Experience the rich flavors and ancient history of Eastern Anatolia along the Silk Road
Experience the Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour with Explore Anatolia, your ultimate culinary and cultural journey through Eastern Anatolia. On this Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour, savor world-famous baklava in Gaziantep, explore Göbekli Tepe’s (Gobekli Tepe) ancient ruins, and visit the medieval city of Ani.
Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour Overview
Embark the Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour with Explore Anatolia, your ultimate culinary and cultural journey through Eastern Anatolia. On this Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour, savor the world-famous baklava in Gaziantep, explore Göbekli Tepe’s ancient ruins, and visit the medieval city of Ani. Participate in hands-on cooking classes with local chefs, cruise along Lake Van, and experience the flavors, aromas, and history of Anatolia’s rich heritage. This immersive small-group tour ensures a perfect balance of gastronomy, culture, and history for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers. Book your Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour today and create unforgettable memories of Turkey’s culinary and cultural treasures.
Quick Facts
• Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
• Region: Eastern Anatolia
• Fitness Level: Moderate – able to walk 2 km over uneven or inclined ground
• Group Size: Minimum 4 participants, maximum 10 participants
• Meals: Full board (all breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
• Accommodation: 4–5 star hotels and selected charming local pensions
• Tour Price: $5,700 per person (single supplement +15%)
Tour Overview: Eastern Anatolia’s Culinary & Cultural Delights
This isn’t just a food tour; it’s a journey through history, culture, and taste. The Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour is a culinary and cultural adventure through Eastern Anatolia, tracing the historic Silk Roads and savoring the authentic flavors of Turkey. From lively bazaars to ancient ruins, this Turkey culinary tour blends gastronomy, history, and local life, offering travelers an unforgettable glimpse into Anatolia’s living heritage.
For travelers who prefer a fully private and customized version of this journey, explore our Private Eastern Turkey Tours, designed by local experts and tailored around your travel dates, pace, and interests.
During this Eastern Turkey food and culture tour, you will explore three distinct cultural and geographic regions, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Göbekli Tepe, the Citadel of Van, and the Ancient City of Ani, and cook alongside master chefs in traditional kitchens.
This immersive journey is perfect for travelers who love food, history, and authentic cultural experiences. Enjoy hands-on cooking classes, taste regional specialties, and learn culinary traditions passed down through generations. Whether savoring Antep baklava, baking Turkish pide, or enjoying local wines in Mardin, every meal on the Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour connects you to the rich flavors and deep stories of Anatolia.
Minimum participants: 4 people | Maximum participants: 10 people
Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour: Explore Eastern Anatolia’s Culture & Cuisine
The Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour by Experience Anatolia Tours offers one of the most complete cultural and culinary experiences in Eastern Turkey. Designed for travelers seeking authentic connections, this Turkey culinary tour combines local cuisine, history, and heritage across Anatolia’s most iconic regions. From tasting traditional dishes prepared in centuries-old kitchens to exploring sacred landmarks like Göbekli Tepe and Ani, every stop reveals the depth of Turkey’s rich cultural tapestry. Guided by TÜRSAB-licensed experts, this Eastern Turkey food and culture tour ensures comfort, authenticity, and a true immersion into Anatolia’s flavors, people, and traditions.
For travelers who prefer a fully private and customized version of this journey, explore our Private Eastern Turkey Tours, designed by local experts and tailored around your travel dates, pace, and interests.
Why Take the Taste of Turkey 12 Day Tour?
• Exclusive small-group experience , max 10 guests
• Hands-on cooking classes with locals in authentic Anatolian kitchens
• Food and history in perfect balance, explore UNESCO heritage sites while tasting traditional dishes
• Expert local guides, chefs, food historians, and cultural experts
• Unique destination, beyond Istanbul & Cappadocia, discover hidden gems of Eastern Anatolia
• Memorable experiences, every day brings a new dish and a new story
Tour Highlights of the Taste of Turkey 12 Day Tour
• 📍 Gaziantep: Explore the Zeugma Mosaic Museum with its extraordinary Roman mosaics, wander through bustling local markets, and participate in a hands-on cooking class at the Mutfak Sanatlari Merkezi, Antep’s College of Culinary Arts. Taste the world-famous baklava and regional savory dishes.
• 📍 Şanlıurfa: Visit the ancient archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe (10,000 BC), the earliest known monumental architecture, and stroll through the covered bazaar and the historic 16th-century Gümrük Hanı. Enjoy the peaceful Pools of Abraham and discover local culinary traditions.
• 📍 Mt. Nemrut: Witness the iconic Mountain of the Gods at sunset, marvel at the giant statues erected by King Antiochus, and learn to make traditional Turkish pide in a local mountain village.
• 📍 Diyarbakir: Tour the impressive 2,000-year-old city walls, visit the Great Mosque (Ulu Camii) and 16th-century Hasan Paşa Hanı, and experience a cooking demonstration of the famous Kaburga Dolması, a traditional slow-baked lamb dish.
• 📍 Mardin: Explore the historic Old Town, Kasimiye Medresesi (15th century), and Ulu Camii. Visit the Saffron Monastery and enjoy a tasting of traditional meze and Syriac wines in one of the region’s top restaurants.
