Eastern Türkiye offers a different experience from the country’s busy seaside resorts. This region features diverse landscapes, from the green mountains of the Black Sea area to dry plains dotted with old villages and deep blue lakes.
Visitors can explore a mix of cultures and history, including the ancient Armenian city of Ani, the Byzantine Sumela Monastery, the Ottoman-era Ishak Pasa Palace, and the distinctive architecture of Mardin. The area also includes less-visited sites like Lake Çildir and remote Georgian churches and fortresses in the northeast. Mount Ararat, standing at 5,137 meters, overlooks the border with Iran, while Lake Van, surrounded by mountains, lies near the Iraqi border. With its wide-open views, rugged terrain, and complex history, eastern Türkiye offers a unique perspective on a part of the country that many travellers do not see.
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Signature Tour Welcome to the fascinating city of Istanbul. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the magical city of Istanbul where east meets west. Split across two continents with a rich swirl of European elegance and an exotic Asian flair, it is a city sure to impress even the worldliest traveller. The cultural diversity in Istanbul dates to Silk Road trading days and the layers of armies, empires and treasures will unfold before you. This evening you will meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Overnight – Grand Sirkeci Hotel or similar
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Trabzon (45min).
On arrival, you will be escorted on a tour of Atatürk’s Pavilion, a summer house set in lush surroundings. You will also explore Trabzon’s Old City, where narrow streets, ancient walls, and local markets reveal a history shaped by Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. South of Trabzon you will find Sumela Monastery, a 4th-century Greek Orthodox site built into a cliff 1,200 meters above sea level. You will then continue to Çamlıhemşin (145km, 2hrs), a mountain town surrounded by dense forests, rivers, and steep valleys. Built on the fast-flowing Fırtına River, Çamlıhemşin was once part of a key trading route along the Silk Road. On arrival, check in to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,D)
Overnight – Dudi Konak or similar
Today, enjoy a guided walk to the tea plantations with your local hosts. As you explore the terraced hillsides, you will learn how tea was introduced to the region in the mid-20th century and how the unique, mild, wet and foggy climate of the eastern Black Sea—proved ideal for cultivation. Your hosts will explain the planting, harvesting, and drying processes, as well as the role of state cooperatives and small producers in the local economy. The tour will give you an insight into Türkiye’s tea culture and how the country has become the world’s leading consumer of tea per capita. Tea is not only an agricultural product here but also a daily ritual. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Dudi Konak or similar
This morning, you will travel to Şavşat (200km, 3hrs), a remote town in the Black Sea region known for its natural beauty and traditional wooden architecture. Nestled in a landscape of dense pine forests, alpine pastures, and winding mountain roads, Şavşat is part of a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve and offers a peaceful contrast to the more urban areas of eastern Türkiye. The journey itself is scenic, with frequent views of lush valleys and distant snow-capped peaks.
From here, continue to Lake Çıldır (88km,1.2 hrs), a large freshwater lake sitting at over 1,900 metres above sea level, near the border with Georgia. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains for much of the year, the lake offers a quiet, picturesque setting. In summer, the area is ideal for relaxing by the water, enjoying a traditional boat ride, or trying your hand at fishing. In winter, the lake freezes completely, turning into a unique playground for ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and walking on the thick ice. The surrounding area is also known for migratory birds and highland grazing lands. Later in the day, arrive in Kars (80km, 1.5hrs), a city known for its wide boulevards, Russian-era stone buildings, and layered history. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring the town’s cobbled streets, historic architecture, and cafés at your own pace. (B)
Overnight – Kar’s Hotel or similar
This morning is yours at leisure to explore Kars.
After lunch, you will travel to the Ani ruins, one of Türkiye’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Located near the Armenian border, Ani was once the capital of the Bagratid Armenian kingdom and a major hub along the Silk Road. Often referred to as the “City of 1001 Churches”, Ani is renowned for its remarkable collection of medieval buildings, including cathedrals, churches, mosques, and Zoroastrian fire temples. You will walk through ancient city walls, visit the Cathedral of Ani, with its partially standing dome, and see the Church of St. Gregory, known for its well-preserved frescoes.
