You will arrive in Trabzon, rent a car, and stay near the airport to be ready for the trip south the next day.

Through the Karanlık Canyon, you will reach the historical city of Kemaliye, where you will explore the old town. Afterwards, you will stay in Elâzığ.

You will arrive at the foot of the summit of Nemrut Dagi, and from there you will ascend to a small circuit with monuments of the ancient kingdom of Commagene.

In the area where you spent the night, you will also visit an ancient city, one of the oldest bridges, and an old burial ground.

On the way to Mardin, you will briefly turn off the main road and visit the Göbekli Tepe archaeological site and the historical Kasımiye Madrasah complex near Mardin.

You will have a full day to explore the historical city of Mardin, walk through the old town with its streets, mosques and stone buildings. 

You will visit the unique village of Mağaraköy nestled in the mountain landscape, a Syrian monastery, and, before sunset, the Hasankeyf cultural park on the banks of the Tigris River.

On the way to Van, you will drive to the lake in place of a volcanic crater and admire the vast landscape.

You will reach the harbor, from where you can take a boat to Akdamar Island, where the Armenian Church of Surp Khach and a view of Lake Van and the surrounding mountains await you.

You will see the city of Van - an interesting museum, Van Fortress and walk in the center.

You will stop at the Ishak Pasha Palace and drive to the ancient city of Ani, one of the unique places in eastern Turkey.

Before heading to the mountains in Ayder, you will see the old Armenian church in the center and then climb to the castle, from where you will have a nice view of the whole city. On the way to the Black Sea coast and the town of Ayder, you will photograph the mountain scenery.

You'll spend part of the day walking in the countryside above Ayder and then head back to Trabzon.

You'll fly back home with your head full of amazing experiences from exploring eastern Turkey.