• 📍 Van: Discover Akdamar Island and the Church of the Holy Cross (10th century), the Citadel of Van (Urartian fortress from 8th century BC), and participate in a traditional village feast with local cooking lessons.
• 📍 Doğubayazıt: Visit the magnificent Ishak Paşa Palace and view the towering Mt. Ararat, soaking in both history and breathtaking scenery.
• 📍 Kars: Take a city tour including the Holy Apostles Church (11th century), Fatih Mosque, and the ancient Armenian city of Ani (9th–13th centuries). Participate in a cooking lesson featuring Piti Kebab and enjoy a local cultural event.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Gaziantep
Welcome to Gaziantep, locally known as Antep, the culinary heart of Southern Anatolia and the starting point of your Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour. This vibrant city blends Kurdish, Arab, and Turkish traditions, creating one of the richest food cultures in the world. As part of your Turkey culinary tour, you’ll explore the birthplace of world-famous baklava and pistachio delights that define authentic Eastern Turkey food and culture.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for dinner and a warm welcome meeting with your fellow travelers. Tonight marks the beginning of your unforgettable journey with Experience Anatolia Tours, where every flavor, aroma, and meal tells a story of Anatolia’s living heritage.
Overnight: Gaziantep
Day 2 – Gaziantep Culinary Immersion
Start your day with a city centre sightseeing tour, then enjoy lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant featuring savoury soups and spicy meat dishes. Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum to admire Roman mosaics and experience the region’s rich history. Later, taste the world-famous Antep baklava at a premier confectionery. Conclude the day with a hands-on cooking class at Mutfak Sanatlari Merkezi, Antep’s College of Culinary Arts, mastering one of Antep’s signature dishes.
Overnight: Gaziantep
Day 3 – Şanlıurfa & Göbekli Tepe
Travel across the Euphrates River to the ancient city of Şanlıurfa. Explore Göbekli Tepe, the world’s earliest monumental architecture dating back to 10,000 BC. Enjoy a light lunch before visiting the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and Covered Bazaar with Gümrük Hanı, a historic Silk Road customs post. In the evening, unwind in the serene Pools of Abraham before dinner.
Overnight: Şanlıurfa
Day 4 – Mt. Nemrut & Village Cooking Class
Head north to Mt. Nemrut, stopping for a picnic at Ataturk Dam. Watch the sunset among the giant statues of King Antiochus’ funerary monument. Overnight in a mountain village pension where you’ll learn to make traditional Turkish pide, a savory flatbread similar to pizza. This immersive cooking experience allows you to take home authentic Anatolian flavors.
Overnight: Nemrut Mountain
Day 5 – Diyarbakir Exploration & Cuisine
Journey to Diyarbakir, a city encircled by 2,000-year-old basalt walls. Discover rich local flavors like Kaburga Dolması, slow-baked lamb ribs with rice and almonds, celebrated at local festivals. Tour the city walls, Hasan Paşa Hanı, Ulu Camii, and the Sülüklühan Assyrian Winery. Conclude with a culinary demonstration at a famous local restaurant.
Overnight: Diyarbakir
Day 6 – Mardin Cultural & Culinary Highlights
Start with a traditional Diyarbakir breakfast at Hasan Paşa Hanı, then journey to Mardin, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the plains near Syria. Explore markets, Kasimiye Medresesi, Ulu Camii, and the Syriac Saffron Monastery with the hidden Temple of the Sun. End the day with a feast of traditional meze and Syriac wine tasting at a top local restaurant.
Overnight: Mardin
Day 7 – Hasankeyf & Tatvan
Cross the Tigris River at Hasankeyf, enjoy a boat ride, then continue to Batman for lunch. Travel through the Bitlis Gorge into Eastern Anatolia’s highlands, arriving at Tatvan on Lake Van’s western shore. Stop at El Aman Hanı, a restored 16th-century caravanserai, now a community arts and recreation center.
Overnight: Tatvan
Day 8 – Van & Anatolian Flatbread
Begin with a village breakfast in Reşadiye and a cooking demonstration in traditional Anatolian flatbread preparation. Travel to Van city to visit the Citadel of Van, one of the oldest continuously used fortresses in the world. Watch the sunset over Lake Van and explore the multi-layered history spanning Urartians to Ottomans.
Overnight: Van
Day 9 – Gevaş Village Feast & Akdamar Island
Enjoy a traditional local feast in Gevaş, a lakeside village on the shores of Lake Van, where you’ll join locals to prepare authentic Anatolian dishes passed down through generations. This immersive culinary moment on the Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour perfectly blends culture and flavor, showcasing the heart of Eastern Turkey food and culture.
Then, take a scenic boat ride to Akdamar Island, home to the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, surrounded by Van’s stunning mountain views. Return to Gevaş to share your meal and experience the warmth of true Anatolian hospitality.
