdigör köftesi at a local restaurant. Made with fine bulgur and a blend of special spices, this dish is one of Ağrı’s most distinctive flavors. After your meal, take a short trip to the Meteor Crater at the foot of Mount Ararat. Believed to be the second largest in the world, this natural wonder captivates with a landscape that is both striking and slightly eerie. Toward sunset, stop by Lake Balık (Balıklı Göl), where the still waters provide a peaceful setting to end the day.

7th day: Say farewell here – Van

If you’d like to end your trip with a memorable finale, we invite you to Van. Start your morning with the city’s famous Van breakfast. From the distinctive aroma of “otlu peynir” (herb-infused cheese) to the warmth of “murtuğa” (a type of local halvah), from the hearty richness of kavut (a regional dessert) to the surprising flavor of jaji (a regional dish with yogurt), every bite provides a taste of this ancient city’s deep-rooted culture.

Following breakfast, set sail across the legendary blue waters of Lake Van toward Akdamar Island. There, the Akdamar Church awaits—not just a historic monument, but a place wrapped in legend. The story goes that a young shepherd fell in love with Tamara, the daughter of a monk living on the island. Each night, he swam across the water to meet her, guided by her lantern’s light. One stormy night, that light went out; the shepherd drowned, and with his last breath, he cried “Ah, Tamara!”—a lament that gave the island its name. On the church’s outer walls, intricate reliefs depict biblical scenes alongside plants and animals, so precisely carved that faith and art seem to blend before your eyes. Perched on rugged cliffs, this striking silhouette will stay with you as one of the most powerful and spiritual memories of your journey.

By midday, return to the mainland and start exploring Van’s lively markets. Visit the Van Cat House to meet these remarkable cats with their striking eyes, or check out the Urartu Museum to explore the region’s history, which dates back thousands of years. If you’re in the mood for something more active, rent a bike and ride around the lake, enjoying the scenic views, or take a refreshing swim in its cool waters.

For dinner, try “inci kefali” (pearl mullet), a fish found only in Lake Van. Seasoned with local herbs and spices, it becomes a flavor unlike any other. Finally, conclude your journey with a cup of tea while gazing at the illuminated silhouette of Van Castle; a perfect ending to your week-long adventure.

This seven-day journey offers much more than a tour of Eastern Anatolia’s stunning landscapes. It’s a chance to experience the warmth of its people and let the region’s unforgettable flavors and traditions leave their mark on your soul.