You will also see ruins of caravanserais, merchant quarters, and defensive towers, all offering insight into the city’s past importance and the civilisation that once thrived here. This evening, enjoy a local Caucasian Cuisine and dance performance in a local restaurant. (B,D)
Overnight – Kar’s Hotel or similar
This morning you will be driven to Doğubeyazıt (190km, 2.5hrs), located near the Iranian border and overlooked by the towering Mount Ararat. Your tour includes a visit to Ishak Pasha Palace, a unique 17th–18th century complex that blends Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian architectural styles. The palace, partly in ruins, includes a mosque, a harem, and administrative rooms, and offers sweeping views over the plains. You will then continue through a remote and rugged volcanic landscape marked by black rock formations and wide-open spaces to Van (173km, 2.15hrs). On arrival you will check into your hotel for overnight. (B)
Overnight – Elite World Van or similar
Start your day with a traditional Van breakfast, known for its variety of cheeses, olives, breads, and regional specialties, enjoyed in the city where it originated. You will then be escorted on a visit to Çavuştepe Castle, an ancient Urartian fortress dating back to the 8th century BCE, offering insight into one of the region’s earliest civilisations.
Following lunch in the lakeside town of Gevaş, you will be escorted on a boat trip to Akdamar Island. Here, you will explore the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, known for its detailed stone carvings and views of Lake Van. Return to Van for overnight. (B,L)
Overnight – Elite World Van or similar
This morning you will be driven to Hasankeyf (195km, 4.5hrs), a historic town on the banks of the Tigris River. Known for its Roman-era caves and cliffside ruins, the area offers an insight into thousands of years of settlement. Explore the site and learn about its history and the recent changes brought by the construction of the Ilısu Dam.
Continue to Diyarbakır (130km, 1.5hrs), one of the oldest cities in the region for overnight. On arrival enjoy a visit to St. Giragos Church, the only functioning Armenian church in southeastern Ta visit. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet local community members who will share their stories and insights into the city’s diverse cultural heritage. (B)
Overnight – Ramada Diyarbakir or similar
Today, travel to Birkleyn Cave, located in the rugged countryside northeast of Diyarbakır (90km, 1 hour). This cave system holds historical and cultural significance, having been used by ancient Mesopotamian civilisations and referenced in Assyrian inscriptions. A short trek takes you to the mouth of the cave, where a river flows through its interior. Depending on water levels and weather conditions, you may have the chance to wade in the stream. You will then visit the Cave of the Seven Sleepers; a site tied to a shared legend in both Christian and Islamic traditions. Continue to Dicle Dam Lake for a boat ride with a difference. The boats used here are specially designed solar-powered hybrids, created to protect the local environment by reducing water and air pollution.
Return to Diyarbakır this afternoon and visit the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami). Originally built in the 11th century, it is one of the oldest and most important mosques in Türkiye. The structure features unique black basalt stonework and reflects a blend of Seljuk, Artuqid, and Ottoman influences. Its courtyard, prayer halls, and heritage make it a centre of religious and architectural significance. This evening, enjoy dinner in Diyarbakır’s historic old city, where stone alleys, traditional houses, and lively local restaurants offer a taste of the region’s culture and cuisine. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Ramada Diyarbakir or similar
This morning, you will be driven to Mardin (90km, 1.2hrs), a city known for its unique stone architecture and its blend of Arab, Assyrian, Kurdish, and Turkish cultural influences. Set on a hillside overlooking the Mesopotamian plains, Mardin is one of southeastern Türkiye’s most historic and visually striking cities. Begin your exploration at Deyrulzafaran Monastery, an important Syriac Orthodox monastery founded in the 5th century. Once the seat of the Syriac Patriarchate, it remains an active religious site and houses ancient manuscripts, chapels, and traditional stonework. You will then visit the Zinciriye Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic school built during the Artuqid dynasty. Known for its impressive courtyard, domes, and views over the city, the madrasa reflects Mardin’s scholarly and architectural heritage.