Overnight: Van
Day 10 – Van Cooking Class & Urartu Carpets
Prepare lunch at Annemin Vefa Sofrasi, guided by expert local cooks. Explore Urartu Carpets, witnessing traditional weaving by a women’s collective. Optional visit to Van Archaeological Museum. Free time for relaxation, shopping, or enjoying local flavors.
Overnight: Van
Day 11 – Doğubayazıt & Ishak Paşa Palace
Travel along Lake Van’s eastern shore, past Mt. Suphan and Tendurek Volcano, to Doğubayazıt. Visit Ishak Paşa Palace, a masterpiece overlooking the Plains of Ararat. Continue north to Kars for a light lunch and city exploration.
Overnight: Kars
Day 12 – Ani Ruins & Piti Kebab Experience
Explore the medieval city of Ani, one of Eastern Turkey’s most awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famed for its ancient churches, stone carvings, and sweeping views of the Arpaçay River Gorge on the Turkish-Armenian border. Known as the City of 1001 Churches, Ani reflects the rich spiritual and architectural heritage of Anatolia.
Return to Kars, a historic frontier of culture and cuisine, for a guided city tour and a hands-on cooking session where you’ll prepare Piti Kebab, a beloved regional dish. This memorable evening is the perfect finale to your Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour, celebrating the flavors and history of your Turkey culinary journey.
Overnight: Kars
Day 13 – Departure from Kars
After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Kars before transferring to the airport for your journey home. As your Taste of Turkey 12-Day Tour concludes, you’ll leave not only with memories of stunning landscapes, ancient cities, and UNESCO heritage sites, but also with the flavors, aromas, and friendships that define Eastern Turkey food and culture.
From the pistachio orchards of Gaziantep to the sacred ruins of Göbekli Tepe, from the mountain villages of Nemrut to the timeless beauty of Ani, every moment has been a taste of Anatolia’s soul.
Operated by Experience Anatolia Tours, this immersive Turkey culinary and cultural journey invites you to return again and continue discovering the living heritage, warm hospitality, and vibrant traditions that make Turkey one of the world’s most unforgettable destinations.
Your journey through Anatolia leaves you with more than recipes, it leaves you with stories of empires, tastes of centuries, and friendships across cultures. Whether it’s the crunch of fresh baklava, the aroma of wood-fired bread, or the silence of an ancient ruin, this experience will stay with you forever.
Join us and taste history.
What’s Included
✅ 4/5-star hotel accommodations
✅ Full board (all breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
✅ All road transport (tolls, taxes included)
✅ All state and local taxes
✅ All museum and site entries
✅ Airport transfers
✅ English-speaking guide
Terms & Conditions:
• Please note that there is a 15% surcharge for single room occupancy.
• Please note that it is essential that you have purchased travel insurance for all parts of Turkey. It is your responsibility to organize the correct cover, but we are happy to advise.
What’s NOT Included
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Beverages
❌ Travel insurance (unless otherwise stated)
❌ Tips
Price: $5700 USD per person
Fun Facts & Did You Know?
Pistachio Paradise: Gaziantep is Turkey’s pistachio capital and home of the world-famous baklava. Pistachio cultivation here dates back to Neolithic times, making it a true culinary heritage.
Birthplace of Bread: Between Şanlıurfa and Diyarbakir lies Karaca Dağ, where the first domesticated wheat (einkorn) was grown, giving birth to modern bread-making traditions.
Record-Breaking Van Breakfast: The eastern city of Van is famed for its sumptuous breakfast spread. On June 1, 2014, Van achieved a world record for the largest full breakfast, attended by over 51,000 people.
12,000 Years of Fusion Cuisine: Anatolia has been at the crossroads of empires for millennia. Its cuisine reflects centuries of natural fusion, combining flavors, ingredients, and culinary techniques from different cultures.
Culinary & Historical Harmony: Each meal on this tour is paired with a historic site, allowing you to taste history while exploring it—from Göbekli Tepe (10,000 BC) to the Citadel of Van (850 BC) and Ishak Paşa Palace.
Local Cooking Secrets: All hands-on cooking classes are taught by local chefs and artisans, giving you insider knowledge and recipes you can take home.
Hidden Gems: This tour goes beyond Istanbul and Cappadocia, discovering Anatolia’s secret culinary towns, village feasts, and regional specialties.
Ready to Book Your Taste of Turkey 12 Day Tour?
Book your 12 days Taste of Turkey tour and savor authentic Anatolian cuisine and culture!
Continue Your Journey Across Turkey
Discover more cultural and heritage itineraries operated by Experience Anatolia Tours:
Biblical Turkey Tours – Explore the Seven Churches of Revelation and St. Paul’s missionary routes across ancient Anatolia.
Eastern Turkey Heritage Tour – Visit Göbekli Tepe, Mount Nemrut, Ani, and Van Lake on a journey through UNESCO heritage sites.
Megalithic Heritage Tour of Turkey – Discover prehistoric monuments and sacred landscapes from Göbekli Tepe to Mount Nemrut.
Ancient Cappadocia to Göbekli Tepe Tour – Trace the origins of faith and civilization across Anatolia’s most ancient regions.
Turkey Tour Packages – Browse our full collection of private and small-group tours across all regions of Turkey.