Continue to Mardin Fortress, which sits atop the city and offers panoramic views over the region. While access to the interior may be limited due to military restrictions, the surrounding area still provides excellent vantage points and context for the city’s strategic importance over the centuries. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Mardin’s narrow alleyways, lined with traditional stone houses, artisan shops, and local cafés. (B)
Overnight – Kasr-ı Kikan Hotel or similar
This morning, travel to the historic town of Midyat (60km, 1hr), located in the heart of Tur Abdin, a region known for its Assyrian Christian heritage. Midyat is famous for its beautifully preserved traditional stone architecture, with ornately carved façades, narrow alleyways, and sandstone buildings.
Begin your visit at the Church of the Virgin Mary, an active Syriac Orthodox church that dates back to the 5th century. The church is an important place of worship and a symbol of the enduring presence of the Assyrian Christian community in the region. Continue to the nearby village of Anıtlı (historically known as Hah), one of the oldest Christian settlements in the area. Here, you will find another ancient church—Mor Sobo Church—believed by locals to be one of the first built in honor of the Virgin Mary. Both Midyat and Anıtlı offer unique insight into the region’s religious and cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of coexistence among different faiths and communities. (B)
Overnight – Kasr-ı Kikan Hotel or similar
This morning, you will visit the ancient site of Göbeklitepe, located just outside Şanlıurfa (190km, 2.45 hrs). Dating back to around 9600 BCE, Göbeklitepe is considered the world’s oldest known temple complex, predating Stonehenge by several thousand years. The site features massive stone pillars arranged in circular formations, with intricate carvings of animals and abstract symbols. Its discovery has reshaped our understanding of early human civilisation and religious practices.
After exploring Göbeklitepe, continue to the centre of Şanlıurfa, often referred to as the “City of Prophets” due to its associations with several key figures from Abrahamic religions. Visit the Cave of Abraham, believed by tradition to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), and the Pool of Sacred Carp (Balıklıgöl), where legend says he was thrown into the fire by King Nimrod. Today, the pool is filled with sacred fish and surrounded by peaceful gardens and historic mosques.
Wander through Şanlıurfa’s bustling bazaar, where narrow alleys are lined with vendors selling spices, textiles, copperware, and local crafts, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant commercial life. This evening, experience Urfa’s lively cultural scene. Enjoy a traditional sıra gecesi—a local music and dining experience featuring live folk music, storytelling, dancing, and regional dishes served in a communal setting. It is a warm and festive way to experience the spirit of southeastern Türkiye. (B,D)
Overnight – Alahan Boutique Hotel or similar
This morning you will be driven to Harran (45km, 45min). one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The town is famous for its distinctive beehive houses made of mud bricks, with their conical shape designed to keep interiors cool in the hot climate. While in Harran, you will also see the ruins of the city’s old walls and what remains of one of the oldest Islamic universities, reflecting the area’s long history as a centre of learning and trade. Next, make a short stop at the Atatürk Dam, located on the Euphrates River. One of the largest dams in the world, it is a key part of Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), which aims to boost irrigation and energy production across the region. From the dam site, enjoy panoramic views and learn about its role in shaping the region’s agriculture and economy.
This afternoon, continue toward the Adıyaman region (159km, 2.5hours), where you will visit a nearby Kurdish village. Here, you will be welcomed by a local family for a home-cooked dinner, offering a unique opportunity to experience traditional hospitality and gain insight into Kurdish culture and daily life. (B,D)
Overnight – Hilton Garden Inn Adiyaman or similar
Early this morning, you will be driven up to Mount Nemrut to arrive in time for sunrise, widely regarded as one of the most spectacular in the world. At the summit, witness the breathtaking views as the first light of day illuminates the colossal stone heads and statues that stand guard over the ancient tomb-sanctuary of King Antiochus I of Commagene. After exploring the site, descend the mountain and return to your hotel for breakfast and a brief rest.
This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. (B)
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place plus the cost of internal airfares. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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